Register      Login
Marine and Freshwater Research Marine and Freshwater Research Society
Advances in the aquatic sciences
REVIEW (Open Access)

A systematic review of methods used to study fish in saltmarsh flats

Violet Harrison-Day https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2701-5961 A B , Vishnu Prahalad A , Jamie B. Kirkpatrick A and Melinda McHenry A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Discipline of Geography and Spatial Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 78, Hobart, Tas. 7001, Australia.

B Corresponding author. Email: violet.harrisonday@utas.edu.au

Marine and Freshwater Research 72(2) 149-162 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF20069
Submitted: 4 March 2020  Accepted: 5 May 2020   Published: 13 June 2020

Journal Compilation © CSIRO 2021 Open Access CC BY-NC-ND

Abstract

There is a growing body of research highlighting the importance of saltmarshes as habitats for fish for feeding, refuge from predation and reproduction. However, more work is needed on fish on vegetated marsh flats (or surfaces). We reviewed 60 studies that used 21 methods to sample fish assemblages on saltmarsh flats. Drop samplers, fyke nets and pop nets were most frequently employed, with considerably more studies being conducted in graminoid than succulent marsh. Reporting of sampling temporal and tidal details, environmental variables and fish attributes was inconsistent. Most of the papers focussed on one or more of conservation management, comparisons among habitat types, and the use of saltmarsh (including fish activity type or residency status). Important potential areas of research include the relationships between the fish assemblages of saltmarsh flats and coastal fisheries, the effects of invasive plant species and marsh restoration efforts in areas outside the United States, and the potential effects of sea-level rise on vegetated flats as fish habitat. Sampling methods that provide density measures are likely to be most useful for most of this research. Thus, drop samplers and pop nets are an appropriate choice, the former in graminoid saltmarshes and the latter in succulent saltmarshes.

Additional keywords: estuary, fish community, research design, Sarcocornia, Spartina, tidal marsh.


References

Able, K. W., and Hagan, S. M. (2000). Effects of common reed (Phragmites australis) invasion on marsh surface macrofauna: response of fishes and decapod crustaceans. Estuaries 23, 633–646.
Effects of common reed (Phragmites australis) invasion on marsh surface macrofauna: response of fishes and decapod crustaceans.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Able, K. W., Nemerson, D. M., Bush, R., and Light, P. (2001). Spatial variation in Delaware Bay (USA) marsh creek fish assemblages. Estuaries 24, 441–452.
Spatial variation in Delaware Bay (USA) marsh creek fish assemblages.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Able, K. W., Vivian, D. N., Petruzzelli, G., and Hagan, S. M. (2012). Connectivity among salt marsh subhabitats: residency and movements of the mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus). Estuaries and Coasts 35, 743–753.
Connectivity among salt marsh subhabitats: residency and movements of the mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Able, K. W., López-Duarte, P. C., Fodrie, F. J., Jensen, O. P., Martin, C. W., Roberts, B. J., Valenti, J., O’Connor, K., and Halbert, S. C. (2015). Fish assemblages in Louisiana salt marshes: effects of the Macondo oil spill. Estuaries and Coasts 38, 1385–1398.
Fish assemblages in Louisiana salt marshes: effects of the Macondo oil spill.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Baltz, D. M., Rakocinski, C., and Fleeger, J. W. (1993). Microhabitat use by marsh-edge fishes in a Louisiana estuary. Environmental Biology of Fishes 36, 109–126.
Microhabitat use by marsh-edge fishes in a Louisiana estuary.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Barbier, E. B., Hacker, S. D., Kennedy, C., Koch, E. W., Stier, A. C., and Silliman, B. R. (2011). The value of estuarine and coastal ecosystem services. Ecological Monographs 81, 169–193.
The value of estuarine and coastal ecosystem services.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bloomfield, A. L., and Gillanders, B. M. (2005). Fish and invertebrate assemblages in seagrass, mangrove, saltmarsh, and nonvegetated habitats. Estuaries 28, 63–77.
Fish and invertebrate assemblages in seagrass, mangrove, saltmarsh, and nonvegetated habitats.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Burdick, D. M., Dionne, M., Boumans, R. M., and Short, F. T. (1996). Ecological responses to tidal restorations of two northern New England salt marshes. Wetlands Ecology and Management 4, 129–144.
Ecological responses to tidal restorations of two northern New England salt marshes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Carswell, B. L., Peterson, J. T., and Jennings, C. A. (2015). Tidal management affects sub-adult fish assemblages in impounded South Carolina marshes. Wetlands Ecology and Management 23, 1015–1031.
Tidal management affects sub-adult fish assemblages in impounded South Carolina marshes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Chamberlain, R. H., and Barnhart, R. A. (1993). Early use by fish of a Mitigation Salt Marsh, Humboldt Bay, California. Estuaries 16, 769–783.
Early use by fish of a Mitigation Salt Marsh, Humboldt Bay, California.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Connolly, R. M. (1999). Saltmarsh as habitat for fish and nektonic crustaceans: challenges in sampling designs and methods. Austral Ecology 24, 422–430.
Saltmarsh as habitat for fish and nektonic crustaceans: challenges in sampling designs and methods.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Connolly, R. M. (2005). Modification of saltmarsh for mosquito control in Australia alters habitat use by nekton. Wetlands Ecology and Management 13, 149–161.

