Baseline sedimentary and faunal characteristics of potential shell planting and references sites in Great South Bay

Abstract

from the introduction, ". . .The purpose of this study was to establish baseline sedimentary and faunal community characteristics at several sites in Great South Bay in anticipation of a possible shell planting, habitat enhancement project. Kassner (1997) has proposed to plant shell material in Great South Bay, in an attempt to ameliorate declining M mercenaria abundances. The introduction of shell to an area of bay bottom that meets the other three sedimentary characteristics required for good hard clam habitat could enhance the bottom to create suitable habitat for hard clam growth. . ."