DATA ON MACROZOOBENTHOS OF THE ROCKY COAST OF ORIKUM

Macrozoobenthos of shallow rocky coast of Orikum area (south-eastern part of Vlora Bay) has been studied, focusing on the supralittoral, mediolittoral and upper part of the infralittoral, during 2006 ? 2008. This study gives data on species composition of macrozoobenthos and a general assessment of quantitative characteristics, seasonal variations and stability of zoobenthic populations in the studied area. A total of 62 species has been recorded, with a high dominance of mollusks, among other species of crustaceans, annelids, cnidarians and plathelmintes. The crustacean Maera inaequipes has been reported for the first time for Vlora Bay. Seasonal variations were high, with a bigger number of species and higher abundance in autumn season. Algal coverage seems to play an important role for the species composition and abundance of zoobenthos in Orikum coast. Stability of zoobenthic community was low and this situation may be related to the high human impact in the recent years, vegetation cover and the substrate typology.