Connolly, R. M., Dalton, A., and Bass, D. A. (1997). Fish use of an inundated saltmarsh flat in a temperate Australian estuary. Australian Journal of Ecology 22, 222–226.
Fish use of an inundated saltmarsh flat in a temperate Australian estuary.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cornu, C. E., and Sadro, S. (2002). Physical and functional responses to experimental marsh surface elevation manipulation in Coos Bay’s south slough. Restoration Ecology 10, 474–486.
Physical and functional responses to experimental marsh surface elevation manipulation in Coos Bay’s south slough.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Creighton, C., Prahalad, V. N., McLeod, I., Sheaves, M., Taylor, M. D., and Walshe, T. (2019). Prospects for seascape repair: three case studies from eastern Australia. Ecological Management & Restoration 20, 182–191.
Prospects for seascape repair: three case studies from eastern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Crinall, S. M., and Hindell, J. S. (2004). Assessing the use of saltmarsh flats by fish in a temperate Australian embayment. Estuaries 27, 728–739.
Assessing the use of saltmarsh flats by fish in a temperate Australian embayment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Davis, B., Baker, R., and Sheaves, M. (2014). Seascape and metacommunity processes regulate fish assemblage structure in coastal wetlands. Marine Ecology Progress Series 500, 187–202.
Seascape and metacommunity processes regulate fish assemblage structure in coastal wetlands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dionne, M., Short, F. T., and Burdick, D. M. (1998). Fish utilization of restored, created, and reference salt-marsh habitat in the Gulf of Maine. American Fisheries Society Symposium 22, 384–404.

Ennis, B., and Peterson, M. S. (2015). Nekton and macro-crustacean habitat use of Mississippi micro-tidal salt marsh landscapes. Estuaries and Coasts 38, 1399–1413.
Nekton and macro-crustacean habitat use of Mississippi micro-tidal salt marsh landscapes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Fell, P. E., Warren, R. S., Curtis, A. E., and Steiner, E. M. (2006). Short-term effects on macroinvertebrates and fishes of herbiciding and mowing Phragmites australis-dominated tidal marsh. Northeastern Naturalist 13, 191–212.
Short-term effects on macroinvertebrates and fishes of herbiciding and mowing Phragmites australis-dominated tidal marsh.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

França, S., Costa, M. J., and Cabral, H. N. (2009). Assessing habitat specific fish assemblages in estuaries along the Portuguese coast. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 83, 1–12.
Assessing habitat specific fish assemblages in estuaries along the Portuguese coast.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

França, S., Vasconcelos, R. P., Fonseca, V. F., Tanner, S. E., Reis-Santos, P., Costa, M. J., and Cabral, H. N. (2012a). Predicting fish community properties within estuaries: Influence of habitat type and other environmental features. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 107, 22–31.
Predicting fish community properties within estuaries: Influence of habitat type and other environmental features.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

