Long-term series of hydrographic and biological data show the Slupsk Furrow to be the only Baltic deep area devoid of H2S, its bottom being inhabited by a number of marine species not found in other Baltic deeps (Bornholm, Gdansk, and Gotland Deeps). For this reason, it is necessary to grant the Slupsk Furrow the status of a marine protected area as a habitat and refuge of species absent in other Baltic Proper deeps.
The macrobenthos in the Gdansk Basin and southern parts of the Bornholm and Gotland Basins was studied from 1978-1993 to document changes in the structure of benthic communities.Recolonisation following inflows of saline water was observed in the deep bottom habitat.Fluctuaction in microfauna abundance and biomass were recorded in the shallow water habitat, but no trend could be detected.No permanent macrofauna was encountered in the deepest part of the Bornholm and Gdansk Basins.
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