Salt Shrub Communities to Allow Dynamic Ecological Processes (Sedimentation, Erosion, Tidal Flushing, and Nutrient Cycling) to Continue
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Biodiversity and ecological potential of Plum Island, New York Appendix C: New York Natural Heritage Conservation guides Program 1 New York Natural Heritage Program Appendix C: Conservation guides NY Natural Heritage conservation guides are also available online at http://guides.nynhp.org/. 2 New York Natural Heritage Program Marine Rocky Intertidal Marine rocky intertidal (close up) with Forbes sea star on Fisher's Island System Marine Subsystem Marine Intertidal Did you know? Organisms of marine rocky intertidal environments are adapted to survive under particularly dynamic conditions. The organisms (e.g., algae, sea stars, barnacles, mussels) of this community are exposed to moisture changes, temperature extremes, wave energy, and water salinity changes. For example, as the water recedes during low tide, pools remain in the low spots of the rocky substrate. The organisms that spend low tide within these pools face heat and desiccation stress as the water warms from the sun and evaporates, concentrating the salt levels to a level higher than that of the ocean. Following a heavy rain, however, the water salinity of the tide pools may become close to that of freshwater. Photo credits: Gregory J. Edinger Summary Protection Not listed in New York State, not listed federally. Rarity G5, S1 A global rarity rank of G5 means: Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. A state rarity rank of S1 means: Typically 5 or fewer occurrences, very few remaining individuals, acres, or miles of stream, or some factor of its biology makes it especially vulnerable in New York State. Conservation Status in New York There are probably less than 40 occurrences statewide. A few documented occurrences have good viability, but the level of protection of most occurrences is uncertain. This community has a very limited distribution in the state and is restricted to the portions of the state that have rocky ocean shorelines. There are at least two large, high quality examples (Fishers Island and Montauk Point). The current trend of this community is probably stable NYNHP Conservation Guide - Marine Rocky Intertidal in the short term, but may decline slightly in the future due to moderate threats that include alteration of the natural shoreline, invasive species, and sea level rise. Short-term Trends The number and acreage of marine rocky intertidal communities in New York have probably remained stable in recent decades as a result of coastal protection regulations, although some examples may be reduced in size by the spread of non-native invasive marine algae. Long-term Trends The number and acreage of marine rocky intertidal communities in New York has probably declined moderately from historical numbers likely correlated to the alteration of the ocean shoreline by development. Larger occurrences of this natural community (>12.5 acres) are protected under NY State wetland laws. Conservation and Management Threats The primary threat to marine rocky intertidal communities is the spread of non-native marine algae (e.g., Codium fragile). In addition, marine rocky intertidal communty occurrences are threatened by trampling, shoreline development, pollution run-off from upland areas, and trash dumping. Ocean derived pollution may threaten marine rocky intertidal communities. Over-collecting of tidal pool fauna may be a minor threat at a few sites. Conservation Strategies and Management Practices Where practical, establish and maintain a natural shoreline buffer to reduce storm-water, pollution, and nutrient run-off, while simultaneously capturing sediments before they reach the rocky shore. Buffer width should take into account the erodibility of the surrounding soils, slope steepness, and current land use. Avoid habitat alteration within the intertidal area and surrounding landscape. Restore sites affected by unnatural disturbance (e.g, remove obsolete sea walls and drain pipes in order to restore the natural tidal regime). Prevent the spread of invasive exotic species into the intertidal area through appropriate direct management. Development and Mitigation Considerations When considering development activities, minimize actions that will change what water carries and how water travels to the rocky shore. Water traveling over-the-ground as run-off usually carries an abundance of silt, clay, and other particulates during (and often after) a construction project. While still suspended in the water, these particulates make it difficult for aquatic animals to find food; after settling to the bottom, these particulates bury small plants and animals and alter the natural functions of the community in many other ways. Development activities