Dynamics of benthic bivalve communities in polar environments

Updated 2003-03-04

Description of parameters of the population dynamics of polar bivalve communities, first year: growth and reproductive cycle of the dominant Greenland cockles (Serripes groenlandicus)

Comments and additional information:

During the campaign 2002 it was observed that Greenland cockles (Serripes groenlandicus) are abundant in the study area. The working group is experienced in the analysis of population dynamics of bivalves including age estimates and histological analyses

Time frame

Status
Planned
Project time span
2003 - 2003
Data collection
2003 - 2003
Data processing
not specified
Data reporting
not specified

Contact information

Contact person
Prof. Wolf E. Arntz
Address
Alfred-Wegener-Institut for Polar and Marine Research Columbusstrasse D-27568 Bremerhaven
Phone
+49-471 4831 1300
Fax
+49-471 4831 1149
Email
ed.nevahremerb-iwa@ztnraw
Other project contacts
Kontaktperson: Dr. Jürgen Laudien Tel.: +49-471 4831 1315 Fax: +49-471 4831 1149 E-Mail: jlaudien@awi-bremerhaven.de

Parameters and Media

Parameter groups measured/observed/modelled
Biological effects
Media sampled/studied/modelled
Additional information or further specification of types of data / information collected, species / tissues / organs sampled, etc.

Greenland cockles (Serripes groenlandicus)

Geography

Regions studied
Biological effects
Biological effects
Other areas
Kongsfjord, West Spitsbergen

Data availability

Samples/specimens archived in specimen banks?
No

Methods & Procedures

Procedures and methodology used for, e.g., sampling and sample storage, sample pretreatment, extraction and analysis, including which laboratories are involved, references to methods employed, etc.

Greenland cockles (Serripes groenlandicus) dominate the soft bottom communities. Therefore we chose this clam for detailed studies of one organism having presumably a dominant affect on soft sediment succession. It is planned that 30 individuals will be sampled monthly over a years' period. Since there is no diving team available throughout the year bivalves will be sampled, marked with the help of two parallel sanding discs fixed to a handhold electric driller and released in round cages (app. 40 cm in diameter). These cages will be produced in the AWI workshop in advance and installed under the sediment surface in front of the sheet piling of the harbour, at 8 meter depth that they will not interfere with the docking ships. Cages will be fixed to a rope, which will be installed on the ground, turned around on a clamp at the lower end of the sheet piling and fixed on the surface (details are currently discussed with Øystein Blia, Kings Bay). Each month one cage will be lifted and clams fixed in formalin for further investigations (growth, reproductive cycle). At the laboratory in Bremerhaven, cockles will be measured to the lower mm and growth in-crements calculated. These parameters will be used to establish a von Bertalanffy growth function. Additionally acetat peels will be produced. The results will be needed for further investigations and age estimates from free living cockles for future campaigns. The reproduc-tive cycle of Serripes groenlandicus will be analysed using histological methods.

Additional Information

Is this a bi- AND multi-lateral project (i.e. a project involving cooperation between different countries)?
Yes
Other institutes involved in the project

Universidad de Córdoba, Argentina

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