Record Search Query:[Freetext='DIF/IDN_Node: AMD/NZ']
Characterisation and sampling of the macrobenthic community structure of coastal sublittoral soft bottom habitats in Antarctica Entry ID:
K163_1989_1990_NZ_1
Abstract:
Coastal soft-bottom communities contain diverse assemblages of animals. Biological interactions and physical disturbances are thought to be important in determining community structure on the small scale and oceanographic characteristics probably account for much of the variation in soft bottom community structure between the east and west sides of McMurdo Sound. The aim of this study was to describe the macro benthic communities in relation to mechanisms generating patchiness in the spatial arrangement of macrofauna. The macro benthic community structure of coastal sub littoral soft bottom habitats was characterised with samples collected to assess the abundance and diversity of macrofauna from soft sediment habitats at four sites in New Harbour, 2 sites in Salmon Bay and one site at McMurdo Station. Core samples of the sediments of the sea floor were collected by diving. The large organisms living in the sediments were extracted by sieving the sediments on a 0.5mm mesh. As many core samples as possible were collected from as many different sites. Core samples were collected either haphazardly from the seafloor, near but not directly under the dive hole, or were targeted on specific areas where local conditions were likely to modify community structure. Areas sampled included patched of different sediment grain size and organic content, surface sediment disturbance generated by large animals living on the sea floor and the presence of sponge mats. Animals collected in these samples will be identified and differences between the east and west sides of McMurdo Sound. The contribution of local processes to variability in density of common animals and changes in community structure will also be assessed.
Samples of macrobenthos were split between the Water Quality Centre, Hamilton and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, San Diego. Samples will be identified and enumerated at both institutions. For more information please contact Dr Simon Thrush at NIWA.
Name:
SHULAMIT
GORDON Phone:
+64 3 358 0200
Fax:
+64 3 358 0211
Email:
s.gordon at antarcticanz.govt.nz
Contact Address:
Antarctica New Zealand
Private Bag 4745 City:
Christchurch
Country:
New Zealand
Personnel
SIMON
THRUSH Role:
INVESTIGATOR
Phone:
+64 7 856 1705
Fax:
+64 7 856 0151
Email:
s.thrush at niwa.co.nz
Contact Address:
National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd
PO BOX 11115 City:
Hamilton
Postal Code:
3216
Country:
New Zealand
CEISHA
POIROT Role:
DIF AUTHOR
Phone:
+64 3 358 0200
Fax:
+64 3 358 0211
Email:
c.poirot at antarcticanz.govt.nz
Contact Address:
Antarctica New Zealand
Private Bag 4745 City:
Christchurch
Country:
New Zealand
SHULAMIT
GORDON Role:
DIF AUTHOR
Phone:
+64 3 358 0200
Fax:
+64 3 358 0211
Email:
s.gordon at antarcticanz.govt.nz
Contact Address:
Antarctica New Zealand
Private Bag 4745 City:
Christchurch
Country:
New Zealand
Creation and Review Dates
DIF Creation Date:
2009-06-19
Last DIF Revision Date:
2009-06-19
