Seasonal Changes in the Intertidal and Subtidal Macrobenthic InvertebrateCommunity Structure in Baker Bay, Lower Columbia River Estuary

摘要

Macrobenthic invertebrates and sediments at 1 subtidal and 10 intertidal stationsalong a transect in Baker Bay of the lower Columbia River estuary were sampled monthly from November 1980 to October 1981. Water column temperatures and salinities were also recorded at the subtidal station. The intertidal community consisted primarily of estuarine species, whereas the subtidal community had additional marine species. Marine species declined in abundance after the interstitial salinity minimum (June), indicating the important role of salinity in determining benthic community structure.