Alterations in the structure of the macrobenthic community at Bahía Falsa, Mexico, related to the culture of Crassostrea gigas

Abstract

The changes in macrobenthic communities in Bahía Falsa, Baja California, induced by an oyster culture are evaluated, in order to understand the actual status of the ecological system and provide the basis for a future management in the area. The study was conducted between 1987 and 1990 in a 15-point grid covering the lagoon. Data obtained were processed for community ordination by a principal components method, and a biological value index was also obtained. The results indicate that the community, in general, and the Zostera marina meadow, in particular, do not show symptoms of alteration and that the annelid community composition is similar to that reported 3 and 21 years ago. Only the area directly associated with the culture installations shows marked eutrophication and a community characteristic of organically polluted areas.

Keywords

• Crassostrea gigas
• San Quintín Bay
• macrobenthos