1
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Devi SS, Saifudeen N, Kumar KS, Kumar AB. Does the microplastics ingestion patterns and polymer composition vary across the oceanic zones? A case study from the Indian coast. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 204:116532. [PMID: 38824708 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
This study explores microplastic (MP) presence in the gastrointestinal tracts of deep-sea fish from the Central Indian Ocean, off the Indian coast. Among the 27 species examined, 19 showed MP contamination, averaging 2.68 ± 0.30 (±SE) MPs per individual. Polymer analysis via FTIR and micro-Raman identified several types, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polypropelene (PP), polyvinyl acetate (PVC), polyurethane (PU), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyaniline (PANI), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and polyethersulfone (PES), with PET being the most prevalent (33.33 %). MP ingestion was higher in benthopelagic fish and those at higher trophic levels, as indicated by comparisons across oceanic zones. Niche partitioning analysis suggests feeding behaviour as a primary influencer of MP ingestion in deep-sea fish rather than habitat or trophic level. The study proposes the potential use of deep-sea fish as indicators for assessing microplastic pollution across oceanic zones and deep-sea regions through bycatch monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvarna S Devi
- Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 69551, Kerala, India
| | - Nasila Saifudeen
- Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 69551, Kerala, India
| | | | - Appukuttannair Biju Kumar
- Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 69551, Kerala, India.
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2
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Harbeitner RC, Wittmers F, Yung CCM, Eckmann CA, Hehenberger E, Blum M, Needham DM, Worden AZ. Gradients of bacteria in the oceanic water column reveal finely-resolved vertical distributions. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298139. [PMID: 38564528 PMCID: PMC10986988 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial communities directly influence ecological processes in the ocean, and depth has a major influence due to the changeover in primary energy sources between the sunlit photic zone and dark ocean. Here, we examine the abundance and diversity of bacteria in Monterey Bay depth profiles collected from the surface to just above the sediments (e.g., 2000 m). Bacterial abundance in these Pacific Ocean samples decreased by >1 order of magnitude, from 1.22 ±0.69 ×106 cells ml-1 in the variable photic zone to 1.44 ± 0.25 ×105 and 6.71 ± 1.23 ×104 cells ml-1 in the mesopelagic and bathypelagic, respectively. V1-V2 16S rRNA gene profiling showed diversity increased sharply between the photic and mesopelagic zones. Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis clustered co-occurring bacterial amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) into seven subnetwork modules, of which five strongly correlated with depth-related factors. Within surface-associated modules there was a clear distinction between a 'copiotrophic' module, correlating with chlorophyll and dominated by e.g., Flavobacteriales and Rhodobacteraceae, and an 'oligotrophic' module dominated by diverse Oceanospirillales (such as uncultured JL-ETNP-Y6, SAR86) and Pelagibacterales. Phylogenetic reconstructions of Pelagibacterales and SAR324 using full-length 16S rRNA gene data revealed several additional subclades, expanding known microdiversity within these abundant lineages, including new Pelagibacterales subclades Ia.B, Id, and IIc, which comprised 4-10% of amplicons depending on the subclade and depth zone. SAR324 and Oceanospirillales dominated in the mesopelagic, with SAR324 clade II exhibiting its highest relative abundances (17±4%) in the lower mesopelagic (300-750 m). The two newly-identified SAR324 clades showed highest relative abundances in the photic zone (clade III), while clade IV was extremely low in relative abundance, but present across dark ocean depths. Hierarchical clustering placed microbial communities from 900 m samples with those from the bathypelagic, where Marinimicrobia was distinctively relatively abundant. The patterns resolved herein, through high resolution and statistical replication, establish baselines for marine bacterial abundance and taxonomic distributions across the Monterey Bay water column, against which future change can be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C. Harbeitner
- Department of Ocean Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
- Ocean EcoSystems Biology Unit, RD3, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, DE, Germany
| | - Fabian Wittmers
- Ocean EcoSystems Biology Unit, RD3, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, DE, Germany
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, United States of America
| | - Charmaine C. M. Yung
- Ocean EcoSystems Biology Unit, RD3, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, DE, Germany
| | - Charlotte A. Eckmann
- Department of Ocean Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, United States of America
| | - Elisabeth Hehenberger
- Ocean EcoSystems Biology Unit, RD3, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, DE, Germany
| | - Marguerite Blum
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Moss Landing, CA, United States of America
| | - David M. Needham
- Ocean EcoSystems Biology Unit, RD3, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, DE, Germany
| | - Alexandra Z. Worden
- Department of Ocean Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
- Ocean EcoSystems Biology Unit, RD3, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, DE, Germany
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, United States of America
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3
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Weber MD, Richards TM, Sutton TT, Carter JE, Eytan RI. Deep-pelagic fishes: Demographic instability in a stable environment. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11267. [PMID: 38638366 PMCID: PMC11024635 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Demographic histories are frequently a product of the environment, as populations expand or contract in response to major environmental changes, often driven by changes in climate. Meso- and bathy-pelagic fishes inhabit some of the most temporally and spatially stable habitats on the planet. The stability of the deep-pelagic could make deep-pelagic fishes resistant to the demographic instability commonly reported in fish species inhabiting other marine habitats, however the demographic histories of deep-pelagic fishes are unknown. We reconstructed the historical demography of 11 species of deep-pelagic fishes using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data. We uncovered widespread evidence of population expansions in our study species, a counterintuitive result based on the nature of deep-pelagic ecosystems. Frequency-based methods detected potential demographic changes in nine species of fishes, while extended Bayesian skyline plots identified population expansions in four species. These results suggest that despite the relatively stable nature of the deep-pelagic environment, the fishes that reside here have likely been impacted by past changes in climate. Further investigation is necessary to better understand how deep-pelagic fishes, by far Earth's most abundant vertebrates, will respond to future climatic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max D. Weber
- Texas A&M University at GalvestonGalvestonTexasUSA
| | | | | | | | - Ron I. Eytan
- Texas A&M University at GalvestonGalvestonTexasUSA
- Department of Biological SciencesLouisiana State UniversityBaton RougeLouisianaUSA
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4
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Loutrage L, Brind'Amour A, Chouvelon T, Spitz J. Ontogenetic shift or not? Different foraging trade-offs within the meso- to bathypelagic fish community. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11129. [PMID: 38516569 PMCID: PMC10954512 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
During ontogeny, the increase in body size forces species to make trade-offs between their food requirements, the conditions necessary for growth and reproduction as well as the avoidance of predators. Ontogenetic changes are leading species to seek out habitats and food resources that meet their needs. To this end, ontogenetic changes in nocturnal habitat (vertical use of the water column) and in the type of food resources (based on stable isotopes of nitrogen) were investigated in 12 species of deep pelagic fish from the Bay of Biscay in the Northeast Atlantic. Our results revealed the existence of major differences in the ontogenetic strategies employed by deep pelagic fishes. Some species showed ontogenetic changes in both vertical habitat use and food resources (e.g. Jewel lanternfish (Lampanyctus crocodilus) and Atlantic soft pout (Melanostigma atlanticum)). In contrast, other species showed no ontogenetic change (e.g. Koefoed's searsid (Searsia koefoedi) and Lancet fish (Notoscopelus kroyeri)). Some species only changed food resources (e.g. Spotted lanternfish (Myctophum punctatum), Spotted barracudina (Arctozenus risso) and Stout sawpalate (Serrivomer beanii)), while others seemed to be influenced more by depth than by trophic features (e.g. Bluntsnout smooth-head (Xenodermichthys copei) and Olfer's Hatchetfish (Argyropelecus olfersii)). These results suggest that to meet their increasing energy requirements during ontogeny, some species have adopted a strategy of shifting their food resources (larger prey or prey with a higher trophic level), while others seemed to maintain their food resources but are most likely increasing the quantity of prey ingested. As fish species can have different functional roles during their development within ecosystems, characterising ontogenetic changes in mesopelagic fish species is a crucial step to be considered in future research aimed at understanding and modelling the complexity of deep-pelagic food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liz Loutrage
