Asarco Embayment Creation
Farther south on the peninsula, a small embayment was created by excavating slag, which can be seen mounded in the background. The embayment was created to provide habitat for fish and other marine animals. The site visit was during a low tide; usually, this area is below water. The shallow embayment was designed to provide several types of habitat in order to be attractive to a variety of animals. Three different bottom types, or substrates, were provided: soft muddy bottom, a few areas of larger gravel, and long rows of rocks. The rows of rocks will cause waves to break on the forebeach, creating areas of calmer water behind the rocks, another type of habitat complexity.
(08.28.00, Tacoma, Washington)
|