Contrasts in benthic community structure off the north Yorkshire coast
1983
Atkins, S M
Two macro-infaunal communities have been monitored for 2.5 years. Sandsend (depth 11 m) community dynamics are characterised by annual cycles of recruitment and mortality, but the declines unexpectedly do not correlate with periods of storms and may be controlled by density dependent effects. A survey strategy must contain frequent sampling to monitor the large, rapid changes. Maw Wyke (depth 45 m) fauna is diverse, but is structured overall by the polychaete Melinna cristata which occurs in dense aggregations. The density of infauna is positively correlated with the number of Melinna . Analysis of Melinna population structures suggests that the aggregations have long term stability, but spatial fluctuations pose difficulties for an ecosystem survey.
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