- Observatoire PelagisUAR 3462 La Rochelle Université/CNRSLa RochelleFrance
- DECOD (Ecosystem Dynamics and Sustainability: From Source to Sea), Ifremer, Institut Agro, INRAENantesFrance
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC)UMR 7372 La Rochelle Université/CNRSVilliers‐en‐BoisFrance
| | - Anik Brind'Amour
- DECOD (Ecosystem Dynamics and Sustainability: From Source to Sea), Ifremer, Institut Agro, INRAENantesFrance
| | - Tiphaine Chouvelon
- Observatoire PelagisUAR 3462 La Rochelle Université/CNRSLa RochelleFrance
- IfremerCCEM Contamination Chimique des Écosystèmes MarinsNantesFrance
| | - Jérôme Spitz
- Observatoire PelagisUAR 3462 La Rochelle Université/CNRSLa RochelleFrance
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC)UMR 7372 La Rochelle Université/CNRSVilliers‐en‐BoisFrance
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5
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Haddock SHD, Choy CA. Life in the Midwater: The Ecology of Deep Pelagic Animals. ANNUAL REVIEW OF MARINE SCIENCE 2024; 16:383-416. [PMID: 38231738 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-marine-031623-095435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The water column of the deep ocean is dark, cold, low in food, and under crushing pressures, yet it is full of diverse life. Due to its enormous volume, this mesopelagic zone is home to some of the most abundant animals on the planet. Rather than struggling to survive, they thrive-owing to a broad set of adaptations for feeding, behavior, and physiology. Our understanding of these adaptations is constrained by the tools available for exploring the deep sea, but this tool kit is expanding along with technological advances. Each time we apply a new method to the depths, we gain surprising insights about genetics, ecology, behavior, physiology, diversity, and the dynamics of change. These discoveries show structure within the seemingly uniform habitat, limits to the seemingly inexhaustible resources, and vulnerability in the seemingly impervious environment. To understand midwater ecology, we need to reimagine the rules that govern terrestrial ecosystems. By spending more time at depth-with whatever tools are available-we can fill the knowledge gaps and better link ecology to the environment throughout the water column.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven H D Haddock
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Moss Landing, California, USA;
| | - C Anela Choy
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
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Braun CD, Della Penna A, Arostegui MC, Afonso P, Berumen ML, Block BA, Brown CA, Fontes J, Furtado M, Gallagher AJ, Gaube P, Golet WJ, Kneebone J, Macena BCL, Mucientes G, Orbesen ES, Queiroz N, Shea BD, Schratwieser J, Sims DW, Skomal GB, Snodgrass D, Thorrold SR. Linking vertical movements of large pelagic predators with distribution patterns of biomass in the open ocean. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2306357120. [PMID: 38150462 PMCID: PMC10666118 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306357120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Many predator species make regular excursions from near-surface waters to the twilight (200 to 1,000 m) and midnight (1,000 to 3,000 m) zones of the deep pelagic ocean. While the occurrence of significant vertical movements into the deep ocean has evolved independently across taxonomic groups, the functional role(s) and ecological significance of these movements remain poorly understood. Here, we integrate results from satellite tagging efforts with model predictions of deep prey layers in the North Atlantic Ocean to determine whether prey distributions are correlated with vertical habitat use across 12 species of predators. Using 3D movement data for 344 individuals who traversed nearly 1.5 million km of pelagic ocean in [Formula: see text]42,000 d, we found that nearly every tagged predator frequented the twilight zone and many made regular trips to the midnight zone. Using a predictive model, we found clear alignment of predator depth use with the expected location of deep pelagic prey for at least half of the predator species. We compared high-resolution predator data with shipboard acoustics and selected representative matches that highlight the opportunities and challenges in the analysis and synthesis of these data. While not all observed behavior was consistent with estimated prey availability at depth, our results suggest that deep pelagic biomass likely has high ecological value for a suite of commercially important predators in the open ocean. Careful consideration of the disruption to ecosystem services provided by pelagic food webs is needed before the potential costs and benefits of proceeding with extractive activities in the deep ocean can be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camrin D. Braun
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA02543
| | - Alice Della Penna
- Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Auckland1010, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland1010, New Zealand
| | - Martin C. Arostegui
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA02543
| | - Pedro Afonso
- Institute of Marine Sciences - OKEANOS, University of the Azores, Horta9901-862, Portugal
| | - Michael L. Berumen
- Red Sea Research Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal23955, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Barbara A. Block
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA93950
| | - Craig A. Brown
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Miami, FL33149
| | - Jorge Fontes
- Institute of Marine Sciences - OKEANOS, University of the Azores, Horta9901-862, Portugal
| | - Miguel Furtado
- Institute of Marine Sciences - OKEANOS, University of the Azores, Horta9901-862, Portugal
| | | | - Peter Gaube
- Applied Physics Laboratory–University of Washington, Seattle, WA98105
| | - Walter J. Golet
- The School of Marine Sciences, The University of Maine, Orono, ME04469
- The Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Portland, ME04101
| | - Jeff Kneebone
- Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium, Boston, MA02110
| | - Bruno C. L. Macena
- Institute of Marine Sciences - OKEANOS, University of the Azores, Horta9901-862, Portugal
| | - Gonzalo Mucientes
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Vairão4485-661, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Vairão4485-661, Portugal
| | - Eric S. Orbesen
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Miami, FL33149
| | - Nuno Queiroz
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Vairão4485-661, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Vairão4485-661, Portugal
| | | | | | - David W. Sims
- Marine Biological Association, PlymouthPL1 2PB, United Kingdom
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, SouthamptonSO14 3ZH, United Kingdom
| | | | - Derke Snodgrass
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Miami, FL33149
| | - Simon R. Thorrold
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA02543
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7
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Kapelonis Z, Siapatis A, Machias A, Somarakis S, Markakis K, Giannoulaki M, Badouvas N, Tsagarakis K. Seasonal patterns in the mesopelagic fish community and associated deep scattering layers of an enclosed deep basin. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17890. [PMID: 37857721 PMCID: PMC10587179 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44765-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesopelagic fish constitute the most abundant vertebrate group in the marine environment. The current work reports on results of three seasonal acoustic cruises carried out in the Gulf of Corinth, a relatively small, deep, isolated basin located in the Central Mediterranean (Greece) that presents some unique geomorphological and ecological features. The aim of this study was to describe seasonal echo-types and the vertical distribution of the Deep Scattering Layers (DSLs) as well as to relate them with specific species or species groups. Mesopelagic fish dominated the pelagic ecosystem as confirmed by biological sampling with different gears during daytime and nighttime. In total, at least 15 species were caught, belonging to the families Myctophidae, Paralepididae, Sternoptychidae and Stomiidae, while the-elsewhere very abundant-families Gonostomatidae and Phosichthyidae were completely absent. Common echo-types included: (a) shoals and schools formed by the silvery lightfish Maurolicus muelleri, usually located along the shelf break (80-225 m), (b) a non-migrant thin DSL found at 150-280 m throughout the deep parts of the Gulf, dominated by juvenile half-naked hatchetfish Argyropelecus hemigymnus, and (c) one thick, partially migratory DSL at 250-600 m, mainly consisting of myctophids. The echo backscatter characteristics and species composition of the DSLs as well as the length distribution of the populations were found to differ seasonally. Species-specific and size related patterns in the vertical distribution of fish were detected both during daytime and nighttime. Overall, the Gulf of Corinth seems to sustain high densities of mesopelagic fish that constitute the basic food resource for the abundant dolphin populations that inhabit the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Kapelonis
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Athens, Greece.
