Effects of a Short-term Environmental Change on a Brackish-water Polychaete Community

Abstract. Aquatina lake is a brackish basin, connected with the Adriatic Sea along the mast of Apulia (Italy), with a mean salinity of 26%. The abundance and biomass of fifteen polychaete species were recorded by monthly samples in a pilot area of the lake from February 1989 to February 1990. Naineris laevigata was dominant, both in number of individuals and biomass. During 1990, obstruction of freshwater inflow to the lake caused an increase in salinity up to 4O%, followed by some changes in the polychaete community. Noromasrus hiericeus became dominant, and the abundances of the other species decreased except for Naineris laevipru . Salinity assumed normal values after three months, but community responded slowly becauie the massive presence of N. latericeus inhibited the recovery of other species. An abiotic disturbance, followed by a biotic disturbance, altered the structure of the polychaete community.     

Short-Term Benthic Recolonization after Dredging in the Harbour of Ceuta, North Africa

Abstract. The benthic recovery after dredging (area: 2625 m²) was studied in a polluted and enclosed area of the harbour of Ceuta, in which the recolonization through the water column (larvae and adult bedload transport) could be limited by the lack of renewal. The benthos was sampled at two sites (control and dredged) using a van Veen grab and adopting a BACI (Before, After, Control, Impacted) approach. Five samplings were conducted after dredging (3, 15, 30, 90, 180 days). The proportion of gravel in the sediment of the dredged site increased after dredging, while the organic matter decreased. The impact on the community was estimated at species level, using both univariate and multivariate analyses. The maximum negative effect on benthic macrofauna was a reduction by 65% for species richness (15 days after dredging) and by 75% for abundance (3 days after dredging). Between 15 and 30 days after dredging, the abundance of some species such as the molluscs Parvicardium exiguum and Retusa obtusa and the polychaete Pseudomalacoceros tridentata increased considerably in the dredged site, while typical ‘opportunistic’ species such as Capitella capitata were disfavoured by the disturbance. For this small‐scale dredging, about 6 months are required for the disturbed area to re‐establish a sediment structure and a macrobenthic community similar to the undisturbed area. Small‐patch dredging operations are proposed in harbour management whenever possible, since they allow a quick re‐adjustment of the initial sediment structure and benthic communities.     

The diversity and abundance of polychaetes (Annelida) are altered in sediments impacted by alumina refinery discharge in the Northern Territory,Australia

We collected polychaete diversity and abundance data at a range of impacted and reference sites near an alumina refinery in Melville Bay, northern Australia. The aims were to measure the impact of sediment modified by the alumina refinery discharge on polychaete communities and secondly to gather baseline data from which to measure future changes. Polychaete communities in both soft-bottom habitats and subtidal areas adjacent to mangrove forests were studied. We also developed and deployed an artificial substratum device to sample polychaetes associated with hard-substrate habitats. For each habitat, polychaete community composition was different between impacted and reference sites and at multiple time points. The impact of future changes either from bioremediation or management practices can be measured against these baseline data. Indicator species analysis was used to identify polychaete species that were significantly different at the locations tested, and we discuss their potential as indicator species.     

Contamination patterns and molluscan and polychaete assemblages in two Persian (Arabian) Gulf oilfields

This study examined two shallow‐water, offshore oil facilities and their surroundings in the Umm Al Dalkh and Zakum oilfields [United Arab Emirates, Persian (Arabian) Gulf]. The focus was on sediment contamination levels and the detection of disturbance based on two representative invertebrate components of the benthos: molluscs and polychaetes. We tested the hypothesis that significant disturbance to the community has occurred, by examining whether distance from the platform or variation in contaminants explains among‐site variation in the composition of benthic communities. Moreover, we also tested the hypothesis that organic enrichment because of oil input has modified the feeding guild structure by examining whether the relative abundances of filter‐feeders, deposit‐feeders and omnivores are correlated with distance from the platform or with contamination by hydrocarbons. The contamination levels and their spatial distribution in the sediments differed significantly between the two fields, as did their mollusc and polychaete communities. The within‐field variability, however, was much lower: no clear structuring of contamination values and species composition and abundance was detectable in relation to distance from the oil platform. Contamination levels were low, often below detection levels or international guideline values. Variation in contaminant concentrations did not explain variation in taxonomic composition and abundance. The relative abundance of the above‐mentioned feeding guilds did not correlate with either distance from the platform or with contaminant concentrations. These patterns may reflect the long time that has elapsed since drilling (15–20 years), which appears to have allowed contaminants to disperse and degrade and assemblages to recover from the impact, if indeed such a disturbance ever occurred. In contrast to low values of barium and total petroleum hydrocarbons, associated with well drilling, some metals were at their highest concentrations beneath the central platforms. This suggests that production‐related activities (including platform cleaning and maintenance) are currently a more relevant contamination source.     

Succession patterns of polychaetes on algal‐dominated rocky cliffs (Aegean Sea,Eastern Mediterranean)

Ecological succession has been scarcely investigated on sublittoral rocky cliffs. The few relevant studies deal with the structure of the developing community and are limited to higher taxa or sessile forms. The objective of the present study was to examine succession patterns on algal‐dominated rocky cliffs both at the structural (species composition) and functional (feeding guild composition) level, using Polychaeta, a dominant taxon in this marine habitat, as a reference group. Cement panels were seasonally installed on the rocky substratum (25–30 m depth) and sampled every 3 months over a 1‐year period. Twenty‐nine polychaete species were recorded, previously reported from the surrounding benthic community, and classified into eight feeding guilds. Most species were assigned as sessile filter‐feeders; this guild dominated in abundance and biomass. A strong effect of the length of immersion and of the seasonal onset of succession on the developed communities was assessed: species composition analyses suggested convergence into a similar organization as succession proceeds, whereas the impact of starting season on succession was stronger when analysing feeding guilds. In both cases succession was faster on panels installed in winter. The main emerging patterns were in agreement with relevant surveys of the entire benthic fauna, thus supporting the efficacy of polychaetes as a surrogate group for studying ecological succession in the benthic marine environment.     

印尼混合海草床大型底栖生物丰度和多样性生态研究

海草床是海岸带最富生产力的生态系统之一,支撑着各种各样的伴生生物。热带的印度和太平洋地区被认为拥有海草植物种类多样性最高,且分布面积最广,然而,这个区域的海草床大型底栖生物我们知之甚少。为了填补认知的空白,我们在该区域开展了一项生态调查,旨在描述该区热带海草床大型底栖生物的丰度和多样性,以及确定大型底栖生物丰度、物种丰富度和群落结构是否明显存在断面内的站间变化和样地间变化。2014年5月和2015年10月我们分别在北苏拉威西省东海岸和西海岸开展野外工作,使用柱状取样器采集海草床大型底栖生物样品。所得样品共计鉴定14大类149种底栖生物,种类最为丰富的类别为多毛类（56种,占26%的总个体数）,十足类（20种,占9%的总个体数）和端足类（18种,占35%的总个体数）。东、西海岸海草床大型底栖生物表现出不同的空间分布模式。在东海岸,同一断面的大型底栖生物和端足类的丰度存在显著的站间差异;而在西海岸,大型底栖生物和多毛类的种类丰富度和丰度都表现出明显的站间变化,这可能归结于同一断面底质不均所造成。单因素ANOSIM以及MDS排序表明了北苏拉威西省东海岸和西海岸海草床大型底栖生物群落结构存在显著不同,正好对应于将海草床分成两大类型的栖息地,即西海岸的红树林-海草床-珊瑚连续体和东海岸的海草床-珊瑚连续体。与在热带海区开展的其他研究相比,本研究的大型底栖生物丰度和多样性处于中等水平。东、西海岸海草床大型底栖生物群落存在显著区别,其原因可能源于多方面,包括了沉积物模式,海草床结构和时间变化。     

斑块状海草床对大型底栖动物群落的影响

本研究根据2013年5月在山东省广饶县潮间带海草床及附近海域大型底栖动物的采样数据,对斑块状海草床及邻近海域的大型底栖动物群落多样性、组成和结构进行了比较研究。结果显示,在本研究的海草床及附近海域共获得大型底栖动物41种,其中甲壳动物的物种数量最多(16种),多毛类动物(15种)和软体动物(10种)次之。大型底栖动物优势种有7种,包括多毛类3种,甲壳动物和软体动物各2种。整个研究海域大型底栖动物群落的平均丰度为661.33 ind/m~2,最主要的丰度贡献者为光滑河篮蛤和丝异须虫,它们的丰度均表现出显著的空间差异;动物丰度在海草床覆盖海域明显高于非海草覆盖海域。聚类分析、nMDS排序、SIMPER分析和IMS分析结果显示,在沿海草床的距离梯度上,大型底栖动物并未表现出明显的线性趋势。因此,斑块状海草床的生态服务功能仍然存在,但相当有限。因此,对功能退化的斑块状海草床的保护势在必行,以期恢复其原有的生态服务功能。     

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。     

黄河口邻近海域浮游幼虫群落结构季节变化

基于2019−2020年4个季节的6个航次海上生态调查,研究黄河口邻近海域的浮游幼虫群落结构及其与环境因子的关系,旨在为海域生物多样性保护与重要生物资源养护提供科学基础。结果显示：在黄河口邻近海域,共鉴定出浮游幼虫16类,阶段性浮游幼虫是主要组成类群。浮游幼虫月均丰度以11月最高、1月最低。浮游幼虫香农−威纳多样性指数（H'）夏季（6−8月）高和秋冬季（11月至翌年1月）低。双壳类幼虫和无节幼虫是海区各季节的优势种及浮游幼虫总丰度的主要贡献者,腹足类幼虫、多毛类幼虫以及耳状幼虫、桡足幼虫等是季节性出现的优势种。春−夏间优势种组成更替率高。相对高丰度浮游幼虫主要分布于黄河口入海口附近、小清河口及莱州湾中部。基于浮游幼虫类群丰度组成的聚类分析,可将调查月和站位各分为3个不同的聚类组。月聚类组分别为春季（4月）、夏秋季（6−11月）和冬季（1月）,春季、冬季聚类组的代表类群是无节幼虫,夏秋季聚类组的代表类群是双壳幼虫。3个站位聚类组的组成站位的地理分布交错,代表类群都为双壳类幼虫和无节幼虫。多元方差（MANOVA）和相似性分析（ANOSIM）检验显示,海区内浮游幼虫的多样性指数、丰度、群聚结构等都表现为月间差异显著（p<0.05）,站位间差异不显著（p>0.05）。生物−环境逐步多重回归分析表明,影响浮游幼虫群聚结构的最佳环境因子组合为水温和浮游动物丰度。     

Pollution investigations off the north-east coast of England: Community structure,growth and production of Benthic Macrofauna

The growth of major polychaete and bivalve species inhabiting sandy sediments off the north-east coast of England was examined over a 1-year period in a comparative study of community production in relation to contaminant sources. Background information on site locations, sampling methods and benthic community structure is provided.The polychaetes Spiophanes bombyx, Magelona spp. and Nephtys spp. were major contributors to community biomass at most sites, either individually or collectively. Tellina fabula, Nucula turgida, Venus striatula and other bivalves were only sparsely represented at most sites and growth rates were generally lower than elsewhere. Reduced bivalve populations, together with the presence in high numbers of short-lived polychaete species, may be connected with the vulnerability of bottom sediments to disturbance by water movements in this coastal region.Recruitment patterns were generally similar between sites but showed marked annual variation, with a substantially greater bivalve settlement occurring at the end of the sampling period.Estimates of community production ranged from 3.4 to 7.4 g ash-free dry weight per square metre a year, and showed relatively high turnover rates compared with other regions, which, again, may be related to a greater degree of fluctuation in the physical environment. Production was highest at a site near to the Tees estuary and was accounted for mainly by the polychaetes Nephtys hombergi and Spiophanes bombyx. The concentration of biomass into one or two species may have consequences for the stability of the fauna. However, the results do not appear to indicate any serious effects of pollution, which may suggest that the coastal waters have sufficient capacity to effectively dilute and disperse any harmful constituents of present estuarine efflux.Limitations to the interpretation of field data using conventional methods of sampling and analysis are discussed, and the application of growth studies to investigations of water pollution is advocated.     

Seasonal succession in the diatom community of Sendai Bay,northern Japan,following the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku earthquake

Sendai Bay in northern Japan suffered serious damage from massive tsunamis generated by the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku earthquake. The physical disturbance caused by a tsunami may affect the coastal ecosystem, including the planktonic diatom community. We investigated seasonal changes in the diatom community structure at a coastal and an offshore station in Sendai Bay, from June 2011 (3 months after the tsunami) to April 2014. Diatom abundance increased at both stations during the spring. Sporadic increases were also recorded at the coastal station during the summer because of silicate input from river discharge. Seasonal succession of the diatom communities was similar at both the coastal and offshore stations. The onset of the spring bloom consisted mainly of Chaetoceros spp. when water temperatures were low. Subsequently, species such as Skeletonema costatum s.l. became dominant as salinity and nutrient concentrations decreased. Cell density decreased from summer into early winter. Leptocylindrus danicus became dominant in the summer, but was replaced by Thalassiosira cf. mala from autumn into winter. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that most of the variation in the diatom community could be explained by temperature, salinity, NO₃ ^?, NO₂ ^?, PO₄ ^3?, and SiO₂. In addition, the occurrence of diatom species before the tsunami showed a similar pattern to that after the tsunami, suggesting that the tsunami did not have a serious impact on the diatom community in Sendai Bay.     

Spatial intertidal distribution of bivalves and polychaetes in relation to environmental conditions in the Natori River estuary,Japan

This paper aims to reveal spatial variation in the abundance of infaunal bivalves and polychaetes at different spatial scales (station: 200–800 m intervals; plot: 5–20 m), and to reveal environmental variables affecting the spatial distribution of animals in the Natori River estuary, Japan. We found six bivalve species and eight polychaete species from 52 plots at 12 stations. Nuttallia olivacea and Heteromastus sp. were found to be the most abundant species of bivalves and polychaetes, respectively. Assemblage patterns of bivalves and polychaetes were classified into five distinct groups. Substrata (silt-clay contents), salinity, and relative elevation were the variables found to affect the infaunal assemblage patterns. Chlorophyll a was not a significant variable, but benthic animals were absent at sites with extremely low chlorophyll a conditions. Macrobenthic assemblage patterns were different not only between stations but often differed between plots at the same station, reflecting the complex assemblage structure of benthic invertebrates. Detailing such animal–environment relationship is essential in understanding the potential food supply for estuarine fishes.     

Polychaete Fauna of Seagrass Beds (Halodule wrightii Ascherson) Along the Coast of Rio de Janeiro (Southeast Brazil)

Abstract.  The polychaete community structure from six Halodule wrightii seagrass beds along the Rio de Janeiro coast (Southeast Brazil) was investigated. Variations in species diversity, overall density and species composition in relation to sediment grain size, seagrass biomass and selected plant structural features such as root and shoot length from the study sites were analysed. Ten core samples (0.02 m²) were randomly collected from each site. Three additional samples were taken for grain size analysis of sediment. Sixty-eight species of polychaetes belonging to 24 families were found. The dominant species as well as species composition varied greatly among sites, showing that a typical polychaete community does not exist. The number of species was positively correlated with the silt-clay percent and sorting coefficient of the sediment. A positive correlation between polychaete density and plant biomass was also obtained. Multivariate analysis indicated that polychaete communities were influenced greatly by seagrass plant features: plants with longer shoots harbour mainly surface-deposit feeders such as Magelona papillicornis , whereas plants with a higher root-shoot length relation sheltered mainly suspension or interface feeders like Fabricia filamentosa . This study demonstrates that granulometric properties as well as plant architecture play an important role in structuring the polychaete community. As the community-level response can reflect changes in local seagrass beds, the structure of the polychaete community can be an important indicator for management plans and the restoration of seagrass ecosystems.     

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.     

黑潮及相邻海域表层砂壳纤毛虫分布模式:以夏季黄海、东海至西太平洋断面为例

2019年夏季对沿黄、东海至西太平洋跨越黑潮一个断面(122°E～145°E)的表层砂壳纤毛虫群落进行调查,研究了黑潮中砂壳纤毛虫与相邻水体的差异.根据水文环境及各站位所处的空间位置,我们将研究区域划分为大洋边缘区域、黑潮区域和大洋区域.各站位砂壳纤毛虫的丰度范围为3.95～31.94 ind·L–1,种丰富度范围为6...     

The impact of Melinna palmata grube, a tube-building polychaete, on meiofaunal community structure in a soft-bottom subtidal habitat

Field investigations were performed in a low-energy subtidal muddy sediment in Loch Creran, a sea-loch on the west coast of Scotland where the impact of Melinna palmata, a tube-building polychaete, on the meiofaunal community structure was assessed. This polychaete was found in high densities and forms prominent faecal casts on the sediment surface. Samples were retrieved from the casts, the feeding area of the polychaete and from an unaffected control area. The number of nematodes, the dominant taxon, did not vary significantly between areas. Of the five most abundant nematode species one was significantly more abundant in the cast area. Diversity and trophic structure of the nematode component of the meiofauna was very similar in all three areas. Copepods were more than twice as abundant in background sediments as in faecal mounds and feeding areas; however, Longipedia spp. were more abundant in the cast areas. For the copepods these findings support models which state that natural disturbances create a mosaic of patches that have different species compositions depending on their states of recovery.     

Temporal variability in polychaete assemblages of the abyssal NE Atlantic Ocean

Temporal variability in deep-sea polychaete assemblages was assessed at the Porcupine Abyssal Plain Sustained Observatory, NE Atlantic, over a 9-year period (eight cruises between August 1989 and September 1998). The polychaete communities were characterized by large number of individuals (abundance) and high family richness. The highest abundances occurred in the upper 1 cm sediment layer (53.2% of total abundance). The most abundant families were the Cirratulidae, Spionidae, Opheliidae and Paraonidae. Surface deposit feeders were the dominant trophic group (67.4% of total abundance). Significant temporal variability was evident in polychaete abundance with significant differences in polychaete abundance between sampling periods (cruises; p<0.01). Stepwise increases in abundance in September 1996 and March 1997 coincided with similar increases in abundance in large invertebrates (megafauna) in the same area (known as the ‘Amperima Event’ after a species of holothurian that increased in abundance by over three orders of magnitude). Similar patterns were observed for abundances across different layers of the sediment, main families and trophic groups showing significant differences between cruises (p<0.05). A comparison of samples taken (1) before the ‘Amperima Event’ (1989–1994) and (2) during the ‘Amperima Event’ (1996–1998) showed significant differences in the polychaete abundance in the upper 3 cm of the sediment. There were significant differences in some trophic groups (predators, deposit feeders and burrowers) and the dominant families (Cirratulidae, Spionidae and Opheliidae). Not all elements of the polychaete community showed a response (e.g. the Paraonidae). Changes in surface deposit feeders were particularly evident. The temporal variability is likely to be related to seasonal and interannual variability in organic matter input. Greater food supply in some years may allow the growth and development of deposit-feeding polychaetes.     

温岭海岛潮间带大型底栖生物的群落结构

为了解浙江温岭海岛潮间带大型底栖生物在沿海经济快速发展背景下的群落结构变化,2011年10月和2012年4月对温岭8个海岛8条断面开展了春、秋季2个航次的调查。本次调查共鉴定出潮间带大型底栖生物96种,包括软体动物40种,藻类29种,甲壳动物15种,多毛类6种,棘皮动物6种;平均生物量为1 794.16±1 148.08 g/m²,平均丰度为679±497 ind/m²,生物量和丰度均为秋季高于春季。温岭潮间带大型底栖生物主要以藤壶-荔枝螺群落为主,主要优势种为日本笠藤壶Tetraclita japonica和疣荔枝螺Thais clavigera,其生物量和丰度占80%以上,优势度非常明显。运用ABC曲线、等级聚类和nMDS对大型底栖生物群落结构分析发现,群落结构已受到中度干扰,稳定性差;与周边的洞头列岛、南麂列岛和嵊泗列岛相比,物种数仅为其一半左右。这种分布情况与其所处的生境有关,同时也表明受到人类活动(如污染和采捕等)的影响,群落结构次生化。     

The relationship between soft-bottom macrobenthic communities and environmental variables off Ningjin, eastern Shandong Peninsula

Macrobenthic infauna and associated environmental factors influencing the benthic community in the eastern coastal region of Shandong Peninsula were analyzed in four seasonal surveys from January 2007 to October 2007 (30 stations in winter, 20 stations in other three seasons), in order to understand the community structure and the factors unfluencing the benthic distribution. PRIMER 6.0 and SPSS 15.0 software packages were adopted to analyze the environmental and macrobenthic data. The results show that there were 260 macrobenthic species in total collected from the research region. The composition of species is:Polychaeta (94 species), Crustacea (75), Mollusca (56) and Echinoderm (12), among which, only 23 species were common species in the cruises of every season. The dominant species varied from season to season; however, the polychaete species Paralacydonia paradoxa Fauvel and Echinoderm species Amphioplus japonicus (Matsumoto) were always present year-round. The abundance and biomass of the macrobenthos in the research region were variable from season to season. The results of CLUSTER and MDS analysis show that the similarities of macrobenthic structures between the stations were low; most of the similarities were at about 30% of similarity value, only two stations were up to 70%. In accordance with the similarity values of the macrobenthic structures, we divided the 20 stations into five groups by arbitrary similarity level of 30%. The ABC curve indicates that the marcofauna communities in the research region had not been disturbed massively, except two stations, SB1 and SB3. Ecologically, benthos were controlled by a combination of factors such as salinity, phytoplankton, zooplankton, SiO₃-Si and temperature, and no single factor could be considered as an ecological master factor.