Biological Features of Intertidal Communities Near the U. S. Navy Sewage Outfall, Wilson Cove, San Clemente Island, California.
Abstract
Studies on the effects of a low-volume discharge of raw sewage on rocky marine intertidal communities near Wilson Cove, San Clemente Island, California included taxonomic surveys and quantitative assessments of standing stock, community structure and primary production for the sewage-affected area and nearby unpolluted (control) areas. Additionally, a comparative populational study of the limpet Acmaea limatula revealed that only larger individuals were present in the outfall area. Near the outfall pipe, intertidal communities were characterized by lower species diversity, reduced standing stocks of large, canopy-forming intertidal macrophytes (which largely had been replaced by a low-growing algal turf) and an abundance of suspension-feeding animals. The most productive macrophytes were among those most abundant in the outfall area. Additional manipulative studies revealed that the outfall area consisted of disclimax communities. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0783029
Entities
People
- Mark M. Littler
- Steven N. Murray
Organizations
- Naval Undersea Warfare Center