Broad-scale spatial distribution patterns of soft-sediment macrobenthic communities in the Red Sea

In sub-tropical and tropical regions, the diversity patterns of soft-sediment macrobenthic communities are still poorly understood, particularly when compared to temperate shelf environments. The present study investigates spatial variability in distribution along eastern Red Sea margin, role sediment composition other explanatory variables determining such patterns. This has two main objectives: (i) produce a baseline characterization Saudi Arabian infauna, central southern (ii) assess relative contribution major processes driving (i.e., dispersal-based environmental filtering), based on changes beta-diversity components (turnover nestedness) across multiple scales (up ~600km), using relevant modeling methodologies. Shallow showed extremely high small-scale variability, highlighted by percentage rare species (44% at single sample) dominance turnover (species replacement) over nestedness. Our results also suggest strong influence broad- fine-scale variation composition. However, sedimentary characteristics, grain-size, played critical governing Sea. findings highlight importance regional factors shaping macrofaunal community whilst highlighting local scales. current need for conservation measures from levels (to maintain genetic diversity) preserve occurrence species). To our knowledge, no investigated marine large combining methods partitioning beta-diversity. approach applied macroinvertebrates can be extended since strategies more effective mechanisms considered.