Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.

First survey of sessile communities on subtidal rocks in an area with hydrothermal vents: Miles Island, Aegean Sea

TitoloFirst survey of sessile communities on subtidal rocks in an area with hydrothermal vents: Miles Island, Aegean Sea
Tipo di pubblicazioneArticolo su Rivista peer-reviewed
Anno di Pubblicazione2000
AutoriCocito, Silvia, Bianchi CN, Morri C, and Peirano Andrea
RivistaHYDROBIOLOGIA
Volume426
Paginazione113-121
ISSN00188158
Parole chiaveAegean Sea, bioconstruction, community zonation, hard substrate epibenthos, shallow hydrothermal vents
Abstract

The major epibenthic communities on subtidal rocks of Palaeochori Bay and the marine tract on the southern coast of Milos island (Greece) were described down to 44 m depth. Six sites were investigated by snorkelling and SCUBA diving. Samples, photographs and video images were also taken to integrate information. Three out of the six sites were close to hydrothermal vents, a common feature in the area. In total, nine major epibenthic communities were found, most of which were characterised by a diverse algal growth down to the maximum depth explored. Macrobenthic cover was severely reduced only in the close proximity of vents, a white flocculent bacterial mat covering the rock at the point from which fluid escaped. Large-scale effects of vents on the epibenthic communities were not detected. However, the abundance of species with warm-water affinity was recognisable in both algal and animal dominated communities, which may be related to higher winter temperature in the vent area. Epifaunal communities under overhangs were composed of distinct groups of suspension feeders at vent as compared to non-vent sites: this might indicate differences in trophic conditions. Mounds of the bioconstructional coralline al,oa Mesophyllum lichenoides were conspicuous only at vent sites, thus suggesting enhanced biodeposition of carbonates due to Vent activity.

Note

33rd European Marine Biology Symposium, WILHELMSHAVEN, GERMANY, SEP 07-11, 1998

DOI10.1023/A:1003991117108
Citation Key ISI:000088580000012