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Effects of 30 years of sand extraction on the structural characteristics of the macrofauna communities of the Kwintebank (Belgian Continental Shelf)
Moulaert, I.; Hostens, K.; Hillewaert, H. (2005). Effects of 30 years of sand extraction on the structural characteristics of the macrofauna communities of the Kwintebank (Belgian Continental Shelf), in: Mees, J. et al. VLIZ Young Scientists' Day, Brugge, Belgium 25 February 2005: book of abstracts. VLIZ Special Publication, 20: pp. 48
In: Mees, J.; Seys, J. (Ed.) (2005). VLIZ Young Scientists' Day, Brugge, Belgium 25 February 2005: book of abstracts. VLIZ Special Publication, 20. Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee (VLIZ): Oostende. X, 129 pp., more
In: VLIZ Special Publication. Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee (VLIZ): Oostende. ISSN 1377-0950, more
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Document type: Summary
Keywords
    Aquatic communities > Benthos
    Composition > Community composition
    Environmental factors > Anthropogenic factors
    Sedimentary structures > Bed forms > Banks (topography) > Sand banks
    ANE, Belgium, Flemish Banks, Kwinte Bank [Marine Regions]
    Marine/Coastal
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Abstract
    The impact of sand extraction depends on numerous abiotic and biotic factors - including the macrofauna community type present - and might be site specific.The data gathered by the Sea Fisheries Department during the past 10 years (1996-2004) at different sampling stations in sand extraction zone II give an idea of the global and neighbourhood stability of the macrobenthic community of the Kwintebank during that period. No major changes in species richness, abundance or macrobenthic community structure could be detected during the last decennium. It is assumed that the macrobenthic community of the Kwintebank is currently in a stage of relative stability.Comparison with historical data however indicates that species composition has changed since the early stages of extraction activities. It also revealed a small change in sediment characteristics. Samples from both datasets are characteristic for sandbank systems in which the dominant ecotypes are mobile and quickly burrowing organisms such as the genera Hesionura, Scoloplos and Nephtys. These species are able to withstand the physical disturbance of the sediment caused by strong tidal currents or sand extraction activities.
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