Ecological Classification of Intertidal Biotopes in North Qeshm Island Based on Coastal-Marine Standard (CMECS)

Rahimi, Morvarid; Seyfabadi, Jafar; Owfi, Fereidoon; Ansari, Zeinab

doi:10.22113/jmst.2015.7985

Ecological Classification of Intertidal Biotopes in North Qeshm Island Based on Coastal-Marine Standard (CMECS)

Document Type : Original Manuscript

Authors

Morvarid Rahimi

Jafar Seyfabadi

fereidoon Owfi

zeinab Ansari

10.22113/jmst.2015.7985

Abstract

The “Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard” is one of the new and complete approaches to understand of marine habitats. We were applied Biotic Cover and Surface Geology as the two components of the classification to the northern intertidal stretch of Qeshm Island. Considering the extent and geomorphology of the area, 9 sites were designated. Density and temporal distribution of biotic community were determined using 0.5×0.5 m quadrate, and sediment was sampled up to 15 cm below the surface to determine its type and material. Totally 32 codes were determined for 40 habitats (biotopes), and their positions were displayed on map. Our result show that the biotope diversity decreases westward. Also, the highest and lowest numbers of species were observed in sandy and muddy-sand substrates, respectively. It seems that habitats distribution is mainly determined by the substrate type, but other factors can also affect this distribution.

Keywords

Biotopes

Ecological classification

Intertidal

Qeshm Island