Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Abundance and growth of the sea urchinEchinocardium cordatum in the central North Sea in the late 80s and 90s

  • Published:
Senckenbergiana maritima Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Abundance and growth ofEchinocardium cordatum at 28 stations on the Dogger Bank were analysed in May 1996–1998 and compared to data from 1985–1988 in order (i) to investigate the large-scale spatial variability of abundance and size ofE. cordatum in the late 80s and 90s, (ii) to relate abundance and growth ofE. cordatum to the quantity and quality of its food and (iii) to compare differences in results from the 80s and the 90s in relation to food supply and environmental changes due to hydroclimate change.

In addition, phytopigment contents in the guts of sea urchins were analysed in May 1999 and compared to those in the surrounding sediments along a transect from the German Bight towards the Dogger Bank to detect differences in food supply.

Differences in growth and size of the sea urchins were found to be positively correlated with total organic carbon (TOC) contents in the sediment fine fraction (<63 µm), but negatively correlated with the sediment fine fraction as well as with TOC content and C/N ratio of the total sediments. Abundances of adultE. cordatum were positively correlated with the fine fraction and sediment bulk parameters. Phytopigment analyses showed no significant differences of chlorophylla contents in the guts between the different sites, but differences in quality of the ingested material were detected. That indicates that abundance ofE. cordatum was related to food quantity, whereas growth was dependent on food quality.

With regard to the long-term comparison, the decrease in abundance ofE. cordatum in the eastern shallow part of the Dogger Bank corresponded to the increased hydrodynamics which resulted in reduced food supply for surface deposit feeders such asE. cordatum.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Beukema, J. J. (1985): Growth and dynamics in populations ofEchinocardium cordatum living in the North Sea off the Dutch north coast. — Neth. J. Sea Res.,19 (2): 129–134.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bo Pedersen, F. (1994): The oceanographie and biological tidal cycle succession in shallow sea fronts in the North Sea and the English Channel. — Est. Coast. Shelf Sci.,38: 249–269.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boon, A. R. &Duineveld, G. C. A. (1996): Phytopigments and fatty acids as molecular markers for the quality of near-bottom particulate organic matter in the North Sea. — J. Sea Res.,35 (4): 279–291.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Boon, A. R. &Duineveld, G. C. A. &Berghuis, E. M. &Weele, J. A. van der (1998): Relationships between benthic activity and annual phytopigment cycle in near-bottom water and sediments in the southern North Sea. — Est. Coast. Shelf Sci.,46: 1–13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brockmann, U. &Wegner, G. (1985): Hydrography, nutrient and chlorophyll distribution in the North Sea in February 1984. — Arch. Fisch, wiss.,36: 27–45.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brockmann, U. &Laane, R. W. P. M. &Postma, H. (1990): Cycling of nutrient elements in the North Sea. — Neth. J. Sea Res.,26: 239–264.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Buchanan, J. B. (1966): The biology ofEchinocardium cordatum (Echinodermata: Spatangoidea) from different habitats. — J. Mar. biol. Ass. U.K.,46: 97–114.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dauwe, B. &Herman, P. M. J. &Heip, C. H. R. (1998): Community structure and bioturbation potential of macrofauna at four North Sea stations with contrasting food supply. — Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.,173: 67–83.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Duineveld, G. C. A. &Jenness, M. I. (1984): Differences in growth rates of the sea urchinEchinocardium cordatum as estimated by the parameter CO of the von Bertalanffy equation applied to skeletal rings. — Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.,19: 65–72.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fenchel, T. M. &Jørgensen, B. B. (1977): Detritus food chains of aquatic ecosystems: the role of bacteria. — Adv. microb. Ecol.,1: 1–58.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Huettel, M. &Rusch, A. (2000): Transport and degradation of plankton in permeable sediment. — Limnol. Oceanogr.,45: 534–549.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jago, C. F. &Jones, S. E. (1998): Observation and modelling of the dynamics of benthic fluff resuspended from a sandy bed in the southern North Sea. — Cont. Shelf Res.,18: 1255–1282.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jago, C. F. &Bale, A. J. &Green, M. O. &Howarth, M. J. &Jones, S. E. &McCave, I. N. &Millward, G. E. &Morris, A. W. &Rowden, A. A. &Williams, J. J. (1994): Resuspension processes and seston dynamics, southern North Sea. — In:Charnock, H. &Dyer, K. R. &Huthnance, J. M. &Liss, P. S. &Simpson, J. H. &Tett, P. B. [Eds.]: Understanding the North Sea System: 97–114; The Royal Society (Chapman & Hall).

