BIODIVERSITY OF CRUSTACEAN ASSEMBLAGES IN THE IONIAN SEA: WHAT HAS CHANGED OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS?

BIODIVERSITÁ DEGLI ASSEMBLAGE DI CROSTACEI NEL MAR IONIO: CHE COSA È CAMBIATO NEL CORSO DI 30 ANNI?

Abstract

The present study assessed the diversity and temporal variations of crustacean assemblages in the North-western Ionian Sea. A total of 92 taxa were recorded. Both univariate ecological indices and multivariate analyses were used to investigate temporal shifts in the community structure, revealing temporal variability in crustacean assemblages across the historical series. Distinct patterns emerged between shelf and slope communities, underscoring the key role of depth in structuring demersal assemblages. The long-term data series provided a robust framework for detecting and characterizing temporal variability in the status of demersal assemblages of the Ionian Sea.