Long-term comparison of macrobenthos within the soft bottoms of the Bay of Banyuls-sur-mer (northwestern Mediterranean Sea)

摘要: The macrofauna present at seven of the stations within Bay Banyuls-sur-mer (northwestern Mediterranean) initially sampled by Guille during late 1960s was reassessed in 1994, using same gear and techniques as those used reference study. Results showed an increase both number species individuals (all pooled) per unit surface area nearly all stations. This trend not significant for total biomass. most important changes were linked to polychaete Ditrupa arietina (both Spisula subtruncata Nephtys hombergii community) decrease polychaetes Scoloplos armiger Notomastus latericeus community. possible causes underlying these are discussed. probable cause is considered be a slight modification sediment composition (decrease fine material sediment) subtruncata, communities. Temporal (1) Rhone river input, (2) small coastal inputs, (3) frequency easterly storms may have contributed such decrease.