Spatial distribution and structure of benthic communities in Herve and Cardozo Coves (Admiralty Bay, King George Island, South Shetlands, Antarctica) ...

• Main Authors: Kidawa, Anna, Janecki, Tomasz
• Format: Conference Object
• Language: unknown
• Published: ASC 2011 - Theme session G 2024
• Subjects: Ecosystem observation, processes and dynamics; Admiralty Bay; Antarctic; Antarctic Peninsula; Austral; Cardozo; Cardozo Cove; Freed; Herve; King George Island; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.17895/ices.pub.25038659; https://ices-library.figshare.com/articles/conference_contribution/Spatial_distribution_and_structure_of_benthic_communities_in_Herve_and_Cardozo_Coves_Admiralty_Bay_King_George_Island_South_Shetlands_Antarctica_/25038659

No abstracts are to be cited without prior reference to the author.In the last 50 years a significant climatic shift has been observed along Antarctic Peninsula (e.g. glacial retreat, temperature rise). Such changes may have a significant impact on the structure and diversity of benthic communities. Underwater photographic documentation of macrobentos was carried out in Cardozo and Herve Coves (Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica) during austral summers 2007–2008 and 2009–2010. Observations of bottom morphology and sediment type were done by scuba divers. Both coves are formed by retreating glaciers, but they differ in area, depth, isolation from the main waters of Admiralty Bay, and glacial input. Analysis of data revealed significant changes in the density, diversity, and species composition of benthic communities in both coves. Large, open Cardozo Cove supported more diverse macrofauna (35 species compared with 16 in Herve Cove). Areas recently freed from ice were colonized mostly by bivalves ...