Abstract
The results of a 3 years monitoring program to assess the effects associated with recurrent dredged spoil disposal activity in a naturally stressed subtidal coastal area subjected to estuarine inputs are described. Changes observed through time in environmental and anthropogenic variables have been analyzed using cumulated sums and compared to macrobenthic community structure. Results revealed a scarce impact of the recurrent dumping activities, with faunal assemblages derived from the main “Tellina-venus community”. The magnitude of estuarine influence appeared indeed greater on the soft-bottom community than the putative changes due to anthropogenic activities. Through a combination of high energetic conditions, structural changes were observed and ascribed to a flushing action of the highly channeled estuary. Finally, an exceptional flood was recorded over the monitoring period, resulting in a short-term spatial homogenization of the benthic community with an abundance burst of A. alba. Origins of this main new species are discussed.
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.
