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Biological validation of physical coastal waters classification along the NE Atlantic region based on rocky macroalgae distribution
Ramos, E; Puente, A; Juanes, A; Neto, M; Pedersen, A; Bartsch, I; Scanlan, C; Wilkes, R; Van den Bergh, E.; Gall, A; Melo, R (2014). Biological validation of physical coastal waters classification along the NE Atlantic region based on rocky macroalgae distribution. Est., Coast. and Shelf Sci. 147: 103-112. dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2014.05.036
In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. Academic Press: London; New York. ISSN 0272-7714; e-ISSN 1096-0015
Peer reviewed article  
Available in  Authors 
    Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee: Open Marine Archive 275028 [ download pdf ]
Keyword
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    ecological distribution; intertidal environment; seaweed; biogeography;biotype; EU classification
Authors  Top 
  • Ramos, E
  • Puente, A
  • Juanes, A
  • Neto, M
  • Pedersen, A
  • Bartsch, I
  • Scanlan, C
  • Wilkes, R
  • Van den Bergh, E.
  • Gall, A
  • Melo, R
Abstract
    A methodology to classify rocky shores along the North East Atlantic (NEA) region was developed. Previously, biotypes and the variability of environmental conditions within these were recognized based on abiotic data. A biological validation was required in order to support the ecological meaning of the physical typologies obtained. A database of intertidal macroalgae species occurring in the coastal area between Norway and the South Iberian Peninsula was generated. Semi-quantitative abundance data of the most representative macroalgal taxa were collected in three levels: common, rare or absent. Ordination and classification multivariate analyses revealed a clear latitudinal gradient in the distribution of macroalgae species resulting in two distinct groups: one northern and one southern group, separated at the coast of Brittany (France). In general, the results based on biological data coincided with the results based on physical characteristics. The ecological meaning of the coastal waters classification at a broad scale shown in this work demonstrates that it can be valuable as a practical tool for conservation and management purposes.
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