The demersal fish and macro-invertebrate assemblages of the Westerschelde and Oosterschelde estuaries: overview and final conclusions

An overview on the nursery function of the Westerschelde and the Oosterschelde estuaries for demersal fish and macro-invertebrates is presented; based on all data sets presented in this thesis. The present thesis provides a baseline, and suggests that both the Westerschelde and Oosterschelde estuaries play a significant role as nursery areas for several demersal fish and macro-invertebrate species. The forcing factors for recruitment and the seasonal appearance of (post) larval fish and macro-crustaceans are explained. Biodiversity is related to habitat use and habitat availability. The faunas... Mehr ...