Publication Date:
2019
Description:
〈p〉Publication date: Available online 5 August 2019〈/p〉
〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science〈/p〉
〈p〉Author(s): Elisa Baldrighi, Jacques Grall, Nolwenn Quillien, Rita Carriço, Valentin Verdon, Daniela Zeppilli〈/p〉
〈div xml:lang="en"〉
〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉
〈div〉〈p〉Open sandy beaches support key ecological functions and a distinctive biodiversity, but are threatened by an increasing anthropogenic pressure. Among these threats is the occurrence of green tides of 〈em〉Ulva〈/em〉 spp., expression of the eutrophication phenomenon. Our study aimed at determining the impact of green macroalgal accumulations on benthic meiofauna inhabiting two macrotidal sandy beaches of Brittany: Saint Nic (impacted) and Anse de Dinan (unimpacted). The presence of 〈em〉Ulva〈/em〉 enhanced total meiofaunal abundance and nematode functional diversity when compared to a state free from macroalgal mats. The stranded 〈em〉Ulva〈/em〉 supported high values of meiofaunal β-diversity as well. This unexpected response was likely due to the highly dynamic nature of open sandy beaches that prevents O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 depletion within sediments. Natural seasonal changes in meiofaunal biomass and composition were also evident at both beaches and changes in environmental features, apart from eutrophication alone, do drive the variability in meiofaunal biomass and nematodes diversity.〈/p〉〈/div〉
〈/div〉
Print ISSN:
0272-7714
Electronic ISSN:
1096-0015
Topics:
Biology
,
Geography
,
Geosciences
