Density Of Meiobenthos Research Articles

<span>First researches of the underwater ecosystem communities of an underground channel built in 1950s (Balaklava bay, Sevastopol)</span>

The results of the first studies of the ecosystem state of the underwater part of the channel, artificially created in the middle of the 20th century on the western shore of the Balaklava Bay (Sevastopol) as a naval base of the Black Sea Fleet for the submarines repair, are presented. Channel's ecosystem is determined by uniqueness of anthropogenic formation and considered as analogue of natural Black Sea cave. Hydrospelological survey of the channel and biological studies allowed assessing its current state, the nature of biofouling of its walls and anthropogenic and technical pollution of the bottom. Macrofauna of the channel wall biofouling is represented by the Mytilaster lineatus community, which has a high level of species abundance (about 80 species have been registered) and quantitative development. Both in taxonomic diversity and in quantitative terms, this community is comparable to the rocky substrate community near open Crimean coasts, but with a smaller share of crustacean group development. Due to weakened hydrodynamics, well developed fauna of bryozoans forming plurannual crusty structures and single sponges is observed on the channel's walls. In contrast to the channel walls biofouling, its bottom macrofauna has relatively lower quantitative and qualitative composition. Meiobenthos in the channel’s wall biofouling is represented by 18 higher taxa (type, class, order) of Protozoa and Metazoa with predominance of harpacticoids by abundance. Meiobenthos of the soft bottom of underground channel is represented by 15 higher taxa with predominance of free-living nematodes and harpacticoids by abundance. Average density of meiobenthos in the channel’s bottom sediments is comparable with similar parameters of its development in open water areas and Sevastopol bays.

Impacts of cultivation of red algae Kappaphycus alvarezii on planktonic and benthic faunal density in relation to environmental and hydrobiological parameters in tropical coastal ecosystem

The experimental cultivation of Kappaphycus alvarezii was done to investigate its daily growth rates and biomass yields, and their impacts on planktonic and benthos population densities were evaluated by floating raft culture method. Biomass yields and daily growth rates of K. alvarezii were observed. The phytoplankton and zooplankton densities varied from 25,250 to 319,033 cells/m3 and 12,060 to 207,893 individuals/m3, respectively. Similarly, macrobenthos and meiobenthos densities varied from 11,105 to117061 nos/m2 and 14,740 to 727,000 nos/m2, respectively. The maximum values of plankton and benthos were recorded in the control site compared with the culture sites. Pearson correlation suggests that growth rate of K. alvarezii is negatively correlated with zooplankton density (r = −0.9); macrobenthos (r = −0.9) and meiobenthos density (r = −0.8) at P < 0.01 level. The crop yield negatively correlated with macrobenthos density (r = −0.7) at P < 0.01 level and with meiobenthos density (r = −0.6) at P < 0.05 level for the two culture sites. One- way ANOVA revealed the differences in the growth rates and crop yields. Among the two culture sites, culture site 1 showed significant variation (P < 0.01), whereas culture site 2 showed statistically insignificant (P > 0.01). The conclusion suggests that water nutrient declined at both culture sites than control site. So, the plankton and benthic fauna were declined in the culture sites.

Distribution and Variability of the Meiobenthic Assemblages near the Korean Polymetallic Nodule Claim Area of the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (Subequatorial NE Pacific)

