Experimental Effects of a Lightweight Mussel Dredge on Benthic Fauna in a Eutrophic MPA

Dredging for wild mussels Mytilus edulis Linnaeus, 1758 takes place in the marine protected areas (Natura 2000 sites) Denmark. The fishery is strictly regulated to limit impact of dredging benthic environment, and requires use modified lightweight mussel dredges. Nevertheless, depletion macrofauna associated with M. beds after from such dredges yet be quantified. Here, shown result a significant decline density, species richness, biological traits directly dredge track but no on community composition. Species richness remained significantly affected 4 mo post dredging, although positive trend may signal recovery. An effect was also detected adjacent (approximately 5 m) tracks, needs further investigation understand this impact. results provide an estimate macrofaunal as well short-term recovery, which management fishery. Finally, it suggested that more sensitive indicator than density eutrophic species-poor system.