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

• Tipo: Artigo em Revista Científica Internacional
• Data: 2017

Autores

Veiga, P (Autor) Outra; Redondo, W (Autor) Outra; Isabel Sousa Pinto (Autor) FCUP; M Rubal (Autor) FCUP

Revista

Título: Marine Environmental Research

Vol. 129

Páginas: 396-407

ISSN: 0141-1136

Editora: Elsevier

Indexação

ISI Web of Knowledge - 11 Citações

Scopus - 16 Citações

Outras Informações

ID Authenticus: 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.

Idioma: Inglês

Tipo (Avaliação Docente): Científica

Nº de páginas: 12