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 30×30 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.