AUTHOR=Sandonnini Jessica , Del Pilar Ruso Yoana , Cortés Melendreras Emilio , Giménez Casalduero Francisca 

TITLE=Massive Aggregations of Serpulidae Associated With Eutrophication of the Mar Menor, Southeast Iberian Peninsula

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Marine Science

VOLUME=7

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2020.531726

DOI=10.3389/fmars.2020.531726

ISSN=2296-7745

ABSTRACT=<p>For decades, inputs of nutrients and organic matter into the Mar Menor coastal lagoon have favored the change from an original oligotrophic to a eutrophic state. The lagoon reached a stage of severe eutrophication and “environmental collapse” during the spring of 2016. This paper describes the massive growth of Serpulidae (Annelida, Polychaeta) forming large aggregations and reef structures after the environmental collapse caused by the eutrophic crisis. Four species belonging to the genera <italic>Hydroides</italic> and <italic>Serpula</italic> were identified; the identified species are <italic>Hydroides elegans, Hydroides dianthus, Serpula concharum</italic>, and <italic>Serpula vermicularis</italic>. The presence of bi-operculate and tri-operculate specimens is also documented in this study.</p>