| Data on the mobile epifauna of the Oosterschelde estuary, collected by beam trawl, were compiled from several studies. Multivariate statistical techniques brought out the fact that the Oosterschelde, when compared with neighbouring areas, has a characteristic epibenthic fauna. Diversity as measured by Hill's diversity numbers N through N <sub>+infinite</sub>, is higher for the Oosterschelde (N<sub>1</sub>=4.5) than for the Voordelta (N<sub>1</sub>=3.5) and the Westerschelde (N<sub>1</sub>=2.2).Four epifaunal communities can be distinguished within the Oosterschelde, the two most seaward communities being the richest. Annual production is estimated at about 6 gADW m<sup>-2</sup>... |
