engleski

Seasonal dynamics of invertebrates associated with Corallina officinalis in southern Istria

Research on invertebrates within the Corallina officinalis settlements has indicated a high biodiversity of this community due to the characteristic morphological structure and complexity of the habitat itself. As part of this study, the aim was to investigate the seasonal changes in the invertebrate composition, taking into account the maximum and minimum growth of the algae. This research was conducted in southern Istria, where 9 locations with algal coverage range above 90% were selected at four sampling areas. At each locality, sampling was performed quantitatively by scraping off within 3 replicates of 5x5 cm quadrats. Seasonal variability in invertebrate abundance was recorded, and a total of 29, 711 invertebrates were isolated in samples collected during the maximum growth (winter) of algae, while a total of 22, 292 individuals were isolated in samples collected during the minimum growth (summer). The average number of specimen per square meter was 220, 000 for winter and 165, 200 for summer, with a recorded maximum of 586, 000 specimen during winter in Premantura sampling area. Amphipods, polychaetes, bivalves and gastropods, as the dominant groups, accounted for more than 80% of all invertebrates. The data confirm that this settlement is extremely rich in invertebrates, and the recorded maximum density of individuals is the highest compared to similar studies around the world.

invertebrates ; Corallina officinalis ; southern Istrian coast

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