HOW DOES SEASONALITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETERS INFLUENCE MEIOFAUNAL COMMUNITIES ASSOCIATED WITH Cystoseira sp. MACROALGAE ON ROCKY SUBSTRATES OF RIMEL, BIZERTE (TUNISIA)?
Authors: Amel Hannachi, Mohamed Allouche, Badreddine Sellami, Ahmed Nasri, Silvia Bianchelli, Hamouda Beyrem, Fehmi Boufahja, Roberto Danovaro, Ezzeddine Mahmoudi
Received October 18, 2024
Accepted for publication December 5, 2024
Published December 30, 2024. Volume 2:2 Pages 99—111
Checked for plagiarism Yes
Peer reviewer comments 2
Correspondence: allouchemom2@gmail.com
Abstract
The current study investigated the seasonal variations of meiofauna communities (i.e., nematodes, copepods, oligochaetes, polychaetes, and larvae of crustaceans, respectively) associated with Cystoseira sp. macroalgae on the rocky substrates of Rimel, Bizerte (Tunisia). Sampling campaigns took place monthly for a full year and environmental parameters, such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and suspended matter were measured in situ. The results underscore the significance of several abiotic factors in shaping meiofaunal communities over time. Copepods showed a positive correlation with pH (r = 0.592, p = 0.0426), which achieved a peak in abundance in alkaline conditions. The nematodes were highly abundant during early summer, but declined during high summer temperatures, highlighting their sensitivity to thermal stress. The larvae of crustaceans, in contrast, preferred the more stable winter conditions, reaching maximum abundance in February. Multivariate analyses showed distinct communities in time (ANOSIM (Analysis of Similarities), R = 0.745, p = 0.001) and seasonal clustering, with spring months characterized by more homogenous conditions as opposed to summer-autumn months. The findings of the current survey underscore the complex interplay between meiofauna and environmental factors, offering valuable insights into the ecological functionality of rocky intertidal habitats. Future studies should explore the role of additional factors, such as organic matter quality and trophic interactions in shaping meiofauna dynamics dwelling on rocky substrate.
KEYWORDS: Meiofaunal taxa; Meiofaunal abundance; physicochemical parameters; seasonal variation; rocky substrates; Rimel cost; Tunisia.
