Benthic Communities on Shallow Sedimentary Bottoms in the Western Mediterranean

Abstract

Benthic communities on shallow sedimentary bottoms in the western Mediterranean can play a crucial role in the development, maintenance and evolution of bedforms. This chapter presents an overview of the most characteristic benthic communities in shallow waters classified by the type of substrate: coarse bottoms, sandy bottoms and fine-grained bottoms. Examples from the Murcia continental shelf are provided to illustrate the main communities, giving special emphasis to the seagrass beds (some of them endemic to the Mediterranean) and the scarce maërl community, both with high biodiversity and ecological value