Structure and taxonomic composition of subtidal nematode and macrofauna assemblages at four stations around the UK coast

The diversity and structure of meiobenthic nematodes and macrobenthic infauna were studied at four widely spaced subtidal sites around the UK coast in relation to a number of measured environmental variables. The stations were situated on soft sediments at water depths of 53 to 95 m and are intended as long-term monitoring locations as part of the UK National Marine Monitoring Programme. Similar benthic assemblages were encountered in comparable environmental conditions. The distribution of nematode and macrofauna species was mainly governed by the geographical location of the habitat and the granulometric composition of the substrate. There was no evidence of any adverse effect on the measures of benthic assemblage structure arising from trace metal concentrations in the sediment, indicating the relatively unpolluted nature of the offshore locations under investigation. Nematode and macrofauna assemblages exhibited stable patterns over time periods of three years.