Calcimass and carbonate production by molluscs on the tidal flats in the Dutch Wadden Sea: I. The tellinid bivalve Macoma balthica

摘要: Abstract Production of shell-lime by the Macoma balthica population living on tidal flats Dutch Wadden Sea was assessed from estimates abundance, age composition and growth rates during 11 years (1969 to 1980) at 15 sampling places Balgzand, a 50 km 2 flat area. Moreover, whole 1300 surveyed once partly twice in period. Calcimass shells standing stock amounted an average 24 g·m −2 Balgzand 16 for all flats. Mean annual turnover rate 0.5 0.6 −1 . values elimination production carbonate about 13 9 ·a Sea. During first 6 period observation, when relatively high proportions animals were old, surpassed calcimass gradually declined. second half situation reversed returned nearly its initial level. Over entire thus balanced, though separate these could differ factor 2. Annual variability arose significant year-to-year differences recruitment, death rates, population. Total is estimated 000 tons.