Publication Abstract

Development of macrofaunal communities on dredged material used for mudflat enhancement: a comparison of three beneficial use schemes after one year

Development of macrofaunal communities on dredged material used for mudflat enhancement: a comparison of three beneficial use schemes after one year

S. Bolam and P. Whomersley

In recent years, dredged material has become regarded as a potential resource and used to create and/or improve intertidal habitats (‘beneficial use’ schemes). This paper presents the results of a sampling programme to investigate the short-term macrofaunal recovery of 3 beneficial use schemes in south-east England in terms of species and functional diversity. Environmental parameters (sediment redox potential, and water, organic carbon and silt/clay contents) and univariate community attributes (total individuals and species, diversity, evenness and biomass) at the recharge sites had attained reference levels at 2 schemes while assemblages differed significantly in terms of species composition at all 3 schemes. The recovery of trophic groups varied between schemes. Total individuals and species number of the developing communities were negatively correlated with 4 cm redox potential and % silt/clay respectively. The implications of these results for monitoring the recovery of future fine-grained beneficial use schemes are discussed.

Reference:

S. Bolam and P. Whomersley (2005). Development of macrofaunal communities on dredged material used for mudflat enhancement: a comparison of three beneficial use schemes after one year. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 50(1): 40-47.

S. Bolam* and P. Whomersley*

Marine Pollution Bulletin, 50(1): 40-47