The importance of a functional approach on benthic communities for aquaculture environmental assessment: Trophic groups – A polychaete view. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sanchis, Carlos; Soto, Eulogio H.; Quiroga, Eduardo
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 167(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: Chilean Patagonia -- Aquaculture -- Seabed pollution -- Feeding modes -- Capitella capitata -- Cirratulus cirratus; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112309
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Polychaetes were studied to assess the effect of aquaculture activity on the seafloor. Very high biodiversity of species was recorded associated with aquaculture centres with Cirratulidae, Spionidae and Paraonidae families being the most diverse and abundant families. The spatial distribution of polychaete trophic groups was the best descriptor for detecting changes on the benthos. Surface and subsurface deposit-feeding species dominated the sites closest to the rafts cages, highlighting Capitella capitata and Cirratulus cirratus as opportunistic species. While replacement and species succession were observed with increasing presence of carnivores and omnivores in sites further away from the salmon cages and experiencing less impact. Analyses based on the distance of feeding modes and ecological groups from the disturbance source were better indicators of the impact that the traditional community approach or sediment biogeochemistry. Therefore, functional traits studies should always be considered on environmental assessments of benthic systems impacted by aquaculture. Highlights: Benthic communities from northern Patagonian fjords exhibited high polychaetes diversity (148 species) Cirratulidae, Spionidae and Paraonidae were the most diverse families Changes on benthos at distances > 100 m from aquaculture cages are characterized by differences in polychaete trophic groups. Surface and subsurface deposit feeders dominated in sites close to the farms Macrofauna functional traits are a useful tool to assess the impact of aquaculture activity on benthos