Anthropogenic effects on the macrozoobenthos in the ecosystem Wadden Sea off the industrial town of Esbjerg (Denmark): Bachelor thesis

A study of the Wadden Sea off Esbjerg, Denmark, reveals significant anthropogenic impacts on macrozoobenthos, particularly from harbor activities and wastewater treatment. While species diversity remained average compared to the broader region, polychaete worms dominated, with a 45% decline in density since the late 1980s–early 1990s. The ecological quality was assessed as 'good,' but disturbance indicators (AMBI-Index) suggested localized contamination, especially near the harbor and bay. Species tolerant to heavy metals and anoxia were found at the harbor, while those preferring brackish water or physical disturbance thrived in the bay and dam, respectively. The study estimates a potential loss of 257.5 tons of macroinvertebrates if Esbjerg Harbor expands, equivalent to food for 1,058 oystercatchers annually. These findings underscore the need for sustainable harbor development to protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Schwenkler, R. (2020). Anthropogenic effects on the macrozoobenthos in the ecosystem Wadden Sea off the industrial town of Esbjerg (Denmark): Bachelor thesis. Universitätsbibliothek Braunschweig. https://doi.org/10.24355/DBBS.084-202011300839-0