2lJ2
13 Summary
co very was slower for cold-sensitive macrobenthic species, especially suspension feeders (blue mussels, cockles and Lanice conchilega) and predators such
as Carcinus maolUS. Compared to preceding years the settlement of benthic organisms occurred later in the year, starting in June/July, and molluscs had
strong spatfalls.
• Statistical research and applied statistics contributed to the description of patterns and processes, the analysis of relations as well as distinctions between
states of a system. A variety of exploratory statistical techniques were applied
and a non-parametric multivariate test procedure was developed.
• Grid-based models were applied to analyse spatio-temporal distributions of
benthic organisms in respect of patch-formation and succession following disturbance events. An outlook is given on the future use of this modelling approach in intertidal soft-bottom systems. It is concluded that the mosaic-cycle
theory is not applicable for the Wadden Sea in its original, full meaning.
• Stability properties and mechanisms are analysed for a variety of abiotic and
biotic ingredients in the Wadden Sea. Most ingredients exhibited high variability at small spatial and temporal scales, constancy and resilience (in the case of
disturbances) at intermediate scales and persistence seems possible under natural conditions over a longer term. Among the important stability mechanisms of
the organisms are high mobility, functional diversity, plasticity as well as flexibility, and high potential population growth rates. The stability mechanisms of
the biotic ingredients can only unfold in a natural, tide-driven abiotic framework.
In the Wadden Sea National Parks, all natural processes should continue to exist.
Based on the results in ELA W A T on recolonization by benthic organisms, it is
recommended to secure undisturbed source populations, unrestricted dispersal and
mobility of the organisms as well as diversity of habitats to accomodate all life
stages. The protection of entire tidal basins could ensure the capacity for resilience
in the Wadden Sea ecosystem.
13 Summary
co very was slower for cold-sensitive macrobenthic species, especially suspension feeders (blue mussels, cockles and Lanice conchilega) and predators such
as Carcinus maolUS. Compared to preceding years the settlement of benthic organisms occurred later in the year, starting in June/July, and molluscs had
strong spatfalls.
• Statistical research and applied statistics contributed to the description of patterns and processes, the analysis of relations as well as distinctions between
states of a system. A variety of exploratory statistical techniques were applied
and a non-parametric multivariate test procedure was developed.
• Grid-based models were applied to analyse spatio-temporal distributions of
benthic organisms in respect of patch-formation and succession following disturbance events. An outlook is given on the future use of this modelling approach in intertidal soft-bottom systems. It is concluded that the mosaic-cycle
theory is not applicable for the Wadden Sea in its original, full meaning.
• Stability properties and mechanisms are analysed for a variety of abiotic and
biotic ingredients in the Wadden Sea. Most ingredients exhibited high variability at small spatial and temporal scales, constancy and resilience (in the case of
disturbances) at intermediate scales and persistence seems possible under natural conditions over a longer term. Among the important stability mechanisms of
the organisms are high mobility, functional diversity, plasticity as well as flexibility, and high potential population growth rates. The stability mechanisms of
the biotic ingredients can only unfold in a natural, tide-driven abiotic framework.
In the Wadden Sea National Parks, all natural processes should continue to exist.
Based on the results in ELA W A T on recolonization by benthic organisms, it is
recommended to secure undisturbed source populations, unrestricted dispersal and
mobility of the organisms as well as diversity of habitats to accomodate all life
stages. The protection of entire tidal basins could ensure the capacity for resilience
in the Wadden Sea ecosystem.