Tidal immersion and the growth of Spartina anglica marshes in the Waihopai river estuary, New Zealand

Abstract

Spartina was first planted in the Waihopai River Estuary in 1913 and has spread to cover 15% of the mudflats. Tidal inundation was observed to determine possible further spread. Landward spread appears to be limited by the presence of Leptocarpus similis. The seaward edge corresponds to the low neap-tide level which appears to be close to the level of most of the mudflat area. Future colonisation seems to depend on the relationship between the neap-tide minimum level and the level of the mudflats.Spartina emerges during daylight hours for 887 hr per annum (1973 data) at its lower limit. This value is much lower than periods for marshes in England and is probably the result of the Waihopai having clear estuarine waters. © 1981 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.