Characterizing and comparing fish assemblages near the mouth of the Savannah River, Georgia

Estuaries and surf zones can serve as crucial nursery habitats for many fish species. The purpose of this study was to characterize fish assemblages near the mouth of the Savannah River and determine which abiotic factors most influenced their distribution. Sites were sampled using a seine net and beam trawl at least once a month over the course of one year. A total of 8,729 fish representing at least 61 species were collected and formed 3 distinct fish assemblages: Tidally Influenced Riverine, Intermediate, and Surf Zone. Temperature and salinity had a significant effect on fish distribution. Based on fish sizes, this area is an important nursery habitat for many fish species and these communities may be altered by saltwater intrusion from the scheduled harbor deepening. Characterization of these fish assemblages will be valuable in determining the environmental impacts of dredging and other public projects.