  • Jones, S. E. &Jago, C. F. &Bale, A. J. &Chapman, D. &Howland, R. J. M. &Jackson, J. (1998): Aggregation and resuspension of suspended particulate matter at a seasonally stratified site in the southern North Sea: physical and biological controls. — Cont. Shelf Res.,18: 1283–1309.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kanazawa, K. (1992): Adaptation of test shape for burrowing and locomotion in spatangoid echinoids. — Palaeontol.,35: 733–750.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kröncke, I. (1991): The macrofauna distribution on the Dogger Bank in April/May 1985–87. — Ber. Biol. Anst. Helgoland, 8: 137 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kröncke, I. (1992): Macrofauna standing stock of the Dogger Bank. A comparison: III. 1950–54 versus 1985–87. A final summary. — Helgoländer Meeresunters.,46: 137–169.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kröncke, I. &Knust, R. (1995): The Dogger Bank: a special ecological region in the central North Sea. — Helgoländer Meeresunters.,49: 335–353.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Künitzer, A. &Basford, D. &Craeymeersch, I. A. &Dewarumez, I. M. &Dörjes, J. &Duineveld, G. C. A. &Eleftheriou, A. &Heip, C. &Herman, P. &Kingston, P. &Niermann, U. &Rachor, E. &Rumohr, H. &Wilde, P. A. J. de (1992): The benthic fauna of the North Sea: Species distribution and assemblages. — ICES J. mar. Sci.,49: 127–143.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lick, W. &Lick, J. &Ziegler, C. K. (1992): Flocculation and its effect on the vertical transport of fine grained sediments. — Hydrobiol.,235/236: 1–16.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lindeboom, H.J. &Groot, S.J.de [Eds.] (1998): Impact II: The effect of different types of fisheries on the North Sea and Irish Sea benthic ecosystems. — NIOZ Rapp.,1998-1, RIVO-DLO Rep.,C003/98: 404 pp.

  • Moore, H. B. (1936): The biology ofEchinocardium cordatum. — J. Mar. Biol. Ass. U.K.,20: 655–671.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Müller-Nawarra, D. (1995): Evidence that a highly unsaturated fatty acid limitsDaphnia growth in nature. — Arch. Hydrobiol.,132: 287–307.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nielsen, T. G. &Lokkegard, B. &Richardson, K. &Bo Pedersen, F. &Hansen, L. (1993): Structure of plankton communities in the Dogger Bank area (North Sea) during a stratified situation. — Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.,95: 115–131.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Otto, L. &Zimmermann, I. T. F. &Furnes, G. K. &Mork, M. &Saetre, R. &Becker, G. (1990): Review of the physical oceanography of the North Sea. — Neth. J. Sea Res.,25 (1/2): 161–238.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Phillips, N. W. (1984): Role of different microbes and substrates as potential food suppliers of specific essential nutrients to marine detritivores. — Bull. Mar. Sci.,35: 283–298.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reid, P. C. &Planque, B. &Edwards, M. (1998a): Is observed variability in the long-term results of the Continuous Plankton Recorder survey a response to climate change? — Fish. Oceanogr.,7 (3/4): 282–288.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reid, P. C. &Edwards, M. &Hunt, H. G. &Warner, A. J. (1998b): Phytoplankton change in the North Atlantic. — Nature,391: 546.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rice, D. L. (1982): The detritus nitrogen problem: new observations and perspectives from organic geochemistry. — Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.,9: 153–162.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ridder, C. de &Jangoux, M. &Vos, L. de (1987): Frontal ambulacral and peribuccal areas of the spatangoid echinoidEchinocardium cordatum (Echinodermata): a functional entity in feeding mechanism. — Mar. Biol., 94: 613–624.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Richardson, K. &Olsen, O. V. (1987): Winter nutrient concentrations and primary production in the eastern North Sea. — ICES/CM,C 23: 1–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Richardson, K. &Nielsen, T. G. &Bo Pedersen, F. &Heilmann, J. P. &Lokkegaard, B. &Kaas, H. (1998): Spatial heterogeneity in the structure of the planctonic food web in the North Sea. — Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.,168: 197–211.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Riegman, R. &Malschaert, H. &Colijn, F. (1990): Primary production of phytoplankton at a frontal zone located at the northern slope of the Dogger Bank (North Sea). — Mar. Biol.,105: 329–336.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rijnsdorp, A. D. &Buys, A. M. &Storbeck, F. &Visser, E. G. (1998): Micro-scale distribution of beam trawl effort in the Southern North Sea between 1993 and 1996 in relation to the trawling frequency of the sea bed and the impact on benthic organisms. — ICES J. mar. Sci.,55: 403–419.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Siegismund, F. (2001): Long-term changes in the flushing times of the ICES boxes. — Senckenbergiana mark.,31 (2): 151–167.

    Google Scholar 

  • Siegismund, F. &Schrum, C. (2001): Decadal changes in wind forcing over the North Sea. — Clim. Res.,18: 39–45.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stoeck, T. &Kröncke, I. (2001): Influence of particle mixing on vertical profiles of chlorophylla and bacterial biomass in sediments of the German Bight, Oyster Ground and Dogger Bank (North Sea). — Est. Coast. Shelf Sci.,52: 783–795.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tenore, K. R. (1977): Growth ofCapitella capitata cultured on various levels of detritus derived from different sources. — Limnol. Oceanogr.,22: 936–941.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tenore, K. R. (1983): What controls the availability to animals of detritus derived from vascular plants: organic nitrogen enrichment or caloric availability? — Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.,10: 307–309.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tenore, K. R. (1988): Nitrogen in benthic food chains. — In:Sorensen, J. &Blackburn, T. H. [Eds.]: Nitrogen Cycling in Coastal Marine Environments: 191–206; New York (Wiley & Sons).

    Google Scholar 

  • Tenore, K. R. &Chesney, E. (1985): The interaction of rate of food supply and population density upon the bioenetgetics of the opportunistic polychaete,Capitella capitata (Type I). — Limnol. Oceanogr.,30: 1188–1195.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tenore, K. R. &Hanson, R. B. &Dornseif, B. E. &Wiederhold, C. N. (1979): The effect of organic nitrogen supplement on the utilization of different sources of detritus. — Limnol. Oceanogr.,24: 350–355.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ursin, E. (1960): A quantitative investigation of the echinoderm fauna of the central North Sea. — Meddr. Danm. Fisk.-og. Havunders. NS,2 (24): 1–204.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wallerstein, P. &Liebezeit, G. (1999): Determination of photosynthetic pigments. — In:Grasshoff, K. &Kremling, K. &Ehrhard, M. [Eds.]: Methods of Seawater Analysis: 557–566; Weinheim (Wiley-VCH).

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Wieking, G. (2002): The macrofauna at the Dogger Bank: food supply in relation to hydroclimate. — Dissertation Thesis Univ. Oldenburg: 145 pp.

  • Wieking, G. &Kröncke, I. (2001): Decadal changes in macrofaunal communities on the Dogger Bank caused by large-scale climate variability. — Senckenbergiana mark.,31 (2): 125–141.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wieking, G. &Kröncke, I. (2003): Benthic communities of the Dogger Bank (central North Sea) in the late 90s: Spatial distribution, species composition and trophic structure. — Helgol. Mar. Res.,57: 34–46.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wirth, H. &Wiesner, M. G. (1988): Sedimentary faciès in the North Sea. — In:Kempe, S. &Liebezeit, G. &Dethlefsen, V. &Harms, U. [Eds.]: Biogeochemistry and Distribution of Suspended Matter in the North Sea and Implications to Fisheries Biology. — Mitt. Geol.-Palaeont. Inst. Hamburg, SCOPE/UNEP Sonderband,65: 289–311.

    Google Scholar 

  • Witbaard, R. &Duineveld, G. C. A. (1990): Shell-growth of the bivalveArctica islandica (L.), and its possible use evaluating the status of the benthos in the subtidal North Sea. — Basteria,54: 63–74.

    Google Scholar 

  • Witbaard, R. &Duineveld, G. C. A. &Wilde, P. A. W. J. de (1996): Growth variations inArctica islandica L. (Bivalvia, Mollusca): A reflection of hydrography related food supply. — ICES J. Mar. Sci.,53: 981–987.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Witbaard, R. &Duineveld, G. C. A. &Bergman, M. (2001): Food supply to the benthos: do qualitative characters determine growth? — Senckenbergiana mark.,31 (2): 225–234.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Abreilung fur Meeresforschung, Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg, Südstrand 40-44, 26382, Wilhelmshaven, Germany

    Günther Wieking & Ingrid Kröncke

Authors
  1. Günther Wieking
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ingrid Kröncke
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

Senckenberg am Meer 504

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Wieking, G., Kröncke, I. Abundance and growth of the sea urchinEchinocardium cordatum in the central North Sea in the late 80s and 90s. Senckenbergiana maritima 32, 113–124 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03043088

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03043088

Keywords:

Search

Navigation