The Amphipod Community as a Bioindicator in Algeciras Bay (Southern Iberian Peninsula) Based on a Spatio‐Temporal Distribution

Abstract

Abstract. The amphipod population associated with Bugula neritina (L.), a verycommon bryozoan species in Algeciras Bay (Strait of Gibraltar), was studied on a spatio‐temporal scale, in order to define its role as a bioindicator. Samples were collected in December, March, June and September along a transect running from the external to the internal sampling stations. Fifty‐three species belonging to 22 families were identified; the most abundant species were Jassa marmorata H olmes , Ischyrocerus inexpectatus (R uffo ) and Phtisica marina S labber . The spatial evolution of the amphipod community reflected the physico‐chemical conditions of Algeciras Bay, yielding a clear gradient from the outer to the inner stations. The stations located at the mouth of the bay, characterised by high hydrodynamism and low sedimentation, had a higher diversity and species richness than the inner stations with low water movement and higher sedimentation. Eight species preferred for the outer stations, while another nine species were typical of the inner harbours. The most notable aspect of the seasonal evolution was the increased dominance of the tube‐builder and deposit‐suspension feeder Jassa marmorota . Structural and ordination analyses corroborate the outer‐inner gradient in the bay and illustrate the importance of hydrodynamic forces and sedimentation in the amphipod community.