Mussels are well-known ecosystem engineers in soft-bottom systems. Mytilus edulis beds have myriad effects on sediment, benthic organisms, and ecosystem processes such as hydrodynamic transport of sediment and animals. When mussels die, they may leave behind massive amounts of whole (empty) and fragmented shells. The legacy effects of this long-lasting biogenic material (i.e., shell hash) on benthic systems are poorly understood. We measured percent cover values of 4 bottom cover types, i.e.,...
Topics: Ecosystem engineer, Legacy effects, Mussel bed, Mytilus edulis, Shell hash, Soft-bottom