França, S., Vasconcelos, R. P., Reis-Santos, P., Fonseca, V. F., Costa, M. J., and Cabral, H. N. (2012b). Vulnerability of Portuguese estuarine habitats to human impacts and relationship with structural and functional properties of the fish community. Ecological Indicators 18, 11–19.
Vulnerability of Portuguese estuarine habitats to human impacts and relationship with structural and functional properties of the fish community.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Geary, B. W., Rooker, J. R., and Webb, J. W. (2001). Utilization of saltmarsh shorelines by newly settled sciaenids in a Texas estuary. Gulf and Caribbean Research 13, 29–41.
Utilization of saltmarsh shorelines by newly settled sciaenids in a Texas estuary.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Green, B. C., Smith, D. J., Earley, S. E., Hepburn, L. J., and Underwood, G. J. C. (2009). Seasonal changes in community composition and trophic structure of fish populations of five salt marshes along the Essex coastline, United Kingdom. Estuarine, Coastal & Shelf Science 85, 247–256.
Seasonal changes in community composition and trophic structure of fish populations of five salt marshes along the Essex coastline, United Kingdom.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Guest, M. A., Connolly, R. M., and Loneragan, N. R. (2003). Seine nets and beam trawls compared by day and night for sampling fish and crustaceans in shallow seagrass habitat. Fisheries Research 64, 185–196.
Seine nets and beam trawls compared by day and night for sampling fish and crustaceans in shallow seagrass habitat.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gutiérrez-Estrada, J. C., Prenda, J., Oliva-Paterna, F. J., and Fernandez-Delgado, C. (1998). Distribution and habitat preferences of the introduced mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus (Linneaus) in south-western Spain. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 46, 827–835.
Distribution and habitat preferences of the introduced mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus (Linneaus) in south-western Spain.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hampel, H., Cattrijsse, A., and Vincx, M. (2003). Tidal, diel and semi-lunar changes in the faunal assemblage of an intertidal salt marsh creek. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 56, 795–805.
Tidal, diel and semi-lunar changes in the faunal assemblage of an intertidal salt marsh creek.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hettler, W. (1989). Nekton use of regularly-flooded salt-marsh cordgrass habitat in North Carolina, USA. Marine Ecology Progress Series 56, 111–118.
Nekton use of regularly-flooded salt-marsh cordgrass habitat in North Carolina, USA.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Jovanovic, B., Longmore, C., O’Leary, Á., and Mariani, S. (2007). Fish community structure and distribution in a macro-tidal inshore habitat in the Irish Sea. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 75, 135–142.
Fish community structure and distribution in a macro-tidal inshore habitat in the Irish Sea.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kaneko, S., Kanou, K., and Sano, M. (2019). Comparison of fish assemblage structures among microhabitats in a salt marsh in Lake Hinuma, eastern Japan. Fisheries Science 85, 113–125.
Comparison of fish assemblage structures among microhabitats in a salt marsh in Lake Hinuma, eastern Japan.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kelleway, J. J., Cavanaugh, K., Rogers, K., Feller, I. C., Ens, E., Doughty, C., and Saintilan, N. (2017). Review of the ecosystem service implications of mangrove encroachment into salt marshes. Global Change Biology 23, 3967–3983.
Review of the ecosystem service implications of mangrove encroachment into salt marshes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 28544444PubMed |

Kneib, R. (1991). Flume weir for quantitative collection of nekton from vegetated intertidal habitats. Marine Ecology Progress Series 75, 29–38.
Flume weir for quantitative collection of nekton from vegetated intertidal habitats.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kneib, R. T. (1997). Early life stages of resident nekton in intertidal marshes. Estuaries 20, 214–230.
Early life stages of resident nekton in intertidal marshes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kneib, R. (2003). Bioenergetic and landscape considerations for scaling expectations of nekton production from intertidal marshes. Marine Ecology Progress Series 264, 279–296.
Bioenergetic and landscape considerations for scaling expectations of nekton production from intertidal marshes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kneib, R. T., and Wagner, S. L. (1994). Nekton use of vegetated marsh habitats at different stages of tidal inundation. Marine Ecology Progress Series 106, 227–238.
Nekton use of vegetated marsh habitats at different stages of tidal inundation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lechêne, A., Boët, P., Laffaille, P., and Lobry, J. (2018). Nekton communities of tidally restored marshes: a whole-estuary approach. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 207, 368–382.
Nekton communities of tidally restored marshes: a whole-estuary approach.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mazumder, D., Saintilan, N., and Williams, R. (2005a). Comparisons of fish catches using fyke nets and buoyant pop nets in a vegetated shallow water saltmarsh flat at Towra Point, NSW. Wetlands Australia 23, 37–46.

