Tube-forming polychaetes enhance invertebrate diversity and abundance in sandy sediments of Mozambique,Africa

In marine soft-bottom systems, polychaetes can increase habitat complexity by constructing rigid tubes (e.g. several onuphid species) that contrast with surrounding topographically flat sediments. These structures can provide predation refuges and increase larval settlement and thereby increase the richness and abundance of fauna. We collected invertebrate samples from an intertidal flat with low onuphid tube density (2.7 m^–2) in Mozambique and document that more organisms (70 times higher mollusc abundances) and more species (15 times more mollusc species) were found associated with solitary tubes of an onuphid polychaete compared with surrounding sand habitats. These results are in agreement with tube versus sand comparisons from soft-bottom systems in the North Atlantic where polychaete tube densities are often much higher.     

Temporal dynamics of subtidal Zostera marina and intertidal Zostera japonica on the southern coast of Korea

The temporal dynamics of two seagrass species, Zostera marina and Z. japonica, were monitored monthly in Dadae Bay, Geoje Island, on the southern coast of Korea. Plant morphological characteristics, shoot density, biomass, leaf production, reproductive effort, and environmental characteristics were monitored from July 2001 to July 2002. Zostera japonica occurred in the intertidal zone and Z. marina occurred in the subtidal zone from 0.5 to 2.5 m below the mean low water level. Shoots and rhizomes were significantly larger in Z. marina than in Z. japonica, whereas the shoot density was greater in Z. japonica than in Z. marina. Despite differences in morphology and shoot density, biomass did not differ significantly between the species. Reproduction occurred from April to June in Z. marina and from May to July in Z. japonica. The proportion of reproductive shoots was approximately three times higher in Z. marina than in Z. japonica. Seasonal variation in the biomass of Z. japonica was caused by changes in both shoot size and density, whereas that of Z. marina was mainly caused by changes in shoot length. Leaf production in Z. marina and Z. japonica showed clear seasonal variation, and leaf production in Z. marina (2.6 ± 0.2 g DW·m⁻²·day⁻¹) was higher than that in Z. japonica (1.7 ± 0.2 g DW·m⁻²·day⁻¹). The mean plastochrone interval was not significantly different between the two species, whereas the leaf lifetime of Z. marina was longer (69 ± 7.8 days) than that of Z. japonica (59 ± 8.3 days). Our results indicated that seasonal leaf growth patterns in Z. japonica are correlated with irradiance and temperature, whereas those in Z. marina respond most to irradiance. Seasonal changes in irradiance appeared to control the temporal variation in above‐ground biomass in both species.     

威海荣成桑沟湾海域海草床分布现状及其生态特征

海草床是生物圈最高产的生态系统之一,在氮捕获、碳封存、水质净化及维持生物多样性等方面发挥关键作用。2016年8月通过对威海荣成桑沟湾海域的现场调查,发现分布总面积约为471.72 ha的海草床,种类为鳗草（Zostera marina）、红纤维虾形草（Phyllospadix iwatensis）、日本鳗草（Zostera japonica）和丛生鳗草（Zostera caespitosa）,分布面积分别为395.33 ha、37.28 ha、32.74 ha和6.37 ha。鳗草分布范围较广,平均茎枝密度817.0±27.6 shoots/m²,平均生物量646.6±41.8 g DW/m²;红纤维虾形草主要分布于桑沟湾北部养殖池和南部楮岛海域,平均茎枝密度2 649.0±29.8 shoots/m²,平均生物量2 381.3±27.3 g DW/m²;日本鳗草主要分布于桑沟湾西部八亩地海域,平均茎枝密度506.0±26.2 shoots/m²,平均生物量118.3±12.5 g DW/m²;丛生鳗草主要分布于桑沟湾南部楮岛海域,其平均密度为513.0±17.9 shoots/m²,平均生物量为479.1±28.1 g DW/m²。结合历史资料,发现桑沟湾海域海草床严重退化,分析了海草床的退化原因并提出了相应的建议和对策,以期为海草资源及滨海生境修复提供参考。     

Polychaete tubes create ephemeral community patterns: Lanice conchilega (Pallas, 1766) associations studied over six years

