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Restoring invertebrate populations on tidal flats
A key question for the restoration of tidal flats and their ability to provide
new or restored habitat for waterfowl is the rate and extent of recolonisation
by invertebrates. In general species colonise new tidal flats, whether they
occur as a result of natural changes in sediment patterns or by beach recharge,
relatively quickly, as for example was the case at the realignment site at Tollesbury.
This is especially true for those species which rely on settlement of juveniles
from the water column. Recolonisation of recharge sites for these species can
take place the next season. Abundance and biomass values take between 2-4 years
to recover and even longer for some of the larger species (Atkinson
et al. 2001).
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Guidance: No experimental introductions are known for the majority
of the smaller species upon which the birds feed. However, oyster and
other shell-fish cultivation takes place in many areas. Potentially at
least these could provide information relevant to encouraging recruitment
of invertebrate prey.
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References
Atkinson, P.W., Crooks, S., Grant, A. & Rehfisch, M.M.
2001.
The Success of Creation and Restoration Schemes in Producing Intertidal Habitat for Waterbirds.
English Nature Research Report, 425
English Nature.
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