significant direct influence on diversity (p < 0.001) and inverse effect on density (p 
<0.01). None of these variables varied significantly in relation to sediment % fines (at 
p< 0.1), although in general there was a tendency for muddier sediments (higher % 
fines) to have lower species richness and diversity and higher densities than coarser 
sediments. 
Alternatively, it is possible that for some of these sites the lower values of benthic 
variables reflect symptoms of disturbance induced by other unmeasured stressors. The 
indicators in this study included measures of stressors (e.g., chemical contaminants, 
eutrophication) that are often associated with adverse biological impacts in shallower 
estuarine and inland ecosystems. However, there may be other sources of human- 
induced stress in these offshore systems (e.g., bottom trawling) that pose greater risks 
to ambient living resources and which have not been captured. Future monitoring 
efforts in these offshore areas should include indicators of such alternative sources of 
disturbance. 
XXIV 
