German Bight, North Sea
Main Contributors:
Johanna Yletyinen
Other Contributors:
Summary
Seasonal hypoxia in German Bight causes mass mortality of benthos (annual recolonization). An exceptionally low dissolved oxygen content and consequent benthos mortality occurred in bottom waters in 1983. A rapid recovery began in 1984 and by 1986, biomass of the fauna and species diversity had returned to values similar to those observed before the hypoxic event. Area affected was ca 15 000 km2. (See also: North Sea hypoxia case study).
Type of regime shift
Ecosystem type
- Marine & coastal
Land uses
- Fisheries
Spatial scale of the case study
- Sub-continental/regional (e.g. southern Africa, Amazon basin)
Continent or Ocean
- Europe
Region
- North Sea
Countries
- Germany
Locate with Google Map
Key References
-
Niermann U, Bauerfeind E, Hickel W, Westernhagen HV. 1990. The recovery of benthos following the impact of low oxygen content in the German Bight. Netherlands Journal of Sea Research 25, 215-226.
Citation
Johanna Yletyinen.
German Bight, North Sea.
In: Regime Shifts Database, www.regimeshifts.org.
Last revised 2011-12-19 15:28:09 GMT.
