Abstract
In a changing environment, it is important to understand the contribution of faunal and microbial communities to ecosystem functioning. In this context, the present study aimed to explore the effect of organic matter inputs due to aquaculture on the interaction between microphytobenthos and macrofaunal traits related to bioturbation. The study was conducted in the vicinity of a fish farm in a semi-enclosed bay in Cephalonia (Eastern Mediterranean). Two different disturbance zones were compared – a control area and an area close to fish cages and, more specifically, at the edge of the Allowable Zone of Effect (AZE) subject to intermediate stress from aquaculture waste discharge. Bioturbation potential was the main driver shaping microphytobenthic community composition. While Euglenophytes prevailed in the benthic communities close to fish farms, Cyanobacteria were more abundant in the control area, indicating a shift from a microbially driven functioning to a more macrofaunal one near fish cages. Indeed, a shift from suspension feeding to predation and scavenging was recorded close to fish cages. This shift was caused by the interaction of different trophic groups, food availability, as well as the interference of the increased bioturbation in suspension feeding near fish cages. High bioturbation and bioirrigation potentials recorded near fish cages probably acted as moderators of the negative effects of organic matter deposition caused by fish farming. In conclusion, the benthic community close to fish cages was more diverse in terms of biological traits than at the control sites. This indicated the co-existence of species with different ecological strategies near fish cages.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: 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.