The abundance and distribution of free-living nematodes from two Canadian Pacific beaches

Abstract

Free-living marine nematodes at two littoral sites near Vancouver, Canada were studied over a 1-year period. Sixty-four species were found at a Belcarra Park site, with a maximum nematode density of 6·7 × 10 5 m −2 and 24 species at Iona Island, with a maximum density of 1·6 × 10 5 m −2. At both sites most of the nematodes occurred in the upper 2 cm of the 6 cm depth of sediment examined, and the vertical distribution of most species remained constant during the year. The distribution of the nematodes in relation to some physical parameters is discussed. The occurrence of certain species suggests that they have a worldwide distribution.