More than 3,050 species of invertebrates inhabit the benthos of
the Barents Sea (Sirenko, 2001). Total fauna biomass, including
benthic species, generally increases near the Polar Front, in
shallow regions, and near the edges of banks. The richest
species diversity is found on sandy silts, and silty-sand
floors. Lower biomass occurs in areas with limited upwelling,
low primary production, reduced vertical flux, and areas with
less suitable substrata caused by heavy sedimentation (e.g.
inner parts of glacial fjords).