Use of natural and created Spartina alterniflora salt marshes by fishery species and other aquatic fauna in Galveston Bay, Texas, USA

Densities of nekton and infauna in 15 salt marshes of Galveston Bay (5 natural and 10 created) were compared. This information was used to determine whether or not the two types of marshes were functionally equivalent. Generally, densities of infauna were higher in natural marshes; when approximately equal, the natural marshes contained larger specimens of the species. Nekton richness did not differ between the two types of marshes. Macroinfauna species richness were all significantly lower in the created marshes than the natural marshes. In conclusion, marsh elevation and tidal flooding are the major factors affecting nekton use in marshes.