Zooplankton community changes in Nhlabane estuary, South Africa, induced by man-made structures and drought

Abstract

The Nhlabane estuary and coastal lake system has suffered a number of man-made impacts since 1977, when the lake and estuary were separated by the construction of a barrage. More recent man-made events included the construction of temporary sand walls, mid-way along the estuary, to allow crossing of a mining dredger during 1993. These walls remained in place until 1996, coinciding with a local drought period between 1991 and late 1995, during which time the estuary mouth remained closed. The present study investigates changes in the zooplankton community of Nhlabane estuary between February 1992 and October 1996.