Bivalvia (Mollusca) fauna of the Sea of Marmara

Abstract

          The aim of this study was to determine which Bivalvia fauna exist in the Sea of Marmara and some of the ecological characteristics of their habitats. Eighty-six of 254 stations that were studied between 1990 and 1999 were sampled and 59 species belonging to 49 genera and 28 families were identified. These species are listed together with 205 previously recorded species. Also listed are the primary hydrographic conditions (salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen) of the stations on the day of sampling. The fact that fewer species were found than in earlier reports indicates the negative impact on species richness of habitats damaged by new ports and motorways on the edge of the sea plus domestic and industrial pollution