Ecological Studies on Macrobenthic Invertebrates of Bardawil Wetland, Egypt

Species composition, distribution of macrobenthic invertebrates in Baradwil Wetland were studied during 2006-2007. Seasonal samples were collected from 12 stations representing different habitats of the wetland. The results revealed that Macrobenthic community is consist of 51 species belonging to phyla; Coelentrata, Nemertina Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Echinodermata. The abundance of benthic invertebrate species was closely correlated with nature of bottom sediments, organic matter, salinity and anthropogenic activities (intensive fish trawling and artificial inlets). The standing crop of macrobenthos decreased during the last two decades due to changes in fish community structure. In the present study a remarkable increase in the population density of Mollusca was noticed because of the declining of the fish, Sparus aurata which is mainly a bottom feeder depends on molluscan animals in its diets. This change in fish community, which consequently changes the whole ecosystem of the lake, encourages us to recommend establishing a monitoring program to follow up changes in the lake ecosystem, especially the benthic fauna that will be of great help in the management of such important water body