This study was carried out as part of a baseline long-term environmental project in the proposed mining areas for an environmental impact assessment of future mining in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCFZ). The community structure and distributional pattern of meiobenthos were investigated in the deep-sea bottom of the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone of the northeastern Pacific in July 1998, 1999, 2001, 2003 and August 2004, 2005. Twenty one meiobenthic groups were found at the stations in the study area. The most abundant meiobenthos comprised nematodes followed by benthic foraminiferans and harpacticoid copepods. The maximum density of meiobenthos was 306 ind/10 cm2 at the station located at 11°N (water depth, 4833 m), and the minimum density was 6 ind/10 cm2 at the station located at 14°N (water depth, 5037 m). Oligotrophic conditions in the CCFZ seem to directly reflect the lower standing stocks of meiobenthos in the CCFZ compared to other deep-sea plains of similar depth. The latitudinal distribution pattern of meiobenthos in the study area seemed to be related with surface water primary productivity, which was connected to the water circulation pattern of the Pacific Ocean near the Equator, diverging at 8oN latitude and converging at 5°N. The horizontal distribution of meiobenthic organisms in the study area showed high densities at the stations within 135–136°W. The densities of meiobenthic organismas within the CCFZ were high at stations with few manganese nodules on the sediment surface at low-latitude sites. In 1998, the observed relative high values of meiobenthic abundance were at stations from 5° to 6°N. Other stations from 7° to 10°N showed no significant fluctuations during the interannual sampling periods. It is considered that the inter-annual fluctuation of meiobenthos abundance is intimately related with a regime shift that may have occurred in the north Pacific between 1998 and 1999, the El Nino period. Vertical distribution of meiobenthic organisms showed the highest individual numbers in the surface sediment layers of 0∼2 cm depth and a steep decreasing trend as sediment becomes deeper at the stations of high latitude located in 16∼17°N. Size distribution analyses showed that organisms that fit into the sieve mesh size of 0.063 mm were abundant.

The Community Structure and Grazing Rates of Meiobenthos in Chunsu Bay, West Coast of Korea

Min, W.-G.; Kwon, K.-G.; Rho, H.S., and Kim, D., 2018. The Community Structure and Grazing Rates of Meiobenthos in Chunsu Bay, West Coast of Korea. In: Shim, J.-S.; Chun, I., and Lim, H.S. (eds.), Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2018 (Busan, Republic of Korea). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 85, pp. 401–405. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.The community structure and grazing rates of meiobenthos was studied in Chunsu bay on west coast of Korea. To examine feeding habit of major meiofaunal groups, grazing rate of nematodes and harpacticoid copepods was measured using the isotope-tracer (3H thymidine, 14C amino acid) method at 3 stations in subtidal area and 1 station in intertidal area of Chunsu bay. Time-serial measurement of grazing rate was made to elucidate the effects of day/night and tidal cycle on diel feeding rhythm of the animals. The number of culturable bacteria fluctuated from 1.73±0.25×105 to 18.23±1.17×105 CFU/cm3 during the study period, and was highest in October. The Concentration of Chl.a in the sediment at the study site was 18.0~168.2 mg/m2 in April and 36.6~111.0 mg/m2 in October. The most abundant meiobenthos was nematodes and followed by sarcomastigophorans, harpacticoid copepods. Density of meiobenthos were 5~1632 inds./10cm2 during the study period. The grazing rates of nematode varied 0.5~57.2%/h on bacteria and 0.4~53.3%/h on microalgae at the station in tidal flat. The grazing rates of harpacticoid copepods were 0.2~14.2%/h on bacteria and 0.3~12.2%/h on benthic microalgae at the station in tidal flat. In the subtidal area, the grazing rates of nematode were 33.4~82.5%/h on bacteria and 10.3~71.5%/h on microalgae and harpacticoid copepods were 0.2~14.2%/h on bacteria and 0.3~12.2%/h on benthic microalgae.

Bottom–up and top–down mechanisms indirectly mediate interactions between benthic biotic ecosystem components

The loss or decline in population size of key species can instigate a cascade of effects that have implications for interacting species, therewith impacting biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. We examined how top–down and bottom–up interactions may mediate knock-on effects of a coastal deposit-feeding clam, Macomona liliana (hereafter Macomona), on sandflat meiobenthos densities. Therefore we manipulated densities of Macomona in combination with predator exclusion and experimental shading that was expected to alter microphytobenthos biomass. We show that Macomona regulated densities of meiobenthic (38–500μm) nematodes, copepods, polychaetes, turbellarians, and ostracodes during the three months of incubation via indirect mechanisms. Predator pressure on Macomona by eagle rays (Myliobatis tenuicaudatus) was found to have a negative effect on densities of some meiobenthic taxa. Furthermore, experimental shading resulted in the loss of a positive relation between Macomona and microphytobenthos biomass, while concurrently increasing the density of some meiobenthic taxa. We suggest that this observation can be explained by the release from bioturbation interference effects of the cockle Austrovenus stutchburyi that was found to thrive in the presence of Macomona under non-shaded conditions. Our results highlight the importance of interactions between macrofaunal bioturbation, microphyte biomass, sediment stability, and predation pressure for the structuring of benthic communities. This experiment illustrates that manipulative field experiments may be particularly suitable to study such multiple indirect mechanisms that regulate ecosystem diversity and related functioning because such approaches may best capture the complex feedbacks and processes that determine ecosystem dynamics.

