Benthic Faunal Recovery in a Swedish Fjord Following the Closure of a Sulphite Pulp Mill

Abstract

During 1968-70, the recovery of the benthic macrofauna was investigated at 53 stations in Saltkallefjord, an inner branch of Gullmarsfjord on the west coast of Sweden. Physico-chemical analyses have shown that the water quality in Saltkallefjord improved as a result of reduced waste water discharge subsequent to discontinuance of production of sulphite pulp in 1966. After 1968, the benthic macrofauna has colonized fjord areas which earlier in the 1960's were azoic, or occupied by a poor fauna only. During May-October 1969, a successive monthly increase of the number of species appeared in these areas. Classification of some species in the succession is subject to discussion.