Sanger, D., Bergquist, D., Blair, A., Riekerk, G., Wirth, E., Webster, L. 2011. Gulf of Mexico Tidal Creeks Serve as Sentinel Habitats for Assessing the Impact of Coastal Development on Ecosystem Health. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 136. NOAA, National Center for Coastal Ocean Sciences.

Analysis, Coastal, Creek, Development, Ecosystem, Habitat, Tidal, Urbanization, Watershed, Wildlife

This report describes a study that evaluated the effects of development in coastal areas on sentinent habitats in tidal creeks, specifically along the Gulf of Mexico’s coastline. Over 20 tidal creek systems were sampled, and various water quality indicators were analyzed,including pathogen and viral indicators that are of human health concern.