Biodiversity of meiobenthic invertebrates in Lake Bardawil, Egypt

Species composition, distribution of meiobenthic invertebrates in Baradwil Wetland were studied during 2006-2007. Seasonal samples were collected from 12 stations representing different habitats of the wetland. The results revealed that Thirteen species and 2 types of larval stages were identified in the lake (4 Foraminifera, 3 Copepoda, 2 Ostracoda, 2 Nematoda, one Tardigrada and one Mollusca). Ostracoda dominated the other groups forming 42.8 % of total meiobenthos. The population density of meiobenthos was obviously higher in eastern part of the lake, with a major peak of about 3780 Org/10 cm 2 at station I, while the lowest crop of an average 942 Org/10cm 2 was found at station II. Regarding seasonal variation, there was a gradual increase in meiobenthos standing crop from minimum of 1103 Org/10cm 2 in summer until reaching a maximum of an average 3048 Org/10cm 2 in winter with an overall average of 1820 Org/10cm 2 . Fish community changes during the last two decades, which consequently changed the whole ecosystem of the lake, encourages us to recommend establishing a monitoring program to follow up changes in the lake ecosystem, especially the benthic fauna that will be of great help in the management of such important water body

Benthic meiofaunal density and community composition in the deep White Sea and their temporal variations

In spite of the fact that shallow-water meio- benthos of the White Sea is a relatively well studied, the information on meiobenthic fauna from the deepest part of this sea is still very scanty. This study represents the first major study of the meiobenthos from the deep White Sea. The composition of the meiobenthic community, density and vertical distribution was studied during four sampling occasions in the deepest part of the Kandalaksha Depres- sion (White Sea) in July 1998, October 1998, May 1999 and November 1999. Samples were collected from a depth of 270 m with the aid of a multicorer. The total density of meiobenthos in 1998 was twice than in 1999 (on average, 2,356 and 1,464 ind./10 cm 2 , respectively). The most abundant meiobenthic group was Foraminifera (59 %), followed by Nematoda (26 %) and Harpacticoida (7 %). These relative and absolute abundance values are compa- rable with the same depth interval in Arctic and temperate regions. The density of foraminiferans and nematodes was higher in the autumn and lower in the summer. This may be explained by the mass propagation of these animals in the autumn season: the density of juvenile nematodes and small-sized foraminiferans increased significantly in the 1- to 4-cm-deep sediment layers in autumn. The size range of the meiobenthos in the deepest part of the White Sea was also comparable to deep-sea meiobenthos (the 63-125 and 125-250 lm size classes were most dominant).

Meiobenthos in estuary part of ha long bay (gulf of tonkin, south china sea, vietnam)

The distribution of the taxonomical composition and the density of meiobenthos depending on some factors of environment has been studied in bottom sediments of the northern estuary part of Ha Long Bay (Cua Luc estuary). The basic factor of influence on meiobenthic community structure was the granulometric composition of sediment. The greatest taxonomic diversity is noted in the silted sands, lowest — in the silty sediments. The density of meiobenthic community was higher in the silty sediments. Slightly expressed correlation between the density of nematodes and the percentage of silty particles in the sediments is detected (Spearman rank correlation coefficient was 0.49±0.21, p=0.035). The nematodes were dominant at all stations. In total, representatives of 66 species of nematodes belonging to 17 families and 52 genera were identified.

