Amphipod importance in the trophic network of the eastern part of the English Channel

Abstract : Benthic and suprabenthic macrofauna and demersal before fish has been sampled on a future offshore wind farm site in the eastern English Channel. The amphipods are among the dominant group of the macrofauna and dominate the suprabenthos and fish stomach content. Seasonal and spatial differences between two benthic habitats (sand and gravel) occur showing the higher importance of amphipods on sand than on gravel in spite of a higher diversity and abundance on gravel. The trophic transfers between benthos, suprabenthos and fish are discussed.