On intertidal sandflats spatial patterns of benthic communities are influenced by biogenic habitat structures such as mussel beds or seagrass meadows. These structures represent ecological islands hosting a different and often more diverse and abundant community than surrounding sandflats. However, few studies have been carried out on tube aggregations of the polychaete Lanice conchilega, although its tube tops are conspicuous habitat features on European intertidal coasts with densities reaching several thousand per m².The aim of this study was to determine differences between benthic communities associated with tube aggregations and tube-free areas, and to investigate the longevity of community patterns around L. conchilega tubes. From 1995 to 2000, the L. conchilega population of an intertidal sandflat off the Eastern Friesian coast was sampled annually. Multivariate analysis showed significant differences between the L. conchilega and reference communities. Species diversity and abundance were higher among tube aggregations. This pattern developed rapidly after L. conchilega colonisation but was also readily destroyed, mainly due to dynamic changes of the L. conchilega population.Five species of benthic macrofauna were exclusively found among L. conchilega tubes, and four species were more abundant in tube aggregations than in reference areas. Only one species, the polychaete Aphelochaeta marioni, was found in lower numbers in dense L. conchilega aggregations.Hence, it is concluded that L. conchilega is a habitat engineer, which alters the composition of the benthic community and contributes to its patchy distribution pattern. However, this pattern is dynamic and ephemeral. Effects of tube aggregations depend on the population dynamic of L. conchilega itself and the species composition in the surrounding sands.     

Limnology of Lake Rotokawa and its outlet stream

Abstract

The water chemistry, flora, and fauna of Lake Rotokawa (38° 37.8’ S, 176° 11.2'E) was studied in 1975–76. The mean pH is 2.1 and thermal inflows may elevate the mean summer temperature of the surface waters 4.2°c above that of nearby cold water Lake Rotongaio (18.9°c). The temperature range of surface water was from 10.1 °c in winter to 23.1°c in summer. The major anions were SO₄ ^2? 679 g.m^?3, and Cl‐ 314 g.m^?3. Mean concentrations of major cations were Na⁺ 224 g.m^?3, K⁺ 28.9 g.m^?3, Ca²⁺ 13.3 g.m^?3, and Mg²⁺ 2.6 g.m^?3.

Two species of flagellate algae were recorded, of which Euglena anabaena was predominant. Only two benthic macroinvertebrates were found, larvae of Chironomus zealandicus, mean density 253 per square metre, and Helobdella sp., 1.3 per square metre.

The Parariki Stream was influenced by thermal springs in its upper and lower reaches, being cooler (24–25°c) about halfway along its length than near its source (27.8–39.0°c) or confluence (26.5°‐28.0°c) with the Waikato River. In the cooler stretch of the stream where unidentified benthic algae were not limited by high temperature, chlorophyll and total pigment increased from 3.9 to 377.9 mg.m^?3 and from 17.5 to 534.4 mg.m^?3 respectively, and nutrient levels fell (NO₃‐N, 22–10.5 mg.m^?3; NH₄‐N, 6440–230 mg.m^?3; and PO₄‐P, 51–19 mg.m^?3).     

Spatio‐temporal dynamics and biomass of Cymodocea nodosa in Bekalta (Tunisia,Southern Mediterranean Sea)

Leaf growth, biomass and production of Cymodocea nodosa were measured from October 2006 to September 2007 in Monastir Bay (Tunisia). Shoot density showed a clear seasonal pattern, increasing during spring and summer and decreasing during fall and winter. Monthly mean shoot density ranged between 633 ± 48 and 704 ± 48 shoots?m^?2. The monthly average total biomass ranged between 560 ± 37 and 646 ± 32 g dry weight (DW)?m^?2. Total biomass varied significantly among stations and sampling times but did not show seasonal variation. Leaf plastochrone intervals varied seasonally, with an annual average of 28–30 days. Leaf productivity was highest in August (2.61 g DW?m^?2?day^?1) and lowest in February (0.35 g DW?m^?2?day^?1). Annual belowground primary production varied from 263 to 311 g DW?m^?2?year^?1. Annual leaf production was approximately equal for all the stations (from 264 to 289 g DW?m^?2?year^?1). Variability in water temperature, air temperature and salinity explained the annual variability in biological characteristics. Changes in belowground and total biomass were not correlated with seasonal variability in the environmental parameters monitored. Additionally, a literature review was conducted of C. nodosa features at other Mediterranean sites, encompassing 30 studies from 1985 to 2014.     

Land use,associated eel production,and abundance of fish and crayfish in streams in Waikato,New Zealand

Abstract

The density and biomass of fish and crayfish, and the production of eels, was compared among streams in native forest, exotic forest, and pasture. Populations were estimated by multiple‐pass electroshocking at 11 sites in hill‐country streams in the Waikato region, North Island. Three sites were in native forest, four in exotic forest, and four in pasture. Length of stream sampled at each site was 46–94 m (41–246 m² in area), and catchment areas up stream of the sites ranged from 0.44 to 2.01 km².

