Changes in benthic macrofauna associated with intertidal oyster, Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg) culture

Changes in community structure of an intertidal, macrobenthic community in the vicinity of a Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg) cultivation site were studie d. Samples were taken underneath trestles, in access lanes and at a control site. No evidence of organic enrichment was found, linked to the highly di ssipative nature of the study site, the latter as evidenced by the granulom etric composition of the substrate and the species encountered. Compared to the community at a control site, the macrofauna in the access lanes has un dergone species displacements and changes in numerical abundance of surfici al living forms and shallow, fragile burrowers. This is postulated to be li nked to physical disturbance by heavy vehicle traffic.