Abstract

In many coastal and estuarine waters1,2, sensitive bottom-dwelling animals are threatened by depletion of the oxygen concentration in the near-bottom layer3–5, as a result of eutrophic conditions inshore. Persistent or occasional periods of low oxygen can reduce the number of benthic species, as has been reported for Chesapeake Bay6. Although it has been hypothesized6,7 that low oxygen concentration in the near-bottom layer extirpates those plankton species that have a bottom phase in their life cycles (meroplankton), there has been no direct evidence for this. We present here a comprehensive set of data which clearly demonstrates a strong correlation between oxygen depletion near the bottom and the disappearance of meroplanktonic hydromedusan species from the fauna of the northern Adriatic Sea. We believe that we have identified indicator species of oxygen deficiencies in marine ecosystems.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.