Author(s): S. Mitchell; H. Burgess
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: Some observations are presented of water levels, temperature and salinity at 15-minute intervals made using a YS I probe at a saline lagoon at Pagham, West Sussex, UK over a period of approximately 100 days during the Summer of2006. The lagoon is subject to problems of water quality as a result of low rates of exchange of water with the nearby macro-tidal estuary through a shingle barrier, and also through its receipt of drainage water from a nearby caravan park. The flushing mechanisms of the lagoon by sea water are also poorly understood as it is believed that the shingle barrier separating it from the tidal harbour is clogged with fine sediment, although the influence of this is likely to be less pronounced at the higher water levels experienced during spring tides due to the higher concentration of fine sediment near the base of the barrier. We herein analyse the data sets in terms of the influence of tidal water levels, fresh water input due to rainfall and the likely seepage characteristics through the barrier, and propose innovative solutions for improving the water quality in the lagoon using a simple culvert located at an appropriate depth. It is demonstrated that careful management of this and other saline lagoons can help preserve these features as habitats for a range of key indicator species.
Year: 2010