Introduction into the ecosystem of the North Sea: Hydrography,biota, and food web relationships |
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Authors: | P. A. W. J. De Wilde M. I. Jenness G. C. A. Duineveld |
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Affiliation: | (1) Present address: Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, The Netherlands |
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Abstract: | The North Sea, one of the most productive of the earth's seas and oceans, is also surrounded by some of earth's most densely populated and heavily industrialized regions. A growing number of signals are being received which indicate that this valuable ecosystem is increasingly under stress. This has generated a corresponding increase in concern over the steps to be taken to protect the North Sea. While there are divergent views on what constitutes an ‘ideal’ North Sea, there is a general recognition that any decisions that are made should be based on a good understanding of this ecosystem. The intention of this paper is to give an overview of what is presently known, and to identify areas where more studies are needed. A brief summary of the hydrography and the biota of the North Sea is given. Biotic and abiotic structure justify partitioning the North Sea into three ecologically different regions: southern, central, and northern. For the most part, neither the top predators,e.g. marine birds and mammals, nor the macroalgae and sea grasses are included in this overview. |
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Keywords: | North Sea ecosystem hydrography food web environmental impact |
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