A total of 487 fish were caught. The species were longfinned and shortfinned eels, banded kokopu, Cran's and redfinned bullies, and common smelt. Eels were the most abundant fish in all three land‐use types, and shortfinned eels were more abundant at pastoral sites (mean density 1.11 fish m^?2) than longfinned eels (mean density 0.129 fish m^?2). Banded kokopu were present only at forested sites. Mean fish densities were greater at pastoral sites (1.55 fish m^?2) than under either native forest (0.130 fish m^?2) or exotic forest (0.229 fish m^?2). Mean fish biomass was also greater at pastoral sites (89.7 g m^?2) than under native forest (12.8 g m^?2) or exotic forest (19.3 g m^?2). Longfinned eels made a greater contribution to the fish biomass at all sites than did shortfinned eels. Densities of crayfish were high (0.46–5.40 crayfish m^?2), but were not significantly different between land‐use types. Crayfish biomass ranged from 1.79 to 11.2 g m^?2. Total eel production was greater at pastoral sites (mean 17.9 g m^?2 year¹) than at forest sites (mean 2.39 gm^?2 year^?1).     

Temporal changes of soft-bottom zoobenthic communities in and around Alsancak Harbor (Izmir Bay, Aegean Sea), with special attention to the autecology of exotic species

Temporal and spatial variation in soft‐bottom benthic communities following recovery from a pollution episode were studied between January and September 2004 in and around Alsancak Harbor, located in the polluted part of Izmir Bay (Aegean Sea, eastern Mediterranean). Samples were collected at seven stations by van Veen grab. Three additional stations were sampled by means of a beam trawl to take into account large mobile animals and for a better estimate of the local biodiversity. A total of 231 species belonging to 10 zoobenthic groups were found. Polychaetes contributed 90% of the total faunal populations and mollusks 87% of the total biomass in the area. Community parameters varied significantly among stations and sampling periods; number of species ranged from 2 to 79 per 0.1 m² grab sample; density from 20 to 81,720 ind·m^?2; biomass from 0.1 to 4190 g·m^?2; Shannon–Wiener diversity index (log₂ base) from 0.4 to 4.4; and Pielou's evenness index from 0.11 to 1.0. Collections indicate that a number of species, including those sensitive to pollution, have colonized the area where azoic conditions had been previously reported. A total of six exotic species, Streblospio gynobranchiata, Polydora cornuta, Hydroides dianthus, Hydroides elegans, Anadara demiri and Fulvia fragilis, probably transferred to the area via ballast water or hull fouling, dominated soft or hard substrata in and near Alsancak Harbor. The first two species accounted for more than 70% of the total population in the area, while A. demiri contributed the most to the biomass (93%, at station 7).     

Seasonal dynamics of Zostera noltii hornem. In the bay of arcachon (France)

Seasonal dynamics of Zostera noltii was studied during 1984 in Arcachon Bay, France. In this Bay, Z. noltii colonizes 70 km², i.e. approximately 50% of the total area, while Z. marina occupies only 4 km². Densities and length of vegetative and generative shoots and above-ground and below-ground biomasses were monitored in four meadows which differed according to their location in the Bay, tidal level and sediment composition. Three of these meadows were homogeneous, well-established beds whilst the fourth was under colonization and patchy. Shoot densities and maximal below-ground biomass were lower in the inner silty seagrass bed than in the sandy meadows located in the centre of the Bay. Maximal above-ground biomasses were similar in the two population types. In the well-established beds, vegetative shoot densities, above-ground and below-ground biomasses showed a unimodal pattern with minima in winter (4000 to 9000 shoots·m⁻², 40 to 80 g DW·m⁻², and 40 to 60 g DW·m⁻², respectively) and maxima in summer (11000 to 22000 shoots·m⁻², 110 to 150 g DW·m⁻², and 140 to 200 g DW·m⁻², respectively). Reproductive shoots were observed from the beginning of June until the end of September, except in the colonizing bed where they persisted until December. Furthermore, in the latter, maximal reproductive shoot density was higher (2600 shoots·m⁻²) than in the established beds (650 to 960 shoots·m⁻²). The total production of Z. noltii in Arcachon Bay was estimated to approximately 35.6·10⁶ kg DW·y⁻¹ (19.4·10⁶ kg DW·y⁻¹ for above-ground parts and 16.2·10⁶ kg DW·y⁻¹ for below-ground parts).     

