SEASONAL-VARIATION OF THE MACROBENTHIC FAUNA IN AN ISOLATED AREA OF THE EVROS DELTA (NORTH AEGEAN SEA)

Monthly samples of macrobenthic fauna were collected from March 1983 t o February 1984, in a poly-to euhaline isolated area of the Evros Delt a (North Aegean Sea). Only 11 taxa were identified, The gastropod Hydr obia acuta displayed high mean monthly dominance (87.5%); three more s pecies, the amphipod Gammarus aequicauda, the bivalve Abra ovata, and the polychaete Hediste diversicolor, showed remarkable dominance. Thre e groups of samples were distinguished, mainly as a result of the stro ng seasonal variation in the species abundances attributed to their li fe cycle. Monthly variation in number of species, species richness, sp ecies diversity, evenness, and total abundance was significant. Total number of individuals was highest during autumn and winter.