4. Discussion
Epifaunal biodiversity in Zostera capensis beds in Langebaan Lagoon, as reflected by species diversity and richness, exhibited a pattern of higher values nearer the lagoon mouth and in beds situated below mean low water levels. In contrast, a decline in these measures was evident upstream and in high shore beds. Species abundances displayed a divergent trend, with lower counts observed at the mouth and higher counts in upstream locations. Spatial and temporal disparities significantly impacted epifaunal species abundance, primarily driven by two species among the total of 24 recorded. Notably, these differences were pronounced and linked to specific locations and seasons. Environmental factors played a more substantial role, both directly and indirectly, in explaining the observed variation than the structural attributes of the seagrass beds.