Quantitative distribution of the meiobenthos in the Large Aral Sea in 2003 and 2004

Living meiobenthos samples were collected in the Large Aral Sea in 2003 and 2004 from water depths ranging from 0 to 39 m. The near-bottom water salinity at the sampling sites varied from 88 to 109‰. Meiobenthos, which occurred at all stations, consisted of nematodes, harpacticoides, ostracods and turbellarians. Unicellular organisms (foraminifera) were also present. The density of meiobenthos showed a significant spatial variation. Nematodes predominated in most samples. The maximal abundance of free-living nematodes (1440 specimens/10 cm 2) was recorded in 2003 at a depth of 10 m, at a site with 88.9‰ salinity and a water temperature of 13.6 °C. The maximal abundance of nematodes in 2004 was 750 specimens/10 cm 2 at about the same depth and salinity, but with a considerably higher water temperature (24.5 °C). The highest value for the harpacticoid copepods density was 116 specimens/10 cm 2 at 1 m depth. The high spatial meiobenthos variation is to a considerable extent related to the sediment characteristics at the sampling stations.

Foraminifera and Nematoda community within the area of Ahnfeltia tobuchiensis field in Stark Strait (Peter the Great Bay of the Sea of Japan)

In August of 2006 in Stark Strait (in the Peter the Great Bay) Foraminifera and Nematoda communities were investigated at two stations: in bottom under a red alga Ahnfeltia tobuchiensis bed and on a site located outside of the bed. Bottom sediments at the stations are represented by sands of various silting extent. Foraminifera dominated at both stations, the second place by abundance was occupied by Nematoda. Extremely high population density of meiobenthos, 14278.9 ± 4623.1 thousand sp./m2, was observed under the Ahnfeltia bed. The foraminifera percentage was 98.1%, which was probably connected with the mass development of diatom algae on Ahnfeltia. A high degree of domination of one Foraminifera species was recorded—Cribroelphidium frigidum. Nematoda constituted 1.5% with the prevalence of Comesomatidae family representatives. At the station situated outside of Ahnfeltia field mean population density of meiobenthos was an order lower—1731.8 ± 621.3 thousand sp./m2. Foraminifera constituted 63.8% of the total meiobenthos density with Eggerella advena as the dominating species. Among Nematoda (12.5%) Paracanthonchus macrodon, Axonolaimus seticaudatus and Monoposthia latiannulata were dominant. Foraminifera and Nematoda community under Ahnfeltia bed, where bottom sediments are more silted, had low indices of species diversity and a high degree of domination.

Community Structure of Free-living Marine Nematodes in the Area of Agar-Producing Alga Ahnfeltia To b u c h i e n s i s Field (Starka Strait, Peter the Great Bay, East Sea)

The structure of the nematodes communities has been studied in the sediments on two sites located outside and under the layer ofAhnfeltia tobuchiensis (Kanno and Matsubara 1932; Makijenko 1970). Bottom sediments at the stations were represented by sands with a different degree of silting. Specific structure of nematodes at the stations was significantly different under the similar environmental conditions (water depth, dissolved oxygen saturation, salinity, temperature of the bottom layer and organic carbon content inside of the sediment). Nematodes dominated (75.7 %) in meiobenthos community under the layer of A.tobuchiensis where concentration of silt particles was 12 %. Representatives of the family Comesomatidae were dominant. Low index of species diversity and high Simpson domination index were detected in this community. Under a layer ofA. tobuchiensis with the thickness of 30 cm concentration of the silt particles was 5.39 %; nematodes density was low and made 32.1 % of the general density of meiobenthos. Species of the families Xyalidae and Monoposthiidae were dominant. Outside of A.tobuchiensis, field percentage of silt particles was minimal (3.1 %) and representatives of families Cyatholaimidae and Axonolaimidae dominated. The specific structure of nematodes in this type of the ground is characterized by high index of species diversity and low level of domination.

