Value for Invertebrates

Tidal mud and some sand flats support a great abundance of invertebrates which live in or on the surface of the sediments. Typical densities on predominantly muddy shores for the mud snail (Hydrobia ulvae) and the burrowing amphipod (Corophium volutator), which are often numerically dominant, are up to 100,000 and 60,000 individuals per m2 respectively (Barnes 1974). The segmented worms ragworm (Nereis diversicolor) and on more sandy shores lugworm (Arenicola marina), are also often abundant and of particular importance as prey for wintering wading birds.

The Estuaries Review (Davidson et al. 1991) provides more detailed information on the importance of invertebrates in tidal flats (pages 72/73) and in relation to birds (Chapter 8.6).

References

Barnes, R.S.K. 1974. Estuarine Biology. Edward Arnold, London, 76 pp. Studies in Biology, 49

Davidson, N.C., Laffoley, D..d'A., Doody, J.P., Way, L.S. & Gordon, J. 1991. Nature Conservation and Estuaries in Great Britain. Nature Conservancy Council.