Macrobenthos of the Tortolì Lagoon: A Peculiar Case of High Benthic Biodiversity among Mediterranean Lagoons

Coastal lagoons and brackish ponds are extremely dynamic temporary ecosystems that follow natural changes throughout their geological history. The correct management of the ensures integrity proper functioning. For this reason, ecological status should be surveyed for assessing most appropriate strategies use. In present study, historical datasets collected in 2003–2004 used to investigate spatiotemporal variation species composition community structure macrobenthos Tortolì Lagoon (Sardinia, Italy) assess relationship with key environmental variables. Owing presence a riverine runoff at site confined areas some distance from sea inlet, we hypothesize marked macrobenthic consistent high variability typical coastal lagoons. results show surprisingly benthic biodiversity medium-sized lagoon (250 ha), 101 unevenly distributed across lagoon. variables did not explain zonation as typically found along lagoonal gradient, due marine influence. sampling sites were fact discriminated by distribution according affinity; particular, distinctive characteristics emerged strictly represented abundant group, consistently marinization Our constitutes peculiar ecosystem within Mediterranean lagoons, departing classic confinement theory.