relevant given the fact that Area 222 is a shallow (27 – 35 m) coastal area, hence the seabed habitat of this area is more prone to disturbance compared to the habitat in deeper water. In addition, this chapter also explains the effect of changes in sediment distribution on macrofaunal assemblage and ecosystem function.
Chapter 6: Although measurement based on functional traits is deemed a powerful tool in quantifying ecosystem function, assigning every species to functional groups can be problematic and time consuming. More importantly, there are many different indices based on this approach proposed by many authors and that makes it complicated for environmental managers and policy makers to decide which the best and most suitable index is. Realising this issue, a more general and simpler approach is presented where the species were assigned to two most relevant functional roles, namely feeding mechanisms and mobility. Using this approach, the relative proportion of different functional groups following disturbance was determined. In addition, the influence of particle sizes on the distribution of these groups was also investigated.
Chapter 7: Finally, a general discussion of the results and their implications is presented.
Main thesis questions to be addressed
1. While the recovery of macrofaunal communities at the low dredging intensity site has already been observed (based on several traditional indices), the main question is to determine whether such recovery has occurred at the high intensity site within the study period (Chapter 3).
Hypothesis: Based on predictions from previous studies, the recovery at the high intensity site takes place in 2007.
2. Determine the difference in recovery times based on both traditional and functional analyses (Chapter 3 and 4).
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Hypothesis: Recovery based on functional analysis is faster than recovery based on the use of traditional analyses.
3. Identify any relationship between sediment particle size and the biological recovery based on both traditional and functional analyses (Chapter 5).
Hypothesis: Gravel deposits provide a stable habitat for the macrofauna, and therefore have a close association with faunal recovery.
4. Identify if there is any trend in the faunal recovery in terms of the main functional groups (Chapter 6).
Hypothesis: The return of gravel deposits creates a favourable habitat for the recovery of sessile filter feeders.
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