Meeting Abstract
P1.6 Thursday, Jan. 3 The Role of Wetlands in an Arid Environment BARRAZA, C; GOODWIN, L.D.; OCAMPO, J*; PISBE, C; SINGLETON, T; SORIA, A; TALLEY, D.M.; TALLEY, T.S.; WALLACE, J; Aquatic Adventures Science Education Foundation; Aquatic Adventures Science Education Foundation; Aquatic Adventures Science Education Foundation; Aquatic Adventures Science Education Foundation; Aquatic Adventures Science Education Foundation; Aquatic Adventures Science Education Foundation; San Francisco State University; San Francisco National Estuarine Research Reserve; University of California, Davis; Aquatic Adventures Science Education Foundation SHARAFISLER@AQUATICADVENTURES.ORG
In coastal desert ecosystems, where transition zones are generally narrow and physically harsh, wetlands likely play a particularly important role in functionally connecting marine and desert habitats. However, it is precisely these environments where wetlands are least studied. We tested the effects of wetland presence on fauna in adjacent shallow subtidal and upland transitional habitats in Bah�a de Los Angeles, Baja California Mexico. There were no consistent trends in upland or subtidal taxonomic abundance and diversity with distance from wetland. Taxa generally responded to local environmental conditions and did so in unique ways, illustrating specialized uses of these habitats. The exception was that wetlands clearly supported marsh-resident fishes; increasing the richness of fishes near wetlands compared with more distant habitats. A lack of strong wetland effects in this study suggests that the strength of connectivity may vary with focal taxa, spatial scale, contrast between adjacent systems and insularity. The unique fauna found in these wetlands reflect their value in regional biodiversity. We argue that the protection of each unique wetland is necessary to preserve overall biodiversity, and that further study of the controls and influences of these ecosystems is critical. Finally, this work demonstrates the benefits of integrating education with scientific research. Participating high school students gained scientific and personal experience while making tangible contributions to research and conservation efforts.