Mazumder, D., Saintilan, N., and Williams, R. J. (2005b). Temporal variations in fish catch using pop nets in mangrove and saltmarsh flats at Towra Point, NSW, Australia. Wetlands Ecology and Management 13, 457–467.
Temporal variations in fish catch using pop nets in mangrove and saltmarsh flats at Towra Point, NSW, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mazumder, D., Saintilan, N., and Williams, R. J. (2006). Fish assemblages in three tidal saltmarsh and mangrove flats in temperate NSW, Australia: a comparison based on species diversity and abundance. Wetlands Ecology and Management 14, 201–209.
Fish assemblages in three tidal saltmarsh and mangrove flats in temperate NSW, Australia: a comparison based on species diversity and abundance.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Merino, J. H., Rozas, L. P., Minello, T. J., and Sheridan, P. F. (2010). Effects of marsh terracing on nekton abundance at two locations in Galveston Bay, Texas. Wetlands 30, 693–704.
Effects of marsh terracing on nekton abundance at two locations in Galveston Bay, Texas.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Meyer, D., Johnson, J., and Gill, J. (2001). Comparison of nekton use of Phragmites australis and Spartina alterniflora marshes in the Chesapeake Bay, USA. Marine Ecology Progress Series 209, 71–83.
Comparison of nekton use of Phragmites australis and Spartina alterniflora marshes in the Chesapeake Bay, USA.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Meynecke, J.-O., Poole, G. C., Werry, J., and Lee, S. Y. (2008). Use of PIT tag and underwater video recording in assessing estuarine fish movement in a high intertidal mangrove and salt marsh creek. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 79, 168–178.
Use of PIT tag and underwater video recording in assessing estuarine fish movement in a high intertidal mangrove and salt marsh creek.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Minello, T. J. (2000). Temporal development of salt marsh value for nekton and epifauna: utilization of dredged material marshes in Galveston Bay, Texas, USA. Wetlands Ecology and Management 8, 327–342.
Temporal development of salt marsh value for nekton and epifauna: utilization of dredged material marshes in Galveston Bay, Texas, USA.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Minello, T. J., and Rozas, L. P. (2002). Nekton in gulf coast wetlands: fine-scale distributions, landscape patterns, and restoration implications. Ecological Applications 12, 441–455.
Nekton in gulf coast wetlands: fine-scale distributions, landscape patterns, and restoration implications.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Minello, T., and Webb, J. (1997). Use of natural and created Spartina alterniflora salt marshes by fishery species and other aquatic fauna in Galveston Bay, Texas, USA. Marine Ecology Progress Series 151, 165–179.
Use of natural and created Spartina alterniflora salt marshes by fishery species and other aquatic fauna in Galveston Bay, Texas, USA.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Minello, T., and Zimmerman, R. (1992). Utilization of natural and transplanted Texas salt marshes by fish and decapod crustaceans. Marine Ecology Progress Series 90, 273–285.
Utilization of natural and transplanted Texas salt marshes by fish and decapod crustaceans.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Minello, T., Able, K., Weinstein, M., and Hays, C. (2003). Salt marshes as nurseries for nekton: testing hypotheses on density, growth and survival through meta-analysis. Marine Ecology Progress Series 246, 39–59.
Salt marshes as nurseries for nekton: testing hypotheses on density, growth and survival through meta-analysis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J., Altman, D. G., and The, P. G. (2009). Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. PLoS Medicine 6, e1000097.
Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 19753108PubMed |

Odum, E. P. (2002). Tidal marshes as outwelling/pulsing systems. In ‘Concepts and Controversies in Tidal Marsh Ecology’. (Eds M. P. Weinstein and D. A. Kreeger.) pp. 3–7. (Kluwer Academic Publishers: New York, NY, USA.) https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-47534-0_1

