Noncommercial Invertebrate Species and Associated Environmental Factors within the Estuarine Complex of Western Pamlico Sound, North Carolina: An Information Guide

摘要

Noncommercial invertebrates are important members of the estuarine community, because they comprise the major portion of the diets of most developing fish and shellfish. The authors compiled and reviewed published information relating to noncommercial invertebrate species in the estuarine system of western Pamlico Sound, North Carolina. The information guide provides relevant references for 21 general areas and for specific sites within each area. For each reference, information is provided regarding the type of study and the kinds of physical, chemical and biological information obtained. The publication also includes a list of noncommercial invertebrate species and their reported locations within the western Pamlico Sound region. Very little data has been collected regarding noncommercial invertebrate distribution or biology in designated, shallow nursery areas of commercially or recreationally valuable species. Noncommercial invertebrate species are an important food source for developing fish and shellfish, and therefore comprise a major ecological component of nursery areas. For this reason, more research is needed to address how major physical, chemical and biological factors interact to shape the distribution and abundance of the shallow, estuarine biota.