Center for Coastal Resources Management

Research: Nearshore Habitats and Coastal Stressors

Objective: to examine the influence of subtidal habitat, shoreline alteration and watershed land use on nearshore fish communities in the Chesapeake Bay.

Nearshore Fish Community Responses to Habitat Condition in the Subtidal on the Shoreline and throughout the Watershed

A fish community index (FCI) was developed as a relative measure of fish community structure and function in nearshore, estuarine systems.  The index consists of metrics that represent key aspects of fish community integrity, as well as the elements of life history that are dependent on estuarine condition. Metrics reside in four broad categories: taxonomic richness and diversity, abundance, trophic composition, and nursery function.  We then examined relationships among nekton community measures (FCI) and habitat measures (shoreline modification, developed lands, and subtidal habitat).

Bilkovic, D.M., C.H. Hershner, M.R. Berman, K.J. Havens and D.M. Stanhope. December 2004. Evaluating Nearshore Communities as Indicators of Ecosystem Health. Estuarine Indicators Workshop Proceedings, In: Estuarine Indicators, Stephen Bortone, ed., CRC Press, Inc., Vol. 28, 365-379. [ More info ]