The ecological status of Karavasta Lagoon (Albania): Closing the stable door before the horse has bolted?

摘要: Karavasta is the widest and most important lagoon in Albania. This study aimed to assess ecological quality status of lagoon, acquire knowledge a natural environment which might be exploited for aquaculture, give management hints on basis anthropogenic impact conditions. A sampling campaign was carried out 2008: at six stations, benthic fauna, water, sediment parameters were considered. Statistical analyses through multivariate procedures (PCA, classification-clustering, SIMPER, RDA, DISTLM, PERMANOVA). Ecological assessed AZTI Marine Biotic Index (AMBI), AMBI (M-AMBI) Benthic based Taxonomic Sufficiency (BITS). Sediment characteristics (percent organic matter, %OM; redox potential discontinuity layer depth, RPDL; particle size composition) salinity represented contributory influences communities. It possible distinguish characterise confined area, communities, from marine-influenced area its biota. The number species quite low when compared with other open Adriatic lagoons. M-AMBI BITS classifications gave similar results, seemed consistent conditions that distinction between seaward landward higher (EcoQ) stations. Given pressures condition Karavasta, an intensification aquaculture activities must considered caution, since seems significant risk serious hypereutrophication. situation made worse by limited water exchange marine due irregular dredging communication channels.