The benthos of South Lake, St Lucia following a period of stable salinities

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Abstract
The invertebrate benthos of South Lake, St Lucia was monitored monthly from August 1981 to July 1982 following a period of stable salinities of approximately 35°/oo. The overall mean biomass for the year (dry mass) was 2,63 g m-2 with mean values for muddy and sandy substrata of 4,19 g m-2 and 1,07 g m-2 respectively. The major contributors to standing stock were the bivalve Solen cytin-draceus and the polychaete Marphysa macintoshi. A total of 37 taxa were recorded compared with 23 in a previous survey in 1972-73. Present results are compared with those of 1972-73 and the differences discussed. The main changes were a decline in Assiminea, Nassarius and Prionospio and an increase in abundance of long-lived bivalves together with larger polychaetes. Species diversity at the sampling sites is analysed and discussed in terms of equitability of distribution. Die ongewerwelde bodemfauna van die Suidmeer, St Lucia, is maandeliks geanaliseer vanaf Augustus 1981 tot Julie 1982, net na 'n tydperk van stabiele soutgehalte van om en by 35°/oo. Die gemiddelde biomassa, uitgedruk as dro6 massa, oor die hele meer vir die jaar was 2,63 g m-2, waar-van die gemiddelde waardes vir modder-en sandbodems onderskeidelik 4,19 g m-2 en 1,07 g m-2 was. Hierdie staande biomassa was hoofsaaklik saamgestel uit Solen cylindraceus (Mollusca, Bivalvia) en Marphysa macintoshi (Annelida, Polychaeta). 'n Totaal van 37 diersoorte is in hierdie opname gevind, teenoor 23 in 'n vorige opname in 1972-73. Die huidige resultate is met di6 van 1972-73 vergelyk, en die verskille word bespreek. Die vernaamste veranderings was 'n afname in getalle van Assiminea, Nassarius en Prionospio, en 'n toename in die langlewende Bivalvia en die groter Polychaeta-soorte.Spesiesverskeidenheld by die monsterpunte is geanaliseer en word bespreek in terme van die egaligheid van verspreiding.

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