Delimitation of subtidal macrobenthos associations at the mouth of the Brisbane River

Abstract

One hundred and fifty dredge samples of macrobenthic animals from the mouth of the Brisbane River were analysed by zonation analysis, Petersen-type community analysis, and hierarchical classificatory analysis. The methods were compared in terms of the faunal distribution patterns that they yielded. Hierarchical analysis gave the most acceptable results. Although the normal dendro- gram could be interpreted meaningfully to at least 16 sample groups, it has been interpreted to six groups here in preparation for subsequent, more detailed analyses. Spatial and temporal distribution patterns have been recognized and the consideration of the sample groupings as faunal states has been emphasized.