Zur Bedeutung dominanter epibenthischer Wattenmeerarten für den Nährsalzhaushalt in der Sylt-Rømø Bucht

Release of inorganic nutrients via excretion was quantified for epibenthic macrofauna species dominant in the Sylt-Rømø Bight, a part of the northern Wadden Sea (North Sea). Already published synoptic data for epifaunal abundances were evaluated with respect to ammonia excretion to determine, whether nutrient generation rates of dominant species contributes significantly to nutrient exchange rates of the whole bight. Fishes, shrimps and especially mud snails were identified as a major source for ammonium. Especially on community level the species investigated contribute significantly to the nutrient cycling. Therefore, H. ulvae is one of the most important components for the recycling of organic material in the sea grass community.