Bathymetric distribution of macroinvertebrates in the Northeastern Levantine Sea and the Northeastern Aegean Sea based on bottom-trawl surveys

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare the distribution patterns of macroinvertebrate species between the Northeastern Levantine Sea and the Northeastern Aegean Sea. A total of 157 hauls were carried out by commercial trawlers at depths ranging from 30 to 410 m in both areas. The result of SIMPER analysis shows clear differences between the two surveyed areas except for the 300-410 m depth range. Ninety five species were found in the Northeastern Aegean Sea and 100 species in the Northeastern Levantine Sea. Of these species, Pyrosoma atlanticum is newly reported for the Turkish coast. Forty three species were common to both areas.