BENTHIC MACROFAUNA AND DEPTH OF BIOTURBATION IN ECKERNFORDE BAY, SOUTHWESTERN BALTIC SEA

The goal of this study was to relate the distribution and abundance of functional groups of benthic macrofauna to the depth of bioturbation in Eckernforde Bay, Germany. Particle bioturbation was limited to the top 0.5-1.0 cm throughout Eckernforde Bay and is consistent with sedim entological and radiochemical studies. Our results indicate that verti cal particle displacement between ingestion and defecation controls th e depth of bioturbation and is directly related to the functional grou p. The benthic community is maintained at a low level of complexity du e to a regular disturbance, most likely seasonal hypoxia/anoxia.