Sampling Fisheries Resources at Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Abstract
PROBLEM: Comprehensive environmental assessments of coastal engineering projects evaluate beneficial as well as detrimental impacts. In the case of rubble-mound structures (e.g., jetties, groins, breakwaters, etc.), one beneficial aspect of construction is the creation of artificial reef habitat. This is evidenced by the popularity of coastal rubble-mound structures as recreational fishing spots. Few studies, however, have examined the utilization patterns of these structures as shelter, foraging, spawning, or nursery habitat by fish and invertebrate populations. Consequently, a lack of documentation of beneficial impacts of rubble-mound structures exists. BACKGROUND: Construction of rubble-mound jetties at Murrells Inlet, South Carolina was completed in April, 1980 (Figure 1). A series of pre-, during, and post-construction field studies have been conducted to determine short and long-term effects of construction on local macrobenthic communities (Knott et al. 1984) and colonization of the structures by attached and motile fauna and flora (Van Dolah et al. 1984). A third field investigation was conducted between April, 1985 and February, 1986 to supplement the results of the prior studies. Specific objectives were to: (1) document fish species composition, abundance, and seasonal occurrence, (2) assess seasonal abudance of commercially and recreationally important crabs, (3) determine if different portions of the jetties supported different fish populations, (4) characterize the food habits of fishes captured on or near the structures, and (5) evaluate the recreational fishery supported by the jetties.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA609341
Entities
Organizations
- Coastal Engineering Research Center