The distribution and population structure of the bivalve Arctica islandica L. in the North Sea: what possible factors are involved?
Witbaard, R.; Bergman, M.J.N. (2003). The distribution and population structure of the bivalve Arctica islandica L. in the North Sea: what possible factors are involved? J. Sea Res. 50(1): 11-25. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s1385-1101(03)00039-x
In: Journal of Sea Research. Elsevier/Netherlands Institute for Sea Research: Amsterdam; Den Burg. ISSN 1385-1101; e-ISSN 1873-1414, more
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| Keywords |
Abundance
Distribution
Environmental effects
Man-induced effects
Population characteristics > Population structure
Population functions > Recruitment
Arctica islandica (Linnaeus, 1767) [WoRMS]
ANE, North Sea [Marine Regions]; ANE, North Sea, Fladen Ground [Marine Regions]; ANE, North Sea, Oyster Ground [Marine Regions]
Marine/Coastal |
| Author keywords |
Arctica islandica; North Sea; population structure; recruitment;fisheries impact |
| Authors | | Top |
- Witbaard, R., more
- Bergman, M.J.N.
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| Abstract |
The present paper summarises observations on the distribution, abundance and population structure of the bivalve in the North Sea between 1970 and 2000, and demonstrates that Arctica has a widespread distribution in the North Sea north of 53°30'N. Along its southern and eastern borders the distribution seems to be limited to depths beyond 30 m. A comparison between distribution patterns of Arctica in 1972-1994 and in 1996-2000 suggests slight changes along its southernmost border in the Oyster Ground. In the south-eastern North Sea, the average density of Arctica (>10 mm) was 7 individuals per 100 m² and the population was dominated by full-grown specimens exceeding 50 mm shell height. The highest abundance of spat, juveniles and adults was found in the deeper central section of the Oyster Ground that is stratified during summer. There, the mean density was 21 individuals (>10 mm) per 100 m². These densities were much lower than in the northern North Sea (Fladen Ground), where abundance was one to two orders of magnitude higher and peaked at 28 600 individuals per 100 m². In the Fladen Ground, the population structure was bimodally shaped and dominated by juveniles. In the Oyster Ground, the skewed size class distribution suggests that the recruitment to larger size classes is hampered. An insufficiently dense stock of reproducing adults generating less dense spatfalls, possibly in combination with limited survival of spat and juveniles, prevents successful recruitment. Although natural processes may contribute to the skewed population structure, intensive bottom trawling is thought to have a major effect as well. It is therefore questionable whether under present-day conditions the population of Arctica in the SE North Sea can be considered sustainable in the long term. |
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