Coastal Ponds

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Where

Climate

Challenges

Food Chains

Biology

Fun Facts

References

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"1. coast noun \ˈkōst\

Definition of COAST

1: the land near a shore : seashore

2: obsolete : border, frontier

3a : a hill or slope suited to coasting

b : a slide down a slope (as on a sled)

4:often capitalized : the Pacific coast of the United States

: the immediate area of view used in the phrase the coast is clear

— coast·al adjective

— coast·wise adverb or adjective

— from coast to coast

: across an entire nation or continent"

"Origin of COAST

Middle English cost, from Anglo-French coste, from Latin costa rib, side; akin to Old Church Slavic kostĭ bone

First Known Use: 14th century"

Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online. Web. 30 Nov. 2011. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/>.

"1pond noun \ˈpänd\

Definition of POND

: a body of water usually smaller than a lake <a fishing pond> —sometimes used with the to refer informally or facetiously to the Atlantic Ocean

Origin of POND

Middle English ponde artificially confined body of water, probably alteration of pounde enclosure — more at pound

First Known Use: 14th century"

Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online. Web. 30 Nov. 2011. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/>.

"Biodrawversity | Ecological Consulting | Recent News | Biodiversity and Habitat Studies of Coastal Plain Ponds." Biodrawversity: Ecological Consulting & Communications. Web. 30 Nov. 2011. <http://www.biodrawversity.com/news/news_summer092.htm>.

About

Coastal salt ponds are rare, and are very interconnected with the watersheds in the area. It is thought that coastal ponds formed at the end of the glacial period. Coastal ponds can have brackish water, freshwater, or salt water. They are generally found in the southern region of the Northeast. Salt ponds are highly protected, and coastal areas usually have a plan to protect and a clean up/prevention paln in case of a disaster. The US Coastal Zone Management Act protects coastal ponds and states "The Federal Act defines a SAMP as: “A comprehensive plan providing for natural resource protection and reasonable coastal-dependent economic growth containing a detailed and comprehensive statement of policies; standards and criteria to guide public and private uses of lands and waters; and mechanisms for timely implementation in specific geographic areas within the coastal zone” [2]. SAMPs enable management goals to be addressed within a specific geographic area. They address the shortcomings of traditional sectoral planning by establishing boundaries based on the issues and coastal ecosystem rather than on administrative boundaries." ""Rhode Island Salt Pond Special Area Management Plan – Case Study." Coastal Portal. Web. 20 Nov. 2011. .
Where

THE SOUTHERN NORTHEAST

Coastal salt ponds are essential to the biodiversity in the areas where they reside. They play an integral role in the economy of communities near the coastal ponds. They provide beauty, and they also provide a way to save endangered species. This can be anything from plants to animals.
Climate

New England Climate

New England is famous for cold winters, warm/hot summers, rains, and fall foliage. The climate is prone to large temperature and weather fluctuations.

A serious threat to the continued existence of salt ponds is the continued rising of sea levels. Global Warming and the resulting rising of sea levels have created a situation in which the future of coastal ponds is uncertain. A rise in sea levels of five feet in Rhode Island would create conditions in which salt ponds could simply not exist.

Challenges
Shells

Pollution

The Salt Pond Watchers were founded in 1985 in order to monitor the conditions of salt ponds. Pollution is one of the leading causes of damage in coastal ponds. The increase in pollution is attributed to an increase in development, and an overall decrease in the areas of coastal plains. Developments are so close to the water that all pollution, including sewage just runs straight into the water.

Business

Coastal ponds are vital to coastal businesses. Fishing for oysters and select species of fish are key to the economies of coastal communities. Salt ponds are also a major tourist attraction, so many businesses depend on that industry to sustain their enterprises. This same aspect causes more development. While that may be good for the economy, it is most certainly not beneficial to the environment.

Construction

Construction can cause the flow of water to change. The ponds could be filled in, polluted, or damaged. Construction can cause run-off, and many times the water drainage changes. WIth more buildings comes more people, and with more people comes pollution. Everything from herbicides to fertilizer, soap from washing a car to oil, excess silt to gasoline...there are many things that can poison an environment. Too much nitrogen (from fertilizer) can cause algae to bloom in a coastal pond. That can kill everything in the coastal pond because the algae uses up all of the oxygen.
Food Chains

Please Reference: http://omp.gso.uri.edu/ompweb/doce2.htm for more information. Click on the picture to visit the site.

The little fish eats the plankton, the medium fish eats the little fish, the big fish eats the little and medium fish, and the tern eats the fish.

The circle of life, and the flow of energy in an ecosystem can be very long and complicated. All creatures in a food chain are important. Without one creature, the system falls apart.