Spatial and temporal variations in deep-sea meiofauna assemblages in the Marginal Ice Zone of the Arctic Ocean

In order to understand the response of the deep-sea meiobenthos to a highly varying, ice-edge-related input of phytodetritus, we investigated the abundance and composition of the meiobenthos at the arctic long-term deep-sea station HAUSGARTEN (79°N, 4°E) along a bathymetric transect (1200–5500 m water depth) over 5 consecutive years (from 2000 to 2004) in relation to changes in environmental conditions. Results showed high sediment-bound pigment concentrations (chlorophyll a and degradation products) ranging from 4.5 to 41.6 μg/cm 3, and coinciding high meiobenthic densities ranging from 149±3 to 3409±525 ind/10 cm 2. Nematodes dominated the metazoan meiofaunal communities at every depth and time (85–99% of total meiofauna abundance), followed by harpacticoid copepods (0–4.6% of total meiofauna abundance). The expected pattern of gradually decreasing meiobenthic densities with increasing water depth was not confirmed. Instead, the bathymetric transect could be subdivided into a shallow area with equally high nematode and copepod densities from 1000 to 2000 m water depth (means: 2259±157 Nematoda/10 cm 2, and 50±4 Copepoda/10 cm 2), and a deeper area from 3000 to 5500 m water depth with similar low nematode and copepod densities (means: 595±52 Nematoda/10 cm 2, and 11±2 Copepoda/10 cm 2). Depth-related investigations on the meiobenthos at the HAUSGARTEN site showed a significant correlation between meiobenthos densities, microbial exo-enzymatic activity (esterase turnover) and phytodetrital food availability (chlorophyll a and phaeophytines). In time-series investigations, our data showed inter-annual variations in meiofauna abundance. However, no consistent relationship between nematode and copepod densities, and measures for organic matter input were found.

Meiobenthos in Nha trang bay of the south China sea (Vietnam)

The distribution of the taxonomical composition and the density of meiobenthos depending on the sediment type has been studied in bottom sediments of Nha Trang Bay. The maximal population density and the taxonomical diversity were observed in the silted coarse and heterogeneous sand (1031.4μ419.7 ind. 10 cm-2), whereas the minimal level of density and diversity (588.1μ152.5 ind. 10 cm-2) was in the coarse and heterogeneous sand with shell debris and corals. The correlation between the median diameter of sediment particles and population density of meiobenthos has been revealed (r=0.82, p<0.05). In bottom sediments of Nha Trang Bay, twenty six taxonomic groups of meiobenthos were observed. Nematodes dominated in all sediment types. Representatives of four orders, twenty eight families and ninety seven genera of marine nematodes were identified. The vertical distribution of meiobenthos in different sediment types was considered. A sediment column (10 cm height) was sectioned by five 2 cm portions. In the last layer (8-10 cm) the most number of meiobenthic groups was found in sandy sediments. In the lower layers of silt sediments, only nematodes were found.

퇴적촉진 구조물 설치에 따른 중형저서동물 군집구조 및 변동

We investigated the spring and summer community structure of meiobenthos in a tidal-falt near Iwon, Korea, in 2002 and 2003. In total, 12 meiofaunal groups were found in the study area among which nematodes were the most dominant. Benthic foraminiferans, harpacticoid copepods, polychaetes, and crustacean nauplli were also dominant groups at all sites. The total density of meiobenthos at each station was be 246-2,177 ind./<TEX>$10cm^2$</TEX>. As the depth of sediment increased, the density of meiobenthos at each station gradually decreased. Changes in the vertical distribution of meiobenthos in the study area occurred mainly near the sediment surface (0-1 cm). Generally, between spring and summer the density of nematodes increased, and the density of other dominant meiofaunal groups (benthic harpacticoids, crustacean nauplii, benthic foraminiferans) decreased near the sediment trap the control site of sediment traps compared to that at the control site. The results of cluster and multidimensional scaling plots indicate that the meiofaunal community changed following construction of a low artificial wood groin structure.

