Benthic hydroids (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) from Svalbard waters—biodiversity and distribution

• Published in: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom
• Main Author: Ronowicz, Marta
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 2007
• Subjects: Aquatic Science; Arctic; Svalbard; Climate change
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0025315407055142; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0025315407055142

The aim of the present study was to update the existing knowledge of benthic hydroids from Svalbard waters. The material for the study was collected at several locations in the Svalbard region. The list of hydropolyps from the investigated area includes about 100 species. A total of 42 taxa was noted in the present study, 18 of which were reported for the first time in this area. One species is likely new to science. The analyses address the zoogeographical status of the species and the diversity of microhabitats. Arctic-boreal species were the main component of the hydroid assemblage, and eight types of substrata were colonized by the hydroids. Their highest biodiversity occurred on algae and bryozoans. Biological studies and faunal records used to monitor the Arctic region are of increasing importance in light of climate change and its influence on benthic community structure.