Incorporating spatial analyses into conservation and monitoring of deep-sea megafauna in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

• Main Authors: de Mendonça, Sarah N, Metaxas, Anna
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: unknown
• Published: PeerJ 2018
• Subjects: Northwest Atlantic; Paragorgia arborea
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.7287/peerj.preprints.26808; https://peerj.com/preprints/26808.pdf; https://peerj.com/preprints/26808.xml; https://peerj.com/preprints/26808.html

Deep-sea ecosystems are being impacted by anthropogenic stressors, such as trawling and oil-gas exploration. Protection of these ecosystems is delayed by limited understanding of spatial distribution, suitable habitat, species associations, and recruitment. Imagery was analyzed from the Laurentian Channel AOI and 3 canyons (Corsair, Georges, Fiddlers Cove) on the western Scotian Slope in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. We used two sampling designs, exploratory linear transects and a systematic-cluster transect array and will compare the information that can be extracted from each method. Megaepifaunal biodiversity, abundance, and species-species associations were identified at each site. For example, at Fiddlers Cove, different types of Gorgonian corals (e.g. Acanella, Desmophyllum , and stoloniferous coral), soft corals, and sponges occurred mainly on outcrops; sea pens and anemones, along with large colonies of Paragorgia arborea were present in Corsair Canyon; and several Gorgonian corals, anemones, lobsters, and Holothuroidea were present in Georges Canyon. We will use spatial analyses to measure spatial structure at local and regional scales, identify species-environment associations, and predict suitable habitat for deep-sea megaepifauna. Overall, the study will provide a broader understanding of deep-sea megaepifaunal ecosystems, and develop recommendations for a deep-sea MPA monitoring framework to achieve effective conservation that promotes biodiversity.