Benthic macrofauna of the Ericeira coast (central Portugal) collected in May 2001

Study Extent

Sampling was performed in May 2001 during one single campaign covering an area potentially suitable for beach nourishment in the infra and circalittoral sandy bottoms off Pulga Beach, Ericeira, located in central mainland Portugal.

Sampling

Sampling was performed with a 0,1 m2 Smith-McIntyre grab by bathymetry level (10, 20, 40 and 50 m) along three transects perpendicular to the coast (distance between each 2 transects: 1/4 NM). In each of the 15 sampling sites, two grab samples were collected. The content of one grab was used for grain size and total organic matter analysis, while the content of the other grab was used for faunal analysis (composition and abundance). The samples for sediment analysis were kept refrigerated until moved to the laboratory. The samples for faunal analysis were gently washed on board over a 1 mm mesh size sieve. The sorted specimens were preserved in 4% buffered formalin or 70o alcohol (crustaceans).

Quality Control

The sampling procedures were carried out according to Gaudêncio et al (1991).

Method steps

1. Two grab samples for abiotic and biotic characterisation respectively were collected in each of the 15 sampling sites.

The benthic fauna was identified to family or species level.

1. Polychaeta
   rank: class
2. Amphipoda
   rank: order
3. Bivalvia
   rank: class
4. Cumacea
   rank: order
5. Isopoda
   rank: order

ANE, Portugal