Indicators for assessment of a degraded marine ecosystem as illustrated by the example of post-dredging pits in the Puck Bay.

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Indicators for assessment of a degraded marine ecosystem as illustrated by the example of post-dredging pits in the Puck Bay.

Journal Title: Biuletyn Instytutu Morskiego - Year 2017, Vol 32, Issue 1

Abstract

Between 1989 and 1996, almost as much as 7 000 000 m3 of sand was excavated from seabed of the Puck Bay for the purposes of protection of shores of the Hel Peninsula. Remnants of these activities are five pits of varied cubature and depth, which are several times bigger than natural depths. All studies performed so far in the area of the pits indicated that a permanent degradation of environment took place at the sites. Between 2007 and 2008, complex yearly environmental studies were performed in order to establish bases and conditions for actions aiming at rehabilitation of the degraded areas of the Puck Bay. As a result, measurements and surveys of 58 parameters, both chemical and biological ones, were carried out. The aim of those analyses was to point to the parameters which, irrespective of date of study performance, will enable an assessment of seabed degradation resulting from the dredging works carried out. For this purpose, the Wilcoxon’s test for dependent samples was used. 23 parameters used in statistical tests were studied throughout the whole year. The performed statistical analysis indicated that 7 out of the 23 analysed parameters meet the above-mentioned condition, and they may be used in the future in diagnosing state of environment affected by anthropogenic interference with seabed areas.<br/><br/>

Authors and Affiliations

Radosław Opioła

Keywords

EP ID EP244313
DOI 10.5604/01.3001.0010.6976
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