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than sprigs while the cordgrass-mussel plugs, termed bioconstructs , are the 



most tolerant to erosion by waves. The cordgrass-mussel community biocon- 

 structs survived exceptionally well during the 13-month observations at 

 Alameda Creek, a high-energy site. Once established, they are highly resistant 

 to waves, will survive transplanting, and can be established in an area with 

 up to a 7-kilometer fetch without wave-stilling devices. 



The biomass of the aerial parts of 23 natural California cordgrass marshes 

 averaged 1,062 grams per square meter. This value is similar to those pre- 

 viously reported for smooth cordgrass [Spartina alterniflora) on the Atlantic 

 coast . 



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