Macrobenthic ecology of the intertidal zones of Chajiandao, Dakouhedao and Wangzidao of the Yellow River estuary in autumn

Based on the samples collected from nine intertidal stations from Chajiandao, Dakouhedao and Wangzidao of the Yellow River Estuary in December 2005, the macrobenthos of the intertidal zone in the Yellow River Estuary is discussed. The result revealed that 34 species, including 13 polychate species, 11 mollusk species, 8 crustacean species, 1 nemertinean species and 1 fish species were found in the three localities. The average density of macrobenthos was 164 ind./m~2, while the average biomass was 61.12 g/m~2. The species composition and quantitative character among the nine stations were different. The species number was highest in station D3, and lowest in station C1. The macrobenthic community was affected by the substratum, tide, season and human activity.