CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF MOLLUSCA BIODIVERSITY IN COASTAL WATERS OF FOCA, MARINE PROTECTED AREA, TURKIYE

The aim of this research is to reveal additional information on the community structure of Mollusca species (Gastropods and Bivalvia) in the coastal region of Foca, a marine protected area in the Aegean Sea of Turkey. Samples were taken from 0.5 to 5 m depth from four different stations with 30x30 quadrants between February 2016 and October 2016, were obtained from samplings with 27 species and 772 individuals from 16 families. In laboratory evaluations, 27 species belonging to 13 Gastropod and 14 Bivalvia classes were identified. In the study area, Mytilus galloprovincialis had the greatest predominance (22%) with up to 171 samples. Patella caeru-lea with 101 samples (13%), Phorcus turbinatus with 59 samples (8%), and Nucula nucleus with 41 samples (5%). Annual average values of the physi-cochemical variables and biotope typologies belonging to the sampling stations were determined, and the distribution of Mollusca assemblages due to environmental effects was also evaluated using multivariate techniques (Cluster and nMDS analyses).