Spatial and temporal patterns in coastal macrobenthos of Samborombon Bay, Argentina: A case study of very low diversity

The benthic community structure of the southernmost part of Samborombon Bay was studied at 13 stations for 2 yr. A detailed examination of the zoobenthos, using similarity indices and cluster analysis, is presented. The area was characterized by low diversity. The Shannon-Weaver information diversity index H′ showed low values of 0.28–1.60. The brackish part of the area was dominated by two opportunistic polychaetes species,Heteromastus similis andLaeonereis acuta. The only species found in the transitional marine zone was the bivalveMesodesma mactroides. Variability in benthic community has been interpreted in terms of spatial and temporal changes. Depending on the area, abundance appeared to be controlled by pollution and intense predation during the warmer months. The observed gradient in species composition and dominance of these benthic communities are compared with some other North and South Atlantic estuaries.

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