Seasonal Macrofaunal Diversity in the Shells of Dead <i>Pinna nobilis</i> Linnaeus, 1758 in Southern Istria

Seasonal Macrofaunal Diversity in the Shells of Dead <i>Pinna nobilis</i> Linnaeus, 1758 in Southern Istria

The shells of dead <i>Pinna nobilis</i> individuals are important habitats in sedimentary coastal ecosystems, yet their ecological role is poorly understood. This study investigated macrofaunal communities associated with 80 <i>P. nobilis</i> shells from Soline Bay and Valovi...

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Main Authors: Petra Burić, Neven Iveša, Adrian Brajković, Ante Žunec, Iris Matulja, Ines Kovačić, Andrej Jaklin, Gioconda Millotti, Paolo Paliaga, Emina Pustijanac, Tin Matulja, Moira Buršić
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Oceans
Subjects:
noble pen shell
habitat-forming species
biodiversity
macrofauna
northern Adriatic
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-1924/6/2/26
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Summary:The shells of dead <i>Pinna nobilis</i> individuals are important habitats in sedimentary coastal ecosystems, yet their ecological role is poorly understood. This study investigated macrofaunal communities associated with 80 <i>P. nobilis</i> shells from Soline Bay and Valovine Bay, northern Adriatic, analyzing variations in species abundance and biodiversity between shell orientations (vertical and horizontal) and across seasons. Shell dimensions were recorded, with larger shells and higher faunal abundance observed in Soline Bay compared to Valovine Bay. A total of 2225 individuals representing 183 species across 19 taxonomic groups were identified, with Malacostraca, Bivalvia, and Polychaeta being the most abundant. Vertically positioned shells hosted significantly more organisms than horizontally positioned ones, likely due to greater available surface area for settlement. Seasonal changes influenced organism abundance, with peaks in winter for Valovine Bay and spring for Soline Bay, correlating with environmental factors such as eutrophication. The most frequent species associated with the shells of dead individuals were the polychaete <i>Sabella spallanzanii</i> and the bivalve <i>Rocellaria dubia</i>, which can impact shell degradation. Despite their temporary nature, the shells of dead <i>P. nobilis</i> provide vital refuge and enhance biodiversity. The findings underscore the ecological importance of <i>P. nobilis</i> shells as biodiversity hotspots and highlight the need for their conservation and further study.
ISSN:2673-1924

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