Benthic macrofauna and depth of bioturbation in Eckernforde Bay, southwestern Baltic Sea

The goal of this study was to relate the distribution and abundance of functional groups of benthic macrofauna to the depth of bioturbation in Eckernforde Bay, Germany. Particle bioturbation was limited to the top 0.5-1.0 cm throughout Eckernforde Bay and is consistent with sedimentological and radiochemical studies. Our results indicate that vertical particle displacement between ingestion and defecation controls the depth of bioturbation and is directly related to the functional group. The benthic community is maintained at a low level of complexity due to a regular disturbance, most likely seasonal hypoxia/anoxia.