Comparison of benthic communities in dredged and undredged areas of the St. Lawrence River, Cape Vincent, N. Y.

Abstract

Macroinvertebrate communities were compared in dredged and undredged areas of the St. Lawrence River near Cape Vincent, N. Y., by sampling with a Ponar dredge in spring, summer and fall seasons. Total macroinvertebrate abundance was greater in undredged areas. Differences in total invertebrate abundance and relative abundance of individual species in dredged and undredged areas appear to be related to the presence of gyttja-type sediments caused by breakwater construction and dredging operations at least 40 years ago.