Role of benthic filter feeders in the pelago-benthic coupling: assimilation, biodeposition and particle flux

M. TATIÁN, G. MERCURI, V.L. FUENTES, J.C. ANTACLI, A. STELLFELDT & R. SAHADE:

Berichte zur Polar und Meeresforschung. Reports on Polar and Marine Research.

Helmholtz Gemeinschaft

Lugar: Bremerhaven, Alemania; Año: 2008 vol. 571 p. 118 - 127

1618-3193

Filter feeding animals can play a significant control on phytoplankton biomass, coupling the pelagic and benthic systems. The uptake of phytoplankton and particulate organic matter from the water column, followed by biodeposition by filter feeding animals is known to be one of the major trophic pathways in marine ecosystems. In phytoplankton-impoverished coastal waters, as Potter Cove, the role of benthic suspension feeders is important, since their fecal depositions can nourish the benthic fauna. The focus of this study was to measure assimilation efficiencies of natural and provided seston (powdered macroalgae) by a series of experiments performed with one bivalve and two ascidian species. The aim was to reveal insights into the possible response of filter feeders to a food source other than phytoplankton. The mass-specific deposition rate was measured, as well as the C:N composition of deposits (feces) should make it possible to determine the contribution of suspension feeders to the particle flux near muddy bottoms in Potter Cove. The focus of this study was to measure assimilation efficiencies of natural and provided seston (powdered macroalgae) by a series of experiments performed with one bivalve and two ascidian species. The aim was to reveal insights into the possible response of filter feeders to a food source other than phytoplankton. The mass-specific deposition rate was measured, as well as the C:N composition of deposits (feces) should make it possible to determine the contribution of suspension feeders to the particle flux near muddy bottoms in Potter Cove. The focus of this study was to measure assimilation efficiencies of natural and provided seston (powdered macroalgae) by a series of experiments performed with one bivalve and two ascidian species. The aim was to reveal insights into the possible response of filter feeders to a food source other than phytoplankton. The mass-specific deposition rate was measured, as well as the C:N composition of deposits (feces) should make it possible to determine the contribution of suspension feeders to the particle flux near muddy bottoms in Potter Cove.