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Shen C, Yan R, Lu B, Li Z, Zhang R, Zhang D, Wang C. Dissimilarity of megabenthic community structure between deep-water seamounts with cobalt-rich crusts: Case study in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:173914. [PMID: 38885715 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
As anthropogenic disturbance on deep-sea seamount ecosystems grows, there is an urgent need for a better understanding of the biodiversity and community structure in benthic ecosystems, which can vary at local and regional scales. A survey of the benthic megafauna on two adjacent deep-water seamounts in the northwestern Pacific Ocean was conducted, which are covered by cobalt-rich crusts, to assess the biodiversity patterns and dissimilarity of assemblage composition. Based on a multidisciplinary dataset generated from video recordings, multibeam bathymetry data, and near-bottom currents, environmental and spatial factors impacting the megabenthic communities were explored. Results showed that these two deep-water seamounts were dominated by hexactinellids, crinoids, and octocorals. The seamounts were able to support diverse and moderately abundant megafauna, with a total of 6436 individuals classified into 94 morphospecies. The survey covered a distance of 52.2 km across a depth range of 1421-3335 m, revealing multiple distinct megabenthic assemblages. The megabenthic communities of the two deep-water seamounts, with comparable environmental conditions, exhibited similarities in overall density, richness, and faunal lists, while dissimilarities in the relative abundance of taxa and assemblage composition. No gradual depth-related change in terms of abundance, richness, or species turnover was observed across the two seamounts, despite the statistical significance of depth in structuring the overall communities. The spatial distribution of megabenthic communities displayed a discontinuous and patchy pattern throughout the two deep-water seamounts. This patchiness was driven by the interactive effects of multiple environmental factors. Near-bottom currents and microhabitat features were the primary drivers influencing their dissimilarities in megabenthic community structure. This case study on the megabenthic community structure of two adjacent seamounts with cobalt-rich crusts can serve as an environmental baseline, providing a reference status for the conservation and management of seamount ecosystems, particularly valuable for areas being considered for deep-sea mining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Shen
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Runxuan Yan
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Bo Lu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Zhenggang Li
- Key Laboratory of Submarine Geosciences, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Ruiyan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Dongsheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519000, China; School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Chunsheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310012, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519000, China; College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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Jiao Y, Yang S, Bao W. Biogeographic patterns and community assembly mechanisms of bacterial community in the upper seawater of seamounts and non-seamounts in the Eastern Indian Ocean. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024:e0142424. [PMID: 39150264 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01424-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Seamounts are widespread underwater topographic features in the ocean that exert an influential role in shaping the microbial biogeographic distribution. Nevertheless, research on the differences in microbial biogeographic distribution between seamount and non-seamount upper water column is still lacking, particularly in the Indian Ocean where studies are limited. In the present study, a total of 45 seawater samples were collected from the water column (5-200 m) of seamounts (HS) and non-seamounts (E87 transect) regions in the Eastern Indian Ocean (EIO) for the analysis of microbial biogeographic patterns and community assembly processes. The results indicated that bacterial community diversity did not differ significantly between the HS and E87 transect regions; however, the community composition was significantly different. Additionally, bacterial community diversity, composition, as well as structure were more affected by depth than by region. Community diversity tended to increase with depth in E87 transect region, while it tended to decrease in HS region. A distance decay analysis also demonstrated that bacterial communities were more influenced by environmental and depth distances than geographic distances. In the assembly of bacterial communities on HS and E87 transect regions, as well as at different depths, stochastic processes, particularly dispersal limitation, were found to be predominant. These findings enhance our comprehension of bacterial community characteristics in the upper seawater of seamounts and non-seamounts regions in the EIO and offer insights into the assembly processes shaping microbial communities at varying depths. IMPORTANCE By comparing the bacterial diversity, composition, and structure in the upper seawater of seamount and non-seamount areas, we provide valuable insights into the influential role of seamounts in shaping microbial biogeography. The finding that the depth had a more significant impact on bacterial community characteristics than region underscores the importance of considering vertical stratification when examining microbial distributions. Moreover, the dominance of stochastic processes, particularly dispersal limitation, in governing community assembly across both seamount and non-seamount areas offers critical implications for the mechanisms underlying microbial biogeographic patterns in these dynamic ocean environments. This study expands the current knowledge and lays the groundwork for further investigations into the complex interactions between oceanographic features, environmental gradients, and microbial community dynamics in the Indian Ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqian Jiao
- Institute for Advanced Marine Research, China University of Geosciences, Guangzhou, China
- College of Marine Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanshan Yang
- Institute for Advanced Marine Research, China University of Geosciences, Guangzhou, China
- College of Marine Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenya Bao
- Institute for Advanced Marine Research, China University of Geosciences, Guangzhou, China
- College of Marine Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
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Wang X, Li H, Zhang J, Chen J, Xie X, Xie W, Yin K, Zhang D, Ruiz-Pino D, Kao SJ. Seamounts generate efficient active transport loops to nourish the twilight ecosystem. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk6833. [PMID: 38924405 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk6833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Seamounts are ecological oases nurturing abundant fisheries resources and epibenthic megafauna in the vast oligotrophic ocean. Despite their significance, the formation mechanisms underlying these seamount ecological oases remain uncertain. To shed light on this phenomenon, this study conducted interdisciplinary in situ observations focusing on a shallow seamount in the oligotrophic ocean. The findings show that the seamount's topography interferes with the oceanic current to generate lee waves, effectively enhancing the nutrient supply to the euphotic layer downstream of the seamount. This continuous supply enhances phytoplankton biomass and subsequently the grazing and diurnal vertical migration of zooplankton, rapidly transporting the augmented phytoplankton biomass to the aphotic layer. Unlike the cyclonic eddies that move in the upper ocean, seamounts stand at fixed locations creating a more efficient and steady active transport loop. This active transport loop connects the euphotic and twilight zones, potentially conveying nourishment to benthic ecosystems to create stereoscopic oases in the oligotrophic ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
- School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongliang Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
| | - Jianfang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, China
- School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohui Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Kedong Yin
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Dongsheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
- School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Diana Ruiz-Pino
- Sorbonne University (S.U.), CNRS-IRD-MNHN, LOCEAN Laboratory/IPSL, Paris, France
| | - Shuh-Ji Kao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, China
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Espinoza M, Quesada-Perez F, Madrigal-Mora S, Naranjo-Elizondo B, Clarke TM, Cortés J. A decade of submersible observations revealed temporal trends in elasmobranchs in a remote island of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13786. [PMID: 38877056 PMCID: PMC11178919 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64157-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
No-take marine protected areas (MPAs) can mitigate the effects of overfishing, climate change and habitat degradation, which are leading causes of an unprecedented global biodiversity crisis. However, assessing the effectiveness of MPAs, especially in remote oceanic islands, can be logistically challenging and often restricted to relatively shallow and accessible environments. Here, we used a long-term dataset (2010-2019) collected by the DeepSee submersible of the Undersea Hunter Group that operates in Isla del Coco National Park, Costa Rica, to (1) determine the frequency of occurrence of elasmobranch species at two depth intervals (50-100 m; 300-400 m), and (2) investigate temporal trends in the occurrence of common elasmobranch species between 2010 and 2019, as well as potential drivers of the observed changes. Overall, we observed 17 elasmobranch species, 15 of which were recorded on shallow dives (50-100 m) and 11 on deep dives (300-400 m). We found a decreasing trend in the probability of occurrence of Carcharhinus falciformis over time (2010-2019), while other species (e.g. Taeniurops meyeni, Sphyrna lewini, Carcharhinus galapagensis, Triaenodon obesus, and Galeocerdo cuvier) showed an increasing trend. Our study suggests that some species like S. lewini may be shifting their distributions towards deeper waters in response to ocean warming but may also be sensitive to low oxygen levels at greater depths. These findings highlight the need for regional 3D environmental information and long-term deepwater surveys to understand the extent of shark and ray population declines in the ETP and other regions, as most fishery-independent surveys from data-poor countries have been limited to relatively shallow waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Espinoza
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
- Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
- MigraMar, Bodega Bay, CA, 94923, USA.
| | - Fabio Quesada-Perez
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | | | - Beatriz Naranjo-Elizondo
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica
- MigraMar, Bodega Bay, CA, 94923, USA
- Centro de Investigación en Estructuras Microscópicas (CIEMic), Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica
- Pelagos Okeanos, Moravia, San José, 11401, Costa Rica
| | - Tayler M Clarke
- Changing Ocean Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, AERL, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Jorge Cortés
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica
- Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica
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Yu M, Zhang M, Zeng R, Cheng R, Zhang R, Hou Y, Kuang F, Feng X, Dong X, Li Y, Shao Z, Jin M. Diversity and potential host-interactions of viruses inhabiting deep-sea seamount sediments. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3228. [PMID: 38622147 PMCID: PMC11018836 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47600-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Seamounts are globally distributed across the oceans and form one of the major oceanic biomes. Here, we utilized combined analyses of bulk metagenome and virome to study viral communities in seamount sediments in the western Pacific Ocean. Phylogenetic analyses and the protein-sharing network demonstrate extensive diversity and previously unknown viral clades. Inference of virus-host linkages uncovers extensive interactions between viruses and dominant prokaryote lineages, and suggests that viruses play significant roles in carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen cycling by compensating or augmenting host metabolisms. Moreover, temperate viruses are predicted to be prevalent in seamount sediments, which tend to carry auxiliary metabolic genes for host survivability. Intriguingly, the geographical features of seamounts likely compromise the connectivity of viral communities and thus contribute to the high divergence of viral genetic spaces and populations across seamounts. Altogether, these findings provides knowledge essential for understanding the biogeography and ecological roles of viruses in globally widespread seamounts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meishun Yu
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resource and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Menghui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resource and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Runying Zeng
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resource and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Ruolin Cheng
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resource and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanping Hou
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resource and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Fangfang Kuang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resource and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Xuejin Feng
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resource and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Xiyang Dong
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resource and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Yinfang Li
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resource and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Zongze Shao
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resource and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361000, China.
| | - Min Jin
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resource and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361000, China.
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Zhang Y, Liu H, Huang N, Peng X, Jing H. Geographical distribution and driving force of micro-eukaryotes in the seamount sediments along the island arc of the Yap and Mariana trenches. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0206923. [PMID: 37943079 PMCID: PMC10714776 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02069-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE A distinct distribution pattern was shaped by a deterministic process. Enhanced vertical connectivity expanded the previous understanding of seamount effects. Parasitism and predation were prevalent in the seamounts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- CAS Key Lab for Experimental Study under Deep-sea Extreme Conditions, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai, China
- HKUST-CAS Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Ning Huang
- CAS Key Lab for Experimental Study under Deep-sea Extreme Conditions, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Xiaotong Peng
- CAS Key Lab for Experimental Study under Deep-sea Extreme Conditions, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Hongmei Jing
- CAS Key Lab for Experimental Study under Deep-sea Extreme Conditions, Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai, China
- HKUST-CAS Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China
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7
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Baletaud F, Lecellier G, Gilbert A, Mathon L, Côme JM, Dejean T, Dumas M, Fiat S, Vigliola L. Comparing Seamounts and Coral Reefs with eDNA and BRUVS Reveals Oases and Refuges on Shallow Seamounts. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1446. [PMID: 37998045 PMCID: PMC10669620 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Seamounts are the least known ocean biome. Considered biodiversity hotspots, biomass oases, and refuges for megafauna, large gaps exist in their real diversity relative to other ecosystems like coral reefs. Using environmental DNA metabarcoding (eDNA) and baited video (BRUVS), we compared fish assemblages across five environments of different depths: coral reefs (15 m), shallow seamounts (50 m), continental slopes (150 m), intermediate seamounts (250 m), and deep seamounts (500 m). We modeled assemblages using 12 environmental variables and found depth to be the main driver of fish diversity and biomass, although other variables like human accessibility were important. Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) revealed a strong negative effect of depth on species richness, segregating coral reefs from deep-sea environments. Surprisingly, BRT showed a hump-shaped effect of depth on fish biomass, with significantly lower biomass on coral reefs than in shallowest deep-sea environments. Biomass of large predators like sharks was three times higher on shallow seamounts (50 m) than on coral reefs. The five studied environments showed quite distinct assemblages. However, species shared between coral reefs and deeper-sea environments were dominated by highly mobile large predators. Our results suggest that seamounts are no diversity hotspots for fish. However, we show that shallower seamounts form biomass oases and refuges for threatened megafauna, suggesting that priority should be given to their protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Baletaud
- ENTROPIE, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UR, UNC, IFREMER, CNRS, Centre IRD de Nouméa, 98848 Noumea, New Caledonia, France; (F.B.); (G.L.); (L.M.); (M.D.); (S.F.)
- GINGER SOPRONER, 98000 Noumea, New Caledonia, France;
- GINGER BURGEAP, 69000 Lyon, France;
- MARBEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Gaël Lecellier
- ENTROPIE, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UR, UNC, IFREMER, CNRS, Centre IRD de Nouméa, 98848 Noumea, New Caledonia, France; (F.B.); (G.L.); (L.M.); (M.D.); (S.F.)
- ISEA, University of New Caledonia, 98800 Noumea, New Caledonia, France
| | | | - Laëtitia Mathon
- ENTROPIE, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UR, UNC, IFREMER, CNRS, Centre IRD de Nouméa, 98848 Noumea, New Caledonia, France; (F.B.); (G.L.); (L.M.); (M.D.); (S.F.)
- CEFE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE-PSL, IRD, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Mahé Dumas
- ENTROPIE, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UR, UNC, IFREMER, CNRS, Centre IRD de Nouméa, 98848 Noumea, New Caledonia, France; (F.B.); (G.L.); (L.M.); (M.D.); (S.F.)
| | - Sylvie Fiat
- ENTROPIE, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UR, UNC, IFREMER, CNRS, Centre IRD de Nouméa, 98848 Noumea, New Caledonia, France; (F.B.); (G.L.); (L.M.); (M.D.); (S.F.)
| | - Laurent Vigliola
- ENTROPIE, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UR, UNC, IFREMER, CNRS, Centre IRD de Nouméa, 98848 Noumea, New Caledonia, France; (F.B.); (G.L.); (L.M.); (M.D.); (S.F.)
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8
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Ryu T, Hwang SJ, Woo S. Transcriptome assemblies of two deep-sea octocorals Calyptrophora lyra and Chrysogorgia stellata from West Pacific seamount, Godin Guyot. Mar Genomics 2023; 67:101006. [PMID: 36682849 DOI: 10.1016/j.margen.2022.101006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This is the first report of the transcriptome assemblies of the deep-sea octocorals Calyptrophora lyra and Chrysogorgia stellata, which were collected in a survey of the West Pacific seamounts area. We sequenced the transcriptomes of C. lyra and C. stellata using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 System. De novo assembly and analysis of the coding regions predicted 193,796 unigenes from the total 116,441,796 reads of C. lyra and 235,513 unigenes from the total 122,031,866 reads of C. stellata. Our data are a valuable resource with which to understand the ecological and biological characteristics of the West Pacific deep-sea corals. The data will also contribute to the study of deep-sea environments as extreme and limited habitats and provide direction for future research and further insight into the organismal responses of deep-sea corals to environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taewoo Ryu
- Marine Climate Change Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Sung-Jin Hwang
- Department of Life Science, Woosuk University, Jincheon-gun 27841, South Korea
| | - Seonock Woo
- Marine Biotechnology Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, South Korea.
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Rogers AD, Appeltans W, Assis J, Ballance LT, Cury P, Duarte C, Favoretto F, Hynes LA, Kumagai JA, Lovelock CE, Miloslavich P, Niamir A, Obura D, O'Leary BC, Ramirez-Llodra E, Reygondeau G, Roberts C, Sadovy Y, Steeds O, Sutton T, Tittensor DP, Velarde E, Woodall L, Aburto-Oropeza O. Discovering marine biodiversity in the 21st century. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2022; 93:23-115. [PMID: 36435592 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We review the current knowledge of the biodiversity of the ocean as well as the levels of decline and threat for species and habitats. The lack of understanding of the distribution of life in the ocean is identified as a significant barrier to restoring its biodiversity and health. We explore why the science of taxonomy has failed to deliver knowledge of what species are present in the ocean, how they are distributed and how they are responding to global and regional to local anthropogenic pressures. This failure prevents nations from meeting their international commitments to conserve marine biodiversity with the results that investment in taxonomy has declined in many countries. We explore a range of new technologies and approaches for discovery of marine species and their detection and monitoring. These include: imaging methods, molecular approaches, active and passive acoustics, the use of interconnected databases and citizen science. Whilst no one method is suitable for discovering or detecting all groups of organisms many are complementary and have been combined to give a more complete picture of biodiversity in marine ecosystems. We conclude that integrated approaches represent the best way forwards for accelerating species discovery, description and biodiversity assessment. Examples of integrated taxonomic approaches are identified from terrestrial ecosystems. Such integrated taxonomic approaches require the adoption of cybertaxonomy approaches and will be boosted by new autonomous sampling platforms and development of machine-speed exchange of digital information between databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex D Rogers
- REV Ocean, Lysaker, Norway; Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Ward Appeltans
- Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, Oostende, Belgium
| | - Jorge Assis
- Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Lisa T Ballance
- Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University, Newport, OR, United States
| | | | - Carlos Duarte
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center (RSRC) and Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Fabio Favoretto
- Autonomous University of Baja California Sur, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
| | - Lisa A Hynes
- Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Joy A Kumagai
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Institute, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Catherine E Lovelock
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Patricia Miloslavich
- Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR), College of Earth, Ocean and Environment, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States; Departamento de Estudios Ambientales, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Venezuela & Scientific Committee for Oceanic Research (SCOR), Newark, DE, United States
| | - Aidin Niamir
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Institute, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Bethan C O'Leary
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, United Kingdom; Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Eva Ramirez-Llodra
- REV Ocean, Lysaker, Norway; Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriel Reygondeau
- Yale Center for Biodiversity Movement and Global Change, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States; Nippon Foundation-Nereus Program, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Callum Roberts
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, United Kingdom
| | - Yvonne Sadovy
- School of Biological Sciences, Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Oliver Steeds
- Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tracey Sutton
- Nova Southeastern University, Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Dania Beach, FL, United States
| | | | - Enriqueta Velarde
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Pesquerías, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Lucy Woodall
- Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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10
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The diel vertical distribution and carbon biomass of the zooplankton community in the Caroline Seamount area of the western tropical Pacific Ocean. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18908. [PMID: 36344650 PMCID: PMC9640698 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23522-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Zooplankton can affect and regulate the biological carbon pump in the biogeochemical cycles of marine ecosystems through diel vertical migration (DVM) behaviour. The diel vertical distribution and migration of a zooplankton community were studied at a continuous survey station in the Caroline Seamount area of the western tropical Pacific Ocean. Using a MultiNet sampling system, 346 zooplankton species/taxa were collected and identified. The vertical distribution patterns of abundance and composition of the zooplankton community differed between daytime and nighttime. The highest biodiversity index occurred in the 100-200-m ocean depth layer, but some zooplankton species remained in the deep-water layer below 300 m. The DVM patterns of the various dominant species differed, even when the species belonged to the same order or family. Dissolved oxygen and seawater temperature were the main environmental factors affecting the diel vertical distribution of the zooplankton community. The oxygen minimum zone was identified as performing the dual role of "ecological barrier" and "refuge" for zooplankton. The active carbon flux mediated by the zooplankton DVM in the Caroline Seamount area was 14.5 mg C/(m2·d). Our findings suggest that zooplankton DVM can affect and mediate the biological carbon pump in the Caroline Seamount area.
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11
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Contrasting hydrodynamic regimes of submerged pinnacle and emergent coral reefs. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273092. [PMID: 35972945 PMCID: PMC9380949 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrodynamics on coral reefs vary with depth, reef morphology and seascape position. Differences in hydrodynamic regimes strongly influence the structure and function of coral reef ecosystems. Submerged coral reefs on steep-sided, conical bathymetric features like seamounts experience enhanced water circulation as a result of interactions between currents and the abrupt physical structure. There may also be similar interactions between smaller pinnacles and regional water currents in offshore locations (crests > 10 m), while shallow reefs (crests <10 m) may be more subject to surface currents driven by wind, waves and tide. Here we tested whether coral pinnacles experienced stronger and more variable currents compared to emergent reefs at the same depth in both nearshore and offshore positions. Current speeds and temperature were monitored for 12 months at 11 reefs, representing the three different reef categories: submerged offshore pinnacles, emergent offshore reefs and emergent nearshore reefs. We found different patterns in current speeds and temperature among reef types throughout the year and between seasons. Submerged pinnacles exhibited stronger, more variable current speeds compared to both near and offshore emergent reefs. We found seasonal changes in current speeds for pinnacle and nearshore reefs but no variation in current strength on offshore reefs. Whilst instantaneous current directions did reflect the seascape position of individual sites, there was no difference in the directional variability of current speeds between reef types. Annual daily average temperatures at all reef types were not strongly seasonal, changing by less than 2 °C throughout the year. Daily temperature ranges at specific sites however, exhibited considerable variability (annual range of up to 6.5 °C), particularly amongst offshore emergent reefs which experienced the highest temperatures despite greater exposure to regional-scale circulation patterns. Additionally, we found a consistent mismatch between satellite sea surface temperatures and in-situ temperature data, which was on average 2 °C cooler throughout the annual study period. Our results suggest that distinct hydrodynamic processes occur on smaller submerged structures that are physically analogous to seamounts. Our findings highlight important nuances in environmental processes that occur on morphologically distinct coral reef habitats and these are likely to be important drivers for the community dynamics of organisms that inhabit these reefs.
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12
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Stewart JA, Strawson I, Kershaw J, Robinson LF. Stylasterid corals build aragonite skeletons in undersaturated water despite low pH at the site of calcification. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13105. [PMID: 35907926 PMCID: PMC9339005 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16787-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic carbon emissions are causing seawater pH to decline, yet the impact on marine calcifiers is uncertain. Scleractinian corals and coralline algae strongly elevate the pH of their calcifying fluid (CF) to promote calcification. Other organisms adopt less energetically demanding calcification approaches but restrict their habitat. Stylasterid corals occur widely (extending well below the carbonate saturation horizon) and precipitate both aragonite and high-Mg calcite, however, their mode of biocalcification and resilience to ocean acidification are unknown. Here we measure skeletal boron isotopes (δ11B), B/Ca, and U/Ca to provide the first assessment of pH and rate of seawater flushing of stylasterid CF. Remarkably, both aragonitic and high-Mg calcitic stylasterids have low δ11B values implying little modification of internal pH. Collectively, our results suggest stylasterids have low seawater exchange rates into the calcifying space or rely on organic molecule templating to facilitate calcification. Thus, despite occupying similar niches to Scleractinia, Stylasteridae exhibit highly contrasting biocalcification, calling into question their resilience to ocean acidification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Stewart
- School of Earth Sci. Univ. of Bristol, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1RJ, UK.
| | - Ivo Strawson
- School of Earth Sci. Univ. of Bristol, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1RJ, UK.,Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EQ, UK
| | - James Kershaw
- School of Earth Sci. Univ. of Bristol, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1RJ, UK
| | - Laura F Robinson
- School of Earth Sci. Univ. of Bristol, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1RJ, UK
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13
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Ross-Marsh EC, Elwen SH, Fearey J, Thompson KF, Maack T, Gridley T. Detection of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) non-song vocalizations around the Vema Seamount, southeast Atlantic Ocean. JASA EXPRESS LETTERS 2022; 2:041201. [PMID: 36154232 DOI: 10.1121/10.0010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Humpback whales are a cosmopolitan, highly vocal species. Investigated here are their vocalizations recorded at the Vema Seamount (31°38'S, 08°20'E) from moored hydrophones in the austral spring of 2019. During the 11-d recording period over 600 non-song calls were detected. Calls were predominantly detected at night over three consecutive days. The most common calls were low, frequency-modulated sounds (whups). An impulsive sound (gunshot) previously unknown in humpback whales was also detected. The location and timing of the calls suggests that humpback whales may be using the Vema Seamount as a temporary stop on their migration to their polar feeding grounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- E C Ross-Marsh
- Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - S H Elwen
- Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - J Fearey
- Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation, Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - K F Thompson
- Biosciences, University of Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - T Maack
- Greenpeace Germany, Hongkongstrasse 10, 20457 Hamburg, Germany , , , , ,
| | - T Gridley
- Department of Botany and Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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14
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Fish Teeth Sr Isotope Stratigraphy and Nd Isotope Variations: New Insights on REY Enrichments in Deep-Sea Sediments in the Pacific. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse9121379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Rare earth elements and yttrium (REY) are widely recognized as strategic materials for advanced technological applications. Deep-sea sediments from the eastern South Pacific and central North Pacific were first reported as potential resources containing significant amounts of REY that are comparable to, or greater than, those of land-based deposits. Despite nearly a decade of research, quantitative abundances and spatial distributions of these deposits remain insufficient. Age controls are generally absent due to the lack of biostratigraphic constraints. Thus, the factors controlling the formation of REY-rich sediments are still controversial. In this study, the REY contents of surface sediments (<2 m depth) in 14 piston cores from the Central and Western Pacific were investigated. The results show that deep-sea sediments with high REY contents (>1000 μg/g) were mainly concentrated around seamounts (e.g., the Marshall Islands). The REY contents of surface sediments generally decreased with distance from the seamounts. Biostratigraphic and fish teeth debris (apatite) Sr isotopic stratigraphy of one piston core (P10) from the Central Pacific indicates that deep-sea sediments with high REY contents were aged from early Oligocene to early Miocene. Since the opening of the Drake Passage during the early Oligocene, the northward-flowing Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) would have led to an upwelling of nutrients around seamounts with topographic barriers, and at the same time, AABW would delay the rate of sediment burial to try for enough time for REY entering and enriching in the apatite (fish teeth debris). Understanding the spatial distribution of fertile regions for REY-rich sediments provides guidance for searching for other REY resources in the Pacific and in other oceans.
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15
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Díaz JA, Ramírez-Amaro S, Ordines F. Sponges of Western Mediterranean seamounts: new genera, new species and new records. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11879. [PMID: 34527436 PMCID: PMC8403479 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The seamounts Ses Olives (SO), Ausias March (AM) and Emile Baudot (EB) at the Mallorca Channel (Balearic Islands, western Mediterranean), are poorly explored areas containing rich and singular sponge communities. Previous works have shown a large heterogeneity of habitats, including rhodolith beds, rocky, gravel and sandy bottoms and steeped slopes. This diversity of habitats provides a great opportunity for improving the knowledge of the sponges from Mediterranean seamounts. Methods Sponges were collected during several surveys carried out by the Balearic Center of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography at the Mallorca Channel seamounts. Samples were obtained using a beam-trawl, rock dredge and remote operated vehicle. Additional samples were obtained from fishing grounds of the Balearic Islands continental shelf, using the sampling device GOC-73. Sponges were identified through the analysis of morphological and molecular characters. Results A total of 60 specimens were analyzed, from which we identified a total of 19 species. Three species and one genus are new to science: Foraminospongia balearicagen. nov. sp. nov., Foraminospongia minutagen. nov. sp. nov. and Paratimea massutiisp. nov.Heteroxya cf. beauforti represents the first record of the genus Heteroxya in the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, this is the second report of Axinella spatula and Haliclona (Soestella) fimbriata since their description. Moreover, the species Petrosia (Petrosia) raphida, Calyx cf. tufa and Lanuginella pupa are reported for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea. Petrosia (Strongylophora) vansoesti is reported here for the first time in the western Mediterranean Sea. Haliclona (S.) fimbriata is reported here for the first time in the north-western Mediterranean Sea. Hemiasterella elongata is reported here for the second time in the Mediterranean Sea. The species Melonanchora emphysema, Rhabdobaris implicata, Polymastia polytylota, Dragmatella aberrans, Phakellia ventilabrum and Pseudotrachya hystrix are reported for first time off Balearic Islands. Following the Sponge Barcoding project goals, we have sequenced the Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI) and the 28S ribosomal fragment (C1–D2 domains) for Foraminospongia balearicasp. nov., Foraminospongia minutasp. nov., H. cf. beauforti and C. cf. tufa, and the COI for Paratimea massuti sp. nov. We also provide a phylogenetic analysis to discern the systematic location of Foraminospongiagen. nov., which, in accordance to skeletal complement, is placed in the Hymerhabdiidae family. A brief biogeographical discussion is provided for all these species, with emphasis on the sponge singularity of SO, AM and the EB seamounts and the implications for their future protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio A Díaz
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centre Oceanogràfic de Balears, España, Palma, Spain.,Interdisciplinary Ecology Group, Biology Department, Universitat de Les Illes Balears, Palma, Spain
| | - Sergio Ramírez-Amaro
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centre Oceanogràfic de Balears, España, Palma, Spain.,Laboratori de Genètica, Biology Department, Universitat de Les Illes Balears, Palma, Spain
| | - Francesc Ordines
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centre Oceanogràfic de Balears, España, Palma, Spain
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16
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Friedlander AM, Goodell W, Giddens J, Easton EE, Wagner D. Deep-sea biodiversity at the extremes of the Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges with implications for conservation. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253213. [PMID: 34191822 PMCID: PMC8244922 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges are underwater mountain chains that stretch across 2,900 km in the southeastern Pacific and are recognized for their high biodiversity value and unique ecological characteristics. Explorations of deep-water ecosystems have been limited in this region, and elsewhere globally. To characterize community composition of mesophotic and deep-sea demersal fauna at seamounts in the region, we conducted expeditions to Rapa Nui (RN) and Salas y Gómez (SyG) islands in 2011 and Desventuradas Islands in 2013. Remote autonomous baited-cameras were used to conduct stationary video surveys between 150-1,850 m at RN/SyG (N = 20) and 75-2,363 m at Desventuradas (N = 27). Individual organisms were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level and relative abundance was quantified with the maximum number of individuals per frame. Deployments were attributed with associated environmental variables (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, silicate, phosphate, chlorophyll-a, seamount age, and bathymetric position index [BPI]). We identified 55 unique invertebrate taxa and 66 unique fish taxa. Faunal community structure was highly dissimilar between and within subregions both for invertebrate (p < 0.001) and fish taxa (p = 0.022). For fishes, dogfish sharks (Squalidae) accounted for the greatest dissimilarity between subregions (18.27%), with mean abundances of 2.26 ± 2.49 at Desventuradas, an order of magnitude greater than at RN/SyG (0.21 ± 0.54). Depth, seamount age, broad-scale BPI, and nitrate explained most of the variation in both invertebrate (R2 = 0.475) and fish (R2 = 0.419) assemblages. Slightly more than half the deployments at Desventuradas (N = 14) recorded vulnerable marine ecosystem taxa such as corals and sponges. Our study supports mounting evidence that the Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges are areas of high biodiversity and high conservation value. While Chile and Peru have recently established or proposed marine protected areas in this region, the majority of these ridges lie outside of national jurisdictions and are under threat from overfishing, plastic pollution, climate change, and potential deep-sea mining. Given its intrinsic value, this region should be comprehensively protected using the best available conservation measures to ensure that the Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges remain a globally unique biodiversity hotspot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan M. Friedlander
- Pristine Seas, National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Hawaiʿi Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaiʿi, Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʿi, United States of America
| | - Whitney Goodell
- Pristine Seas, National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Exploration Technology Lab, National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Jonatha Giddens
- Exploration Technology Lab, National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Erin E. Easton
- Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
- School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, Texas, United States of America
| | - Daniel Wagner
- Conservation International, Center for Oceans, Arlington, VA, United States of America
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17
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Tapia-Guerra JM, Mecho A, Easton EE, Gallardo MDLÁ, Gorny M, Sellanes J. First description of deep benthic habitats and communities of oceanic islands and seamounts of the Nazca Desventuradas Marine Park, Chile. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6209. [PMID: 33737562 PMCID: PMC7973752 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85516-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Seamounts and oceanic islands of the Chilean Exclusive Economic Zone at the intersection of the Nazca and Salas y Gómez ridges lie within one of the least explored areas in the world. The sparse information available, mainly for seamounts outside Chilean jurisdiction and shallow-water fauna of the Desventuradas Islands, suggests that the area is a hotspot of endemism. This apparent uniqueness of the fauna motivated the creation of the large Nazca-Desventuradas Marine Park (NDMP, ~ 300,000 km2) around the small islands San Felix and San Ambrosio in 2015. We report for the first time a detailed description of benthic microhabitats (i.e., centimeter to meter scale), macrohabitats (i.e., meter to kilometer-scale) and associated megafauna within the NDMP. Descriptions were based on analysis of fauna collected by trawling and ROV video observations from ~ 50 to 370 m depth. Rocky, coarse sand and silty sediment bottom habitats were observed at island slopes. In contrast, rocky and coarse sandy bottom habitats with a predominance of rhodoliths, thanatocoenosis, and other biogenic components were observed at seamounts. Mobile fauna and predators dominated the oceanic islands and nearby seamounts, whereas seamounts farther from the islands were dominated by sessile and hemisessile fauna that were mainly suspension and deposit feeders. Based on the register of 118 taxonomic units, our results provide an expanded and updated baseline for the benthic biodiversity of NDMP habitats, which seemed pristine, without evidence of trawling or anthropogenic debris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan M Tapia-Guerra
- Programa de Magister en Ciencias del Mar Mención Recursos Costeros, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
- Sala de Colecciones Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
- Millennium Nucleus for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Departamento de Biología Marina, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Ariadna Mecho
- Millennium Nucleus for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Departamento de Biología Marina, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
- UMR8212 Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l'Environnement (LSCE), Paris, France
| | - Erin E Easton
- Millennium Nucleus for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Departamento de Biología Marina, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
- School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 33363 Marine Lab Dr., South Padre Island, TX, 78597, USA
| | - María de Los Ángeles Gallardo
- Sala de Colecciones Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
- Millennium Nucleus for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Departamento de Biología Marina, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
| | | | - Javier Sellanes
- Sala de Colecciones Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile.
- Millennium Nucleus for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Departamento de Biología Marina, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile.
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18
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Smith CR, Tunnicliffe V, Colaço A, Drazen JC, Gollner S, Levin LA, Mestre NC, Metaxas A, Molodtsova TN, Morato T, Sweetman AK, Washburn T, Amon DJ. Deep-Sea Misconceptions Cause Underestimation of Seabed-Mining Impacts. Trends Ecol Evol 2020; 35:853-857. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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19
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Goode SL, Rowden AA, Bowden DA, Clark MR. Resilience of seamount benthic communities to trawling disturbance. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 161:105086. [PMID: 32889447 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite bottom trawling being the most widespread, severe disturbance affecting deep-sea environments, it remains uncertain whether recovery is possible once trawling has ceased. Here, we review information regarding the resilience of seamount benthic communities to trawling. We focus on seamounts because benthic communities associated with these features are especially vulnerable to trawling as they are often dominated by emergent, sessile epifauna, and trawling on seamounts can be highly concentrated. We perform a meta-analysis to investigate whether any taxa demonstrate potential for recovery once trawling has ceased. Our findings indicate that mean total abundance can gradually increase after protection measures are placed, although taxa exhibit various responses, from no recovery to intermediate/high recovery, resistance, or signs of early colonisation. We use our results to recommend directions for future research to improve our understanding of the resilience of seamount benthic communities, and thereby inform the management of trawling impacts on these ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah L Goode
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Wellington, New Zealand; Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Ashley A Rowden
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Wellington, New Zealand; Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - David A Bowden
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Malcolm R Clark
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Wellington, New Zealand
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20
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Fonseca-Barreto CJ, García CB. Assemblage Structure and Seasonality of Mesophotic Phytoplankton of Corales de Profundidad National Natural Park, Colombian Caribbean. CARIBB J SCI 2020. [DOI: 10.18475/cjos.v50i1.a19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Camilo B. García
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
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21
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Auscavitch SR, Lunden JJ, Barkman A, Quattrini AM, Demopoulos AWJ, Cordes EE. Distribution of deep-water scleractinian and stylasterid corals across abiotic environmental gradients on three seamounts in the Anegada Passage. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9523. [PMID: 32821533 PMCID: PMC7397984 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In the Caribbean Basin the distribution and diversity patterns of deep-sea scleractinian corals and stylasterid hydrocorals are poorly known compared to their shallow-water relatives. In this study, we examined species distribution and community assembly patterns of scleractinian and stylasterid corals on three high-profile seamounts within the Anegada Passage, a deep-water throughway linking the Caribbean Sea and western North Atlantic. Using remotely operated vehicle surveys conducted on the E/V Nautilus by the ROV Hercules in 2014, we characterized coral assemblages and seawater environmental variables between 162 and 2,157 m on Dog Seamount, Conrad Seamount, and Noroît Seamount. In all, 13 morphospecies of scleractinian and stylasterid corals were identified from video with stylasterids being numerically more abundant than both colonial and solitary scleractinians. Cosmopolitan framework-forming species including Madrepora oculata and Solenosmilia variabilis were present but occurred in patchy distributions among the three seamounts. Framework-forming species occurred at or above the depth of the aragonite saturation horizon with stylasterid hydrocorals being the only coral taxon observed below Ωarag values of 1. Coral assemblage variation was found to be strongly associated with depth and aragonite saturation state, while other environmental variables exerted less influence. This study enhances our understanding of the factors that regulate scleractinian and stylasterid coral distribution in an underreported marginal sea and establishes a baseline for monitoring future environmental changes due to ocean acidification and deoxygenation in the tropical western Atlantic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jay J Lunden
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Andrea M Quattrini
- National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Erik E Cordes
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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22
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Ohta J, Yasukawa K, Nozaki T, Takaya Y, Mimura K, Fujinaga K, Nakamura K, Usui Y, Kimura JI, Chang Q, Kato Y. Fish proliferation and rare-earth deposition by topographically induced upwelling at the late Eocene cooling event. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9896. [PMID: 32555233 PMCID: PMC7303186 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66835-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The deep-sea clay that covers wide areas of the pelagic ocean bottom provides key information about open-ocean environments but lacks age-diagnostic calcareous or siliceous microfossils. The marine osmium isotope record has varied in response to environmental changes and can therefore be a useful stratigraphic marker. In this study, we used osmium isotope ratios to determine the depositional ages of pelagic clays extraordinarily rich in fish debris. Much fish debris was deposited in the western North and central South Pacific sites roughly 34.4 million years ago, concurrent with a late Eocene event, a temporal expansion of Antarctic ice preceding the Eocene-Oligocene climate transition. The enhanced northward flow of bottom water formed around Antarctica probably caused upwelling of deep-ocean nutrients at topographic highs and stimulated biological productivity that resulted in the proliferation of fish in pelagic realms. The abundant fish debris is now a highly concentrated source of industrially critical rare-earth elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junichiro Ohta
- Frontier Research Center for Energy and Resources (FRCER), The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
- Ocean Resources Research Center for Next Generation (ORCeNG), Chiba Institute of Technology, 2-17-1 Tsudanuma, Narashino, Chiba, 275-0016, Japan
- Department of Systems Innovation, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
- Volcanoes and Earth's Interior Research Center, Research Institute for Marine Geodynamics, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, 237-0061, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Yasukawa
- Frontier Research Center for Energy and Resources (FRCER), The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
- Ocean Resources Research Center for Next Generation (ORCeNG), Chiba Institute of Technology, 2-17-1 Tsudanuma, Narashino, Chiba, 275-0016, Japan
- Department of Systems Innovation, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Nozaki
- Frontier Research Center for Energy and Resources (FRCER), The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
- Ocean Resources Research Center for Next Generation (ORCeNG), Chiba Institute of Technology, 2-17-1 Tsudanuma, Narashino, Chiba, 275-0016, Japan
- Submarine Resources Research Center, Research Institute for Marine Resources Utilization, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, 237-0061, Japan
- Department of Planetology, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Yutaro Takaya
- Ocean Resources Research Center for Next Generation (ORCeNG), Chiba Institute of Technology, 2-17-1 Tsudanuma, Narashino, Chiba, 275-0016, Japan
- Submarine Resources Research Center, Research Institute for Marine Resources Utilization, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, 237-0061, Japan
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan
| | - Kazuhide Mimura
- Department of Systems Innovation, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Koichiro Fujinaga
- Frontier Research Center for Energy and Resources (FRCER), The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
- Ocean Resources Research Center for Next Generation (ORCeNG), Chiba Institute of Technology, 2-17-1 Tsudanuma, Narashino, Chiba, 275-0016, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nakamura
- Department of Systems Innovation, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Yoichi Usui
- Volcanoes and Earth's Interior Research Center, Research Institute for Marine Geodynamics, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, 237-0061, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Kimura
- Volcanoes and Earth's Interior Research Center, Research Institute for Marine Geodynamics, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, 237-0061, Japan
| | - Qing Chang
- Volcanoes and Earth's Interior Research Center, Research Institute for Marine Geodynamics, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, 237-0061, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kato
- Frontier Research Center for Energy and Resources (FRCER), The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan.
- Ocean Resources Research Center for Next Generation (ORCeNG), Chiba Institute of Technology, 2-17-1 Tsudanuma, Narashino, Chiba, 275-0016, Japan.
- Department of Systems Innovation, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan.
- Submarine Resources Research Center, Research Institute for Marine Resources Utilization, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, 237-0061, Japan.
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23
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Zhang R, Zhou Y, Xiao N, Wang C. A new sponge-associated starfish, Astrolirus patricki sp. nov. (Asteroidea: Brisingida: Brisingidae), from the northwestern Pacific seamounts. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9071. [PMID: 32518717 PMCID: PMC7261123 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Seamounts are important deep ocean entities that serve as reservoirs for varied types of habitats and fauna. During the Chinese cruises in the northwestern Pacific seamount areas, a new starfish species of order Brisingida, Astrolirus patricki, was found at 1,458–2,125 m depth. All specimens of the new species were observed in situ attaching on hexactinellid sponges, suggesting a possible close relationship between the two taxa. A. patrickisp. nov. is the second known species of the genus, characterized by the abutting plates in the intercostal integument, separated first pair of adambulacral plates and densely distributed proximal spines. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted for order Brisingida to incorporate the new species as well as Hymenodiscus cf. fragilis (Fisher, 1906), Freyella cf. attenuata Sladen, 1889 and two Brisinga spp., for which we present the molecular data for the first time. Phylogenetic trees suggest a close relationship between A. patrickisp. nov. with Brisinga species rather than with Hymenodiscus species, which is inconsistent with morphological taxonomy. This study highlights the distinct morphological and ecological characters of the new species and provides new data for future investigation on Brisingida phylogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiyan Zhang
- School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yadong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ning Xiao
- Laboratory of Marine Organism Taxonomy and Phylogeny, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Chunsheng Wang
- School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, China
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24
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Zhao Y, Zhao Y, Zheng S, Zhao L, Li X, Zhang W, Grégori G, Xiao T. Virioplankton distribution in the tropical western Pacific Ocean in the vicinity of a seamount. Microbiologyopen 2020; 9:1207-1224. [PMID: 32180355 PMCID: PMC7294315 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The shallow Caroline Seamount is located in the tropical western Pacific Ocean. Its summit is 57 m below the surface and penetrates the euphotic zone. Therefore, it is ideal for the study of the influence of seamount on plankton distribution. Here, virioplankton abundance and distribution were investigated by flow cytometry (FCM) in the Caroline Seamount in August and September 2017. The total abundance of virus‐like particles (VLP) was in the range of 0.64 × 106–18.77 × 106 particles/ml and the average was 5.37 ± 3.75 × 106 particles/ml. Three to four distinct viral subclusters with similar side scatter but different green fluorescence intensities were identified. Above the deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM), two medium fluorescence virus (MFV) subclusters were discriminated. Between the DCM and the deeper layers, only one MFV subcluster was resolved. In general, low fluorescence viruses (LFV) comprised the most abundant subclusters. In the 75–150 m water column, however, the MFV abundance was higher than the LFV abundance. High fluorescence viruses (HFV) constituted the least abundant subcluster throughout the entire water column. Virioplankton abundance was significantly enhanced at the seamount stations. Environmental factors including water temperature and nitrate concentration were the most correlated with the variation in virioplankton abundance at the seamount stations. Interactions between shallow seamounts and local currents can support large virus standing stocks, causing a so‐called indirect “seamount effect” on the virioplankton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchu Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Shan Zheng
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Jiaozhou Bay Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Li Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuegang Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Wuchang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Gérald Grégori
- Aix-Marseille University, Toulon University, CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography UM110, Marseille, France
| | - Tian Xiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
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25
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Derville S, Torres LG, Zerbini AN, Oremus M, Garrigue C. Horizontal and vertical movements of humpback whales inform the use of critical pelagic habitats in the western South Pacific. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4871. [PMID: 32184421 PMCID: PMC7078318 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61771-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are known for their nearshore distribution during the breeding season, but their pelagic habitat use patterns remain mostly unexplored. From 2016 to 2018, 18 humpback whales were equipped with depth-recording satellite tags (SPLASH10) to shed light on environmental and social drivers of seamount association around New Caledonia in the western South Pacific. Movement paths were spatially structured around shallow seamounts (<200 m). Indeed, two males stopped over the Lord Howe seamount chain during the first-ever recorded longitudinal transit between New Caledonia and the east coast of Australia. Residence time significantly increased with proximity to shallow seamounts, while dive depth increased in the vicinity of seafloor ridges. Most of the 7,986 recorded dives occurred above 80 m (88.5%), but deep dives (>80 m, max 616 m) were also recorded (11.5%), including by maternal females. Deep dives often occurred in series and were characterized by U-shapes suggesting high energy expenditure. This study provides new insights into the formerly overlooked use of pelagic habitats by humpback whales during the breeding season. Given increasing anthropogenic threats on deep sea habitats worldwide, this work has implications for the conservation of vulnerable marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solène Derville
- UMR ENTROPIE, IRD, 101 promenade Roger Laroque, 98848, Nouméa, New Caledonia. .,Operation Cétacés, BP12827, 98802, Nouméa, New Caledonia. .,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 6, IFD-ED129, 4 Place Jussieu, Paris, 75252, France. .,Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab, Marine Mammal Institute, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, 97365, OR, USA.
| | - Leigh G Torres
- Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab, Marine Mammal Institute, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, 97365, OR, USA
| | - Alexandre N Zerbini
- Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, 2725 Montlake Blvd E, Seattle, 98112, WA, USA
| | - Marc Oremus
- WWF France, Parc Forestier Michel Corbasson, BP692, 98845, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Claire Garrigue
- UMR ENTROPIE, IRD, 101 promenade Roger Laroque, 98848, Nouméa, New Caledonia.,Operation Cétacés, BP12827, 98802, Nouméa, New Caledonia
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26
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Sellanes J, Salisbury RA, Tapia JM, Asorey CM. A new species of Atrimitra Dall, 1918 (Gastropoda: Mitridae) from seamounts of the recently created Nazca-Desventuradas Marine Park, Chile. PeerJ 2019; 7:e8279. [PMID: 31875160 PMCID: PMC6927339 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe Atrimitra isolata sp. n. (Gastropoda: Mitridae), collected on the summit of seamounts (~200 m water depth) in the vicinity of Desventuradas Islands, Chile insular territory. Additionally, we provide some insight into the habitat of this new species based on underwater imagery taken with a remotely operated vehicle. A. isolata sp. n. is characterized by its small size (up to 26 mm), elongate-ovate shape, solid shell and smooth appearance. It has a base brown color, with some specimens being tan or yellow. It is morphologically related to counterparts from shallow depths on the west coast of North, Central and South America (i.e., Atrimitra idae, Atrimitra orientalis and Atrimitra semigranosa), but has no affinities with species of the family reported from around Easter Island, on the far western side of the Salas y Gómez ridge (e.g., Strigatella flavocingulata, Imbricariopsis punctata and Neocancilla takiisaoi), or with other Indo-Pacific species. The present contribution adds to the knowledge of the poorly studied fauna of the seamounts in the southern portion of the Nazca ridge and easternmost section of the Sala y Gómez ridge, an area characterized by the high degree of endemism of its benthic fauna, and now protected within the large and newly created Nazca-Desventuradas Marine Park.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Sellanes
- Departamento de Biología Marina, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar., Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
- Millennium Nucleus for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Departamento de Biología Marina, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
- Sala de Colecciones Biológicas, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Richard A. Salisbury
- Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History, The College of Idaho, Caldwell, ID, USA
| | - Jan M. Tapia
- Programa de Magister en Ciencas del Mar., Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Cynthia M. Asorey
- Sala de Colecciones Biológicas, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Aridas (CEAZA), Coquimbo, Chile
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27
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Stefanoudis PV, Rivers M, Smith SR, Schneider CW, Wagner D, Ford H, Rogers AD, Woodall LC. Low connectivity between shallow, mesophotic and rariphotic zone benthos. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2019; 6:190958. [PMID: 31598316 PMCID: PMC6774966 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.190958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide coral reefs face catastrophic damage due to a series of anthropogenic stressors. Investigating how coral reefs ecosystems are connected, in particular across depth, will help us understand if deeper reefs harbour distinct communities. Here, we explore changes in benthic community structure across 15-300 m depths using technical divers and submersibles around Bermuda. We report high levels of floral and faunal differentiation across depth, with distinct assemblages occupying each depth surveyed, except 200-300 m, corresponding to the lower rariphotic zone. Community turnover was highest at the boundary depths of mesophotic coral ecosystems (30-150 m) driven largely by taxonomic turnover and to a lesser degree by ordered species loss (nestedness). Our work highlights the biologically unique nature of benthic communities in the mesophotic and rariphotic zones, and their limited connectivity to shallow reefs, thus emphasizing the need to manage and protect deeper reefs as distinct entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paris V. Stefanoudis
- Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Begbroke Hill, Woodstock Road, Begbroke, Oxfordshire OX5 1PF, UK
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Zoology Research and Administration Building, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
- Author for correspondence: Paris V. Stefanoudis e-mail:
| | - Molly Rivers
- Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Begbroke Hill, Woodstock Road, Begbroke, Oxfordshire OX5 1PF, UK
| | - Struan R. Smith
- Natural History Museum, Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, 40 North Shore Road, Hamilton Parish FL04, Bermuda
| | | | - Daniel Wagner
- NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, 331 Fort, Johnston Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Helen Ford
- Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Begbroke Hill, Woodstock Road, Begbroke, Oxfordshire OX5 1PF, UK
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Alex D. Rogers
- Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Begbroke Hill, Woodstock Road, Begbroke, Oxfordshire OX5 1PF, UK
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Zoology Research and Administration Building, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Lucy C. Woodall
- Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Begbroke Hill, Woodstock Road, Begbroke, Oxfordshire OX5 1PF, UK
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Zoology Research and Administration Building, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
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28
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Letessier TB, Mouillot D, Bouchet PJ, Vigliola L, Fernandes MC, Thompson C, Boussarie G, Turner J, Juhel JB, Maire E, Caley MJ, Koldewey HJ, Friedlander A, Sala E, Meeuwig JJ. Remote reefs and seamounts are the last refuges for marine predators across the Indo-Pacific. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000366. [PMID: 31386657 PMCID: PMC6684043 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the 1950s, industrial fisheries have expanded globally, as fishing vessels are required to travel further afield for fishing opportunities. Technological advancements and fishery subsidies have granted ever-increasing access to populations of sharks, tunas, billfishes, and other predators. Wilderness refuges, defined here as areas beyond the detectable range of human influence, are therefore increasingly rare. In order to achieve marine resources sustainability, large no-take marine protected areas (MPAs) with pelagic components are being implemented. However, such conservation efforts require knowledge of the critical habitats for predators, both across shallow reefs and the deeper ocean. Here, we fill this gap in knowledge across the Indo-Pacific by using 1,041 midwater baited videos to survey sharks and other pelagic predators such as rainbow runner (Elagatis bipinnulata), mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus), and black marlin (Istiompax indica). We modeled three key predator community attributes: vertebrate species richness, mean maximum body size, and shark abundance as a function of geomorphology, environmental conditions, and human pressures. All attributes were primarily driven by geomorphology (35%-62% variance explained) and environmental conditions (14%-49%). While human pressures had no influence on species richness, both body size and shark abundance responded strongly to distance to human markets (12%-20%). Refuges were identified at more than 1,250 km from human markets for body size and for shark abundance. These refuges were identified as remote and shallow seabed features, such as seamounts, submerged banks, and reefs. Worryingly, hotpots of large individuals and of shark abundance are presently under-represented within no-take MPAs that aim to effectively protect marine predators, such as the British Indian Ocean Territory. Population recovery of predators is unlikely to occur without strategic placement and effective enforcement of large no-take MPAs in both coastal and remote locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom B. Letessier
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences and The UWA Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, (M092), Crawley, Australia
| | - David Mouillot
- MARBEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Phil J. Bouchet
- School of Biological Sciences and The UWA Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, (M092), Crawley, Australia
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Wales
| | - Laurent Vigliola
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR ENTROPIE, LABEX Corail, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Marjorie C. Fernandes
- School of Biological Sciences and The UWA Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, (M092), Crawley, Australia
| | - Chris Thompson
- School of Biological Sciences and The UWA Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, (M092), Crawley, Australia
| | - Germain Boussarie
- School of Biological Sciences and The UWA Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, (M092), Crawley, Australia
- MARBEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR ENTROPIE, LABEX Corail, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Jemma Turner
- School of Biological Sciences and The UWA Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, (M092), Crawley, Australia
| | - Jean-Baptiste Juhel
- MARBEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR ENTROPIE, LABEX Corail, Nouméa, New Caledonia
- Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, BPR4, Noumea, New Caledonia
| | - Eva Maire
- MARBEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - M. Julian Caley
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Heather J. Koldewey
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, United Kingdom
- Conservation Programmes, Zoological Society of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Friedlander
- Pristine Seas, National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Fisheries Ecology Research Lab, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Enric Sala
- Pristine Seas, National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Jessica J. Meeuwig
- School of Biological Sciences and The UWA Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, (M092), Crawley, Australia
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