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Short-term variation of macrofauna in the nearshore zone of Martel Inlet (Admiralty Bay, Antarctica), with emphasis to Annelida Polychaeta

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Author(s):
Gabriel Sousa Conzo Monteiro
Total Authors: 1
Document type: Master's Dissertation
Press: São Paulo.
Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto Oceanográfico (IO/DIDC)
Defense date:
Examining board members:
Thais Navajas Corbisier; Helena Passeri Lavrado; Paulo Cesar de Paiva
Advisor: Thais Navajas Corbisier
Abstract

The distribution, composition and some aspects of long-term temporal variation of macrofauna from shallow waters of Admiralty Bay are reasonably well know. The present study aimed to investigate the short-term variation of macrofauna, with emphasis on Polychaeta, in Martel Inlet. Sediment was sampled, at 20 m depth, with a van Veen grab for approximately 35 days, almost every week. During the study period, significant variations were verified on the density of some taxa (Amphipoda and Polychaeta), as well as on the sediment composition. Bivalvia, Amphipoda, Cumacea and Oligochaeta at the first sediment layers were more susceptible to the impact of the severe storms. The dominant species of Polychaeta were Rhodine intermedia, Ophelina syringopyge, O. gymnopyge, Apistobranchus glacierae and Tharyx cf. cincinnatus, counting for 87% of the total group. The density of Ophelina gymnopyge presented a significant short-term variation, however, ecological descriptors for Polychaeta assemblages did not vary at the same way. These results collaborate to the INCT-APA, by providing important information to interpret the acquired data about the environmental monitoring program developed in Admiralty Bay. This study is part of the International Polar Year project \"MABIREH\" and will integrate \"SCAR-MarBin\" and \"ABBED\" data bases. (AU)