Successional development involves the natural progression from one ecosystem complex type to another, generally with increasing structural complexity.
The figure at right is a model of successional development in Pacific Northwest estuaries (Procter et al. 1980b).
Structures that affect successional development:
Scrub-Shrub Forest
Emergent Marsh
Mud/Sand Flat
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation
Ecosystem functions that are affected by successional development:
Salmonid Production
Other Fish Production
Avifauna Production
Wildlife Production
Aesthetics/Recreation
Flood Attentuation
Biodiversity Maintenance
