The meiofaunal community structure of a Mediterranean lagoon (Gialova lagoon, Ionian Sea)

The higher taxonomic structure of a meiofaunal community was investigated i n an Eastern Mediterranean lagoon (Gialova lagoon, Ionian Sea). Seven stati ons were sampled on a seasonal basis during 1995-1996. Stations within the lagoon were found to support a maximum of 14 meiofaunal taxa with densities ranging from 17 to over 2000 individuals per 10 cm(2). Nematodes were not always the most abundant taxa, although they dominated about half of the to tal 28 samples. Uni- and multivariate analyses were employed to study the c ommunity structure. The distribution pattern of the meiofaunal community va ried both across the lagoon and over the seasons. On the basis of the spati al differences a meiofaunal coenocline, correlated with the degree of isola tion, was observed, composed of mainly two zones: one defined by the area c lose to the marine channel and the other the more isolated area in the inne r lagoon. Meiofaunal distribution pattern was not clearly correlated to one environmental variable, but rather to many, and spatial and seasonal effec ts could be seen.