Structure, distribution, and seasonal dynamics of the benthic community in the upper Newport Bay, California

Seapy, Roger R. (1981) Structure, distribution, and seasonal dynamics of the benthic community in the upper Newport Bay, California. Long Beach, CA, California Department of Fish and Game, (Marine Resources Technical Report, 46)

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Abstract

The benthic community in the Upper Newport Bay was sampled at two intertidal and two subtidal depths at three stations during five assessment periods between October 1977 and January 1979. Heavy sediment deposition occurred during the 1977-1978 winter period, and the sedimentary environment was transformed from one characterized by fine sands (January 1978) to one dominated by silts (January 1979). Total density, species richness, and species diversity were generally lowest at the uppermost station (Ski Zone) and highest at the lowermost station (Shellmaker Island). Immediately following the 1977-1978 winter rainy period, total faunal density was extremely low, particularly at the Ski Zone station. However, heavy recruitment after April 1978 resulted in maximal total density values at all stations in August 1978. Species richness was highest during October 1977 and lowest in April 1978 following the heavy rainfall period. The benthic community was dominated in October 1977 by three polychaetes, Fabricia limnicola, Streblospio benedicti, and Capitella capitata. By August 1978, F. limnicola had not recruited back into the community and three additiona1 polychaete species (Polydora ligni, Pseudopolydora paucibranchiata, and Scolelepis acuta) shared community dominance with C. capitata and S. benedicti. The crustaceans showed strong seasonal oscillations, being abundant in the October and August samples and occurring sparsely in the January and April samples. (76pp.)

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