Studies on structure and dynamics of macrobenthos in the western Baltic carried out by the joint research programme "Interaction sea-sea bottom" (SFB 95-Kiel)
Arntz, W.E. (1976). Studies on structure and dynamics of macrobenthos in the western Baltic carried out by the joint research programme "Interaction sea-sea bottom" (SFB 95-Kiel), in: Persoone, G. et al. (Ed.) Proceedings of the 10th European Symposium on Marine Biology, Ostend, Belgium, Sept. 17-23, 1975: 2. Population dynamics of marine organisms in relation with nutrient cycling in shallow waters. pp. 17-42 In: Persoone, G.; Jaspers, E. (Ed.) (1976). Proceedings of the 10th European Symposium on Marine Biology, Ostend, Belgium, Sept. 17-23, 1975: 2. Population dynamics of marine organisms in relation with nutrient cycling in shallow waters. European Marine Biology Symposia, 10(2). IZWO/Universa Press: Wetteren. ISBN 90-6281-002-0. 712 pp., more In: European Marine Biology Symposia., more |
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| Abstract | Kiel Bay was one of the first regions in the world where macrozoobenthos studies were started; in spite of this, there exists less knowledge than in other marine areas because for a long time there has been a concentration on meio- and microbenthos research. A single semi-quantitative macrobenthos investigation (Hagmeier, 1930) now provides the only basis for comparison with present conditions; a comparison which, with regard to the rapid decline of the fauna in the central Baltic, is urgently required. In 1971, an interdisciplinary team formed in Kiel which also includes members of the most important neighbouring disciplines of benthology: hydrography, planktology and sedimentology. So far, the rnacrobenthos group has concentrated on three main aspects: 1. Structure and ecology of rnacrobenthos in different depth zones, considering changes from north to south (influx area of Kattegat water to area of temporary stagnation); 2. Biomass and production of macrobenthos and grazing by the demersal fish populations; 3. Population dynamics of important fish food. Final aim of the investigations, using traditional equipment (Van Veen grab, bottom trawl) as well as modern methods (scuba diving, partly in a restricted research area), is a quantitative model of the trophic relations in the food web of the semi-enclosed ecosystem of Kiel Bay. The paper gives a review of our present state of knowledge and points out the problems which will have to be overcome within the next few years. |
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