Long-term changes in the macrobenthic invertebrate fauna of the Wadden Sea: are polychaetes about to take over ?
Reise, K. (1982). Long-term changes in the macrobenthic invertebrate fauna of the Wadden Sea: are polychaetes about to take over ? Neth. J. Sea Res. 16: 29-36
In: Netherlands Journal of Sea Research. Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ): Groningen; Den Burg. ISSN 0077-7579; e-ISSN 1873-1406, meer
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| Abstract |
Records from 1869 to 1981 on macrobenthic invertebrates of intertidal and subtidal soft-bottom habitats east of northern Sylt have been analyzed with respect to long-term phenomena. Out of the 101 common species studied, 28 have decreased, chiefly because oyster beds, Sabellaria reefs and a subtidal seagrass bed disappeared. Almost all losses occurred in the subtidal region. Increases are recorded for 30 species with a disproportionately high share of polychaetes (18). The total amount of long-term change involves 59% of all common species. A net loss of species occurred subtidally while tidal flats showed a net gain. Probably half of all changes are ultimately caused by human interference. A high proportion of polychaetes, which proportion increases over the years, is adapted to disturbed habitats. |
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