Changes in benthic macrofauna associated with intertidal oyster, Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg) culture

Changes in community structure of an intertidal, macrobenthic community in the vicinity of a Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg) cultivation site were studied. Samples were taken underneath trestles, in access lanes and at a control site. No evidence of organic enrichment was found, linked to the highly dissipative nature of the study site, the latter as evidenced by the granulometric composition of the substrate and the species encountered. Compared to the community at a control site, the macrofauna in the access lanes has undergone species displacements and changes in numerical abundance of surficial living forms and shallow, fragile burrowers. This is postulated to be linked to physical disturbance by heavy vehicle traffic.