Baltic Sea benthos in the 1990s: a comparison of the distribution of oxygen deficiency and macrozoobenthos communities
Semi-perm anent oxygen deficiency characterizes large areas of the Central Baltic Sea. In this study, changes in the depth and area of hypoxia and anoxia and consequent variability in macrozoobenthos are described for the 1990s. The early 1990s are characterized by the end of a long stagnation period with relatively restricted but severe anoxia in the very deep areas. The inflow events in 1993-1994 caused a temporary improvement but led quickly to stronger stratification and consequent expansion of the area suffering oxygen depletion. Consequently, the state of the macrotauna communities had deteriorated by the end of the 1990s compared with the beginning of the decade. Different communities (abundance, species composition) were found between areas with different oxygen states, indicating the ecological im portance of oxygen conditions in the deep Baltic.
Article from Marine Science Symposia Vol. 219 - "Hydrobiological variability in the ICES Area, 1990-1999", symposium held in Edinburgh, 8-10 August 2001. To access the remaining articles please click on the keyword "MSS Vol. 219".
