The polychaete Capitella capitata (Fabricius) has become well known amongst marine biologists as an indicator of polluted conditions, especially those due to organic enrichment. Reish (1959) mapped zones in a polluted harbour and correlated the presence of C. capitata with the polluted region. Bellan (1967) and Cognetti (1972) drew similar conclusions and Henriksson (1969) describes the species as a bacterial pollution indicator. Pearson (1975) records its presence in areas enriched by pulp mill effluents and Rosenberg (1972, 1973) notes its importance in the pioneer community developing after the closure of a pulp mill.