Bivalve suspension-feeding dynamics and benthic-pelagic coupling in an eutrophicated marine bay
Loo, L.-O.; Rosenberg, R. (1989). Bivalve suspension-feeding dynamics and benthic-pelagic coupling in an eutrophicated marine bay. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 130(3): 253-276
In: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. Elsevier: New York. ISSN 0022-0981; e-ISSN 1879-1697, more
The open exposed Laholm Bay in the Kattegat is eutrophicated through riverine input, mainly of N. The benthic macrofauna down to 10 m depth (60 km2) is dominated by the suspension-feeding bivalves Cardium edule and Mya arenaria. To estimate the seasonal and annual consumption of seston by the suspension-feeders in Laholm Bay, we carried out three sets of observations. (1) The abundance and biomass of the macrofauna in this depth interval were assessed along eight transects. (2) The secondary production of the two bivalves was estimated over a 10-month period in two sampling squares. (3) The filtration rate of C. edule was determined in natural seawater in laboratory experiments during different seasons. In this study, the bivalves filtered only approximately half of their potential feeding capacity, perhaps because food availability was low due to low turnover close to the bottom or due to physical disturbance. The majority of the phytoplankton is exported from the bay. Bivalve abundance, biomass, production and growth rate were moderate and generally lower than in adjacent areas to the north. An energy-flow diagram for the bivalves is presented including estimates of bivalve N excretion and biodeposition.
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