Distribution patterns of macrobenthic fauna communities in Deukryang Bay,one of the environment conservation areas of Korea

Macrobenthic fauna were collected seasonally at 44 sites in Deukryang Bay from February to November, 2012. The species number of macrobenthic fauna was in the range of 140 to 181, and polychaetes comprised 41.4% of them. The average density of the whole study area changed seasonally from 755 to 1,507 ind. m^?2, and the most abundant fauna group was crustaceans which accounted for 55.1% of total abundance. An amphipod species Nippopisella nagatai was the most dominant species and a decapod species Xenophthalmus pinnotheroides, an amphipod species Photis longicaudata, and a polychaete species Paralacydonia paradoxa were also dominant in all seasons. The mean seasonal values of Shannon’s diversity index (H′) were in the range of 2.2–2.4, and those values for the evenness index and richness index were 0.7–0.7 and 4.6–5.7, respectively. From the cluster analysis, Deukryang Bay could be divided into 3 or 4 station groups with its specific fauna composition. The cluster analysis and an nMDS ordination revealed that local environmental factors such as water depth were related to the spatial delineation of macrobenthic fauna communities in Deukryang Bay.     

Spatial and diurnal distribution of invertebrate and fish fauna of a Zostera marina bed and nearby unvegetated sediments in Damariscotta River, Maine (USA)

Fish, epibenthos and macroinfauna were collected in a Zostera marina bed and nearby unvegetated sediments in the estuary of the Damariscotta River, on the mid-coast of Maine. Samples of epibenthic fauna and fish were collected at low tides both during day and night, and samples of infauna at low tides during the day. The mean density of Zostera shoots in the study area was 335 m⁻². Abundance and species number of fish were greater at night than during the day and greater in eelgrass beds (Z. marina) than in unvegetated habitats. Daytime fish collections were dominated by Atlantic silversides (Medinia medinia), while juvenile winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) dominated night collections. Also Zostera-associated epifaunal abundances and number of species were significantly higher at night than during the day. Mysis stenolepis, Idotea balthica and Littorina obtusata were dominant species in the epifauna samples. Of the total of 37 invertebrate species encountered, only five occurred both in the infaunal and epifaunal samples. Nineteen different taxa were collected from the benthic core samples. The most abundant invertebrate infaunal taxa were sipunculids, the polychaete Nereis virens, and oligochaetes. Infaunal invertebrate abundances and species diversity were significantly higher in eelgrass beds than in unvegetated sediments. The abundance and number of species of benthic invertebrates were also positively correlated to seagrass biomass. Community diversity values (H′) were relatively low but fit well in the general pattern of decreasing diversity towards northern latitudes.     

Differential UVB‐sensitivities of five New Zealand freshwater zooplankton species

Abstract

The ultraviolet (UV) sensitivity of five species of freshwater zooplankton (three Cladocera, two Copepoda) were investigated. The animals were exposed to varying levels of UV‐radiation in a sunshine‐simulator and the UV doses for 10 and 50% mortality (LD₁₀, LD₅₀) were estimated using a dose‐response model. To place these doses in context they were compared with modelled clear‐sky surface UV irradiances in New Zealand. The cladocerans Daphnia carinata and Ceriodaphnia dubia were sensitive to levels of UVB irradiance of LD₁₀ = 18–25 kJ m^?2 and LD₅₀ = 35–37 kJ m^?2. These sensitivities are consistent with published values for other cladocera. In contrast a third cladoceran, Bosmina meridionalis, exhibited no higher mortality over the full range of the cumulative UVB‐doses used (3–40 kJ m^?2) than controls receiving no UV exposure. The copepod Boeckella delicata showed the highest UV‐sensitivity of all organisms tested (LD10 = 7 kJ m^?2, LD50 = 33 kJ m^?2) whereas for Boeckella triarticulata, which was more heavily pigmented than B. delicata, no UV‐induced mortality was observed. Under natural conditions UV irradiances of up to 100 kJ m^?2 day^?1 can fall on the surface of New Zealand lakes. Although this is attenuated in natural waters, these data suggest that UVB irradiance may be a significant ecological variable to some zooplankton species.     