| | - A Siapatis
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Athens, Greece
| | - A Machias
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Athens, Greece
| | - S Somarakis
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - K Markakis
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - M Giannoulaki
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - N Badouvas
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Athens, Greece
| | - K Tsagarakis
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Athens, Greece
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Assunção R, Lebourges-Dhaussy A, da Silva AC, Roudaut G, Ariza A, Eduardo LN, Queiroz S, Bertrand A. Fine-scale vertical relationships between environmental conditions and sound scattering layers in the Southwestern Tropical Atlantic. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284953. [PMID: 37540685 PMCID: PMC10403096 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocean dynamics initiate the structure of nutrient income driving primary producers, and these, in turn, shape the distribution of subsequent trophic levels until the whole pelagic community reflects the physicochemical structure of the ocean. Despite the importance of bottom-up structuring in pelagic ecosystems, fine-scale studies of biophysical interactions along depth are scarce and challenging. To improve our understanding of such relationships, we analyzed the vertical structure of key oceanographic variables along with the distribution of acoustic biomass from multi-frequency acoustic data (38, 70, and 120 kHz) as a reference for pelagic fauna. In addition, we took advantage of species distribution databases collected at the same time to provide further interpretation. The study was performed in the Southwestern Tropical Atlantic of northeast Brazil in spring 2015 and autumn 2017, periods representative of canonical spring and autumn conditions in terms of thermohaline structure and current dynamics. We show that chlorophyll-a, oxygen, current, and stratification are important drivers for the distribution of sound scattering biota but that their relative importance depends on the area, the depth range, and the diel cycle. Prominent sound scattering layers (SSLs) in the epipelagic layer were associated with strong stratification and subsurface chlorophyll-a maximum. In areas where chlorophyll-a maxima were deeper than the peak of stratifications, SSLs were more correlated with stratification than subsurface chlorophyll maxima. Dissolved oxygen seems to be a driver in locations where lower oxygen concentration occurs in the subsurface. Finally, our results suggest that organisms seem to avoid strong currents core. However, future works are needed to better understand the role of currents on the vertical distribution of organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramilla Assunção
- Laboratório de Oceanografia Física Estuarina e Costeira, Departamento de Oceanografia, UFPE, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- LEMAR, UBO, IFREMER, IRD, CNRS, Technopole Brest Iroise, Plouzané, France
| | | | - Alex C da Silva
- Laboratório de Oceanografia Física Estuarina e Costeira, Departamento de Oceanografia, UFPE, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Gildas Roudaut
- LEMAR, UBO, IFREMER, IRD, CNRS, Technopole Brest Iroise, Plouzané, France
| | - Alejandro Ariza
- MARBEC, Université Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Sète, France
- DECOD (Ecosystem Dynamics and Sustainability), IFREMER, INRAe, Institut-Agro-Agrocampus Ouest, Nantes, France
| | - Leandro N Eduardo
- MARBEC, Université Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Sète, France
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Syumara Queiroz
- Laboratório de Oceanografia Física Estuarina e Costeira, Departamento de Oceanografia, UFPE, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Arnaud Bertrand
- Laboratório de Oceanografia Física Estuarina e Costeira, Departamento de Oceanografia, UFPE, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- MARBEC, Université Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Sète, France
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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9
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Eduardo LN, Lucena-Frédou F, Lanco Bertrand S, Lira AS, Mincarone MM, Nunes GT, Frédou T, Soares A, Le Loc'h F, Pelage L, Schwamborn R, Travassos P, Martins K, Lira SMA, Figueiredo GAA, Júnior TV, Ménard F, Bertrand A. From the light blue sky to the dark deep sea: Trophic and resource partitioning between epipelagic and mesopelagic layers in a tropical oceanic ecosystem. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 878:163098. [PMID: 36996984 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The connection between epipelagic and deep-sea mesopelagic realms controls a variety of ecosystem processes including oceanic carbon storage and the provision of harvestable fish stocks. So far, these two layers have been mostly addressed in isolation and the ways they connect remain poorly understood. Furthermore, both systems are affected by climate change, exploitation of resources, and increasing pervasion of pollutants. Here we use bulk isotopes of δ13C and δ15N of 60 ecosystem components to evaluate the trophic linkage between epipelagic and mesopelagic ecosystems in warm oligotrophic waters. Additionally, we we conducted a comparison of isotopic niche sizes and overlaps across multiple species to evaluate how environmental gradients between epipelagic and mesopelagic ecosystems shape ecological patterns of resource use and competition between species. Our database comprises siphonophores, crustaceans, cephalopods, salpas, fishes, and seabirds. It also includes five zooplankton size classes, two groups of fish larvae, and particulate organic matter collected at different depths. Through this wide taxonomic and trophic variety of epipelagic and mesopelagic species, we show that pelagic species access resources originating from different food sources, mostly autotrophic-based (epipelagics) and microbial heterotrophic-based (mesopelagics). This leads to a sharp trophic dissimilarity between vertical layers. Additionally, we show that trophic specialization increases in deep-sea species and argue that food availability and environmental stability are among the main drivers of this pattern. Finally, we discuss how the ecological traits of pelagic species highlighted in this study can respond to human impacts and increase their vulnerability in the Anthropocene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Nolé Eduardo
- MARBEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Sète, France; Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Flávia Lucena-Frédou
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Alex Souza Lira
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura, Aracajú, SE, Brazil
| | - Michael Maia Mincarone
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade, Macaé, RJ, Brazil; Chapman University, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Guilherme Tavares Nunes
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Centro de Estudos Costeiros, Limnológicos e Marinhos, Imbé, RS, Brazil
| | - Thierry Frédou
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Andrey Soares
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - François Le Loc'h
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Univ. Brest, CNRS, Ifremer, LEMAR, IUEM, F-29280 Plouzane, France
| | - Latifa Pelage
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Ralf Schwamborn
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Departamento de Oceanografia, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Paulo Travassos
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Karla Martins
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Simone M A Lira
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Departamento de Oceanografia, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Teodoro Vaske Júnior
- Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Instituto de Biociências, São Vicente, SP, Brazil
| | - Frédéric Ménard
- Aix Marseille Univ., Université de Toulon, CNRS, UM110 Marseille, IRD, MIO, France
| | - Arnaud Bertrand
- MARBEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Sète, France; Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura, Recife, PE, Brazil
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10
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Ferreira GVB, Justino AKS, Eduardo LN, Schmidt N, Martins JR, Ménard F, Fauvelle V, Mincarone MM, Lucena-Frédou F. Influencing factors for microplastic intake in abundant deep-sea lanternfishes (Myctophidae). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 867:161478. [PMID: 36634781 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Plastic debris is ubiquitous in the hydrosphere. Yet, we lack an understanding of contamination among deep-sea species and primarily how each trait can influence microplastic intake. We investigated microplastic contamination in the digestive tract of hyper-abundant mesopelagic lanternfishes (n = 364 individuals) from the Southwestern Tropical Atlantic, captured from 90 to 1000 m depth. Overall, microplastics were detected in most individuals analysed (frequency of occurrence = 68 %). Large microplastics, mostly of a filamentous shape were the most frequent, followed by smaller fragments and foams. Microplastics made of high-density polymers (PET, PVC, PA, SBR rubber) were more prevalent than low-density ones (PE, EVA and PBD rubber), especially under deeper layers. Larger microplastics were detected in lanternfishes captured off the northeastern Brazilian coast (mean 0.88 ± SE 0.06 mm) compared to those from around the Rocas Atoll and Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (0.70 ± 0.07 mm; p≤ 0.05), ∼350 km from the continent. Moreover, lanternfishes that migrate from the upper mesopelagic (200-500 m) to the epipelagic layers (<200 m) had simultaneously the highest intake and the smallest particles (1.65 ± 0.17 particles individual-1 and 0.55 ± 0.07 mm; p≤ 0.05). Biological mediated transport of microplastics from the epipelagic to the mesopelagic waters was evinced, but fishes foraging in shallower layers had the lowest intake (1.11 ± 0.10 part. ind.-1; p≤ 0.05). Furthermore, the jaw length was positively associated with an increment in microplastic intake (Incidence Rate Ratio = 1.1; p≤ 0.05). The lanternfishes that preferably prey upon fish larvae are more prone to microplastic intake than their counterparts, which forage mostly on crustaceans and gelatinous zooplankton (p≤ 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme V B Ferreira
