Western Oregon University biologist Karen Haberman''s 2010-2012 research project for Oregon Sea Grant

1. Photo: oregoncoast.org

2. Response of Marsh Insects and Benthic Invertebrates to Dike Removal in the Salmon River Estuary: Follow-up, Synthesis and Education Karen Haberman and Erin Baumgartner Biology Department, Western Oregon University

3. Overview

4. Questions Are the initial conclusions of space-for-time substitution valid? Are these tidal marshes on “a trajectory toward recovery?” How do marsh position and associated abiotic factors affect invertebrate community composition? To what extent do the invertebrate assemblages vary interannually, and what are the potential causal factors of this variability?

5. Overall goal Establish a continuing monitoring program for invertebrates and key abiotic factors in the Salmon River estuary that assesses estuarine recovery and tests conclusions of the space-for-time substitution. provides authentic research experiences for undergraduates. creates K-12/community curricular materials.

7. Develop resources for use by educators in and around the Salmon River