Seasonal variability in macrobenthos assemblage parameters in the highly disturbed Antarctic intertidal zone – Relatively rich biodiversity year around

Highlights • Intertidal macrofauna is dominated by gastropods, followed by amphipods and bivalves. • Intertidal assemblages decrease in abundance from lower to higher tidal levels. • In autumn, the intertidal macrofauna was the most diverse and abundant. • Antarctic intertidal fauna quickly respond to natural environmental fluctuations. • The dominant species year around are also most abundant at higher tidal levels