The Identification and Evaluation of Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assemblages in an Industrialised estuary—Southampton Water, UK, using a longterm, low-level sampling strategy

A long-term, low-intensity sampling strategy has been applied to the benthic infauna of Southampton Water, UK to determine patterns of faunal distribution in relation to water quality influences. The estuary receives domestic and industrial discharges including a large oil refinery and associated petro-chemical industries. The data has been subject to classification and ordination techniques and three faunal assemblages identified, one characterising an area with high hydrocarbon and copper sediment values. Spatial and temporal variations have been identified- emphasising the need for a long-term approach to demonstrate the dominant faunal patterns in an area receiving a variety of discharges. The approach is economic in use of resources but compatible with the objectives of monitoring surveys.