The organic content of sediments, often considered as an important trophic source for the benthos, can be used as a measurement of the trophic status of marine ecosystems. Soft-bottom communities were studied between Leghorn and Elba Island, from 5 to 500 m depth. Total biomass and trophic structure (percent dominance of trophic guilds) were related to organic carbon content and C/N ratio of sediments. Sediment organic matter, depending on its quantity and quality, could act as a food source or a stress source for the community.