Composition of bivalve community in the coastal waters (0-4 m) of the Çanakkale Strait along with various environmental variables.

The present study focused on the soft bottom of the coastal waters (0-4 m) in the Çanakkale Strait. The objective was to determine the composition of bivalve species in the area. Sediment samples were collected using a 30x30 cm quadrat system by a SCUBA diver at eight sites between July 2008 and April 2009. The study recorded a total of 2299 individuals belonging to 55 species. The most abundant species in the study area was Lucinoma borealis. A significant positive correlation was found between seawater salinity and species diversity (rs = 0.59; p<0.05). The highest similarity in species diversity between seasons occurred between autumn and summer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]