북극해 스발바드 군도 Kongsfjorden 퇴적물에 서식하는 중형저서동물 군집의 공간 특성

The community structure of meiobenthos was studied in the sediment of Kongfjorden, Spitsbergen of Svalbard Island in the Arctic Sea. Samples of meiobenthos were collected in August, 2003. Meiobenthic organisms were collected by SCUBA and van veen grab or acryl sub-corers 34mm in internal diameter, and were taken from upper sediment to a depth of 3cm at each station. A total of 26 meiofaunal groups were found in the sediment of Spitsbergen in Svalbard Island. Nematodes were the most dominant faunal group. Sarcomastigophorans, benthic harpacticoids, and nauplius larvae of crustaceans, were also important components of the meiobenthic community of Kongsfjorden. All of these low faunal groups were comprised of more than 90% of total meiobenthos at every station. The total density of meiobenthos at each station was highest at station MeG 6 <TEX>$(3,583{\pm}1,137inds./10cm^2)$</TEX>, and lowest at station <TEX>$MeG9(28{\pm}1inds./10cm^2)$</TEX>. Meiobenthos in general showed the highest density in the upper 1cm layer. This may be associated with food and oxygen supply to subsurface. Harpacticoids showed extreme preference at the surface and little presence in layers deeper than 2cm. These animals may be less resistant to oxygen deficiency, and nauplius also showed the same trend. However, in St. MeG 8 and 9, meiobenthos were dense at depths of more than 0-1cm, at especially at depths of 2-3m because of relatively easy penetration of oxygen. Based on the results of cluster analysis, three meiobenthos assemblages were distinguished: one was in the outer and two were in the inner fjord. Station SCU 5 was grouped with the meiobenthos assemblage located in the outer fjord. The outer ford community was characterised by : 1) a relatively low mean number of meiobenthos taxa, 2) a relatively high density of harpacticods and nauplius. One of the inner ford communities (a group of four nation: MeG 2, 3, 8, 9) was in the proximity of the glaciers. Specifically, it was characterised by : 1) a low mean number of meiobenthos taxa, 2) a low density. The other inner ford community was characterised by both a high density and great mean number of meiofaunal taxa.

Composition and distribution of meiobenthos in amursky bay (peter the great bay, the east sea)

Qualitative and quantitative composition of meiobenthos was studied in Amursky Bay (Peter the Great Bay, the East Sea). Ten taxonomic groups were found, where nematodes were dominant. Density of meiobenthos in ground sediments of the Bay were not uniform, and the average density was measured at 126.4±62.3 ind. m-2. 56 species of nematodes were detected, and dominant species wereSabatieria palmaris, Paracanthonchus macrodon, Sphaerolaimus limosus, S. gracilis andOncholaimium ramosum. Five taxocenes of nematodes were allocated based on the results of cluster analysis and species domination according to density. Low diversity in species composition of nematodes was noted in the northwestern part of the Bay, which is a zone of desalination, and in the eastern part, which is exposed to household drains.

북동 태평양 심해저에 서식하는 중형저서동물 군집의 위도별 분포 특성

This study was conducted to investigate the community structure and distributional pattern of meiobenthos in the deep-sea bottom of the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone of the northeastern Pacific during July 2003. The samples were collected using the multiple corer at 13 stations along the transects from 5 o N to 17 o N. The most abundant meiobenthos was nematodes and followed by sarcomastigophorans; these two taxa comprised more than 70% of the total abundance at all stations. For size distribution analyses showed that animals which fit into the sieve mesh size of 0.063 mm were abundant. The maximum density of meiobenthos was 147 inds./10 cm 2 at station located in 7 o N, and the minimum density was 6 inds./ 10 cm 2 at station located in 14 o N. More than 60% of meiobenthos were distributed at surface sediment layer within 1.0 cm, and the peak abundance was found at 0~0.25 cm layer. The latitudinal distribution pattern of meiobenthos in the study area seemed to be related w ith the primary productivity of the surface water that is also connected to the water circulation pattern of the Pacific Ocean near the Equator, diverging at latitude of 8 o N and conversing at 5 o N.

독도 주변 해역에 서식하는 중형저서생물

Meiobenthic community structure near Dokdo was investigated during two survey periods of June, 1999 and October 2000. Meiobenthos were separated from the sediment core samples collected from eight stations. A total of 19 meiobenthic animal groups were identified from those core samples. The most abundant meiobenthic animals belonged to Phylum Nematoda in both seasons and all stations. Sarcomastigophorans, nauplius of crustaceans, and benthic harpactiocoids were the next abundant meiobenthos. Vertical distribution of meiobenthic animals showed the highest individual numbers in the surface sediment layers of 0-1cm depth with a steep decreasing trend with depth for the three sampling stations (A0, A9', A19) located in the continental slope. Horizontal distribution of meiobenthic animals for the study area near Dokdo showed lower density at the sampling stations near Dokdo and the lowest density of meiobenthos in A19 (depth-2261 m). For size distribution, analysis showed that animals which fit onto the mesh size of 0.125mm were abundant. This study suggested that the continental shelf near Dokdo have a more unstable environment fo meiobenthos than the continental slope.

Meiofaunal distributions on the Peru margin:: relationship to oxygen and organic matter availability

A quantitative study of metazoan meiofauna was carried out on bathyal sediments (305, 562, 830 and 1210 m) along a transect within and beneath the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) in the southeastern Pacific off Callao, Peru (12°S). Meiobenthos densities ranged from 1517 (upper slope, middle of OMZ) to 440–548 ind. 10 cm −2 (lower slope stations, beneath the OMZ). Nematodes were the numerically dominant meiofaunal taxon at every station, followed by copepods and nauplii. Increasing bottom-water oxygen concentration and decreasing organic matter availability downslope were correlated with observed changes in meiofaunal abundance. The 300-m site, located in the middle of the OMZ, differed significantly in meiofaunal abundance, dominance, and in vertical distribution pattern from the deeper sites. At 305 m, nematodes amounted to over 99% of total meiofauna; about 70% of nematodes were found in the 2–5 cm interval. At the deeper sites, about 50% were restricted to the top 1 cm. The importance of copepods and nauplii increased consistently with depth, reaching ∼12% of the total meiofauna at the deepest site. The observation of high nematode abundances at oxygen concentrations <0.02 ml l −1 supports the hypothesis that densities are enhanced by an indirect positive effect of low oxygen involving (a) reduction of predators and competitors and (b) preservation of organic matter leading to high food availability and quality. Food input and quality, represented here by chloroplastic pigment equivalents (CPE) and sedimentary labile organic compounds (protein, carbohydrates and lipids), were strongly, positively correlated with nematode abundance. By way of contrast, oxygen exhibited a strong negative correlation, overriding food availability, with abundance of other meiofauna such as copepods and nauplii. These taxa were absent at the 300-m site. The high correlation of labile organic matter (C-LOM, sum of carbon contents in lipids, proteins and carbohydrates) with CPE (Pearson's r=0.99, p<0.01) suggests that most of the sedimentary organic material sampled was of phytodetrital origin. The fraction of sediment organic carbon potentially available to benthic heterotrophs, measured as C-LOM/Total organic carbon, was on average 17% at all stations. Thus, a residual, refractory fraction, constitutes the major portion of organic matter at the studied bathyal sites.

Abundance and size distribution of sublittoral meiobenthos along estuarine salinity gradients

Abundance and size distribution of the sublittoral meiobenthos in the upper 3 cm of the sediment were surveyed in the eutrophic, estuarine lagoons, Lakes Nakaumi and Shinji, Japan. Samples were taken in late spring from 10 stations located along salinity gradients. The density of meiobenthos was at a minimum in the intermediate salinity zone. Nematodes in L. Shinji were significantly larger in size than in L. Nakaumi, due to the size reduction of marine species in the latter. The biomass of co-existing bivalves, which would contribute more food supply to the meiobenthic fauna, did not affect the abundance and size of meiobenthos. It was suggested that the salinity gradient was the most influential factor on the abundance and size structure of meiobenthos in estuarine lagoons where salinity is fairly constant.