Specific diversity of the benthic macrofauna within the western coast of Tunis bay and the Djerba island coast (South-Western Mediterranean)

Biodiversity of benthic macrofauna is significantly higher along the western coast of Tunis Bay compared to Djerba Island's coast, despite both sites being influenced by anthropogenic pressures. The study analyzed 21 stations—11 on Djerba and 10 in Tunis Bay—using traditional nonparametric biodiversity indices. While community composition differed between the two sites, with species ranks shifting across stations, Djerba's biodiversity has declined due to industrial, urban, and fishing activities, contrasting with Tunis Bay's relatively more stable conditions. The findings underscore the impact of human activity on marine ecosystems, particularly in UNESCO-recognized areas like Djerba.

AFLI, A., IBIN CHAABANE, K., CHAKROUN, R., JABEUR, C., & RAMOS-ESPLÁ, A. A. (2013). Specific diversity of the benthic macrofauna within the western coast of Tunis bay and the Djerba island coast (South-Western Mediterranean). INSTM Bulletin : Marine and Freshwater Sciences, 40(INSTM Bulletin : Marine and Freshwater Sciences, Vol. 40 (2013), 51–62. https://doi.org/10.71754/INSTM.BULLETIN.V40.553