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura (DEPAQ), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil.
| | - Anne K S Justino
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura (DEPAQ), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil; Université de Toulon, Aix Marseille Univ., CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography, Toulon, France
| | - Leandro N Eduardo
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura (DEPAQ), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil; MARBEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Sète, France
| | - Natascha Schmidt
- Aix Marseille Univ., Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography, Marseille, France
| | - Júlia R Martins
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade (NUPEM), Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Conservação (PPG-CiAC), Av. São José do Barreto, 764, Macaé, RJ 27965-045, Brazil
| | - Frédéric Ménard
- Aix Marseille Univ., Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography, Marseille, France
| | - Vincent Fauvelle
- Université de Toulouse, LEGOS (CNES/CNRS/IRD/UPS), Toulouse, France
| | - Michael M Mincarone
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade (NUPEM), Av. São José do Barreto, 764, Macaé, RJ 27965-045, Brazil; Chapman University, Schmid College of Science and Technology, 1 University Drive, Orange, CA 92866, USA
| | - Flávia Lucena-Frédou
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura (DEPAQ), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil
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11
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Bernal A, Tuset VM, Olivar MP. Multiple Approaches to the Trophic Role of Mesopelagic Fish around the Iberian Peninsula. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13050886. [PMID: 36899743 PMCID: PMC10000212 DOI: 10.3390/ani13050886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Myctophids, commonly vertical migrators, and partial and non-migrant stomiiforms constitute most of the mesopelagic biomass, and transport organic matter throughout the food web from the surface to the ocean's depths. Both the diet and trophic structure of twenty-nine species of mesopelagic fish collected around the Iberian Peninsula were studied through the analysis of stomach contents, quantifying food items with a high taxonomic resolution. The investigation covered oligotrophic to productive habitats, with sampling stations distributed in five discrete zones of the western Mediterranean Sea and the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. The geographic environmental conditions, migratory behavior, and species-specific body sizes allowed for the identification of some major feeding patterns for these fish communities. The trophic niche of migrant myctophids showed a high overlap, with copepods as the primary prey category. The diet composition of generalist myctophids (e.g., Ceratoscopelus maderensis and Hygophum benoiti) reflected the distinct zooplanktonic communities between zones. Large stomiiforms (Chauliodus spp., Sigmops elongatus) preferred feeding on micronekton, while the smallest stomiiforms (e.g., Argyropelecus spp., Cyclothone spp., Vinciguerria spp.) preyed on copepods and ostracods. Given the relevance of the mesopelagic fish communities for commercially exploited species and, therefore, for maintaining the sustainability of the fisheries' activity in the zones analyzed, the information provided in the present study is essential for a better understanding of the biology and ecology of these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainhoa Bernal
- Department of Renewable Marine Resources, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Víctor Manuel Tuset
- Instituto de Oceanografía y Cambio Global (IOCAG), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Parque Científico Tecnológico Marino de Taliarte, 35214 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - María Pilar Olivar
- Department of Renewable Marine Resources, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence:
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12
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Sarmiento-Lezcano AN, Couret M, Lombarte A, Olivar MP, Landeira JM, Hernández-León S, Tuset VM. Stranding of Mesopelagic Fishes in the Canary Islands. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:3465. [PMID: 36552385 PMCID: PMC9774839 DOI: 10.3390/ani12243465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Most mesopelagic fishes perform large diel vertical migrations from the deep-sea zone to the surface. Although there is a trade-off between a higher food availability at the upper layers and an energy cost and predation risk, incursion towards the surface also implies a transport by currents, where the fish are exposed to a stranding risk on the coast. Here, we reported the first documented stranding of mesopelagic fishes along the southeast shore of Gran Canaria Island. Our study hypothesized that (1) the influence of the Canary Current, (2) the dominant incidence of the Trade Winds during summer, and (3) the presence of an upwelling filament coupled with an anticyclonic eddy south of Gran Canaria Island were the causative mechanisms of the strandings. Diaphus dumerilii (Myctophidae family) was the main species found as observed from an external morphological analysis using traditional taxonomy. The otolith contour analysis suggested the presence of other Diaphus spp. and Lobianchia dofleini. Nevertheless, the otolith morphological features described in the literature suggested that all the specimens were actually D. dumerelii. Errors in the identification were mainly due to the high intraspecific variability found in the otolith morphology. Even so, two patterns of oval and elliptic shapes were described with significant differences in its morphometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Airam N. Sarmiento-Lezcano
- Instituto de Oceanografía y Cambio Global, IOCAG, Palmas de Gran Canaria, Unidad Asociada ULPGC-CSIC, Campus de Taliarte, Universidad de Las, 35214 Telde, Spain
| | - María Couret
- Instituto de Oceanografía y Cambio Global, IOCAG, Palmas de Gran Canaria, Unidad Asociada ULPGC-CSIC, Campus de Taliarte, Universidad de Las, 35214 Telde, Spain
| | - Antoni Lombarte
- Institut de Ciències del MarCSIC, Passeig Marítim 37–49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Pilar Olivar
- Institut de Ciències del MarCSIC, Passeig Marítim 37–49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José María Landeira
- Instituto de Oceanografía y Cambio Global, IOCAG, Palmas de Gran Canaria, Unidad Asociada ULPGC-CSIC, Campus de Taliarte, Universidad de Las, 35214 Telde, Spain
| | - Santiago Hernández-León
- Instituto de Oceanografía y Cambio Global, IOCAG, Palmas de Gran Canaria, Unidad Asociada ULPGC-CSIC, Campus de Taliarte, Universidad de Las, 35214 Telde, Spain
| | - Víctor M. Tuset
- Instituto de Oceanografía y Cambio Global, IOCAG, Palmas de Gran Canaria, Unidad Asociada ULPGC-CSIC, Campus de Taliarte, Universidad de Las, 35214 Telde, Spain
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13
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Scaling from optimal behavior to population dynamics and ecosystem function. ECOLOGICAL COMPLEXITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecocom.2022.101027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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14
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MesopTroph, a database of trophic parameters to study interactions in mesopelagic food webs. Sci Data 2022; 9:716. [PMID: 36411285 PMCID: PMC9678877 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-022-01831-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesopelagic organisms play a crucial role in marine food webs, channelling energy across the predator-prey network and connecting depth strata through their diel vertical migrations. The information available to assess mesopelagic feeding interactions and energy transfer has increased substantially in recent years, owing to the growing interest and research activity in the mesopelagic realm. However, such data have not been systematically collated and are difficult to access, hampering estimation of the contribution of mesopelagic organisms to marine ecosystems. Here we present MesopTroph, a georeferenced database of diet, trophic markers, and energy content of mesopelagic and other marine taxa compiled from 203 published and non-published sources. MesopTroph currently includes data on stomach contents, carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes, major and trace elements, energy density, fatty acids, trophic positions, and diet proportion estimates for 498 species/genera. MesopTroph will be expanded with new data emerging from ongoing studies. MesopTroph provides a unique tool to investigate trophic interactions and energy flow mediated by mesopelagic organisms, and to evaluate the ecosystem services of this community.
