The benthic ecology of the Forties Oilfield (North Sea)

Abstract

Thyasira-foraminiferan community. Marked sediment and faunal gradients were present over the survey area, which correlated strongly with each other and with water depth. The absence of trophic group amensalism in apparently suitable sediments was concluded to be largely a reflection of the low productivity of the overlying water column. The faunal diversity, although high, does not match that of the majority of deep-sea areas. The role of the dense populations of foraminiferans in the benthic ecology of the area could only be conjectured and would reward further investigation. A list of all taxa found during these surveys is presented.