福建三沙湾网箱养殖对多毛纲动物群落结构的影响

利用东海近海典型网箱养殖海湾三沙湾9个航次数据,基于群落结构时空差异,阐释网箱养殖活动对多毛纲(Polychaeta)动物群落的影响。就群落组成而言,网箱养殖和非网箱养殖水域多毛纲物种组成存在差异,丝鳃虫科(Cirratulidae)和多鳞虫科(Polynoidae)分别是两种水域最占优势的类群;网箱养殖水域多毛纲优势物种的丰度及丰度比值略高于非网箱养殖区(104.06ind./m248.29ind./m2,57.59%46.96%)。双因素方差分析(采样时间和养殖方式)结果表明,两种因素对物种数(S)、丰度(N)、生物量(B)、Shannon-Wiener多样性指数(H′)、Pielou均匀度指数(J′)、Margalef丰富度指数(d)等典型群落参数的交互作用不显著(P0.05);考虑两种因素独立效应时,群落参数均无显著空间差异(P0.05),但存在极显著时间差异(P0.01)。双因素群落结构相似性分析(two-way ANOSIM analysis)表明群落结构无显著空间差异(P0.05),但存在极显著时间差异(P0.01)。典型对应分析(canonical correspondence analysis,CCA)显示pH、水深和溶解氧是影响三沙湾多毛纲动物分布格局的主要环境因子。上述结论显示,三沙湾网箱养殖活动对多毛纲动物群落结构已产生一定影响,主要表现在群落组成方面,群落结构和部分典型底栖环境因子具较强相关性。     

Community structure of macrobenthos in two tropical sandy beaches with different morphodynamic features, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The macrobenthos of two exposed tropical sandy beaches in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) were compared in relation to density, species richness, and vertical zonation. Biological and sediment samplings were carried out in the austral winter of 2002 and the austral summer of 2003. The sampling design consisted of 10 transects perpendicular to the water line, evenly divided into strata. A sampling unit was taken in each stratum with a 0.04 m² quadrat sampler. Beaches were also compared according to physical features, such as slope, wave period, wave height, and grain size. According to Dean's Ω morphodynamic index the Pontal is a dissipative beach while the Costa Azul is a reflective one. The mean grain size ranged from median to coarse sand in Costa Azul, whereas in Pontal it ranged from median to very fine sand. Eleven species were collected in the two beaches. Crustaceans were the dominant in the Costa Azul Beach, while the polychaete Scolelepis squamata dominated the Pontal beach. A negative correlation was found between the density of the macrobenthos and mean grain size, and beach slope. On the other hand, the Dean's parameter correlated positively with faunal density. Based on the results of ANOSIM, in both beaches, two groups of stations were identified, defining an upper and a lower beach zone along the vertical distribution of the macrobenthos.     

Three sipunculan species (two new) from New Zealand

Two new species of Sipuncula arc described from New Zealand; Phascolion temporariae from, the empty tubes of the polychaete Temporaria inexpectata (Mestayeri), and Phascolion tortum from the shells of four species of molluscs. Specimens of Golfingia improvisa (Theel) are also reported from the empty frustules of the foraminiferan Ammodiscoides mestayeri (Cushman) and the sandy tubes of the foraminifera Rhizammina sp. All the species were dredged at depths of 370–660 m from Taiaroa and Papanui Canyons, off the Otago Peninsula, New Zealand. The body cavity of several specimens of G. improvisa contained the larval stage of a nematode.     

黄海镆铘岛海域海草床数量分布及其生态特征

海草床是近海三大典型海洋生态系统之一,具有巨大的碳储备功能,并为众多海洋生物提供重要的栖息场所及食物来源,在维持近岸海洋生态系统平衡中发挥着重要的作用。2016年8月通过对黄海镆铘岛海域的现场调查,发现分布面积为272.84 ha的海草床主要种类为鳗草(Zostera marina)和红纤维虾形草(Phyllospadix iwatensis)。鳗草的分布面积约为177.23 ha,占总面积的65%,主要分布在镆铘岛沿岸的海参养殖池中,红纤维虾形草的分布面积约为95.61 ha,占总面积的35%,主要分布在沿岸的礁石上,呈明显的带状分布。鳗草的平均株高为(86.8±5.8)cm,平均植株密度和生物量分别为(364.0±14.2)株/m~2和(528.7±20.5)gDW/m~2;红纤维虾形草的平均株高为(112.8±3.8)cm,平均植株密度和生物量分别为(3087.0±35.4)株/m~2和(2320.0±26.6)gDW/m~2。红纤维虾形草的分布水深为(1.80±0.04)m,海草床的水体溶解氧含量较高,达到(10.4±0.1)mg/L,分布有鳗草的海参池塘的底质粒径为(4.6±0.1)mm。结合历史资料,发现该海域海草床退化现象十分严重,这除了受自然环境变化的影响外,与过度的人类活动干扰有关。并提出了海草床修复与保护的建议和对策,可为进一步研究与保护该区域海草床生态系统提供基础。     

