Structure and dynamics of north-western Mediterranean rocky benthic communities along a depth gradient

The structure and dynamics of four Mediterranean communities along a depth gradient (5 to 20 m depth) were investigated. The main environmental factors relevant to the organization of benthic communities varied predictably with depth, decreasing both in magnitude and in temporal variability. The following hypotheses were tested on the organization of communities as depth increases: (1) community structure increases in complexity, (2) community dynamics decrease, and (3) temporal (seasonal) variations both in community structure and dynamics become dampened. A series of photographs (3 10 cm(2) each) of 12 permanent plots were taken monthly over a 2-year period. Plots belonged to one of four communities, two algal- and two animal-dominated by animals. In the analysis of photographs, a novel methodological approach was employed using techniques borrowed from landscape ecology. Community structure was quantified using three landscape pattern indices: number of patches, mean patch size and Shannon's diversity index. Community dynamics were measured by calculating spatially explicit area changes over time by overlaying drawings corresponding to different sampling times. The results support the hypotheses tested. Firstly, the shallower, algae-dominated communities, had, in general, significantly lower structure (i.e. patch-mosaics were less heterogeneous), than were deeper communities dominated by animals. Secondly, community dynamics were significantly larger in shallower communities than in deeper communities. Thirdly, temporal changes in community structure and dynamics were generally dampened with depth showing, in some cases, significant temporal patterns in structure and dynamics, which were consistent with seasonal variations. These depth-related trends in community structure and dynamics in subtidal Mediterranean communities may respond to strong changes in community determining factors (nutrient availability, physical disturbance, predation). Finally, it is suggested that similar trends may be found in other marine subtidal habitats since similar environmental changes occur there. It is proposed that depth related changes in community organization should be taken into account in community models for sublittoral habitats. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.