Distribution, inventory and turnover of benthic organic biomass in the Strait of Georgia, Canada, in relation to natural and anthropogenic inputs.

Recently compiled databases facilitated estimation of basin-wide benthic organic biomass and turnover in the Strait of Georgia, an inland sea off western Canada. Basin-wide organic biomass was estimated at 43.1 × 10(6) kg C and production was 54.6 × 10(6) kg Cyr(-1), resulting in organic biomass turnover (P/B) of 1.27 × yr(-1). Organic biomass and production for sub-regions were predictable from modified organic flux (r(2)>0.9). P/B declined significantly with increasing modified organic flux, suggesting greater biomass storage in high flux sediments. Biomass and production were highest, and P/B lowest near the Fraser River. Annual basin-wide benthic production was 60% of previously estimated oxidized organic flux to substrates, which agrees with proportional measurements from a recent, localized study. Deviations from expected patterns related to organic enrichment and other stressors are discussed, as are potential impacts to benthic biomass and production, of declining bottom oxygen, increasing bottom temperature and potential changes in riverine input.