WHY IS THE STUDY OF BENTHIC ECOLOGY IMPORTANT?
We care about benthic ecology because the seafloor at Gray’s Reef is 75% sand, and unlike sand found in the desert, the sand at Gray’s Reef is full of life. This sandy seafloor is loaded with tiny marine organisms scientifically referred to as “benthic infauna.” The dominant species include worms, molluscs, and crustaceans, all of which play key roles in the sanctuary ecosystem. Primarily, they serve as food for the reef fishes that feed on them, but since they stay more or less in one place within the sandy substrate, they also serve as reliable indicators of changes in habitat quality, including the harmful effects of human-produced pollutants that may accumulate on the sanctuary bottom. By monitoring over the long-term, scientists and coastal managers can learn valuable information about the overall health of the sanctuary and health of the oceans in general.
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