Effects of oyster farming on macrofaunal assemblages associated with Lanice conchilega tubeworm populations: A trophic analysis using natural stable isotopes

摘要: Abstract The macrobenthic assemblages associated with aggregations of Lanice conchilega polychaetes under and near oyster culture tables were investigated regard to the food web. Samples collected from a reference site without influence beneath tables. While no changes in species diversity observed, we showed profound effect shellfish structures both on composition assemblages, trophic structure Predators predominated sediments tables, number individuals biomass, other suspension-feeders excluded. Oysters are seen here as key exerting top–down control water quality resources. Stable isotopic analysis allowed calculation position for organisms provided an in-depth understanding interspecific relationships, especially among polychaetes. We two distinct pathways, one dominated by Nephtys hombergii sediments, Lumbrineris tetraura Microphytobenthos detritus macroalgae seemed contribute most suspension-feeders' diets, but observed high δ15N values surface sub-surface deposit-feeders, which indicated they utilized sedimentary organic matter after bacterial processing subsequent fractionation.