Biocoenotic process patterns in the German Bight  <B>Biocoenotic process patterns in the German Bight</B><P><B>Wulf Greve & Frank Reiners</B><I><P> Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Notkestraße 31, D-22607 Hamburg, Germany</I><B><P> Abstract</B><BR> The Helgoland Roads plankton investigations have defined the biocoenotic developments of the zooplankton populations over the past 19 years. On the basis of this information, the patterns of succession of planktonic biocoenoses have been investigated. For the key species, the months of maximal distribution have been determined. The similarity of the biocoenoses and seasonal occurrence was calculated for each week, using cluster analysis techniques. The rules of this change are discussed and assembled into a graphic ecosystem control and maturation model and the verbal HEP (Helgolandian Plankton) model, defining the stages of the annual biocoenotic structural change in comparison with the limnetic PEG model.<I><P> Keywords</I>: plankton, biocoenosis, systems ecology, ecosystem, temperate zone, HEP-model, North Sea, succession, cluster analysis.<P>