Cascade effects of seafloor litter on benthic ecosystems in the northern Yellow Sea

The accumulation of seafloor litter changes the habitats benthic organisms and thus affects their spatial distribution. Previous studies suggested that might contribute to bloom Metridium senile fimbriatum , given could serve as “vectors” for M. dispersal provide with “natural habitat” settlement. As a common fouler invader, will inevitably affect ecosystems. cascading effects on ecosystems can be explored by studying interactions between this litter-associated anemone other co-occurred species. Therefore, study uses stable isotope analysis food composition attached niche relationship First, comparing ratios pedal disc tentacle it was found δ 15 N foot is more than tentacle, so chosen sampling tissue. mean 13 C value -19.34 ± 0.86‰, which ranged from -22.30‰ -18.17‰. For N, 12.02 0.95‰, 9.22‰ 13.31‰. Then, we quantified contribution potential resources using SIMMR model. has highest feeding proportion crustaceans, followed juvenile fish, zooplankton macrobenthos. Meanwhile, high uncertainty in crustaceans fish. In addition, trophic overlap different functional groups calculated SIBER model, results showed isotopic overlapped groups, ranging 34.29 35.25%. suggests carnivorous anemone, interacts components through predation competition, also reveals cascade effect northern Yellow Sea.