Changes in biological traits of macro-benthic communities subjected to different intensities of demersal trawling along the west coast of southern Africa

• DOI: 10.1017/s0025315413000647
• Publication Date: 2013-07-09T08:10:50Z
• Authors: A. Fleddum; L.J. Atkinson; J.G. Field; P. Shin
• Keywords: Bottom trawling; Demersal zone; Benthos

Biological traits analysis (BTA) is considered to be a powerful technique for describing the ecological functioning of marine benthic assemblages. This study first apply BTA assess differences in faunal assemblages between areas exposed heavy and light trawling major upwelling ecosystem along west coast southern Africa. The data were collected from two sampling locations Namibia six South intensity varied area area. Significant biological (BT) detected heavily lightly trawled areas. Weighted infaunal showed significant 17% investigated, while 24% epifaunal investigated significantly different intensities. suggests that measured BTs epifauna might more sensitive disturbances than infauna. differed with larger or smaller proportions sand mud. Nevertheless, related variations sediment composition. modifications are likely lead modified community provide general potential indicators management those based on species. confirms need basic life history macro-benthic invertebrates but nevertheless shows specific features correlate these may important assemblage functioning.