Bleakney, J. S.; Meyer, K. B. (1979). Observations on Salt Marsh Pools Minas Basin Nova-Scotia Canada 1965-1977. Proceedings of the Nova Scotian Institute of Science, 29(4): 353-372
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Bleakney, J. S.; Meyer, K. B.
1979
Observations on Salt Marsh Pools Minas Basin Nova-Scotia Canada 1965-1977
Proceedings of the Nova Scotian Institute of Science
Two pools in the salt marshes of Kings Co., Minas Basin were studied from Oct. 1965-Jan. 1967. Changes in temperature, salinity, ice cover and floral and faunal composition were recorded. Relevant information gathered during subsequent field trips 1967-1977 was added, and from this accumulated data several significant fluctuations in population density, local distribution, and maximum body size were discerned for 3 spp. of sacoglossan mollusks [Hydrobia totteni, Littorina saxatilis and Elysia chlorotica], 1 spp. of anemone [Nematostella vectensis] and 2 spp. of nemerteans [Lineus viridis and Prostomatella obscura]. There were irregular time periods when the tidal waters did not reach the study pools, the longest being 25 days. The highest water temperature recorded was 28.5.degree. C and the lowest -1.5.degree. C. Tidal water entering the pools had a salinity of near 29.permill. whereas average salinity at the bottom of the two pools was 33.4.permill. and 32.4.permill.. The average surface salinity was 31.4.permill. and 30.2.permill.. Salinities below 20.permill. were unusual and only the pool surface water ever reached the minimum recording of 11.1.permill.. These permanent saltmarsh pools are rather unusual lentic marine habitats, scarcely influenced by coastal marine temperatures, tides or currents. Ice formation is irregular but can cover these pools for periods exceeding 3 mo. Measurements of ice thickness from 7 winters ranged from 19-68.5 cm. Algae remain green and many animals are active throughout the winter beneath substantial ice and snow covers. The dominant species of macrofauna were 1 anemone, 2 nemerteans, 3 gastropods, 1 amphipod [Gammarus mucronatus], 2 insects [Ephydra riparia and Corixids] and 1 fish [Fundulus heteroclitus].
