Foraminiferal studies provide a key to understanding the dynamics of a shal
low marine environment from Baiona Bay, N.W. Spain. Preliminary data descri
bing the foraminiferal distributions and associated physical and oceanograp
hic setting are presented. A new species list is provided for this region,
which includes both autochthonous and allochthonous elements. Foraminiferal
distributions within the bay are related to a number of measured environme
ntal variables which include: water depth, exposure to wave activity, curre
nt velocities, sediment grain size, and sediment composition. The biofacies
distribution appears to be closely related to the sediment input pattern i
nto this bay.