Effects of the 2003 European heatwave on the benthic community of a severe transitional ecosystem (Comacchio Saltworks, Italy)

► Summer 2003 heatwave severely impacted benthic communities in Comacchio Saltworks. ► Diversity and functional indicators well captured changes and the dynamics occurred. ► Ecological indicators did not, as they rendered a monotonic response. ► The community switched to alternative attractors in response to the heatwave.