Biology

Plants
Vertebrates
Invertebrates

Plants

Plants

Twig-rush Part of the sedge family, the twig-rush is a rooted, emergent perennial with round, upright stems up to 1m tall. The stems arise from a flacid, whitish rhizome that grows buried in the sandy or peaty sediments. They form colonies in shallow waters of lake margns; it also grows in bogs. It most ften is found in areas where the pH is somewhat alkaline.Water Lobelia The water lobelia is a perennial herbaceous plant, which can reach a height of 40-70 cm (up to 200 cm). This hemicryptophyte is an aquatic plant (hydrophyte), whose leaves grow submerged, only the inflorescence is above the water. The roots anchor the plant in the bottom. The completely submerged basal rosette leaves have smooth edges and blunt endings, they are plump and are up to 8 cm long. The leaves often turn up and fold together to form a "pipe". On the hollow, smooth stems are just a few alternating, thin, tiny leaves, particularly in the inflorescence.Leafless Water-milfoil A submerged, leafless aquatic plant distinguished from other native milfoils by the lack of leaves often found in other species. Found in bodies of water that often are higher in pH, and formi large colonies in deep water. This plant is considered and invsive species becasue of how easily it can grow and spread making it increasingl diffcult to control.Fragrant Waterlily The fragrant water lily is a floating-leaved aquatic perennial herb that grows rooted in mucky or silty sediments in water up to six to seven feet deep. It prefers quiet waters such as ponds, lake margins, and slow streams and will grow in acid or alkaline waters. Beaver, moose, muskrat, porcupine, and deer eat water lily leaves and roots and waterfowl eat the seeds. Water lilies also provide excellent cover for largemouth bass, sunfish, and frogs. However, when allowed to grow in dense stands, the floating leaves prevent wind mixing and extensive areas of low oxygen can develop under water lily beds during the summer. Dwarf Spikerush a species of spikesedge known by the common names dwarf spikerush, small spikerush and hairgrass. It is a plant of brackish and saltwater habitat, such as marshes and mudflats. It is a perennial herb growing tufts of spongy, compressible stems not more than 10 centimeters tall. The plant grows from a tuber which is J-shaped or horseshoe-shaped, a characteristic that helps in the identification of the species. The inflorescence is an oval-shaped spikelet just 2 or 3 millimeters long, made up of several tiny flowers.Surface Pondweed Also know as known by the common name ribbonleaf pondweed. It is native to much of North America, where it grows in water bodies such as ponds, lakes, ditches, and slow-moving streams. This is a perennial herb producing a narrow, compressed stem branching to a maximum length which may exceed one meter. It has two types of leaf. Submersed leaves are up to 25 centimeters long but not more than one wide, linear in shape and ribbonlike. Leaves that grow to float on the surface are shorter and wider, up to 8 centimeters long and 3 wide. They are borne on long petioles. The inflorescence is a small spike of flowers that arises from the water on a peduncle (supporting stem).Wild Celery Wild celery has long, flat, ribbon-like leaves that can grow to about 5 feet long. The leaves have finely toothed edges, blunt rounded tips, and a light greep stipe running down the center. The leaves grow in a clutster from the base of the plant, which is white. It grows in fresh to slightly brackish waters and prefers coarse soil that is either silty or sandy. Wild celery can reproduce both sexually and asexally. The plant's thick, fleshy stems and root system are a valuable food source for waterfowl. Wild celery also provides important habitat for fish and invertebrates.Northern Water-milfoil Northern water-milfoil has two distinct leaf types, submersed leaves and emergent leaves associated with the flowers (called bracts). The submersed leaves are finely feathered (1 to 5 cm long), with 5 to 14 pairs of leaflet pairs per leaf. Groups of 4 or 5 leaves are spaced (up to 1 cm apart) along the stem. Northern milfoil produces flowers and fruits above or at the water's surface. The bracts have entire or slightly serrated margins. Provides cover for fish and invertebrates; supports insects and other small animals eaten by fish; waterfowl occasionally eat the fruit and foliage.Slender/Common Water-nymph Slender water-nymph and common water-nymph are completely submerged annual plants, although they are often found as floating fragments. The leaf base is much wider than the rest of the leaf blade, which helps to distinguish the water-nymphs from other underwater plants. These plants have inconspicuous flowers and fruits that are almost completely hidden by the leaf bases. Water-nymph pollination takes place underwater. The entire plant is eaten by waterfowl. Water-nymphs are considered to be one of their most important food sources. They also provide shelter for small fish and insects.Eelgrass Eelgrass is commonly mistaken for seaweed; however it is actually a blooming underwater grass which spread by rhizomes to form large beds otherwise known as eelgrass meadows. Eelgrass can grow up to 3 ft long and are found in shallow sub-tidal zones, growing in either muddy or sandy floors. Many animals use eelgrass beds for nursery areas. Within eelgrass meadows, there is food and shelter for a wide variety of sea anemones, marine worms, snails, limpets, crabs, birds, and fish.

