Interaction Between Macrophytobenthic Groups on the Sublittoral Belt of a Greek Island

Abstract

Abstract. The interrelationships between the main phytobenthic groups of Chlorophyceae, Phaeophyceae, and Rhodophyceae around Milos Island, Central Aegean Sea, were studied using standard ecological and mathematical methods. The analysis was based on seasonal sampling of 114 different macrophytobenthic species. The employed ecological indices revealed that the sampling areas located on the north, south, and east side of Milos Island show similar annual fluctuations in abundance and species diversity. The resemblance was particularly high between all stations in October-February, between south and east stations during May, and between north and east stations during July. Additionally, an annual cycle of group interaction with regard to species diversity and abundance exists between the Chlorophyceae, Rhodophyceae, and Phaeophyceae. The Rhodophyceae are the most abundant and dominant group throughout the year, showing percentages in the samples higher than 70% in all sampling areas.