Abstract
Composition and distribution of megabenthic communities around Svalbard were investigated in June/July 1991 with 20 Agassiz trawl and 5 bottom trawl hauls in depths between 100 and 2100 m. About 370 species, ranging from sponges to fish, were identified in the catches. Species numbers per station ranged from 21 to 86. Brittle stars, such as Ophiacantha bidentata, Ophiura sarsi and Ophiocten sericeum, were most important in terms of constancy and relative abundance in the catches. Other prominent faunal elements were eunephthyid alcyonarians, bivalves, shrimps, sea stars and fish (Gadidae, Zoarcidae, Cottidae). Multivariate analyses of the species and environmental data sets showed that the spatial distribution of the megabenthos was characterized by a pronounced depth zonation: abyssal, bathyal, off-shore shelf and fjordic communities were discriminated. However, a gradient in sediment properties, especially the organic carbon content, seemed to superimpose on the bathymetric pattern. Both main factors are interpreted as proxies of the average food availability, which is, hence, suggested to have the strongest influence in structuring megabenthic communities off Svalbard.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 28 April 1995/Accepted: 18 November 1995
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Piepenburg, D., Chernova, N., von Dorrien, C. et al. Megabenthic commmunities in the waters around Svalbard. Polar Biol 16, 431–446 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/s003000050074
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s003000050074