Benthic foraminiferal assemblages from shallow-water environments of northeastern Sardinia (Italy, Mediterranean Sea)

Thirteen samples were collected from three coastal bays of northeastern Sardinia (Gallura). Bays are areas of mixed siliciclastic-carbonate sedimentation. Seagrasses and algae, widely distributed in the shallow-water environments, contribute to the carbonate factory. Near-shore benthic foraminifers (111 species, 50 genera), occurring in the shallower water areas of Posidonia oceanica, were taxonomically identified and the assemblages were investigated by statistical analysis to determine if any groups of samples or species correlate with a specific subenvironment. Dominant taxa are phytophilous and three main assemblages were identified: the Lobatula lobatula/Elphidium crispum assemblage and Lobatula lobatula/Peneroplis pertusus assemblage are linked to the distribution of P. oceanica, whereas the Peneroplis/Quinqueloculina assemblage reflects oligotrophic conditions and a mixed algal/Posidonia substrate. Taxonomic abundance and diversity appear to be mainly controlled by the type of phytal substrate.