STRUCTURE OF MACROPHYTE DOMINATED COMMUNITIES IN 2 BRACKISH LAGOONS ON ISLAND OF CORSICA, FRANCE

In May 1976, the aquatic plant vegetation and accompanying macrofauna of Étang de Biguglia and Étang de Diana on the eastern coastal plain of the island of Corsica was studied. Some representative vegetational patterns are discussed in relation to water depth and substrate by means of schematized situations. Special attention is paid to brackish areas with dominant stands of Ruppia cirrhosa (Petagna) Grande and Potamogeton pectinatus L. It can be concluded that a large decrease in salinity during the last decade in Étang de Biguglia has resulted in clear changes in dominant macroflora as well as macrofauna species. The species composition found in the Étang de Biguglia and in the diluted areas of the étang de Diana are well comparable with the situation in the brackish lagoons of the Camargue (e.g. Étang du Vaccarèes, Étang des Impériaux and Étang du Lion). © 1978.