Spatial organization of a sedimentary macrobenthic community located on the West African Equatorial margin

Multiscale variability of a macrobenthic community inhabiting fine sediments on the West African Equatorial margin was assessed during three cruises as part of the BIOZAIRE research program. Spatial scales ranged from 15 to 550 m (within station) and from 1000 to 7000 m (between stations). Principal Coordinates of Neighbour Matrices (PCNM) allowed the detection of multiscale patterns of variability within a location, while a binary coding of the sampling stations was used at broad spatial scales. Significant patterns were observed at 170 and >4000 m. The two spatial scales displayed similar biotic responses, with the Scaphopoda and Bivalvia having patterns that were opposite to the Pholoidae. A spatio-temporal patchwork of environmental variables might explain the observed patterns. Practically, these results emphasis the need to develop balanced and crossed designs among the sources of variation (geography, time, depths).