Analysis of the associations of meiobenthic Copepoda of the Irish Sea

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Abstract
The composition of subtidal meiobenthic associations off the Isle of Man is analysed, with particular reference to the harpacticoid copepods. By comparisons with surveys in other seas it is suggested that coherent associations of benthic copepods can be recognized in the sublittoral fringe area of tidal fine sand beaches and in offshore fine sand in Europe. The heterogeneity of offshore coarse deposits and muddy sands results in the inability to distinguish communities or isocommunities in these deposits. As muddy sand grades into mud some evidence is presented to suggest that, given similar temperature and salinity regimes, a consistent association of copepods may develop.