Images of the sediment-organism relationships provided by SPI are used to interpret the degree of benthic recolonization and quality of the benthic habitat in seafloor areas affected by dredged material disposal. It has been well documented that organisms living within the sediments (infauna) form unique benthic communities. The interaction these communities have with the sediment varies over time, beyond the initial disturbance from sediment deposition. Benthic community changes follow a predictable sequence of stages. These stages were described in relation to sediment profile images by Rhoads and Germano (1986).
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Conceptual model of benthic successional stages that occur over time following dredged material disposal. |
References
Rhoads, D.C., and J.D. Germano. 1986. "Interpreting Long-Term Changes in Benthic Community Structure: A New Protocol." Hydrobiologia. Volume 142. Pages 291 to 308.
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