Macrofaunal density and biomass in the Campeche Canyon, Southwestern Gulf of Mexico

The composition, density and community structure of the benthic macrofauna were investigated in sediments of the Campeche Canyon in the SW Gulf of Mexico. Total macrofaunal density ranged from 9466±2736 ind m⁻² at the continental shelf station to 1550±195 ind m⁻² in the canyon. Density values significantly diminished with distance from the coast and depth; only a few stations in the center of the canyon displayed larger density values (E-37 with 4666±1530 ind m⁻², E-36 with 5791±642 ind m⁻² and E-26 with 6925±2258 ind m⁻²). Densities were positively correlated to organic nitrogen in the sediment (r=0.82) and coarse silt (r=0.43), and negatively with depth (r=−0.74) and distance from the coast (r=−0.68). At all stations, the polychaete worms contributed most to the multi-species community structure. The nematodes and Foraminifera displayed their highest densities in the center of the canyon. The biomass values declined significantly with depth. We conclude that the macrofauna density and biomass changed in response to organic matter contents in the sediment, both with distance from the coast and with depth.     

Enhalus acoroides responses to experimental shoot density reductions in Haad Chao Mai National Park,Trang Province,Thailand

The effect of self‐shading and competition for light in the seagrass Enhalus acoroides were investigated with a density reduction experiment in Haad Chao Mai National Park, Trang Province, Thailand. The study was carried out in a monospecific meadow with a natural density of 141.0 ± 8.7 shoots·m^?2. The intent was to determine the response of E. acoroides beds to loss of shoots and thinning, which often occur during typhoons and severe storm activity. Permanent quadrats were manipulated by clipping the seagrass shoots to 140, 72, 36 and 16 shoots·m^?2, to yield natural, 50%, 25% and 10% densities, respectively. Reducing shoot density in E. acoroides increased underwater light intensity below the canopy, generating increased leaf surface area and shoot weight. Seagrass leaf width, growth rate, and number of leaves per shoot also increased with greater light. The extent of flowering varied among treatments with no consistent trend. Our results demonstrate that increasing the available light to E. acoroides produces an increasing leaf size response as self‐shading in the bed is reduced.     

Intertidal biogenic reefs built by the polychaete Boccardia proboscidea in sewage‐impacted areas of Argentina,SW Atlantic

The rocky intertidal zone around the city of Mar del Plata (SW Atlantic, 38° S–57° W) is characterized by dense mussel beds of Brachidontes rodriguezii. This intertidal community develops on natural and artificial hard substrates, including abrasion platforms in sewage‐impacted areas. A monitoring program, designed to assess the effect of sewage discharge on intertidal macrobenthic communities, has been conducted since 1997. During the spring season of 2008, a new spionid polychaete (Boccardia proboscidea) was found near the sewage outfall, forming large biogenic reefs. This is the first report of biogenic reefs being built by a non reef‐forming spionid polychaete in areas organically impacted by sewage discharges. The aim of this work was to evaluate the spatial–temporal dynamics (% cover and density of B. proboscidea) of these reefs. These biogenic reefs covered almost the entire impacted site, reaching a density of 650,000 ind·m^?2. This phenomenon is unique in that there is no other record available worldwide of any other biogenic polychaete reefs that could be sewage‐induced. The presence and stability of these biogenic reefs is discussed in relation to increased organic contamination as a structuring factor.     

Diversity and abundance of mangrove fiddle crabs, genus Uca (Decapoda, Ocypodidae) at a mangrove in Kema, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Mangrove ecosystems are sites with high biodiversity of benthic fauna, and fiddler crabs (genus Uca) are common benthic fauna in mangroves. The North Sulawesi in Indonesia has a good condition of mangrove while the information of the fiddler crabs is still limited. Manual samplings were conducted in wet, dry and transient seasons at a mangrove in Kema, North Sulawesi to investigate the species composition, density and distribution pattern of fiddler crabs. A total of 168 individuals, subjected to eight species of genus Uca crabs were collected at the mangrove, with U. triangularis having the highest abundance and U. annulipes having the lowest abundance. The densities of fiddle crabs were 27.56 ind./m², 32.89 ind./m² and 14.22 ind./m² at the seaward, middle and landward zones, respectively, and the density was higher in dry and wet seasons than in transient season.