Benthic communities in the vicinity of producing oil wells on the  shallow Louisiana continental shelf

Abstract

This investigation examines species diversity, faunal similarities, and biomass relations of benthic communities of the shallow, Louisiana continental shelf. A wedge exchange of species between the shelf and Timbalier Bay was developed. The shallow shelf (5 m) showed a high degree of similarity to central regions of the Bay and very affinity with the remaining continental shelf. This pattern was a function of distribution of the clam Mulinia lateralis. No real evidence of detrimental effects from petroleum industry activity was found. Extreme diminution of dissolved oxygen from apparent natural causes had a sever impact on some benthic groups. Seasonal patterns are indicated, but range of seasonal variation was masked by mortality of benthos occurring during July 1973.