Underwater surveys reveal deep-sea corals in newly explored regions of the southwest Atlantic

• Published in: Communications Earth & Environment
• Main Authors: Nayara F. Carvalho, Linda G. Waters, Renata C. M. Arantes, Daniel M. Couto, Guarani H. Cavalcanti, Arthur Z. Güth, Ana Paula C. Falcão, Paula D. Nagata, Cízia M. Hercos, Dalton K. Sasaki, Marcelo Dottori, Erik E. Cordes, Paulo Y. G. Sumida
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Nature Portfolio 2023
• Subjects: Geology; QE1-996.5; Environmental sciences; GE1-350; Antarctic; Antarc*
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-023-00924-0; https://doaj.org/article/8b969838ee7a4d8582fed333c6f810b5

Abstract Deep-sea coral distribution and composition are unknown in much of the global ocean, but repurposing ocean industry surveys can fill that gap. In Santos Basin, southeast Brazil, areas (241–963 m depth) were surveyed during seven Petrobras cruises, mapping bottom topography with multibeam sonar, then collecting video with remotely operated vehicles. Here, we defined deep-sea coral species distribution and richness, using these surveys, correlating them to physical oceanographic properties. Solenosmilia variabilis was the most prevalent colonial species in coral mounds. Overall, 67% of species were Octocorallia. Coral assemblage structure, abundance, and richness varied among sites both within and among depths, with higher density and richness in the northernmost Santos basin. Depth was the strongest predictor for scleractinian coral distribution, with depth ranges varying by species. Assemblage differences corresponded to changes in water mass. Desmophyllum pertusum was more abundant in South Atlantic Central Water and S. variabilis in Antarctic Intermediate Water influenced areas.