Balanus eburneus (crustacea: cirripedia) as a potential indicator of estuarine system recovery in south Texas: A study of recruitment, growth and stable isotopes

Author

Crystal Martinez, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

12-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Alejandro Fierro-Cabo

Second Advisor

Dr. Carlos E. Cintra-Buenrostro

Third Advisor

Dr. David Hicks

Abstract

Population characteristics of the barnacle Balanus eburneus were analyzed with the purpose of exploring its potential use as a discriminating indicator among sites exhibiting different disturbances or stages of recovery. The study was conducted from May 2012 to May 2013 at four estuaries in the Lower Laguna Madre, TX including a) Bahia Grande, currently under restoration and divided into Bahia Grande North and Bahia Grande South, b) San Martin Lake, which receives runoff water and c) South Bay, a relatively undisturbed reference estuary. In general, similar barnacle recruitment and growth trends in Bahia Grande South and South Bay were explained by comparable environmental parameters that included temperature, salinity and water clarity. Isotopic analysis provided time-integrated information of seasonal changes in resources and trophic relations. Results indicate barnacle population metrics discriminate among sites and that Bahia Grande South is transitioning towards a more stable ecological status comparable to the reference site.

Comments

Copyright 2015 Crystal Martinez. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/i-balanus-eburneus-crustacea-cirripedia-as/docview/1771642259/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Martinez, Crystal, "Balanus eburneus (crustacea: cirripedia) as a potential indicator of estuarine system recovery in south Texas: A study of recruitment, growth and stable isotopes" (2015). Theses and Dissertations. 61.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/61