| dc.description.abstract | The long-term effects of the 1988 algal bloom (Chrysochromulina polylepis Manton et
Parke) along the Norwegian Skagerrak coast are evaluated and discussed on the basis of several
monitoring programmes. Effects on individual growth and survival of coastal cod and its population
dynamics are analysed. Cod suffered a high mortality from June until November, and the 1988 yearclass
was strongly reduced. Growth was only slightly affected. Furthermore, the effects at the community
level are evaluated for the coastal fish community and the benthic communities. These communities
were strongly affected on a short time scale, but recovered surprisingly fast. Populations of
most organisms had recovered within months, and after 1 yr few traces of the toxic bloom could be
observed; after 4 to 5 yr all communities had essentially recovered. As part of the review we also discuss
to what extent harmful blooms are likely to reoccur, and conclude that blooms have reoccurred
and will continue to do so. However, nothing can be concluded about the toxicity of such blooms. We
expect that even large perturbations are unlikely to leave any profound long-lasting effects. The
effects of the 1988 bloom are discussed within a theoretical framework including stability, resilience
and inertia. In conclusion we emphasise the importance of long-term monitoring data; without such
data the analyses reported in this paper would have been impossible. | en |
