Seasonal variability in macrobenthos assemblage parameters in the highly disturbed Antarctic intertidal zone – Relatively rich biodiversity year around

Highlights

• Intertidal macrofauna is dominated by gastropods, followed by amphipods and bivalves.

• Intertidal assemblages decrease in abundance from lower to higher tidal levels.

• In autumn, the intertidal macrofauna was the most diverse and abundant.

• Antarctic intertidal fauna quickly respond to natural environmental fluctuations.

• The dominant species year around are also most abundant at higher tidal levels.