Macrobenthic Communities of the Lower Chesapeake Bay.

摘要: Abstract : In this study the distribution, abundance, and species composition of subtidal macrobenthic invertebrates lower Chesapeake Bay, infauna was sampled four times per year (seasonally) at 12 sites in 1982 1983. From a cluster analysis infaunal collection sites, five major site groups were defined. The organized by into that generally spatially contiguous. This clustering reflected gradients decreasing average grain size, water depth salinity ocurred moving up estuary. Total community density indices diversity within ranges previously reported for comparable sediment types ranges. above parameters lowest one near mouth bay group defined two Elizabeth River. Qualitative samples commercially important benthic (blue crabs, hard shell clams an oysters) confirmed distributional patterns well known to local fishermen. Multivaritate models developed each group. sensitivity type model tested using simulated impacted data sets.