Osgood, D. T., Yozzo, D. J., Chambers, R. M., Jacobson, D., Hoffman, T., and Wnek, J. (2003). Tidal Hydrology and habitat utilization by resident nekton in phragmites and non-phragmites marshes. Estuaries 26, 522–533.
Tidal Hydrology and habitat utilization by resident nekton in phragmites and non-phragmites marshes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Paterson, A. W., and Whitfield, A. K. (2003). The fishes associated with three intertidal salt marsh creeks in a temperate southern African estuary. Wetlands Ecology and Management 11, 305–315.
The fishes associated with three intertidal salt marsh creeks in a temperate southern African estuary.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Peterson, G. W., and Turner, R. E. (1994). The value of salt marsh edge vs interior as a habitat for fish and decapod crustaceans in a Louisiana tidal marsh. Estuaries 17, 235–262.
The value of salt marsh edge vs interior as a habitat for fish and decapod crustaceans in a Louisiana tidal marsh.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pickering, C., and Byrne, J. (2014). The benefits of publishing systematic quantitative literature reviews for PhD candidates and other early-career researchers. Higher Education Research & Development 33, 534–548.
The benefits of publishing systematic quantitative literature reviews for PhD candidates and other early-career researchers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Platell, M. E., and Freewater, P. (2009). Importance of saltmarsh to fish species of a large south-eastern Australian estuary during a spring tide cycle. Marine and Freshwater Research 60, 936–941.
Importance of saltmarsh to fish species of a large south-eastern Australian estuary during a spring tide cycle.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Prado, P., Alcaraz, C., Jornet, L., Caiola, N., and Ibanez, C. (2017). Effects of enhanced hydrological connectivity on Mediterranean salt marsh fish assemblages with emphasis on the endangered Spanish toothcarp (Aphanius iberus). PeerJ 5, e3009.
Effects of enhanced hydrological connectivity on Mediterranean salt marsh fish assemblages with emphasis on the endangered Spanish toothcarp (Aphanius iberus).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 28265500PubMed |

Prahalad, V. N. (2014). Human impacts and saltmarsh loss in the Circular Head coast, north-west Tasmania, 1952–2006: implications for management. Pacific Conservation Biology 20, 272–285.
Human impacts and saltmarsh loss in the Circular Head coast, north-west Tasmania, 1952–2006: implications for management.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Prahalad, V. N., Kirkpatrick, J. B., and Mount, R. E. (2011). Tasmanian coastal saltmarsh community transitions associated with climate change and relative sea level rise 1975–2009. Australian Journal of Botany 59, 741–748.
Tasmanian coastal saltmarsh community transitions associated with climate change and relative sea level rise 1975–2009.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Prahalad, V., Harrison-Day, V., McQuillan, P., and Creighton, C. (2019). Expanding fish productivity in Tasmanian saltmarsh wetlands through tidal reconnection and habitat repair. Marine and Freshwater Research 70, 140–151.
Expanding fish productivity in Tasmanian saltmarsh wetlands through tidal reconnection and habitat repair.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Quan, W., Shi, L., and Chen, Y. (2011). Comparison of nekton se for cordgrass Spartina alterniflora and bulrush Scirpus mariqueter marshes in the Yangtze River estuary, China. Estuaries and Coasts 34, 405–416.
Comparison of nekton se for cordgrass Spartina alterniflora and bulrush Scirpus mariqueter marshes in the Yangtze River estuary, China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

R Core Team (2019). A language and environment for statistical computing. R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria. Available at https://www.R-project.org/ [verified 15 May 2020].

Rakocinski, C. F., Baltz, D. M., and Fleeger, J. W. (1992). Correspondence between environmental gradients and the community structure of marsh-edge fishes in a Louisiana estuary. Marine Ecology Progress Series 80, 135–148.
Correspondence between environmental gradients and the community structure of marsh-edge fishes in a Louisiana estuary.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Raposa, K. B., and Roman, C. T. (2001). Seasonal habitat-use patterns of nekton in a tide-restricted and unrestricted New England salt marsh. Wetlands 21, 451–461.
Seasonal habitat-use patterns of nekton in a tide-restricted and unrestricted New England salt marsh.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rieucau, G., Boswell, K. M., Kimball, M. E., Diaz, G., and Allen, D. M. (2015). Tidal and diel variations in abundance and schooling behavior of estuarine fish within an intertidal salt marsh pool. Hydrobiologia 753, 149–162.
Tidal and diel variations in abundance and schooling behavior of estuarine fish within an intertidal salt marsh pool.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rogers, K., Boon, P. I., Branigan, S., Duke, N. C., Field, C. D., Fitzsimons, J. A., Kirkman, H., Mackenzie, J. R., and Saintilan, N. (2016). The state of legislation and policy protecting Australia’s mangrove and salt marsh and their ecosystem services. Marine Policy 72, 139–155.
The state of legislation and policy protecting Australia’s mangrove and salt marsh and their ecosystem services.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rountree, R. A., and Able, K. W. (1992). Fauna of polyhaline subtidal marsh creeks in southern New Jersey: composition. Abundance and Biomass 15, 171–185.

