Influence of hydraulic clam dredging and seasonal environmental changes on macro-benthic communities in the Southern Adriatic (Central Mediterranean Sea).

ABSTRACT: Macro-benthic communities on the shallowest soft bottoms are impacted by hydraulic dredgers used for the harvesting of the striped venus clam (Chamelea gallina). Changes in macro-benthic assemblages were analysed across four areas in the Southern Adriatic Sea (Central Mediterranean Sea) during the winter and summer 2022 (low and high fishing pressures, respectively). Two sampling surveys were carried out collecting abundance data (N/100m²) of 69 species. Diversity indices (Shannon-Weiner and Equitability) were calculated and differences between seasons and areas were tested using non-parametric tests. Changes in the assemblage and feeding habits were explored by adopting permutational multivariate analysis of variance on 34 species. Moreover, environmental conditions of all area

SUBMITTER: Carlucci R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10768236 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature