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Substratum heterogeneity of dredged vs un-dredged maerl grounds

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 March 2003

N.A. Kamenos
Affiliation:
University Marine Biological Station Millport, Isle of Cumbrae, Scotland, KA28 0EG, UK
P.G. Moore
Affiliation:
University Marine Biological Station Millport, Isle of Cumbrae, Scotland, KA28 0EG, UK
J.M. Hall-Spencer
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK

Abstract

Maerl grounds are comparable to sea grass beds in terms of their high biodiversity, and are characterized by abundant juveniles of species such as the queen scallop, Aequipecten opercularis. Maerl grounds impacted by towed demersal fishing gears are structurally less heterogeneous than pristine, un-impacted maerl grounds, diminishing the biodiversity potential of these habitats.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2003 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

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