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Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element In terms of both diversity and density, SAV communities support over 200 species of fish, making this community the richest fish habitat in the IRL. Pinfish is the species most commonly found in SAV communities. Other prominent species of fish associated with SAV communities include: sea bass, snapper, mojarras, porgies, silver jenny, code goby, grunts and drums. Studies indicate that the relative abundance of fish is positively correlated to the density of SAV. --Conversely, reduced continuity of SAV beds (e.g. discontinuities caused by prop scars) has a negative impact on habitat value (Woodward -Clyde, 1994). - High Salt Marsh A high salt marsh is defined as the area of salt -tolerant wetland vegetation between the MHWL and the annual high tide line. During the fall season when the sea level is higher than the usual peak lunar level, salt marshes are tidally flooded for several weeks. Also, storm tides frequently inundate high salt marshes. Within high salt marshes, typical ground cover species include: smooth cordgrass, saltwort, glasswort, salt grass, and sea daisy. Mangroves may also be present. Much of this salt marsh vegetation serves as a food source for a variety of fish and other marine organisms. While marine species living in the marsh are influenced by the frequency and range of tidal action, salinity, nutrients, soils, dissolved oxygen content, micro -relief, and anthropogenic influences, common species include: killifish, juvenile snook, tarpon, ladyfish, mullet, crabs and shrimp. A variety of wading birds, including herons, egrets, wood storks, and white ibis commonly feed in flooded portions of the high marsh. - Mangrove Swamp Generally, the high salt marsh transcends into intertidal mangrove swamps. Mangrove swamps contain three varieties of mangroves. Red mangroves are typically found below the MHWL of the IRL. Although the red mangrove is by far the most abundant species, occasionally some black and white mangroves may be found. A mangrove fringe is found along most of the undeveloped portions of the IRL shoreline. Rarely do the mangroves extend more than 100 feet landward of the MHWL. In Florida, the critical importance of mangrove detritus or leaf litter as a source of estuarine productivity has been well documented, and the intertidal community is the principal contributor to this process. To some degree, many commercial and sport finfish and shellfish resources of the Indian River are dependent upon this nutrient base. Like all wetland communities which occupy the land -water transition, intertidal mangroves are extremely valuable fish and wildlife habitat. Over 100 species of crustaceans and fish have been found to be dependent on the high marsh and the mangrove swamp habitats within Indian River County. Mangroves also provide habitat for the endangered saltmarsh snake, river otters, raccoons, and bobcats, as well as roosting and nesting areas for many colonial waders, pelicans, and cormorants. Fish species associated with the mangrove Community Development Department Indian River County 67