Meiofauna as a Benthic Bioindicator: From Scientific Potential to Operational Standardization

Authors: Nuria Sánchez, Alberto González-Casarrubios

Affiliations: Complutense University of Madrid, Faculty of Biological Sciences (Madrid, Spain),

Abstract:

Marine benthic monitoring in Europe has traditionally relied on macrofauna assessment frameworks (such as the AMBI and the M-AMBI indices) to evaluate ecosystem health under key EU directives. While effective, macrofauna-based metrics occasionally lack the sensitivity required for early-stage impact degradation. Over recent years, a growing body of scientific literature has highlighted the bioindicative potential of meiofauna, the microscopic benthic fauna. However, its routine operational implementation remains far from reality.

This presentation will address the main ecological advantages and current limitations of meiofauna as a bioindicator, as well as our preliminary results supporting the potential use of meiofauna to complement the current macrofaunal indices for marine benthic monitoring. Moreover, recent advances in research and policy will be reviewed. Finally, we introduce BioMa Research, a private initiative established to enhance and standardize meiofauna analytical workflows, aiming to bridge the gap between academic research and operational marine health diagnostics.