Food web support involves the flow of energy from primary producers (plants), to secondary producers and higher trophic levels (consumers).
The figure at bottom left shows a simplified representation of the major linkages between trophic groups in the estuary (Weitkamp 1994). Arrows indicate direction of energy flow.
The figure at bottom right shows postulated historical shifts in organic carbon sources (106 metric tons Carbon y-1) (based on Sherwood et al. 1990, in Simenstad 2001).
Structures that affect food web support:
Plankton
Scrub-Shrub Forest
Emergent Marsh
Mud/Sand Flat
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation
Shallow Slope
Deep Channel
Ecosystem functions that are affected by food web support:
Salmonid Production
Other Fish Production
Avifauna Production
Wildlife Production
Aesthetics/Recreation
Biodiversity Maintenance
Interactions & Equations:
