Author:
Cohen Brian F.,Currie David R.,McArthur Matthew A.
Abstract
Epibenthic community structure in Port Phillip Bay was examined from
quantitative diver samples collected at 30 depth-stratified stations during
1998. Analysis of variance showed a strong trend of decreasing epibenthic
abundance, biomass and species diversity with depth. Reductions in these three
parameters were most pronounced over shallow inshore waters and could be
attributed largely to decreases in the abundance of the heavy, mat-forming
ascidian Pyura stolonifera with depth. Four epifaunal
community groupings, closely reflecting differences in sediment and habitat
type within the bay, were identified from ordinations of species abundance and
biomass data. The four epifaunal groupings also closely matched distributional
patterns observed in other studies in both demersal fish and infaunal
communities. Epifaunal communities in the bay were dominated by filter-feeding
organisms which accounted for nearly 95% of the total species abundance
and 98% of the total species biomass. Seven of the 63 epibenthic
organisms collected during the survey are exotic introductions to the bay
(Sabella spallanzanii,
Ascidiella aspersa, Styela clava,
Styela plicata,
Ciona intestinalis,
Pyromaia tuberculata and
Asterias amurensis). As many of these species are
widespread and abundant (35% of all individuals), their effects on the
ecology of Port Phillip Bay are likely to be significant.
Subject
Ecology,Aquatic Science,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics,Oceanography
Cited by
31 articles.
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