THE METAZOAN MEIOBENTHOS ALONG THE CONTINENTAL-SLOPE OF THE GOBAN SPUR (NE ATLANTIC)

The metazoan meiobenthos along the continental slope of the Goban Spur (NE Atlantic) was studied in the framework of the OMEX-programme (EC- MAST II). Meiobenthic densities, the vertical distribution of the meio benthos in the sediment, and the biomass and generic composition of th e dominant group, the nematodes, were investigated at different water depths. The meiobenthic communities along the depth gradient of the co ntinental slope followed the usual trends: the communities were domina ted by nematodes, and meiobenthic densities, total nematode biomass, a nd mean individual nematode weight decreased with increasing water dep th. The shelf station had significantly higher densities, rematode bio mass and mean individual weight than the deeper stations. The nematode communities along the OMEX slope were divided into a 'shelf break' co mmunity (206 m) and a 'down slope' community (1034-2760 m), with the s tation at 670 m depth as a transition station. It is suggested that th e changes in the nematode community composition along the slope of the Goban Spur are related to the amount of oxygen (and the presence/abse nce of an oxic mineralisation pathway) in the sediment. The meiobentho s tended to be more concentrated towards the sediment surface with inc reasing water depth.