title: Differences in biological traits composition of benthic assemblages between unimpacted habitats.
abstract: There is an implicit requirement under contemporary policy drivers to understand the characteristics of benthic communities under anthropogenically-unimpacted scenarios. We used a trait-based approach on a large dataset from across the European shelf to determine how functional characteristics of unimpacted benthic assemblages vary between different sedimentary habitats. Assemblages in deep, muddy environments unaffected by anthropogenic disturbance show increased proportions of downward conveyors and surface deposit-feeders, while burrowing, diffusive mixing, scavenging and predation traits assume greater numerical proportions in shallower habitats. Deep, coarser sediments are numerically more dominated by sessile, upward conveyors and suspension feeders. In contrast, unimpacted assemblages of coarse sediments in shallower regions are proportionally dominated by the diffusive mixers, burrowers, scavengers and predators. Finally, assemblages of gravelly sediments exhibit a relatively greater numerical dominance of non-bioturbators and asexual reproducers. These findings may be used to form the basis of ranking habitats along a functional sensitivity gradient.
authors.affiliation: The Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, NR33 0HT, UK. Electronic address: Stefan.bolam@cefas.co.uk.
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Bolam
authors.affiliation: The Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, NR33 0HT, UK.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Garcia
authors.affiliation: The Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, NR33 0HT, UK.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Eggleton
authors.affiliation: The Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, NR33 0HT, UK.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Kenny
authors.affiliation: Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Bergen, Norway.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Buhl-Mortensen
authors.affiliation: Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Bergen, Norway.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gonzalez-Mirelis
authors.affiliation: Institute for Marine Resources and Ecosystem Studies (IMARES), P.O. Box 68, 1970 AB IJmuiden, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: van Kooten
authors.affiliation: National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Charlottenlund Castle, Charlottenlund 2920, Denmark.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dinesen
authors.affiliation: National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Charlottenlund Castle, Charlottenlund 2920, Denmark.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.affiliation: School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5AB, UK.
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Hiddink
authors.affiliation: School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5AB, UK.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sciberras
authors.affiliation: Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Attiki Greece (HCMR), Greece.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Attiki Greece (HCMR), Greece.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Papadopoulou
authors.affiliation: Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gumus
authors.affiliation: Institute of Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Ankerstraat 1, 8400 Oostende, Belgium.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Van Hoey
authors.affiliation: National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Charlottenlund Castle, Charlottenlund 2920, Denmark.
authors.forename: O R
authors.initials: OR
authors.lastname: Eigaard
authors.affiliation: National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Charlottenlund Castle, Charlottenlund 2920, Denmark.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bastardie
authors.affiliation: Institute for Marine Resources and Ecosystem Studies (IMARES), P.O. Box 68, 1970 AB IJmuiden, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Rijnsdorp
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D059001:Aquatic Organisms / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D007448:Invertebrates / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Biological traits; European shelf; Infauna; Unimpacted assemblages