Abstract
The inter-annual variability of the fish and macrocrustacean spring community on an intertidal sandy beach near the Canche estuary (North of France) was studied from 2000 to 2013 based on weekly spring sampling over an 11-year period. Twenty-eight species representing 21 families were collected during the course of the study. The community was dominated by a few abundant species accounting for > 99% of the total species densities. Most individuals caught were young-of-the-year indicating the importance of this ecosystem for juvenile fishes and macrocrustaceans. Although standard qualitative community ecology metrics (species composition, richness, diversity, evenness and similarity) indicated notable stability over the study period, community structure showed a clear change since 2009. Densities of P. platessa, P. microps and A. tobianus decreased significantly since 2009, whereas over the period 2010-2013, the contribution of S. sprattus to total species density increased 4-fold. Co-inertia and generalised linear model analyses identified winter NAO index, water temperature, salinity and suspended particular matter as the major environmental factors explaining these changes. Although the recurrent and dense spring blooms of the Prymnesiophyte Phaeocystis globosa is one of the main potential threats in shallow waters of the eastern English Channel, no negative impact of its temporal change was detected on the fish and macrocrustacean spring community structure.
Highlights
Intertidal ecosystems are dynamic interfaces between the land and the sea
The tidal regime is semi-diurnal with an average tidal range of about 7 m on spring tides and 3 m on neap tides
On average 13 sampling dates were done during each spring period except during 2007 where only 8 sampling dates were done
Summary
Intertidal ecosystems are dynamic interfaces between the land and the sea. These particular environments display harsh and highly variable hydrodynamic conditions, they support a diverse and heterogeneous fauna, and are thought to be highly productive [1,2]. Sandy shorelines are one of the most extensive, dominating most of the temperate coastlines [3]. These ecosystems are important temporary habitats for the life cycle of many marine organisms such as juvenile fish, and are considered to play. Intertidal Fish and Macrocrustacean Community Structure an important role for coastal fisheries [4]. Many authors have reported that intertidal areas provide a refuge from predators, abundant food resources and favorable environmental conditions, which promote growth and survival (see [5])
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
