Benthic indices and ecological quality of shallow Algeria fine sand community

摘要: Abstract This study applies six macrozoobenthos-based biotic indices in the shallow coastal waters along Algerian coast (southern Mediterranean Sea) to establish a reference situation for future use. These fine sand communities were sampled seven bays during 1980s and beginning of 1990s. For first time, some benthic used nowadays Europe implementation WFD and/or North America Clean Water Act analyze data collected twenty years ago order assess biological quality status provide ecological classifications community coast. The faunal composition showed that belonged Well-Calibrated Fine Sand (WCFS) biocenosis characterized by high species richness H ′ Shannon-Weaver diversity, with moderate abundance levels only. In Fetzara, Jijel, Bejaia, Bou Ismail Arzew (though not Algiers Oran), is >4.5, which implies highly diversified communities. results ( ′, AMBI, M-AMBI, BENTIX, BOPA ITI) suggest good assessments are prevalent all Nevertheless, effect pollution was observed at small number sites Arzew, Oran bays. example, Bay, an east-west gradient revealed organic matter input.