2026-04-15T00:40:00Zhttps://repository.lib.bcit.ca/oai/requestoai:repository.lib.bcit.ca:node-15382025-05-09T19:24:36Znode:28oai_pmh:all_repository_itemsThe impacts of exotic Typha on benthic invertebrate communities in the South Arm of the Fraser River Estuary
In recent decades, the exotic cattail Typha angustifolia and its hybrid Typha x glauca have invaded the Fraser River estuary. The impacts from this invasion on benthic macroinvertebrate communities, however, are yet to be studied. Macroinvertebrates play important roles in food chains, trophic dynamics, and nutrient cycling and are potentially at risk from this invasion. In this study, I compared the benthic invertebrate communities between exotic cattail stands and native vegetation stands at 25 paired sites. Sediment cores were analyzed for invertebrate abundance, biomass, and Shannon Wiener diversity index, and it was found that biomass and abundance were lower in exotic cattail when compared to native vegetation, however, there was no difference in diversity. Given the proximity to side channels, tidal inundation time would be a logical explanation for the differences in the benthic communities; however, it was not found to be a significant predictor. Given the invasive nature of exotic cattail and the correlations that were found, cattail should be removed in restoration projects where possible.
2021-04-01
English
Lee, Jan
Ives, Kim
Ransome, Douglas
Owens, Susan
British Columbia Institute of Technology School of Construction and the Environment
2492
PDF
British Columbia Institute of Technology
Text
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Fraser River
Invasive species