Can spatial distribution of ichthyofauna describe marine influence on coastal lagoons? A central Mediterranean case study

Resident and migrant fish species inhabiting two adjacent Central Mediterranean coastal lagoons were sampled over one year. Qualitative data were analysed with respect to the separate sampling stations, and fish distribution patterns were studied using multivariate statistical methods. Results obtained by means of cluster analysis and by two different ordination techniques were remarkably consistent. Moreover, it was noticed that the patterns of fish spatial distribution within the lagoons reflected the so far known confinement gradient of the studied ecosystems. It is finally argued that, with some restrictions, the study of spatial distribution of fish assemblages can be useful as a complementary tool in assessing the level of marine influence on lagoonal ecosystems. (C) 2001 Academic Press.