%0 Journal Article
%T Productivity in natural and artificial habitats in brackish water systems: an example from Aphanius fasciatus populations
%A F. Cavraro
%A P. Franzoi
%A P. Torricelli
%A S. Malavasi
%J -
%D 2013
%R DOI Code: 10.1285/i1825229Xv7n1p23
%X 1 - Venice Lagoon is characterized by many different shallow-water habitats, where salt marshes represent important habitats for many nektonic species. On the other side, small lagoon islands show a typical landscape dominated by agricultural gardens and orchards, that still host small ditches once used in traditional fishery activities but now abandoned. 2 - Aims of this study is to determine the productivity of these habitats for the nektonic community, referring to the small teleost Aphanius fasciatus (Valenciennes, 1821), listed in Annex II of ¡®Habitat¡¯ Directive 92/43/CEE. 3 - One year monthly samplings were performed in four sites: two natural salt marshes and two systems of artificial ditches. All collected fish were photographed and then released. Only a sub-sample was preserved for laboratory analysis. 4 - Data show that artificial habitats host higher biomass of A. fasciatus, yielding higher secondary production respect to natural salt marshes, while P:B ratios vary in accordance to different environmental features and the related life history strategies adopted by the four populations. 5 - Results of this study highlight the relevance of these artificial habitats in the conservation of an important resident fish species
%K Aphanius fasciatus
%K secondary production
%K Venice lagoon
%K conservation
%U http://siba-ese.unisalento.it/index.php/twb/article/view/12805