Vertebrates

Striped Bass: They are also known as stripers or rock fish. They can be up to 60 inches long and live along the Atlantic coast. If left undisturbed they can live up to 30 years. They live in open water and return to coastal ponds and/or rivers in order to spawn. The larvae then float downstream and out into the open water. Striped bass cannot be fished commercially under the penalty of Federal law, in Federal waters. This is because the striped bass were overfished for years. They migrate with the seasons up and down the coast. They eat invertebrates, other fish, and clupeids are their favorites. The primary predators are bluefish, weakfish, cod and silver hake (though these usually only target small striped bass). Sharks, seals, and humans are the main predators of mature striped bass.Bluefish: They are blue/green in color with a large mouth and sharp teeth. Bluefish range from Maine to Argentina. They can grow up to 14 pounds in weight, when found along the east coast of the United States.. They tend to travel in large schools. Bluefish are a popular game fish, and they eat pelagic and demersal fish, along with some invertebrates. They grow quickly and can breed once they reach two years old. Atlantic Herring: They are part of the Clupeidae family. They are a huge commercial fish, and are primarily used for bait. They primarily feed on plankton. Atlantic herring spawn in the gulf of main. They tend to be smaller to medium sized fish. Seagulls: Seagulls are part of the Laridae family of birds. Gulls tend to be classified as scavengers. Herring gulls are among the most common. They tend to be fairly large with slate grey colored wings. They will not breed until they are at least four years of age. Herring gulls range from Alaska down to the deep-south, and to Europe. Gulls will eat herring, other small fish, shellfish, invertebrates, garbage, carrion, eggs, and small birds. American Smelts: It is also known as the rainbow smelt. It lives in schools, and does not like light or warm water. Therefore, during the day, smelt tend to stay towards the bottom of lakes and ponds. It is small and silvery in color, with sometimes blue-green coloration. They have large mouths compared to their size, and they have teeth on their tongues. The smelt are able to migrate from salt, to brackish, to fresh water to spawn. Great Blue Heron: The Great Blue Heron are closely related to the White Egret. They are distinguished by their height, blue-grey feathers, long beak, and s-shaped neck. They eat mainly fish, but herons have also been known to eat small rodents. Herons have also been observed eating fish in fisheries, small amphibians, and occasionally smaller birds. They catch their prey by stalking it. Herons tend to nest in trees.

Invertebrates

Blue Crab: Requires both inshore brackish waters and high salinity waters. Usually distinguished by its brilliant blue claws and legs. Blue crabs can grow between 7 and 10 inches wide. Diet consists of fish, oysters, clams, worms, shrimp, and snails. Hermit Crab: Require the need to change larger shells in order to grow. Seen in a variety of colors ranging from reddish brown to violet. They are closely related to squat lobsters than to "true" crabs. Hermit crabs eat a variety of small animals including worms, mollusks, and shrimp. Horseshoe Crab (limulus): Thrive in shoalwater and shallow water areas of high salinity. They have ten eyes and can see ultra-violet (UV) light. Horseshoe crabs have blue blood which helps to protect them from infection. Diet consists of worms and mollusks.Moon Jelly: Can be recognised by their delicate and exquisite coloration. They are prone to live in warm, sometimes brackish coastal regions throughout the world. Moon Jellys travel in large numbers and swim as a function to stay near the surface. They are carnivorous and feed on zooplankton. Eastern Oyster: Usually measure between 2 to 6 inches long, and live in a variety of coastal ecosystems. Their shells are made of calcium carbonate (lime), and use filter-feeding to maintain their diet of plankton and detritus (dead plant and animal matter). They can filter up to 48 gallons of water in 24 hours.Soft-Shelled Clam: They can be found buried in soft sediments in coastal regions in depths of about 30 feet. They have chalky, thin, and ovalwhite shells with a parchment-like texture. This species of clam grow about 3 to 4 inches wide and filter feed to eat microscopic algae. Portly Spider Crab: Body can be up to 4 inches in diameter, with legs that can measure up to a foot wide. Recognised by their spiney body and a pointy beak. Can be found in a variety of bottom habitats in both shallow and deep water. Diet consists of dead fish and attached animals such as sea squirts and sea stars.

