Pattern of variation of zooplankton assemblages under the influence of river runoffs: a study case along the Apulian marine coastal waters (southern Italy, Mediterranean Sea)

The distribution and composition of zooplankton assemblages was investigated along the Apulian marine-coastal area (Mediterranean Sea) in the time period between January 2008 and February 2010. Zooplankton samples were collected monthly from 15 monitoring stations located in two sub-basins, namely, the southern Adriatic (11 stations) and the northern Ionian (4 stations). Results indicated a strong influence of river runoffs on zooplankton assemblages in terms of an increase in the abundance of tolerant species and a reduction of overall richness and diversity of species. Compared with the Ionian, in the Adriatic stations, zooplankton standing stocks showed higher abundances. Results also suggest that the zooplankton can be considered a useful biological indicator of water quality for the Apulian coastal waters and could be used in environmental monitoring programs.