A comparative study of macro benthic assemblage pattern between a created and a natural tidal flat.

Abstract

 Seasonal quantitative sampling was conducted to compare benthic assemblage (mollusks and crabs) between a created and a natural tidal flat after ca. 5 years of creation. The number of individuals and species were lower in the created habitat and the dominant species composition completely differed between the two habitats. In particular, a mud snail Batillaria cumingi that was overwhelmingly dominant species in the natural habitat was almost not observed in the created habitat. Judging from the benthic assemblage, therefore, the created habitat was not enough to compensate for the losing natural habitat. Continuous survey was needed for a better ecological understanding of the artificially created tidal flat.