Freshwater inflow recommendation for Trinity-San Jacinto Estuary of Texas

Date

2001

Authors

Len, Wen, David Buzan, Peter Eldridge, and Warren Pulich, Jr.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Resource Protection Division

Abstract

This report summarizes the protocol and analyses used to determine the target freshwater inflow (FWI) needed to support the biological productivity of the trinity- San Jacinto Estuary. Each Texas estuary requires FWI in order to maintain the proper salinity gradients, nutrient concentrations and sediment loading, which in turn support the abundance and distribution of fauna and flora in these systems. Freshwater inflow from rivers and the local ungaged runoff thus acts as critical mechanism to regulate the coastal factors and processes that produce an "ecological sound and healthy estuary".

Description

62 pgs.

Keywords

streamflow, estuarine ecology, aquatic organisms, freshwater, salinity

Citation