The influence of a small tidal mudflat on the plankton of overlying waters was investigated by sampling flooding and ebbing waters. The mudflat depleted floodwaters of plankton during spring and summer. Removals of phytoplankton increased as the season progressed, indicating consumption as a function of activity of benthic filter feeders. Some zooplankton were removed from flooding waters in a similar seasonal pattern. We have demonstrated input of planktonic carbon to mudflats and indicated that mudflat organisms may consume significant portions of both primary and secondary planktonic production.
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Carlson et al. (1984) studied this question.
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