Comparative nekton habitat assessment of eroded-forest, marsh, and beach estuarine shorelines

Dramatic variations in shoreline types create a mosaic of shoreline habitats within estuaries along the U.S. Gulf coast. Previous research has demonstrated shorelines vegetated with marsh plants are associated with higher faunal abundance and diversity relative to non-vegetated habitats. However, an increasingly common, yet understudied, shoreline type is forested, often eroded, shorelines. Within existing habitat mosaics, the structural complexity associated with eroded-forest shorelines could offer unique advantages for supporting specific nekton communities. To assess the comparative shoreline habitat preferences of nekton, three different habitat types (eroded-forest, marsh, beach) were identified in East Bay, Panama City, Florida and nekton communities were assessed with quarterly seine net sampling for one year. Results indicate that community composition and biodiversity patterns were primarily driven by season, with spring exhibiting significantly lower nekton richness and diversity than summer and winter. Shoreline type also influenced community structure with marsh shorelines consistently supporting higher species richness and diversity than eroded-forests and beaches, though no significant differences in total abundances were detected. These findings support existing literature showing structurally complex habitats such as marshes provide critical resources for estuarine nekton, particularly during summer and winter periods. Results from this study enhanced understanding of the habitat benefits of different shoreline habitat types, offering valuable guidance for restoration efforts and management practices.