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The composition of the fish and crustacean community of the Zeeschelde estuary (Belgium)
Maes, J.; Taillieu, A.; Van Damme, P.A.; Ollevier, F.P. (1997). The composition of the fish and crustacean community of the Zeeschelde estuary (Belgium). Belg. J. Zool. 127(1): 47-55
In: Belgian Journal of Zoology. Koninklijke Belgische Vereniging voor Dierkunde = Société royale zoologique de Belgique: Gent. ISSN 0777-6276; e-ISSN 2295-0451
Peer reviewed article  
Available in  Authors 
    Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee: Open Marine Archive 140740 [ download pdf ]
Keywords
    Marine/Coastal; Brackish water
Authors  Top 
  • Maes, J.
  • Taillieu, A.
  • Van Damme, P.A.
  • Ollevier, F.P.
Abstract
    Fykes were used to monitor the fish and crustacean fauna of the mudflats of the Zeeschelde between April 1995 and December 1996. Overall 38 species were recorded; the number of species was greater in the brackish water part than in the fresh water part probably due to reduced oxygen concentrations in the upper reaches of the river. In terms of wet weight, just 6 species accounted for more than 96% of the total annual catch. These species are shore crab, eel, flounder, common shrimp, sole and bass. Clear seasonal patterns in the community structure were not identified. It is argued that the selectivity of the fishing gear is mainly responsible for the dominance of a few species and the lack of a temporal structure.
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