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Fish larval supply to and within a lagoonal estuary: multiple sources for Barnegat Bay, New Jersey

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Abstract

We evaluated spatial variation in fish larval supply to a temperate, lagoon type estuary (Barnegat Bay, New Jersey) by determining species composition, size, and stage into inlets (n = 2), thoroughfares between adjacent estuaries (n = 3), and within the estuary (n = 4) in seasonal, synoptic sampling on night time flood tides during 2010–2014. Larval supply, as sampled with identical plankton nets (1 m diameter, 1 mm mesh) was dominated by post-flexion stage individuals (most 5–10 but reaching 70+ mm) from species spawned in the Atlantic Ocean from a variety of sources (e.g., Sargasso Sea, outer and inner continental shelf) and in the bay. While abundance for individual species varied among locations and years, in general, the larval composition was similar across inlets, thoroughfares, and within the bay within the same seasons. Homogenization across locations was likely the result of the tidal exchanges between the ocean, the estuary, and the adjacent locations. These exchanges provide numerous, redundant sources of larvae to this estuarine nursery. The similarity in larval supply among inlets, thoroughfares, and within the estuary indicates that the longer term study location behind Little Egg Inlet is representative for this, and probably other, estuaries along the New Jersey shore.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank numerous technicians at Rutgers University Marine Field Station, especially T. Malatesta, R. Hagan, J. Rackovan, J. Caridad, M. Shaw, R. Larum, S. VanMorter, and C. Denisevich, and the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve volunteers, especially P. Filardi, S. Zeck, T. Siciliano, T. Bonovolanta, and E. Lesher for assistance with data collection and entry. R. Hagan organized the synoptic collection and sorting of larvae during most of these efforts. J. Morson assisted with data compilation and analysis. Work was funded through a grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. J.L. Valenti received support from a Rutgers University Excellence Fellowship and the Manasquan River Marlin and Tuna Club. Work was performed under Rutgers University IACUC Animal Protocol 88-042.

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  1. Rutgers University Marine Field Station, 800 c/o 132 Great Bay Blvd, Tuckerton, NJ, 08087, USA

    Kenneth W. Able, Jessica L. Valenti & Thomas M. Grothues

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  1. Kenneth W. Able
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  2. Jessica L. Valenti
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  3. Thomas M. Grothues
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Correspondence to Kenneth W. Able.

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Able, K.W., Valenti, J.L. & Grothues, T.M. Fish larval supply to and within a lagoonal estuary: multiple sources for Barnegat Bay, New Jersey. Environ Biol Fish 100, 663–683 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-017-0595-0

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