Publication Date:
2022-05-30
Description:
The establishment of an initial association of marine benthos was investigated during a colonization experiment at the "Nordsee" research platform at 25 m depth, from April to December 1985 and 1986. Settlement and the early stages of succession were studied by taking monthly series of soft-bottom samples. Parallel to the experiment, recruitment in the natural habitat was studied at a reference station close to the platform. Number of species, density, diversity and evenness of the initial experimental association showed 3 different phases, similar to those described by RUMOHR (1980) as "pre-opportunistic, opportunistic and post-opportunistic" phases. These stages appear regularly during early succession, but, are subject to strong seasonal and annual variability. Heavy spatfalls of several species occurred in both years of the investigation; e.g. Tellina tabula, Echinocardium cordatum, juvenile ophiuroids of the genus Ophiura (mainly in 1985) and Scoloplos armiger, Mediomastus aff. fragilis and Abra sp. (1986). Total density attained maximum values of approx. 30,000 ind. per 0.1 m2. In the natural environment the colonization process was similar, but as in Kiel Bay, the densities were much lower than on the experimental substrates. The successional pattern and role of opportunists during early succession is discussed.
Type:
Article
,
NonPeerReviewed
Format:
text
