Impact of excessive sedimentation caused by anthropogenic activities on benthic suspension feeders in the Sea of Marmara

• DOI: 10.1017/s0025315418001066
• Publication Date: 2018-12-18T06:32:58Z
• Authors: Nur Eda Topçu; Emre Turgay; Remziye Eda Yardımcı; Bülent Topaloğlu; Ahsen Yüksek; Terje M. Steinum; Süheyla Karataş; Bayram Öztürk
• Keywords: Gorgonian; Sedimentation; Marine habitats

Abstract A massive die-off of benthic suspension feeders (BSF) covered by large amounts sediments was observed along Prince Islands coasts (north-eastern Sea Marmara) in August 2015. Alcyonarians, pennatulaceans, bivalves and sponges were severely affected. Many BSF probably died from burial clogging their feeding respiratory apparatus. Of the gorgonian colonies, 66 ± 34% (mean SD) dead, while 15 16% displayed recent necrosis on colony surface. In addition, histopathological microbial examinations affected gorgonians gold corals ( Savalia savaglia ) suggest that stress caused sedimentation made them vulnerable to exploitation consistently isolated opportunistic microorganisms. We Vibrio splendidus neptunius diseased coral but bacterial isolates obtained could only be identified genus level. The presumably artificially introduced fungus Mucor circinelloides common both gorgonians. This mould bacteria may have colonized taking advantage low oxygen levels leading impaired immune responses thereby exacerbated mortality. Construction landfill operations at Yassıada seem greatest contributor sedimentation, as shown silicate concentrations nearby waters. These observations imply preventive measures are necessary when construction take place vicinity sensitive marine habitats.