Benthic ecological status of Algerian harbours

摘要: This work is an overview of all available benthic data collected in the Algerian harbours between 1983 and 2001. So, total 571 stations were reported 10 major along coast (1200km). Two main categories distinguished according to their hydrodynamic regime volume water exchange inner harbour basins entrance harbours. Univariate, multivariate, indices Biological Traits Life approaches applied on sampled late 1990s long-term observations six out these ten These assessed characteristics ecological statuses from south Mediterranean One was very high species diversity (847 species). Although fauna dominated by pollution-tolerant species; some such as Bethioua Djendjen hosted normal communities found open sea, but also included pollution indicator typical a slight polluted system. On contrary, newly constructed port Skikda showed perturbed relation hydrocarbon pollution. analysis reinforced separation gradient reflecting sensitivity or tolerance response related increase organic matter content, probably associated with general metal contamination, innermost areas weak circulation, sedimentation rate concentrations pollutants. Except for Oran harbour, where poor moderate status remained unchanged time, other improvement degradation. A strategy monitoring should be promoted, based restricted selected number characteristic different masses occupying