Importance of exposure and habitat structure for the population density of 0-group plaice, Pleuronectes platessa L., in coastal nursery areas
Pihl, L.; van der Veer, H.W. (1992). Importance of exposure and habitat structure for the population density of 0-group plaice, Pleuronectes platessa L., in coastal nursery areas. Neth. J. Sea Res. 29(1-3): 145-152
In: Netherlands Journal of Sea Research. Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ): Groningen; Den Burg. ISSN 0077-7579; e-ISSN 1873-1406, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- Pihl, L.
- van der Veer, H.W.
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| Abstract |
Density of 0-group plaice (Pleuronectes platessa L.) during peak abundance in spring (June) was recorded in 22 coastal nursery areas on the Swedish west coast. Relationships between plaice density and some local environmental factors as exposure, habitat structure, food availability and predation pressure in the nursery areas were studied, and the importance of these factors was evaluated. Exposure affects habitat structure (sediment and vegetation) which might influence settling behaviour and survival of juvenile plaice. Highest plaice densities were observed in semi-exposed bays. Shortly after settling of plaice larvae, predation by crustaceans will be a key factor controlling population density of juvenile plaice, as high predation densities went together with low plaice densities. Food availability in the nursery areas was not found to be related to plaice density. |
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