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
Recommended Citation
Commito, John A., Brittany R. Jones, Mitchell A. Jones, Sondra E. Winders, and Serena Como. "What happens after mussels die? Biogenic legacy effects on community structure and ecosystem processes." Journal Of Experimental Marine Biology And Ecology 506 (2018): 30-41.
Required Publisher's Statement
The original version of this article is available from the publisher at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002209811730463X