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

Citation
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
Citations number
23
Categorie Soggetti
Multidisciplinary,Multidisciplinary
Journal title
ANTARCTIC SCIENCE
ISSN journal
09541020 → ACNP
Volume
11
Issue
4
Year of publication
1999
Pages
415 - 418
Database
ISI
SICI code
0954-1020(199912)11:4<415:MAAWSB>2.0.ZU;2-Z
Abstract
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.