Bryozoan communities in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica: a first overview

During Polarstern cruise ANTXVII/3 bryozoans were sampled in the eastern Weddell Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula. For the Weddell Sea 144 species were previously known and 12 species could be added to the taxonomic list. Reproductive stages were observed in 20 species, and it was shown that autumn is a reproductive season for bryozoans in the Weddell Sea. Within the growth forms the erect skeletal morphology dominates. In situ photographs demonstrate that iceberg grounding causes considerable damage to the benthic communities. Sessile organisms are eradicated and pioneer species begin to grow in high abundances on the devastated substratum. A preliminary analysis shows that Cellar inetta spp. and Melicerila obliqua (Thomely, 1924) are the first species which recolonise the highly disturbed areas.