Investigation of impact of aquaculture on benthic organisms in the vicinity of Salih Island (Bodrum-Mugla)

This study was carried out to determine of impact of aquaculture on the benthic organisms in the vicinity of Salih Island. For this purpose, benthic samples were collected from 9 stations seasonally between October 2001-August 2002. As a result of this study, benthic datas were not showed continuously negative a situation during the year. In the research area, 346 species and 3911 individuals belong to 8 systematic groups (Platyhelminthes, Nemertini, Sipuncula, Polychaeta, Crustacea, Mollusca, Echinodermata and Acrania) were determined. According to the similarty index, there are three groups other than a station which is 20% similar to the other stations, no major environmental interactions can be found in the Salih Island.