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15
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Storrie L, Hussey NE, MacPhee SA, O'Corry‐Crowe G, Iacozza J, Barber DG, Loseto LL. Empirically testing the influence of light regime on diel activity patterns in a marine predator reveals complex interacting factors shaping behaviour. Funct Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Storrie
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, Department of Environment and Geography The University of Manitoba Winnipeg MB Canada
- Freshwater Institute Fisheries and Oceans Canada Winnipeg MB Canada
| | - Nigel E. Hussey
- Department of Integrative Biology University of Windsor Windsor ON Canada
| | | | - Greg O'Corry‐Crowe
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Florida Atlantic University Fort Pierce FL United States
| | - John Iacozza
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, Department of Environment and Geography The University of Manitoba Winnipeg MB Canada
| | - David G. Barber
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, Department of Environment and Geography The University of Manitoba Winnipeg MB Canada
| | - Lisa L. Loseto
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, Department of Environment and Geography The University of Manitoba Winnipeg MB Canada
- Freshwater Institute Fisheries and Oceans Canada Winnipeg MB Canada
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16
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Frølich EF, Thygesen UH. Solving multispecies population games in continuous space and time. Theor Popul Biol 2022; 146:36-45. [PMID: 35777532 DOI: 10.1016/j.tpb.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Game theory has emerged as an important tool to understand interacting populations in the last 50 years. Game theory has been applied to study population dynamics with optimal behavior in simple ecosystem models, but existing methods are generally not applicable to complex systems. In order to use game-theory for population dynamics in heterogeneous habitats, habitats are usually split into patches and game-theoretic methods are used to find optimal patch distributions at every instant. However, populations in the real world interact in continuous space, and the assumption of decisions based on perfect information is a large simplification. Here, we develop a method to study population dynamics for interacting populations, distributed optimally in continuous space. A continuous setting allows us to model bounded rationality, and its impact on population dynamics. This is made possible by our numerical advances in solving multiplayer games in continuous space. Our approach hinges on reformulating the instantaneous game, applying an advanced discretization method and modern optimization software to solve it. We apply the method to an idealized case involving the population dynamics and vertical distribution of forage fish preying on copepods. Incorporating continuous space and time, we can model the seasonal variation in the migration, separating the effects of light and population numbers. We arrive at qualitative agreement with empirical findings. Including bounded rationality gives rise to spatial distributions corresponding to reality, while the population dynamics for bounded rationality and complete rationality are equivalent. Our approach is general, and can easily be used for complex ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil F Frølich
- Technical University of Denmark, Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science - DTU Compute, Building 303B, Matematiktorvet, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Uffe H Thygesen
- Technical University of Denmark, Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science - DTU Compute, Building 303B, Matematiktorvet, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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17
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Schnell NK, Kriwet J, López‐Romero FA, Lecointre G, Pfaff C. Musculotendinous system of mesopelagic fishes: Stomiiformes (Teleostei). J Anat 2022; 240:1095-1126. [PMID: 34927245 PMCID: PMC9119618 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Every night the greatest migration on Earth starts in the deep pelagic oceans where organisms move up to the meso- and epipelagic to find food and return to the deeper zones during the day. One of the dominant fish taxa undertaking vertical migrations are the dragonfishes (Stomiiformes). However, the functional aspects of locomotion and the architecture of the musculotendinous system (MTS) in these fishes have never been examined. In general, the MTS is organized in segmented blocks of specific three-dimensional 'W-shaped' foldings, the myomeres, separated by thin sheets of connective tissue, the myosepta. Within a myoseptum characteristic intermuscular bones or tendons may be developed. Together with the fins, the MTS forms the functional unit for locomotion in fishes. For this study, microdissections of cleared and double stained specimens of seven stomiiform species (Astronesthes sp., Chauliodus sloani, Malacosteus australis, Eustomias simplex, Polymetme sp., Sigmops elongatus, Argyropelecus affinis) were conducted to investigate their MTS. Soft tissue was investigated non-invasively in E. schmidti using a micro-CT scan of one specimen stained with iodine. Additionally, classical histological serial sections were consulted. The investigated stomiiforms are characterized by the absence of anterior cones in the anteriormost myosepta. These cones are developed in myosepta at the level of the dorsal fin and elongate gradually in more posterior myosepta. In all but one investigated stomiiform taxon the horizontal septum is reduced. The amount of connective tissue in the myosepta is very low anteriorly, but increases gradually with body length. Red musculature overlies laterally the white musculature and exhibits strong tendons in each myomere within the muscle bundles dorsal and ventral to the horizontal midline. The amount of red musculature increases immensely towards the caudal fin. The elongated lateral tendons of the posterior body segments attach in a highly complex pattern on the caudal-fin rays, which indicates that the posterior most myosepta are equipped for a multisegmental force transmission towards the caudal fin. This unique anatomical condition might be essential for steady swimming during diel vertical migrations, when prey is rarely available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalani K. Schnell
- Institut Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB)Muséum National d'Histoire NaturelleCNRSSUEPHEUAConcarneauFrance
| | - Jürgen Kriwet
- Department of PalaeontologyUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
| | | | - Guillaume Lecointre
- Institut Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB)Muséum national d'Histoire naturelleCNRSSUEPHEUAParisFrance
| | - Cathrin Pfaff
- Department of PalaeontologyUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
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18
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Salvetat J, Bez N, Habasque J, Lebourges-Dhaussy A, Lopes C, Roudaut G, Simier M, Travassos P, Vargas G, Bertrand A. Comprehensive spatial distribution of tropical fish assemblages from multifrequency acoustics and video fulfils the island mass effect framework. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8787. [PMID: 35610249 PMCID: PMC9130204 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12409-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tropical marine ecosystems are highly biodiverse and provide resources for small-scale fisheries and tourism. However, precise information on fish spatial distribution is lacking, which limits our ability to reconcile exploitation and conservation. We combined acoustics to video observations to provide a comprehensive description of fish distribution in a typical tropical environment, the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (FNA) off Northeast Brazil. We identified and classified all acoustic echoes into ten fish assemblage and two triggerfish species. This opened up the possibility to relate the different spatial patterns to a series of environmental factors and the level of protection. We provide the first biomass estimation of the black triggerfish Melichthys niger, a key tropical player. By comparing the effects of euphotic and mesophotic reefs we show that more than the depth, the most important feature is the topography with the shelf-break as the most important hotspot. We also complete the portrait of the island mass effect revealing a clear spatial dissymmetry regarding fish distribution. Indeed, while primary productivity is higher downstream, fish concentrate upstream. The comprehensive fish distribution provided by our approach is directly usable to implement scientific-grounded Marine Spatial Planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Salvetat
- Pós-Graduação em Recursos Pesqueiros e Aquicultura, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil. .,MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, Sète, France. .,Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Sète, France.
