Contourobionts in ocean monitoring

Abstract

The external ocean biotopes (contours), i.e. the ocean interfaces with the atmosphere, rocky, sandy, muddy shores and river waters are active surface areas providing the most favourable conditions for the development of life-forms. The contour communities (contourobionts) form the external biological structure of the oceans. Due to their location the contour communities are exposed to environmental factors much more heavily than the communities inhabiting the water column. Therefore they can be used as biological indicators of the borders of marine impact zones. They are of special significance for integrated global ocean monitoring. Systematic observations of the conditions of contour communities and individual contourobionts provide valuable information on the man-made changes in the seas and oceans.