A preliminary study of soft bottom benthic communities in an area affected by intense maritime traffic (Slovenian Sea, Northern Adriatic). (March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pitacco, Valentina; Mavrič, Borut; Lipej, Lovrenc
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 188(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-03
• Subjects: Maritime traffic -- Macroinfauna -- Benthic ecological status -- Biotic indices -- Mediterranean Sea; 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.2023.114672
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Maritime traffic and port activities pose several environmental and ecological problems in the marine environment. The purpose of this study was to provide baseline data for the future assessment of anthropogenic impacts related with port activities in Slovenian Sea (Northern Adriatic Sea). The macrobenthic communities near the port of Koper, as well as sites offshore were analysed. Results showed that the sites offshore were generally richer and more structured than sites inside the Port area. Those differences were explained partly by depth and sediment grain size. The ecological quality indicated by M-AMBI index resulted Good/High at all the sampling sites. However, the k-dominance curves indicated a disturbance at certain sites, in particular in the port channels. This work highlights the need for consistent monitoring programs to provide baseline data for future studies assessment of anthropogenic impacts. Highlights: Macrobenthic communities in areas affected by maritime traffic. Dominant biocoenosis of coastal terrigenous muds Depth and sediment grain size influenced communities. Ecological quality Good/High at all sites, but disturbance at certain sites.