This study investigates the benthic foraminiferal assemblages recovered from core-top (0–1cm) samples collected along two transects and 11 stations (111 to 3405 m water depth) with the aid of a Barnett multi-tube corer (MUC) offshore Cape Blanc, NW Africa in November, 2015. Our results show that foraminiferal species distribution varies systematically with depth: outer shelf areas are dominated by Cassidulina laevigata and Bolivina spp., while deeper regions host taxa like Abditodentrix pseudothalmanni, Alabaminella weddellensis, and Epistominella exigua, reflecting difference in oxygenation and most importantly the availability of phytodetrital material. Diversity increases with depth, peaking in abyssal zones, while specimen abundance drops significantly. Hyaline wall-type specimens dominate across all samples, though agglutinated and porcelaneous types increase at greater depths. Statistical methods revealed five distinct assemblage clusters, each linked to specific depth zones and dominant species. PCA highlighted clear ecological gradients and species correlations. Assemblages correlate with bottom and pore-water oxygen levels. Suboxic indicator species dominate in most zones and show strong correlation with increasing depth and oxygen concentration. The Bolivina-Cassidulina and Bulimina aculeata assemblages exhibit marked geomorphological and oceanographic distinctions. Oxygen indices (BFOI and EBFOI) were tested but found less predictive than relative abundance of suboxic indicator species, affirming the reliability of benthic foraminiferal distribution as a proxy for dissolved oxygen in complex marine environments.
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