The impact of a macroalgal mat on benthic biodiversity in Poole Harbour.
Blooms of macroalgal matting are increasingly common within temperate zones and are often comprised of opportunistic species such as Ulva lactuca. Where this algae forms a dense mat, a stressful environment is created in the sediment below, influencing the invertebrate infaunal assemblage. This study was conducted over a six month period during which a dense mat of U. lactuca developed and subsequently dispersed. The algal mat was found to have a significant negative impact on species richness, abundance and biomass of the macroinfauna. However, a faunal community developed within the algal mat which contained several species not previously observed. This community increased the abundance and diversity of the overall invertebrate assemblage. The results are discussed in relation to impacts on the ecosystem as a whole.
Jones
Martin
M
School of Conservation Sciences, Bournemouth University, Fern Barrow, Poole, Dorset BH12 5BB, United Kingdom.
Pinn
Eunice
E
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D044822:Biodiversity; D018533:Biomass; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D017753:Ecosystem; D004739:England; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000254:growth & development*; D007448:Invertebrates / Q000254:growth & development*; D011157:Population Dynamics; D013045:Species Specificity