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A preliminary comparison of two turbid coastal ecosystems: The Dollard (Netherlands-FRG) and the Cumberland Basin (Canada)

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Abstract

Extensive ecological studies are currently being conducted in the Ems-Dollard estuary and the upper reaches of the Bay of Fundy. The purpose, approach, results, synthesis and application of each project are compared in a preliminary fashion, with emphasis upon the Dollard and the Cumberland Basin. Both regions are turbid, shallow water environments with extensive intertidal areas. Although important differences do exist, for example greater tidal energy and suspended sediment concentrations in Cumberland Basin and pronounced import of allochthonous organic carbon in the Dollard, similar organisms and ecological processes dominate both estuaries and secondary production does not appear to be significantly different. High levels of stress in both environments favor the development of small and rapidly growing organisms. Comparison exercises such as this are extremely valuable for judging progress, evaluating results and stimulating new ideas.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Marine Ecology Laboratory, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, P.O. Box 1006, B2Y 4A2, Dartmouth, N.S., Canada

    Donald C. Gordon Jr.

  2. Biological Research of the Ems-Dollard Estuary, Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, P.O. Box 59, Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands

    Job W. Baretta

Authors
  1. Donald C. Gordon Jr.
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  2. Job W. Baretta
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Gordon, D.C., Baretta, J.W. A preliminary comparison of two turbid coastal ecosystems: The Dollard (Netherlands-FRG) and the Cumberland Basin (Canada). Hydrobiological Bulletin 16, 255–267 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02255379

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