Diversity and Abundance Patterns of Benthic Invertebrate Assemblages on Intertidal Estuarine Seagrass Beds in Aveiro (Portugal)

Abstract

Seagrass meadows are productive ecosystems and many animal species are dependent on them, including a wide diversity of invertebrates. This study aims to explore spatial diversity patterns of benthic invertebrates associated with Zostera noltei. Three areas with Z. noltei meadows were sampled along the Mira Channel (Ria de Aveiro). At each area, two sites were selected and four cores were taken at each site. Fauna was sorted, counted, and identified to the lowest taxonomical level. Results showed significant differences in the number of taxa among meadows. It was also observed that some taxa presented differences in the abundance among meadows.

Keywords

• macrofauna
• intertidal
• seagrass
• Portugal