COMPARATIVE STUDY ON MACROZOOBENTHOS BETWEEN JONUFRA AND RADHIMA COASTS (VLORA BAY, ALBANIA)

This paper represents a comparative study on species composition, quantitative characteristics, seasonal variations and stability of macrozoobenthic populations between Jonufra and Radhima coasts in Vlora Bay. Sampling has been carried out during 2007 - 2009, focusing on the supralittoral, mediolittoral and upper part of infralittoral. A total of 103 species has been found in both investigated sites. It is worthy to note the presence of 33 endangered species in national scale and 2 endangered species in regional scale (Lithophaga lithophaga and Paracentrotus lividus). The macrozoobenthic community in the studied area has showed a low stability. Characteristics of macrozoobenthic populations in both sites are mainly related to the macroalgal cover and substrate typology.