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.