| | - Nicolas Bez
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, Sète, France.,Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Sète, France
| | | | | | - Cristiano Lopes
- Pós-Graduação em Recursos Pesqueiros e Aquicultura, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | | | - Monique Simier
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, Sète, France.,Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Sète, France
| | - Paulo Travassos
- Pós-Graduação em Recursos Pesqueiros e Aquicultura, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Gary Vargas
- Pós-Graduação em Recursos Pesqueiros e Aquicultura, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Arnaud Bertrand
- Pós-Graduação em Recursos Pesqueiros e Aquicultura, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil.,MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, Sète, France.,Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Sète, France.,Laboratório de Oceanografia Física Estuarina e Costeira, Depto. Oceanografia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235-Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, 50670-901, Brazil
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19
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Damian-Serrano A, Hetherington ED, Choy CA, Haddock SHD, Lapides A, Dunn CW. Characterizing the secret diets of siphonophores (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) using DNA metabarcoding. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267761. [PMID: 35594271 PMCID: PMC9122208 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Siphonophores (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) are abundant and diverse gelatinous predators in open-ocean ecosystems. Due to limited access to the midwater, little is known about the diets of most deep-dwelling gelatinous species, which constrains our understanding of food-web structure and nutrient flow in these vast ecosystems. Visual gut-content methods can rarely identify soft-bodied rapidly-digested prey, while observations from submersibles often overlook small prey items. These methods have been differentially applied to shallow and deep siphonophore taxa, confounding habitat and methodological biases. DNA metabarcoding can be used to assess both shallow and deep species' diets under a common methodological framework, since it can detect both small and gelatinous prey. We (1) further characterized the diets of open-ocean siphonophores using DNA metabarcoding, (2) compared the prey detected by visual and molecular methods to evaluate their technical biases, and (3) evaluated tentacle-based predictions of diet. To do this, we performed DNA metabarcoding analyses on the gut contents of 39 siphonophore species across depths to describe their diets, using six barcode regions along the 18S gene. Taxonomic identifications were assigned using public databases combined with local zooplankton sequences. We identified 55 unique prey items, including crustaceans, gelatinous animals, and fish across 47 siphonophore specimens in 24 species. We reported 29 novel predator-prey interactions, among them the first insights into the diets of nine siphonophore species, many of which were congruent with the dietary predictions based on tentilla morphology. Our analyses detected both small and gelatinous prey taxa underrepresented by visual methods in species from both shallow and deep habitats, indicating that siphonophores play similar trophic roles across depth habitats. We also reveal hidden links between siphonophores and filter-feeders near the base of the food web. This study expands our understanding of the ecological roles of siphonophores in the open ocean, their trophic roles within the 'jelly-web', and the importance of their diversity for nutrient flow and ecosystem functioning. Understanding these inconspicuous yet ubiquitous predator-prey interactions is critical to predict the impacts of climate change, overfishing, and conservation policies on oceanic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Damian-Serrano
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States of America
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth D. Hetherington
- Integrative Oceanography Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - C. Anela Choy
- Integrative Oceanography Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Steven H. D. Haddock
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Midwater Research, Moss Landing, CA, United States of America
| | - Alexandra Lapides
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Midwater Research, Moss Landing, CA, United States of America
| | - Casey W. Dunn
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States of America
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20
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Chouvelon T, Munschy C, Bruzac S, Caurant F, Churlaud C, Crochet S, Guillou G, Mauffret A, Méndez-Fernandez P, Niol J, Sireau T, Steinberg C, Wessel N, Spitz J. High inter-species variability in elemental composition of the twilight zone fauna varies implications for predators and exploitation by humans. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112379. [PMID: 34780788 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
While the importance of oceanic micronektonic species in biogeochemical cycles and in the transfer of matter in food webs is globally recognized, specific knowledge on elemental concentrations and their variability within this community is still poorly documented. Here, we report for the first time in the Bay of Biscay, North-East Atlantic, the body composition in various biological parameters and chemical elements of a meso-to bathypelagic micronektonic community. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions (δ13C, δ15N), C:N ratios, energy density, as well as the concentrations in 6 macro-minerals and 13 trace elements including essential (micro-nutrients) and non-essential elements (undesirables, with no know biological function) were measured in whole organisms of 4 crustacean and 11 fish species caught simultaneously around 800 m depth. The results showed a low variability of δ13C values, confirming that all studied species share the same habitat. On the contrary, large differences were observed among species for several elements. Trace elements showed the greatest variability (i.e. larger range of values), especially silver (Ag), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt and vanadium. Significant differences were also revealed among taxa for Ag, As, Cd, copper and strontium concentrations (with crustaceans > fish), as well as for δ15N values and phosphorus concentrations (with fish > crustaceans). Although concentrations varied greatly among species, they could be grouped according to their energy density and composition in 19 chemical elements, through hierarchical clustering analysis. Six functional groups of species have been thus identified, reflecting contrasted nutritional benefit and/or exposure to undesirables for predators feeding on this deep pelagic community. Finally, the concentrations measured for the potentially toxic trace elements (undesirables) exceeded the existing European thresholds for Cd and to a lesser extent mercury (Hg), which point out potential risks in the perspective of a future exploitation of these deep living resources by humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiphaine Chouvelon
- Observatoire Pelagis, UMS 3462 La Rochelle Université/CNRS, 5 Allées de L'Océan, 17000, La Rochelle, France; Ifremer, Unité Biogéochimie et Écotoxicologie, Laboratoire de Biogéochimie des Contaminants Métalliques (BE/LBCM), Rue de L'Ile D'Yeu, BP 21105, 44311, Nantes Cedex 03, France.