near this community type should strive to minimize particulate-laden run-off into this community. Water traveling on the ground or seeping through the ground also carries dissolved minerals and chemicals. Fertilizers, detergents, NYNHP Conservation Guide - Marine Rocky Intertidal 2 and other chemicals that increase the nutrient levels in tidal areas. Herbicides and pesticides often travel far from where they are applied and have lasting effects on the quality of the natural community. Inventory Needs Survey for occurrences statewide to advance documentation and classification of marine rocky intertidal areas. A statewide review of marine rocky intertidal communities is desirable. Minimally, revisit sites with records older than ten years, and ideally collect plot data for all occurrences across littoral zones. Continue searching for large sites in good condition (A- to AB-ranked). Research Needs Research the influence that sea level rise has on the structure and composition of marine rocky intertidal areas. Research is needed to determine the distribution and invasiveness of Codium fragile and other non-native organisms to this community. Research composition of marine rocky intertidal areas statewide in order to characterize floral and faunal variations across the littoral gradient. Rare Species Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) Seaside Plantain (Plantago maritima var. juncoides) Identification Comments A community inhabiting rocky shores that are washed by rough, high-energy ocean waves. Characteristic organisms are attached marine algae, mussels, sea stars, urchins, and barnacles that can withstand the impact of the waves and periodic desiccation. The community is typically rich in species. Attached organisms usually cover more than 60% of the substrate, especially at the lower intertidal zone. Characteristic marine algae attached to the rocks include knotted wrack (Ascophyllum nodosum), rockweeds (Fucus vesiculosis, F. spiralis), Irish moss (Chondrus crispus), green seaweed (Blidingia minima), hollow green weeds (Enteromorpha prolifera, E. intestinalis), sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca), green fleece (Codium fragile), filamentous green algae (Rhizoclonium tortuosum, R. riparium), red algae (Hildenbrandia sp.), and red tubed weed (Polysiphonia lanosa). Characteristic marine invertebrates include common blue mussel (Mytilus edulis), northern rock barnacle (Balanus balanoides), common periwinkle (Littorina littorea), rough periwinkle (Littorina saxatilis), little gray barnacle (Chthamalus fragilis), oyster drill (Urosalpinx cinerea), and Atlantic dogwinkle (Nucella lapillus). Tidal pools may include ribbed mussel (Geukensia demissa), Forbes' sea star (Asterias forbesi), eastern mudsnail (Ilyanassa obsoleta), hermit crabs (Pagurus spp.), and eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica). NYNHP Conservation Guide - Marine Rocky Intertidal 3 The Best Time to See Rocky marine intertidal communities can be observed throughout the year, but during the warm months, when the water is warm enough for wading, this community is particularly pleasant and interesting to explore. At low tide, isolated tide pools remain in the low spots of the rock, and a variety of algae, invertebrate animals, and fish can be easily observed. Characteristics Most Useful for Identification A rocky intertidal shoreline exposed to high-energy wave action. Often 60% or more of the rocky substrate is covered with attached organisms, such as algae, mussels, barnacles, sea stars, and other invertebrates. At low tide, rocky intertidal communities have isolated tide pools that contain algae and animals, which are trapped until the next high tide. Elevation Range Known examples of this community have been found at elevations between 0 feet and 0 feet. Similar Ecological Communities Marine intertidal mudflats: Unlike marine rocky intertidal communities, which have high-energy wave action and rocky substrates, marine intertidal mudflats are charaterized by quiet waters and unconsolidated soils. Marine intertidal mudflats occur on fine silt or sand that is rich in organic material. They are exposed at low tide, and have a diverse array of invertebrates that provide important fuel for migrating and breeding shorebirds. Brackish intertidal shore: Brackish intertidal shore communities occur on rocky substrate, but they are not exposed to the high-energy wave action of marine rocky intertidal communities, and they are flooded tidally with water that is brackish (ranging from 0.5 to 18 ppt). Marine rocky intertidal communities are flooded tidally with full-strength ocean water, which is higher in salt content. Brackish intertidal mudflats: Unlike marine rocky intertidal communities, which have high-energy wave action and rocky substrates, brackish intertidal mudflats are charaterized