Download AEBR 118 Bottom disturbance and seafloor community dynamics: Development of a model of disturbance and recovery dynamics for marine benthic ecosystems

This spatially explicit patch dynamic model illustrates how disturbance to seafloor ecosystems influences functional diversity, and ultimately, other elements of biodiversity and ecosystem function. The model is parameterised by life history characteristics of eight interacting functional groups (e.g., scavengers, epifauna). Congruence between the model and empirical data showcases the value of this heuristic tool in assessing strategies to minimise the adverse effects of seafloor disturbance.