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Meiofaunal assemblages associated with scallop beds (Adamussium colbecki) in the coastal sediments of Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea, Antarctica)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 May 2004

Roberto Danovaro ,
Antonio Pusceddu ,
Simone Mirto  and
Mauro Fabiano
Roberto Danovaro
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Bari, Via Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy Faculty of Science, University of Ancona, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
Antonio Pusceddu
Affiliation:
Faculty of Science, University of Ancona, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
Simone Mirto
Affiliation:
Faculty of Science, University of Ancona, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy Animal Biology Department, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90123 Palermo, Italy
Mauro Fabiano
Affiliation:
Department for the Study of the Territory and its Resources, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 5,16100 Genova, Italy
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Abstract

Meiofaunal community structure in coastal sediments of Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea) was related to quantity and biochemical composition of sedimentary organic matter. The sediments were generally characterized by large amounts of chloropigments and labile compounds (dominated by proteins), indicating high inputs of primary organic matter. Meiofaunal densities were very high and comparable to those from the most productive areas worldwide. Sediments with high densities of the scallop had low meiofaunal densities especially in the top 2 cm, suggesting that scallop clapping contributed to meiofauna resuspension. However, it is not possible to exclude the probability that meiofauna are part of the scallop beds apparently have an important role in structuring meiofaunal communities with nematodes dominant where Adamussium colbecki is absent, and gastrotrichs dominant (44–51%) in A. colbecki beds, reaching the highest density reported so far.

Keywords

Adamussium colbeckimeiofaunaorganic matterRoss Sea
Type
Papers—Life Sciences and Oceanography
Information
Antarctic Science , Volume 11 , Issue 4 , December 1999 , pp. 415 - 418
Copyright
© Antarctic Science Ltd 1999

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