The Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Foraminiferans in Marine Benthic Sediments of the Clyde Sea Area, Scotland

Abstract

The numbers of benthic foraminiferans at four sites in the Clyde Sea area showed no consistent temporal variation throughout 1993. In the finest surface sediments, numbers ranged between 200 and 400 cells cm −3, compared to only 25–50 cells cm −3in the coarsest sediments. On two occasions, high populations of cells less than 63 μm were found in the surface layers. These were thought to represent recruitment peaks since these ‘ juvenile ’ cells grew rapidly when maintained in the laboratory. A total of 56 taxa were identified from the region, the greatest diversity being recorded in the finest sediments. Rose Bengal stained foraminiferans (i.e. presumed living) were found below the anoxic–oxic boundary. The fate of these cells was considered by examining their ability to migrate through fine sediments, and their capacity to survive (based on evidence of pseudopodial activity) periods of anoxia. This study has highlighted the numerical importance of foraminiferans, particularly in fine surface coastal sediments, but questions whether the high populations of ‘ stained ’ cells found in deeper sediments play a significant ecological role.