Weigelt, Michael (1991) Short- and long-term changes in the benthic community of deeper parts of Kiel Bay (Western Baltic) due to oxygen depletion and eutrophication. Meeresforschung-Reports on Marine Research, 33 (2-3). pp. 197-224.

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Abstract

The increasing frequency, severity and spatial extent of oxygen depletion events in Kiel Bay caused drastic effects on the benthic community below the halocline. Based on published and unpublished data collected between 1953 and 1981 as well as on new investigations from 1981 to 1986, losses of total benthic biomass are estimated, and survivors and succession patterns during recovery are presented. The oxygen depletion in summer 1981 caused the most severe catastrophe ever observed in Kiel Bay and a disruption in the benthos history of that region.

Strong fluctuations of benthic biomass were caused by oxygen depletion. A long-term change of total biomass was not observed. However, long-term changes in community composition are documented. Generally a change from K- to r-strategists, and from bigger to smaller individual size takes place. This may be mainly caused by an increase in organic input to the sediment due to eutrophication. Changes in hydrography or predation by demersal fish appear to be less important.

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