Benthic biotope index for classifying estuarine habitats

Caeiro, S.; Costa, Maria H.; Goovaerts, Pierre; Martins, Flávio Augusto Bastos da Cruz

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/166

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Authors

Caeiro, S.

Costa, Maria H.

Goovaerts, Pierre

Martins, Flávio Augusto Bastos da Cruz

Abstract(s)

An integration of sediment physical, chemical, biological, and toxicity data is necessary for a meaningful interpretation of the complex sediment conditions in the marine environment. Assessment of benthic community is a vital component for that interpretation, yet their evaluation is complex and requires a large expenditure of time and funds. Thus, there is a need for new tools that are less expensive and more understandable for managers. This paper presents a benthic biotope index to predict from physical and chemical variables the occurrence of macrobenthic habitats, applied to Sado Estuary, as a case of study.