Effects of experimentally increased near-bottom flow on meiofauna diversity and community structure in the ArcticOcean

► Effects of increased near-bottom flow velocities were studied in an in situ flume experiment. ► Increased bottom currents effected the sedimentary environment and its associated small biota. ► Results exhibited reduced values for parameters indicating organic matter (food) availability. ► Increased near-bottom currents generally reduced sediment-inhabiting meiofaunal assemblages. ► Altered environmental conditions effected the functional composition of the nematode community.