Subtidal soft sediments of the Paranaguá Bay inlet: mapping habitats and species distribution at a landscape scale

ABSTRACT This study aimed to map habitats and species distribution in a benthoscape section of the Paranagua Bay inlet, Parana State, Southern Brazil. The degree of correspondence between maps independently generated through sidescan imagery and macrofauna and sediment samples was also evaluated. The study area had approximately 9km2 and was chosen considering both diverse landscape features and proximity to future port developments. Sampling was performed in 67 evenly distributed and unreplicated sites. Patterns related to backscatter intensity (high and low) and the presence or absence of bedforms were observed, as well as other large-scale features like sand waves and beach rock outcrops. Local sedimentary environments were represented in a mosaic used for comparisons with sedimentary and faunistic data. Cluster analysis using grain size data formed four groups with similar particle size distribution. A strong correspondence between habitats and grain size distribution was found in only one habitat class. Macrofauna around the deeper Poco Point region and the Mel Island shallower banks presented high species richness and number of individuals. These were considered habitats of high biological relevance. Regions with bedforms indicate higher rates of sand transport in which a few species can thrive. The navigation channel had the lowest number of species and individuals when compared to vicinal regions, indicating persistent impacts. The study evidenced local estuarine bottom heterogeneity and contributed to the understanding of local processes of both bottom sediments dynamics and their associate faunal components.