STUDIO DELLA MEIOFAUNA NEL MONITORAGGIO DEL TERMINALE DI RIGASSIFICAZIONE DI OLT OFFSHORE LNG TOSCANA (MAR LIGURE)

We report herein an investigation of the potential effects on meiofauna of the regasification terminal "FSRU Toscana" (OLT Offshore LNG Toscana), located about 22 km offshore the coast of Livorno and Pisa (Ligurian Sea). Samples were collected in 12 sites located at three different distances from the plant. A total of six surveys were carried out, starting before the installation of the terminal. The investigation revealed the presence of 29 major taxa, with total meiofauna average densities ranging from 69 to 360 ind./10 cm2. The meiobenthic community varied significantly over years, irrespective to the distance from the terminal. No significant effects on meiofauna originated by the presence and operativity of the regasification terminal were detected.