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Population fluctuations in the macrobenthic fauna at three stations in Loch Eil and at a control station in the Lynn of Lorne were followed by monthly sampling over 1 yr. Populations of relatively low density but high species numbers and size range occurred at the control station where the fluctuations over the year were small. In the deep basin of Loch Eil the populations were much less diverse and fluctuated considerably from month to month. These fluctuations followed changes in the carbon input to the Loch and subsequent changes in the chemistry and microbiology of the sediments. A time lag of 4–6 wk was observed between an increased carbon input to the sediments and a subsequent increase in the numbers of small deposit-feeding annelids. Increases in populations of carnivores took place after a further 8–10 wk and coincided with a decline in deposit-feeding populations. At the head of the Loch where …