| | - Catherine Munschy
- Ifremer, Unité Biogéochimie et Écotoxicologie, Laboratoire de Biogéochimie des Contaminants Organiques (BE/LBCO), Rue de L'Ile D'Yeu, BP 21105, 44311, Nantes Cedex 03, France
| | - Sandrine Bruzac
- Ifremer, Unité Biogéochimie et Écotoxicologie, Laboratoire de Biogéochimie des Contaminants Métalliques (BE/LBCM), Rue de L'Ile D'Yeu, BP 21105, 44311, Nantes Cedex 03, France
| | - Florence Caurant
- Observatoire Pelagis, UMS 3462 La Rochelle Université/CNRS, 5 Allées de L'Océan, 17000, La Rochelle, France; Centre D'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 La Rochelle Université/CNRS, 405 Route de Prissé La Charrière, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Carine Churlaud
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 La Rochelle Université/CNRS, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Sylvette Crochet
- Ifremer, Unité Biogéochimie et Écotoxicologie, Laboratoire de Biogéochimie des Contaminants Métalliques (BE/LBCM), Rue de L'Ile D'Yeu, BP 21105, 44311, Nantes Cedex 03, France
| | - Gaël Guillou
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 La Rochelle Université/CNRS, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Aourell Mauffret
- Ifremer, Unité Biogéochimie et Écotoxicologie (BE), Rue de L'Ile D'Yeu, BP 21105, 44311, Nantes Cedex 03, France
| | - Paula Méndez-Fernandez
- Observatoire Pelagis, UMS 3462 La Rochelle Université/CNRS, 5 Allées de L'Océan, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Jasmin Niol
- Observatoire Pelagis, UMS 3462 La Rochelle Université/CNRS, 5 Allées de L'Océan, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Teddy Sireau
- Ifremer, Unité Biogéochimie et Écotoxicologie, Laboratoire de Biogéochimie des Contaminants Métalliques (BE/LBCM), Rue de L'Ile D'Yeu, BP 21105, 44311, Nantes Cedex 03, France
| | - Claire Steinberg
- Ifremer, Unité Biogéochimie et Écotoxicologie, Laboratoire de Biogéochimie des Contaminants Métalliques (BE/LBCM), Rue de L'Ile D'Yeu, BP 21105, 44311, Nantes Cedex 03, France
| | - Nathalie Wessel
- Ifremer, Service Valorisation de L'Information pour La Gestion Intégrée et La Surveillance (VIGIES), Rue de L'Ile D'Yeu, BP 21105, 44311, Nantes Cedex 03, France
| | - Jérôme Spitz
- Observatoire Pelagis, UMS 3462 La Rochelle Université/CNRS, 5 Allées de L'Océan, 17000, La Rochelle, France; Centre D'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 La Rochelle Université/CNRS, 405 Route de Prissé La Charrière, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
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21
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Hoving HJT, Freitas R. Pelagic observations of the midwater scorpionfish Ectreposebastes imus (Setarchidae) suggests a role in trophic coupling between deep-sea habitats. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2022; 100:586-589. [PMID: 34751439 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
During pelagic video transects off Santo Antão, Cabo Verde, we encountered the midwater scorpionfish Ectreposebastes imus in midwater between 300 and 800 m over a bottom depth of about 1000 m. The fish were typically positioned vertically with their heads pointing upwards. These first midwater observations of E. imus suggest migratory (potentially feeding) behaviour into the pelagic realm and hence a possible role of this species in the trophic coupling between the pelagic and benthic habitats in the deep seas of Cabo Verde and elsewhere in its global distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rui Freitas
- Institute of Engineering and Marine Sciences, Atlantic Technical University, Mindelo, Cabo Verde
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22
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Braun CD, Arostegui MC, Thorrold SR, Papastamatiou YP, Gaube P, Fontes J, Afonso P. The Functional and Ecological Significance of Deep Diving by Large Marine Predators. ANNUAL REVIEW OF MARINE SCIENCE 2022; 14:129-159. [PMID: 34416123 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-marine-032521-103517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Many large marine predators make excursions from surface waters to the deep ocean below 200 m. Moreover, the ability to access meso- and bathypelagic habitats has evolved independently across marine mammals, reptiles, birds, teleost fishes, and elasmobranchs. Theoretical and empirical evidence suggests a number of plausible functional hypotheses for deep-diving behavior. Developing ways to test among these hypotheses will, however, require new ways to quantify animal behavior and biophysical oceanographic processes at coherent spatiotemporal scales. Current knowledge gaps include quantifying ecological links between surface waters and mesopelagic habitats and the value of ecosystem services provided by biomass in the ocean twilight zone. Growing pressure for ocean twilight zone fisheries creates an urgent need to understand the importance of the deep pelagic ocean to large marine predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camrin D Braun
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA;
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Martin C Arostegui
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA;
- Air-Sea Interaction and Remote Sensing Department, Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA
| | - Simon R Thorrold
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA;
| | - Yannis P Papastamatiou
- Institute of Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33181, USA
| | - Peter Gaube
- Air-Sea Interaction and Remote Sensing Department, Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA
| | - Jorge Fontes
- Okeanos and Institute of Marine Research, University of the Azores, 9901-862 Horta, Portugal
| | - Pedro Afonso
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA;
- Okeanos and Institute of Marine Research, University of the Azores, 9901-862 Horta, Portugal
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23
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Annasawmy P, Point D, Romanov EV, Bodin N. Mercury concentrations and stable isotope ratios (δ 13C and δ 15N) in pelagic nekton assemblages of the south-western Indian Ocean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113151. [PMID: 34883442 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) concentrations and stable isotope values (δ13C and δ15N) were investigated in micronekton collected from La Pérouse and MAD-Ridge seamounts, Reunion Island and the southern Mozambique Channel. Organisms occupying epipelagic habitats showed lower Hg concentrations relative to deeper dwelling benthopelagic ones. Increasing Hg concentrations with increasing body size were recorded in the Mozambique Channel and Reunion Island. Positive relationships were observed between Hg levels and δ15N values in pelagic nekton assemblages collected at MAD-Ridge seamount and the southern Mozambique Channel, suggesting biomagnification of Hg. Concentrations of Hg in organisms across the south-western Indian Ocean were within the same range of values. Total Hg concentrations depend on a range of factors linked to habitat range, body size and trophic position of the individuals. To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the patterns of Hg concentrations in pelagic nekton assemblages from the south-western Indian Ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavanee Annasawmy
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), UMR 5563 CNRS, IRD, UPS, CNES, Observatoire Midi Pyrénées (OMP), 31400 Toulouse, France.
