Many benthic aquatic organisms rely on the suspension of particulate matter for food and/or building materials. However the water currents and sediment dynamics that provide the ideal environment for these animals can be disrupted by human actions.  Aggregate dredging for example, generates significant amounts of suspended sediment that may result in smothering of habitats or an alteration in the suspensions which supply those habitats.

How do benthic organisms respond to these changes? SAMS scientists have recently developed a prototype VOrtex Resuspension Tank (VORT) to investigate these effects.

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