The high secondary productivity has been linked to the primary productivity of the marshes. In these systems the detrital pathway is considered to be vital in the conversion of vascular plant energy to higher consumers. The importance of amorphous detrital aggregates in the diet of the filter-feeding Atlantic menhaden has been examined. Further research is planned to examine mechanisms used by these fish and possibly other omnivorous macroconsumers to digest refractory compounds such as humic and fulvic acids. Although food availability and predator avoidance are considered to be primary contributors to the value of estuarine habitats for use as nursery grounds for fish, environmental factors, such as salinity, may also be important in the utilization of this habitat by young fish.
Studies show that the distribution of the larvae of some species occurs along salinity gradients.
Although there are several indirect mechanisms which may drive this relationship, the energetic demands of osmoregulation could influence such distribution patterns. Current research is being planned to evaluate the affect of salinity on the energetics, growth, and development of larval estuarine-dependent fish. Understanding the role of salinity as a habitat factor may be important to facilitate more effective management of our coastal resources. Lewis, V.P. and D.S. Peters. 1984. Peters, D.S. and V.P. Lewis. 1984.