X
2
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.3.1
2.3.2
2.3.3
The Coastal Lagoon Cienaga Grande De Santa Marta,
Colombia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
J. Polania, A. Santos-Martinez, J.E. Mancera-Pineda,
and L. Botero Arboleda
Introduction
Environmental Setting
Biotic Components
Plankton ...
Invertebrates
Fishes
2.3.4
Birds, Reptiles, and Mammals
2.3.5
Mangroves . . . . . . . . . . .
2.4
Trophic Structure . . . . . . .
2.5
Human Impact and Fisheries
2.6
Management
References . . . . . . .
3
3.1
3.2
3.2.1
The Maracaibo System, Venezuela
G. Rodriguez
Introduction
Environmental Factors
Tides and Circulation
3.2.2
Physico-chemical Characteristics
3.2.3
Nutrients . . . . . . . .
3.3
Biological Components
3.3.1
Benthic Communities
3.3.2
Plankton Communities
3.3.3
Vertebrates . . . . . .
3.4
Production Processes .
3.5
Environmental Issues
3.6
Management Considerations
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
4.1
4.2
The Orinoco River Delta, Venezuela
J.E. Conde
Introduction
Environmental Setting
Contents
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33
33
36
36
36
37
38
38
39
40
43
44
47
47
47
49
50
51
51
51
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54
55
56
58
59
61
61
61