Rountree, R. A., and Able, K. W. (2007). Spatial and temporal habitat use patterns for salt marsh nekton: implications for ecological functions. Aquatic Ecology 41, 25–45.
Spatial and temporal habitat use patterns for salt marsh nekton: implications for ecological functions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rozas, L. (1992). Bottomless lift net for quantitatively sampling nekton on intertidal marshes. Marine Ecology Progress Series 89, 287–292.
Bottomless lift net for quantitatively sampling nekton on intertidal marshes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rozas, L. P., and Minello, T. J. (1997). Estimating densities of small fishes and decapod crustaceans in shallow estuarine habitats: a review of sampling design with focus on gear selection. Estuaries 20, 199–213.
Estimating densities of small fishes and decapod crustaceans in shallow estuarine habitats: a review of sampling design with focus on gear selection.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rozas, L. P., and Minello, T. J. (1998). Nekton use of salt marsh, seagrass, and nonvegetated habitats in a south Texas (USA) estuary. Bulletin of Marine Science 63, 481–501.

Rozas, L. P., and Minello, T. J. (1999). Effects of structural marsh management on fishery species and other nekton before and during a spring drawdown. Wetlands Ecology and Management 7, 121–139.
Effects of structural marsh management on fishery species and other nekton before and during a spring drawdown.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rozas, L. P., and Minello, T. J. (2010). Nekton density patterns in tidal ponds and adjacent wetlands related to pond size and salinity. Estuaries and Coasts 33, 652–667.
Nekton density patterns in tidal ponds and adjacent wetlands related to pond size and salinity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rozas, L., and Reed, D. (1993). Nekton use of marsh-surface habitats in Louisiana (USA) deltaic salt marshes undergoing submergence. Marine Ecology Progress Series 96, 147–157.
Nekton use of marsh-surface habitats in Louisiana (USA) deltaic salt marshes undergoing submergence.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rozas, L., and Zimmerman, R. (2000). Small-scale patterns of nekton use among marsh and adjacent shallow nonvegetated areas of the Galveston Bay Estuary, Texas (USA). Marine Ecology Progress Series 193, 217–239.
Small-scale patterns of nekton use among marsh and adjacent shallow nonvegetated areas of the Galveston Bay Estuary, Texas (USA).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

RStudio Team (2016). RStudio: integrated development for R. RStudio, Inc., Boston, MA, USA. Available at http://www.rstudio.com/ [verified 21 May 2020].

Rudershausen, P. J., Buckel, J. A., Dueker, M. A., Poland, S. J., and Hain, E. (2016). Comparison of fish and invertebrate assemblages among variably altered tidal creeks in a coastal landscape. Marine Ecology Progress Series 544, 15–35.
Comparison of fish and invertebrate assemblages among variably altered tidal creeks in a coastal landscape.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Saintilan, N., Hossain, K., and Mazumder, D. (2007). Linkages between seagrass, mangrove and saltmarsh as fish habitat in the Botany Bay estuary, New South Wales. Wetlands Ecology and Management 15, 277–286.
Linkages between seagrass, mangrove and saltmarsh as fish habitat in the Botany Bay estuary, New South Wales.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Saintilan, N., Mazumder, D., and Cranney, K. (2008). Changes to fish assemblages visiting estuarine wetlands following the closure of commercial fishing in Botany Bay, Australia. Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management 11, 441–449.
Changes to fish assemblages visiting estuarine wetlands following the closure of commercial fishing in Botany Bay, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sheaves, M., and Johnston, R. (2008). Influence of marine and freshwater connectivity on the dynamics of subtropical estuarine wetland fish metapopulations. Marine Ecology Progress Series 357, 225–243.
Influence of marine and freshwater connectivity on the dynamics of subtropical estuarine wetland fish metapopulations.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Stein, W., Smith, P. W., and Smith, G. (2014). The cast net: an overlooked sampling gear. Marine and Coastal Fisheries 6, 12–19.
The cast net: an overlooked sampling gear.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Stevens, P. W. (2006). Sampling fish communities in saltmarsh impoundments in the northern Indian River Lagoon, Florida: cast net and culvert trap gear testing. Florida Scientist 69, 135–147.

