| Summary: | Thesis (M.S.) University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2006 The bathymetric and spatial distribution of echinoderms was examined on five seamounts in the Kodiak-Bowie seamount chain in the northern Gulf of Alaska from video transects of 200 or 500 m length, conducted at approximately 700, 1700 and 2700 m depths with the DSV Alvin in August, 2004. Temperature and salinity varied significantly with depth, but not between seamounts; an oxygen minimum zone encompassed the shallowest depth sampled. Holothuroid (Pannychia and Psolus) and asteroid density for the shallower depth category was 19.94·100 m⁻² and 2.07·100 m⁻², significantly higher than at the deeper depths. Asteroid density generally decreased northwesterly along the seamount chain. Density of three ophiuroid genera (Asteronyx, Amphigyptis, and Ophiomoeris) was 139.6·100 m⁻² on Dickens Seamount, and was significantly less on the other three seamounts to a low of 31.19·100 m⁻² on Pratt Seamount. Ophiuroid density was significantly higher at the intermediate depth (141.07·100 m⁻²), and lower at the other two depths. Density of Pentametrocrinus and Guillecrinus crinoids was not significantly affected by seamount or depth, but was highest (3.15·100 mm⁻²) at the deepest depths. No echinoids were found on transects, but were observed on three of the seamounts. Many brittle stars and asteroids were found associated with paragorgid and primnoid corals. 1. General introduction -- 2. Bathymetric and spatial zonation of asteroidea on seamounts in the Gulf of Alaska -- 3. Bathymetric and spatial zonation of echinoderms on seamounts in the Gulf of Alaska -- 4. General conclusion -- Appendices (CD-ROM).
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