Relationship between structure of macrobenthic assemblages and environmental variables in shallow sublittoral soft bottoms

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2017

Authors

Veiga, P (Author) Other; Redondo, W (Author) Other; Isabel Sousa Pinto (Author) FCUP; M Rubal (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Marine Environmental Research

Vol. 129

Pages: 396-407

ISSN: 0141-1136

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 11 Citations

Scopus - 16 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00M-XEH

DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.07.002

Abstract (EN): We establish baseline knowledge of abundance, diversity and multivariate structure of macrobenthos from shallow sublitoral soft bottoms in the North Portuguese coast and elucidate main environmental factors that shape their,spatial patterns. In this area distribution of soft bottoms is patchy, surrounded by boulders and rocky substrates. This particular landscape and the lack of significant anthropogenic disturbances are values for the conservation of this habitat. Sediment and physicochemical properties of the water column were studied to provide models for each studied macrobenthic variable. Our models highlighted that most of variation (59%-72%) in macrobenthic spatial patterns was explained by the studied environmental variables. Sedimentary variables were more relevant that those of the water column. Therefore, disturbances affecting sedimentary environment could cause dramatic changes in macrobenthic assemblages because of the limited availability of soft bottoms in the area. In this way, results are useful to adopt right management and conservation strategies.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 12