Collected reprints: Abstract 3185
Collected reprints
Abstract
Maertens, D. (1989). Ecological monitoring of the new dumping area on the Belgian continental shelf. Int. Council Explor. Sea, ICES, Marine Environmental Quality Committee 1989/E34: 1-27
Since 1985 a new area for the dumping of industrial waste has replaced all previous dumping grounds on the Belgian continental shelf. Epibenthic and demersal fish species were sparsely distributed in the area and occurred in low numbers. No important commercial fisheries or spawning and nursery grounds were located.
Results of an ecological monitoring programme emphasize the relationship between benthic and demersal communities and the sediment. The overall abundance of epibenthic species never exceeded 3000 individuals per 105 mē. Pagurus bernhardus, Ophiura albida and Spisula solida were common but not dominant. The total abundance of demersal fish never exceeded 2000 individuals per 105 mē. Trachinus vipera, Callionymus lyra, Limanda limanda and Pomatoschistus spp. displayed sometimes seasonal dominance. A comparison with previous investigations is discussed.
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