Peracarida populations of hard substrate assemblages in ports of the NW Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean)

Abstract

This study deals with the structure of Peracarida populations in four ports in the NW Aegean Sea, Greece, and with the degree this structure is influenced by the particular biotic and abiotic conditions that prevail in the ports. Quantitative samples were taken during summer and winter in two successive years from artificial hard substrates and were analysed using common biocoenotic methods. The examination of approximately 81,250 specimens revealed the presence of 24 Peracarida species, the most dominant of which were Corophium acutum, Leptochelia savignyi and Elasmopus rapax. All species are very common and have been reported from many sites and assemblages in the N Aegean Sea. The ratios of certain Peracarida genera are discussed as possible indicators of environmental health that may be used in long-term biomonitoring programmes on the impact of pollution in harbours.