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The benthos of the deeper sediments of the Firth of Clyde, with particular reference to organic enrichment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 December 2011

T. H. Pearson ,
A. D. Ansell  and
L. Robb
T. H. Pearson
Affiliation:
Scottish Marine Biological Association, Dunstaffnage Marine Research Laboratory, P.O. Box No. 3, Oban, Argyll PA34 4AD, Scotland
A. D. Ansell
Affiliation:
Scottish Marine Biological Association, Dunstaffnage Marine Research Laboratory, P.O. Box No. 3, Oban, Argyll PA34 4AD, Scotland
L. Robb
Affiliation:
Scottish Marine Biological Association, Dunstaffnage Marine Research Laboratory, P.O. Box No. 3, Oban, Argyll PA34 4AD, Scotland
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Synopis

A general survey of the biomass of the benthic infauna of the Clyde Sea Area and the distribution and abundance of the dominant species throughout the area, based on data from surveys undertaken in 1972 and 1974, is described. Recent surveys of the distribution of species along a well-defined gradient of organic enrichment on the Garroch Head sewage sludge disposal grounds in the central Firth of Clyde are used comparatively to suggest that benthic populations in the inner sea lochs, Kilbrannan Sound and in areas along the Ayrshire coast are markedly enriched. It is suggested that this enrichment may be caused by a general eutrophication of the Clyde Sea Area enhancing the effects of localised carbon inputs from urban areas.

Type
Research Article
Information
Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Section B: Biological Sciences , Volume 90: The Environment of the Estuary and Firth of Clyde , 1986 , pp. 329 - 350
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Society of Edinburgh 1986

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