DISTRIBUTION OF BENTHIC MACROFAUNA IN LANGEBAAN LAGOON

Summary

Fifteen stations were sampled in Langebaan Lagoon using a diver-operated suction sampler. The macrofauna was analysed using numerical methods, by the rarefaction technique, to define relative species richness and by ash-free dry-weight biomass determinations. Three basic groups were defined which were the channel, island and sandbank groups. The channel and island groups had the greatest biomass and the highest species richness values respectively. In contrast the sandbank group had the lowest biomass values, intermediate species richness values and the highest density of individual animals per m² The availability of food, water current velocity and hence sediment texture, water temperatures and salinity apparently were most important factors in determining the distribution of the macrofauna.