Aggregation into groups may affect performance of individuals through the balance and strength of facilitative versus competitive interactions. We studied in situ how seasonal variation in abiotic environment affects this balance for blue mussels, a semi-sessile species. We hypothesize that seasonal …

The turbidity in Lake Markermeer limits the primary production by phototrophic algae and the growth of plants. In turn, this limits the amount of fish and other organisms that live in and around Lake Markermeer in its food sources. To determine if there are organisms that limit the resuspension, a survey …

From previous research in the western Wadden Sea it is clear that mussel plots are important hotspots for biodiversity. When the density of a mussel plot is higher, the biodiversity appears to be higher as well. This final thesis project was a part of the bigger project, ‘Added value with Mussels’, executed …

Blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) create niches in the Wadden Sea and therefore they are important for the Wadden Sea. Because there are less mussel beds in the Wadden Sea than would be expected and because of their important role, they are monitored since the mid-nineties. It was found that some beds were …