Fun Facts

FAQ

1. Salt ponds are actually in constant flux.2. Like inlets and tidal pools, coastal ponds change with tides, erosion, natural weather occurances, and through human intervention.3. Salt ponds are easily polluted.4. There is can be barely any flushing (complete movement of water in and out), if at all, if the pond is not very open to the sea.5. Sometimes they occur where the currents have dropped sediment (mud, sand, shells), and it has piled up, cutting off some water from the rest. 6. Salt ponds make great places for oyster beds because the oyster drill (the main predator of oysters) cannot live there. The water is not salty enough.7. If the pond is more open to the sea, coastal ponds can make great fishing spots if you want to catch stripers and many other types of fish and sealife. 8. History shows that the Narragansett Indians used salt ponds to harvest the shells they used to make wampum (their form of currency).

"Biodrawversity | Ecological Consulting | Recent News | Biodiversity and Habitat Studies of Coastal Plain Ponds." Biodrawversity: Ecological Consulting & Communications. Web. 02 Dec. 2011. <http://www.biodrawversity.com/news/news_summer092.htm>.

References

Bibiolgraphy

"Atlantic Herring - Status of Fishery Resources off the Northeastern US." NOAA :: Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Web. 06 Dec. 2011. ."Biodrawversity | Ecological Consulting | Recent News | Biodiversity and Habitat Studies of Coastal Plain Ponds." Biodrawversity: Ecological Consulting & Communications. Web. 02 Dec. 2011. http://www.biodrawversity.com/news/news_summer092.htm."Blue Fish." STReport International Online Magazine. Web. 06 Dec. 2011. ."Blue Crab - About the Bay - Chesapeake Bay Program." Chesapeake Bay Program - A Watershed Partnership. Web. 05 Dec. 2011. ..Coastal Salt Ponds and Their Watersheds. Conservation Partnership of Martha's Vineyard. Http://www.thetrustees.org/assets/documents/places-to-visit/Coastal-Salt-Ponds.pdf, 2003. PDF.Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online. Web. 30 Nov. 2011. ."Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea Virginica)." Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Web. 05 Dec. 2011. "FishWatch - Atlantic Striped Bass." Home :: NOAA Fisheries. Web. 05 Dec. 2011. ."Great Blue Heron, Identification, All About Birds - Cornell Lab of Ornithology." Your Online Guide to Birds and Bird Watching, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Web. 06 Dec. 2011. ."Hardiness Zones in New England Gardens - New England Gardening Tips and Advice for Growing Flowers and Vegetables." Gardening New England Tips and Advice for Vegetable Gardening, Flower Gardening in New England Gardens. Web. 06 Dec. 2011. ."Herring." Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Web. 06 Dec. 2011. ."Moon Jellyfish, Aurelia Aurita at MarineBio.org." MarineBio.org - Marine Biology, Ocean Life Conservation, Sea Creatures, Biodiversity, Oceans Research... Web. 05 Dec. 2011. ."Najas Flexilis (slender Water-nymph) and Najas Guadalupensis (commonwater-nymph)." Washington State Department of Ecology | Home Page | ECY WA DOE. Web. 06 Dec. 2011. .NH Division of Forests and Lands. Web. 06 Dec. 2011. ."Puget Sound Shorelines: Species - Eelgrass." Washington State Department of Ecology | Home Page | ECY WA DOE. Web. 06 Dec. 2011. ."Rhode Island Salt Pond Special Area Management Plan – Case Study." Coastal Portal. Web. 20 Nov. 2011. ."Salt Ponds Watershed." RIRC. Web. 04 Dec. 2011. ."Seagull Facts and Information." SPWbooks. Web. 06 Dec. 2011. ."Sea Level" http://www.saltpondscoalition.org/sealevel%20rise.html"Soft Shell Clam - Bay Field Guide - Chesapeake Bay Program." Chesapeake Bay Program - A Watershed Partnership. Chesapeake Bay Program. Web. 05 Dec. 2011. . "The Amazing Horseshoe." The Horseshoe Crab: Natural History, Anatomy, Conservation and Current Research. Ecological Research & Development Group. Web. 05 Dec. 2011. ."The Maritime Aquarium: Meet the Animals." The Maritime Aquarium - Penguins All Access Backstage Pass! State of Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism. Web. 05 Dec. 2011. ."Twig Rush." Life Sciences at Brandeis University. Web. 06 Dec. 2011. ."Wild Celery - Bay Field Guide - Chesapeake Bay Program." Chesapeake Bay Program - A Watershed Partnership. Web. 06 Dec. 2011. ."Underwater World - American Smelt." Welcome Page | Page D'accueil. Web. 06 Dec. 2011. .

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