Distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates in relation to physico-chemical properties in the Koycegiz-Dalyan estuarine channel system (Mediterranean Sea, Turkey)

Kazanci N., Oguzkurt D., Girgin S., Dugel M.

INDIAN JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCES, vol.32, no.2, pp.141-146, 2003 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 32 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2003
  • Journal Name: INDIAN JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCES
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
  • Page Numbers: pp.141-146
  • Keywords: benthic macroinvertebrates, distribution, estuary, Koycegiz-Dalyan Nature Reserve, Mediterranean Sea, physico-chemical variables, Turkey, NORTH AEGEAN SEA, LAKE
  • Inonu University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The Koycegiz-Dalyan Channel system is located between the ectogenic, crenogenic and meromictic Lake Koycegiz and the Mediterranean Sea, Twenty one species belonging to Bryozoa, Gastropoda, Bivalvia, Polychaeta and Crustacea were found at 6 sampling sites from the channel entrance of Lake Koycegiz to the Mediterranean Sea. The faunal assemblage of sampling sites 3 and 4 along the Dalyan Channel had the highest species diversity because of the almost similar effects of Lake Koycegiz and the Mediterranean Sea oil the benthic assemblages and stable salinity compared to the other stations. The distribution of species in the channel system is mainly affected by salinity, temperature, phosphate, Mg2+, DO (dissolved oxygen) and SO42-. Regular physical, chemical and biological monitoring of the channel system is recommended.