R. Danovaro et al., Meiofaunal assemblages associated with scallop beds (Adamussium colbecki) in the coastal sediments of Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea, Antarctica), ANTARCT SCI, 11(4), 1999, pp. 415-418
Meiofaunal community structure in coastal sediments of Terra Nova Bay (Ross
Sea) was related to quantity and biochemical composition of sedimentary or
ganic matter. The sediments were generally characterized by large amounts o
f chloropigments and labile compounds (dominated by proteins), indicating h
igh inputs of primary organic matter. Meiofaunal densities were very high a
nd 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 m
eiofauna are part of the scallop diet. Scallop beds apparently have an impo
rtant role in structuring meiofaunal communities with nematodes dominant wh
ere Adamussium colbecki is absent, and gastrotrichs dominant (44-51%) in A.
colbecki beds, reaching the highest density reported so far.