Macroinvertebrate response to marsh management strategies in Utah

The authors examined the response of aquatic macroinvertebrates to three marsh management strategies. The three management practices compared were conventional full pool management, full pool management with carp (Cyprinus carpio ) control, and contour furrowing (also with carp control). Significant differences in standing crops (both numbers and biomass) of invertebrates were observed among the three management strategies. The contour furrowed area had the highest standing crops of water column invertebrates, followed by the carp-controlled full pool area, while the conventionally managed area had the lowest standing crops. In the benthos, the two full pool areas (with and without carp) had higher standing crops than the contour furrowed area. Significant differences were noted in seasonal abundance, with all management practices having lowest densities of invertebrates in April and May. Implications for management include indications of the negative impacts of carp and winter drawdowns on invertebrates in managed marshes.