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Dynamics of Spatial and Temporal Complexity in European and North American Soft-Bottom Mussel Beds

  • Chapter
Ecological Comparisons of Sedimentary Shores

Part of the book series: Ecological Studies ((ECOLSTUD,volume 151))

Abstract

Mussel beds are conspicuous features of temperate and boreal coastlines. Beds of the edible or blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, can extend for kilometers along the shore. Soft-bottom beds have density, biomass, and respiratory flow values among the highest of any community known (Nixon et al. 1971; Seed 1976; Asmus 1987). In Europe, both rocky shore and soft-bottom mussel beds have been well studied for many years because of their ecological importance and economic value as a wild and cultured fishery. In North America it is probably fair to say that rocky shore mussel beds have received the lion’s share of attention because of the role they have historically played as a model system, one that is especially amenable to experimental manipulations in the field. Investigations such as those by Paine (1966) and Dayton (1971) along the Pacific shore, generally involving Mytilus californianus, have become classics in the field of ecology and were among the first to demonstrate the power of field experiments. This focus on rocky shore mussels by North American ecologists has resulted in less knowledge about soft-bottom Mytilus edulis beds on western Atlantic shores than along the coastlines of European countries.

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  1. J. A. Commito
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  1. Alfred-Wegener-Institut für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Wattenmeerstation Sylt, 25992, List, Germany

    Karsten Reise

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Commito, J.A., Dankers, N.M.J.A. (2001). Dynamics of Spatial and Temporal Complexity in European and North American Soft-Bottom Mussel Beds. In: Reise, K. (eds) Ecological Comparisons of Sedimentary Shores. Ecological Studies, vol 151. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-56557-1_3

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