Low abundances and diversities of benthic faunas of shallow, coastal sediments in the Solomon Islands and their implications for assessing environmental impacts of logging

Abstract

The diversity and abundance of benthic organisms were examined in relation to logging impacts in Western Province, Solomon Islands. Organisms occupying sediments offshore from the mouths of logged and unlogged streams in two areas were sampled at three depths during a single survey. Overall abundances of organisms were low, and patterns varied between areas.