What Happens After Mussels Die? Biogenic Legacy Effects on Community Structure and Ecosystem Processes

Student Authors

Brittany R. Jones '12, Gettysburg College

Mitchell A. Jones '12, Gettysburg College

Sondra E. Winders '14, Gettysburg College

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-25-2018

Department 1

Environmental Studies

Abstract

Once-thriving mussel beds are disappearing from the Gulf of Maine, leaving behind massive amounts of long-lasting empty and broken shells. We found significantly different sediment, species assemblages, and water flow dynamics in patches of this shell material compared to live mussels and bare sediment. Mussel bed collapse alters the ecology of the seafloor.

DOI

10.1016/j.jembe.2018.05.004

Required Publisher's Statement

The original version of this article is available from the publisher at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002209811730463X

This item is not available in The Cupola.

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