Food Sources for Benthic Grazers in Trophic Networks of Macrophyte Habitats in a Transitional Baltic Ecosystem

In this study, we provide insights into that characteristics of two sites representing different conditions productivity and salinity impact on trophic network structures macrophyte habitats diet benthic grazers at the active vegetation period in Curonian Lagoon (southeastern Baltic Sea). Regarding epiphytic growth, macrophytes were more overgrown relatively less productive (northern) site with a muddy bottom frequent marine water inflow than (southern) higher freshwater sandy habitat. Stable isotope analysis revealed organisms’ samples from northern enriched heavier carbon isotopes, but depleted nitrogen isotopes those southern site. Gastropods amphipods mainly consumed sedimentary organic matter site, while they grazed epiphytes together Although to low extent, gastropods charophytes pondweeds This study contributes better understanding functioning structure lagoonal systems, highlighting importance, often overlooked, compartment, which, however, may have relevant influence whole system.