Spatial-temporal variability of <i>Mytilus galloprovincialis</i> Lamarck 1819 populations and their accumulated sediment in northern Portugal

Mytilus galloprovincialis is an ecosystem engineer that provides habitat and generates environmental heterogeneity, increasing local biodiversity. Moreover, it economically important species representing 14% of the global production marine bivalves. Natural drivers increase anthropogenic pressures, such as sediment stress, influence its populations on rocky shores. The objective this study was to explore spatial-temporal patterns different M. attributes along north Portugal. For purpose, six shores were selected sampled times year 2019. percentage cover, density, spat condition index, clump thickness, size classes content considered. Results showed lack seasonality in coast However, stage, index some variability among dates cover only significantly differed Our results indicated absence for all studied variables, probably because temperature always within optimum range abundance food supply area independently season. accumulated mussel clumps did not show any temporal with significant differences composed mainly by medium coarse sand correlated average size, but especially thickness.