Benthic macrofauna assemblages and biochemical properties of sediments in two Antarctic regions differently affected by climate change

► We analyzed organic matter (OM) in Larsen sediments after ice shelves collapse. ► OM studied in the South Western Weddell Sea (SEWS), free of ice shelves for 1000 yr. ► Biochemical data were compared with macrofauna data. ► Correlation between refractory organic matter and poor macrofauna in Larsen. ► Correlation between lipids and macrofauna abundance and biomass in SEWS.