Local urbanization impacts sandy beach macrofauna communities over time

Sandy beaches are ecologically important, physically dynamic, and heterogeneous habitats intrinsically related to human culture. However, these interactions present challenges for sandy in the Anthropocene as stressors from urbanization increase. This study investigated beach community responses local two periods. Beaches were classified into three categories: conserved (C), modified (M), urbanized (U), compared temporally (1997/1998 – first period; 2012 second period). We hypothesized that structure descriptors (total abundance, biomass, richness) bioindicator abundance ( Emerita brasiliensis Atlantorchestoidea ) decreased be lower beaches. The results partially corroborate main hypothesis since there different temporal biological variables between each category (C, M, U). data supported increased categories Conserved (C) presented higher values descriptors, populations of E. A. more abundant other groups (M Modified (M) resilience pressures they recently habitats, some inside protected areas. (U) impacted by long-term recreation, bioindicators lowest both Species undergoing direct development, such , should preferably used indicators changes due on beaches, rather than indirect developers like . Identifying suitable anthropogenic impacts increasing is necessary protecting ecology.