Shell-growth of the bivalve Arctica islandica (L.), and its possible use for evaluating the status of the benthos in the subtidal North Sea

Growth of. Arctica islandica (Linné, 1767) was studied by means of acetate peels made of crosssections of the hinge-tooth in the left valve. Both geographical and temporal growth differences exist. Specimens from the Oyster Grounds (southern North Sea) are growing faster than specimens from the Fladen Grounds (northern North Sea). In the beginning of this century Fladen Grounds animals grew faster than in the last decade. Furthermore the possible existence of long-term fluctuations in growth were investigated.