Swamy, V., Fell, P. E., Body, M., Keaney, M. B., Nyaku, M. K., McIlvain, E. C., and Keen, A. L. (2002). Macroinvertebrate and fish populations in a restored impounded salt marsh 21 years after the reestablishment of tidal flooding. Environmental Management 29, 516–530.
Macroinvertebrate and fish populations in a restored impounded salt marsh 21 years after the reestablishment of tidal flooding.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 12071502PubMed |

Talbot, C. W., and Able, K. W. (1984). Composition and distribution of larval fishes in New Jersey high marshes. Estuaries 7, 434–443.
Composition and distribution of larval fishes in New Jersey high marshes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Thomas, B. E., and Connolly, R. M. (2001). Fish use of subtropical saltmarshes in Queensland, Australia: relationships with vegetation, water depth and distance onto the marsh. Marine Ecology Progress Series 209, 275–288.
Fish use of subtropical saltmarshes in Queensland, Australia: relationships with vegetation, water depth and distance onto the marsh.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Valiñas, M. S., Molina, L. M., Addino, M., Montemayor, D. I., Acha, E. M., and Iribarne, O. O. (2012). Biotic and environmental factors affect Southwest Atlantic saltmarsh use by juvenile fishes. Journal of Sea Research 68, 49–56.
Biotic and environmental factors affect Southwest Atlantic saltmarsh use by juvenile fishes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Varnell, L. M., and Havens, K. J. (1995). A comparison of dimension-adjusted catch data methods for assessment of fish and crab abundance in intertidal salt marshes. Estuaries 18, 319–325.
A comparison of dimension-adjusted catch data methods for assessment of fish and crab abundance in intertidal salt marshes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Warren, R. S., Fell, P. E., Grimsby, J. L., Buck, E. L., Rilling, G. C., and Fertik, R. A. (2001). Rates, patterns, and impacts of Phragmites australis expansion and effects of experimental phragmites control on vegetation, macroinvertebrates, and fish within tidelands of the lower Connecticut River. Estuaries 24, 90–107.
Rates, patterns, and impacts of Phragmites australis expansion and effects of experimental phragmites control on vegetation, macroinvertebrates, and fish within tidelands of the lower Connecticut River.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Warren, R. S., Fell, P. E., Rozsa, R., Brawley, A. H., Orsted, A. C., Olson, E. T., Swamy, V., and Niering, W. A. (2002). Salt marsh restoration in Connecticut: 20 years of science and management. Restoration Ecology 10, 497–513.
Salt marsh restoration in Connecticut: 20 years of science and management.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

West, J. M., and Zedler, J. B. (2000). Marsh-creek connectivity: fish use of a tidal salt marsh in southern California. Estuaries 23, 699–710.
Marsh-creek connectivity: fish use of a tidal salt marsh in southern California.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wickham, H. (2016). ‘ggplot2: Elegant Graphics for Data Analysis.’ (Springer-Verlag: New York, NY, USA.)

Yozzo, D. J., and Smith, D. E. (1997). Composition and abundance of resident marsh-surface nekton: comparison between tidal freshwater and salt marshes in Virginia, USA. Hydrobiologia 362, 9–19.
Composition and abundance of resident marsh-surface nekton: comparison between tidal freshwater and salt marshes in Virginia, USA.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zeug, S. C., Shervette, V. R., Hoeinghaus, D. J., and Davis, S. E. (2007). Nekton assemblage structure in natural and created marsh-edge habitats of the Guadalupe Estuary, Texas, USA. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 71, 457–466.
Nekton assemblage structure in natural and created marsh-edge habitats of the Guadalupe Estuary, Texas, USA.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |