Depth-related distribution patterns of subtidal macrobenthos in a well-established marine protected area

摘要: Effective marine resource management requires knowledge of the distribution critical habitats that support populations and processes maintain them. Reefs host diverse macrobenthic communities are important for fish. However, detailed information on is rarely available usually limited to SCUBA diving depths. To establish depth-related patterns drivers structure reef communities, macrobenthos situated in a warm-temperate protected area (MPA; 34°01′24S; 23°54′09E) was sampled between 2009 2012. Comparison shallow (11–25 m) deep (45–75 sites revealed significantly different sharing only 27.9 % species. LINKTREE analysis changeover species along depth gradient, resulting four assemblage clusters, each associated with particular environmental variables. High light intensity supported benthic algae at depths, as availability decreased depth, algal cover diminished eventually absent from reef. Upright growth forms settled particulate matter were positively related dominated Reduced wave action currents can explain increased settling suspended particles. Under such conditions, clogging feeding parts encrusting expected, upright would be favoured. Considering most MPAs restricted coastal change it probable many unique currently afforded no protection.