Effects of an intertidal sediment fence on sediment elevation and vegetation distribution in a Venice (Italy) lagoon salt marsh
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Published source details
Scarton F., Day J.W., Rismondo A., Cecconi G. & Are D. (2000) Effects of an intertidal sediment fence on sediment elevation and vegetation distribution in a Venice (Italy) lagoon salt marsh. Ecological Engineering, 16, 223-233.
Published source details Scarton F., Day J.W., Rismondo A., Cecconi G. & Are D. (2000) Effects of an intertidal sediment fence on sediment elevation and vegetation distribution in a Venice (Italy) lagoon salt marsh. Ecological Engineering, 16, 223-233.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Build barriers to protect littoral brackish/salt marshes from rising water levels and severe weather Action Link |
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Build barriers to protect littoral brackish/salt marshes from rising water levels and severe weather
A controlled study in 1994–1995 of two salt marshes in northern Italy (Scarton et al. 2000) reported that a salt marsh behind a sediment fence contained more plant species than an exposed salt marsh, but found that there was no significant difference in vegetation cover or distribution. After 17 months, three plant species were recorded in the fenced marsh, compared to only one species in the exposed marsh. The marshes did not significantly differ in terms of vegetation cover (fenced: 29%; exposed: 19%) or distance between the physical edge of the marsh sediment and the vegetation (fenced: 7.5 m; exposed: 9.1 m). Methods: The study involved two intertidal salt marshes behind embayments. In May 1994, a fence (vegetation bundles behind wooden posts) was built across the mouth of one embayment to trap sediment and protect the marsh behind from waves. The other embayment was left open. In October 1995, vegetation was surveyed along the edge of each marsh (14–16 points/marsh; species and cover within a 1 m radius around each point).
(Summarised by: Nigel Taylor)
