Life Sciences Commons^™

A Multivariate Characterization Of Assemblages Of Planktonic Mysids Decapods And Sergestids In The Chesapeake Bay Mouth Area, John Charles Seibel

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

This study is the first to focus on the assemblages of the planktonic mysids, decapods, and sergestids found in the lower Chesapeake Bay. The assemblages of these organisms in the lower Chesapeake Bay and nearby shelf were characterized using three different statistical approaches, and the methods used were evaluated for their effectiveness at delineating ecologically meaningful assemblages. Three stations were sampled across the Chesapeake mouth and one offshore, with oblique and neuston net tows. Twenty-seven larval stages, representing at least 23 species, were found in sufficient numbers to be analyzed statistically. The statistical approaches were each based upon a different …