SHRIMPS AND EUTROPHICATION IN THE WATERBODIES OF A COASTAL GRAZING MARSH

The influence of shrimps on turbidity was examined in laboratory and f ield experiments. Palaemonetes varians in the laboratory stimulated po pulations of both rotifers and Anabaena, which was the main cause of i ncreased turbidity. In field experiments, P. varians increased and Neo mysis integer decreased turbidity. In feeding trials P. varians took c ladocerans and culicids in preference to copepods. It is considered th at shrimps are likely to be important predators of cladocerans in shal low, coastal waterbodies and result in phytoplankton blooms, with redu ced water transparency.