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<p>This study evaluates the feasibility of using functional groups as indicators diversity and integrity of sea floor on mid-shore rocky substrates exploited for molluscs and crustaceans by scraping, aligning with descriptors 1 and 6 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive of the EU. Employing UPGMA classification, Dajoz constancy, and Cabioch’s fidelity indices, key functional groups and abiotic components were identified. Bare rock and rock with biofilm were characteristic of intensive wide-scraper use. Conversely, balanids, dead balanids, mussels, encrusting algae, turf-forming algae, patellogastropods, goose barnacles, and articulated corallines characterized non-extracted or narrow-scraper sites, which facilitate species thinning, avoid extracting non-target species and preserve habitat structure. Coverage and diversity of functional groups proved effective indicators for monitoring the good environmental status, reflecting community health and sustainable resource exploitation. The use of wide scrapers inevitably extracts habitat-forming species, reducing biodiversity. In contrast, narrow scrapers promote sustainable exploitation, allowing targeted thinning, minimizing habitat engineers’ extraction, and maintaining biodiversity levels like to non-exploited sites.</p>

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Functional groups as ecological indicators of environmental status in intertidal rocky substrates affected by shellfish resource exploitation

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年2月24日

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  • J. M. Parada,
  • E. No-Couto,
  • J. A. Santiago

摘要

This study evaluates the feasibility of using functional groups as indicators diversity and integrity of sea floor on mid-shore rocky substrates exploited for molluscs and crustaceans by scraping, aligning with descriptors 1 and 6 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive of the EU. Employing UPGMA classification, Dajoz constancy, and Cabioch’s fidelity indices, key functional groups and abiotic components were identified. Bare rock and rock with biofilm were characteristic of intensive wide-scraper use. Conversely, balanids, dead balanids, mussels, encrusting algae, turf-forming algae, patellogastropods, goose barnacles, and articulated corallines characterized non-extracted or narrow-scraper sites, which facilitate species thinning, avoid extracting non-target species and preserve habitat structure. Coverage and diversity of functional groups proved effective indicators for monitoring the good environmental status, reflecting community health and sustainable resource exploitation. The use of wide scrapers inevitably extracts habitat-forming species, reducing biodiversity. In contrast, narrow scrapers promote sustainable exploitation, allowing targeted thinning, minimizing habitat engineers’ extraction, and maintaining biodiversity levels like to non-exploited sites.