The spatial, temporal and structural distribution of Antarctic seafloor biodiversity ...

• Main Author: Jansen, Jan
• Format: Thesis
• Language: unknown
• Published: University Of Tasmania 2023
• Subjects: Marine and estuarine ecology incl. marine ichthyology; Conservation and biodiversity; Antarctic; East Antarctica; Southern Ocean; The Antarctic; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.25959/23226563.v1; https://figshare.utas.edu.au/articles/thesis/The_spatial_temporal_and_structural_distribution_of_Antarctic_seafloor_biodiversity/23226563/1

Biodiversity is nature’s most valuable resource. The Southern Ocean contains significant levels of marine biodiversity as a result of its isolated history and a combination of exceptional environmental conditions. However, little is known about the spatial and temporal distribution of biodiversity on the Antarctic continental shelf, hindering informed marine spatial planning, policy development underpinning regulation of human activity, and predicting the response of Antarctic marine ecosystems to environmental change. In this thesis, I provide detailed insight into the spatial and temporal distribution of Antarctic benthic macrofaunal and demersal fish biodiversity. Using data from the George V shelf region in East Antarctica, I address some of the main issues currently hindering understanding of the functioning of the Antarctic ecosystem and the distribution of biodiversity at the seafloor. The focus is on spatial biodiversity prediction with particular consideration given to previously unavailable ...