| | - David Point
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), UMR 5563 CNRS, IRD, UPS, CNES, Observatoire Midi Pyrénées (OMP), 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Evgeny V Romanov
- Centre technique de recherche et de valorisation des milieux aquatiques (CITEB), 97420 Le Port, Île de la Réunion, France
| | - Nathalie Bodin
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Fishing Port, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles; Sustainable Ocean Seychelles, Beau Belle, Mahé, Seychelles
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24
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Logan JM, Golet W, Smith SC, Neilson J, Van Guelpen L. Broadbill swordfish (Xiphias gladius) foraging and vertical movements in the north-west Atlantic. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2021; 99:557-568. [PMID: 33792926 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The northern edge of Georges Bank is an important seasonal foraging habitat for swordfish (Xiphias gladius) in the North Atlantic, where aggregations support commercial pelagic longline and harpoon fisheries. Following a period of overfishing during the 1990s, the North Atlantic X. gladius stock underwent a period of recovery during the early 2000s and was considered rebuilt in 2009. We analysed stomach contents from X. gladius (n = 39) harvested by the Canadian harpoon fishery on Georges Bank in 2007 to characterize diet in this important foraging habitat. We used electronic tagging data from X. gladius (n = 6) on Georges Bank in 2005-2007 to assess vertical habitat preferences and associated prey composition within those zones. We also used stable isotope analysis (δ13 C and δ15 N) of X. gladius liver (n = 2) and common prey types (Paralepididae, Myctophidae, Merluccidae, Ommastrephidae) as a longer-term record of feeding. Stomach contents were co-dominated by Paralepididae [31.9% weight (W)] and Ommastrephidae (36.8%W) with secondary contributions from hake (Merluccidae, 6.5%W), Myctophidae (2.9%W) and Sebastidae (2.1%W). X. gladius displayed diel vertical migrations, descending to depths of 300-400 m during daytime followed by residence in surface waters at night. X. gladius liver δ15 N values were similar to or lower than values of primary stomach contents, likely due to bias of diet consumed in southerly waters with lower nitrogen isotope baselines prior to arrival on Georges Bank. Diet data are similar to results from historical studies from the late 1950s to the early 1980s. This apparent temporal stability to the underlying food web in this region may explain the high X. gladius site fidelity observed in electronic tagging studies and the consistent aggregation of these fish to this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Logan
- Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Walt Golet
- The School of Marine Sciences, The University of Maine, Orono, The Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Portland, Maine, USA
| | - Sean C Smith
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Lou Van Guelpen
- Atlantic Reference Centre, Huntsman Marine Science Centre, St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada
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25
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Govindarajan AF, Francolini RD, Jech JM, Lavery AC, Llopiz JK, Wiebe PH, Zhang W(G. Exploring the Use of Environmental DNA (eDNA) to Detect Animal Taxa in the Mesopelagic Zone. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.574877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal biodiversity in the ocean’s vast mesopelagic zone is relatively poorly studied due to technological and logistical challenges. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analyses show great promise for efficiently characterizing biodiversity and could provide new insight into the presence of mesopelagic species, including those that are missed by traditional net sampling. Here, we explore the utility of eDNA for identifying animal taxa. We describe the results from an August 2018 cruise in Slope Water off the northeast United States. Samples for eDNA analysis were collected using Niskin bottles during five CTD casts. Sampling depths along each cast were selected based on the presence of biomass as indicated by the shipboard Simrad EK60 echosounder. Metabarcoding of the 18S V9 gene region was used to assess taxonomic diversity. eDNA metabarcoding results were compared with those from net-collected (MOCNESS) plankton samples. We found that the MOCNESS sampling recovered more animal taxa, but the number of taxa detected per liter of water sampled was significantly higher in the eDNA samples. eDNA was especially useful for detecting delicate gelatinous animals which are undersampled by nets. We also detected eDNA changes in community composition with depth, but not with sample collection time (day vs. night). We provide recommendations for applying eDNA-based methods in the mesopelagic including the need for studies enabling interpretation of eDNA signals and improvement of barcode reference databases.
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26
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Teoh ZE, Phillips BT, Becker KP, Whittredge G, Weaver JC, Hoberman C, Gruber DF, Wood RJ. Rotary-actuated folding polyhedrons for midwater investigation of delicate marine organisms. Sci Robot 2021; 3:3/20/eaat5276. [PMID: 33141728 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.aat5276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Self-folding polyhedra have emerged as a viable design strategy for a wide range of applications, with advances largely made through modeling and experimentation at the micro- and millimeter scale. Translating these concepts to larger scales for practical purposes is an obvious next step; however, the size, weight, and method of actuation present a new set of problems to overcome. We have developed large-scale folding polyhedra to rapidly and noninvasively enclose marine organisms in the water column. The design is based on an axisymmetric dodecahedron net that is folded by an external assembly linkage. Requiring only a single rotary actuator to fold, the device is suited for remote operation onboard underwater vehicles and has been field-tested to encapsulate a variety of delicate deep-sea organisms. Our work validates the use of self-folding polyhedra for marine biological applications that require minimal actuation to achieve complex motion. The device was tested to 700 m, but the system was designed to withstand full ocean depth (11 km) pressures. We envision broader terrestrial applications of rotary-actuated folding polyhedra, ranging from large-scale deployable habitats and satellite solar arrays to small-scale functional origami microelectromechanical systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Ern Teoh
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA. .,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Brennan T Phillips
- Department of Ocean Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI 02881, USA
| | - Kaitlyn P Becker
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Griffin Whittredge
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - James C Weaver
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Chuck Hoberman
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Graduate School of Design, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - David F Gruber
- Baruch College and The Graduate Center, PhD Program in Biology, City University of New York, New York, NY 10010, USA.,Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Robert J Wood
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.,Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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27
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Trophic ecology, habitat, and migratory behaviour of the viperfish Chauliodus sloani reveal a key mesopelagic player. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20996. [PMID: 33268805 PMCID: PMC7710699 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77222-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesopelagic fishes are numerically the most important vertebrate group of all world’s oceans. While these species are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activities, basic biological knowledge is still lacking. For instance, major uncertainties remain on the behaviour, ecology, and thus functional roles of mesopelagic micronektivores, particularly regarding their interactions with physicochemical features. Here, we examine the trophic ecology, habitat, and migratory behaviour of the viperfish (Chauliodus sloani)—a poorly known and abundant deep-sea species—to further understand the ecology and thus functional role of mesopelagic micronektivores. Moreover, we explore how physical drivers may affect these features and how these relationships are likely to change over large oceanic areas. The viperfish heavily preys on epipelagic migrant species, especially myctophids, and presents spatial and trophic ontogenetic shifts. Temperature restricts its vertical distribution. Therefore, its trophodynamics, migratory behaviour, and functional roles are expected to be modulated by the latitudinal change in temperature. For instance, in most tropical regions the viperfish stay full-time feeding, excreting, and serving as prey (e.g. for bathypelagic predators) at deep layers. On the contrary, in temperate regions, the viperfish ascend to superficial waters where they trophically interact with epipelagic predators and may release carbon where its remineralization is the greatest.
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28
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López-Pérez C, Olivar MP, Hulley PA, Tuset VM. Length-weight relationships of mesopelagic fishes from the equatorial and tropical Atlantic waters: influence of environment and body shape. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2020; 96:1388-1398. [PMID: 32133642 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Length-weight relationships (LWRs) were estimated for 36 mesopelagic fish species collected from the equatorial and tropical Atlantic encompassing several oceanographic regions: oligotrophic, equatorial, Cape Blanc, Cape Verde and the Canary Islands. The sample was composed of myctophids (25 species), gonostomatids (5), sternoptychids (3), stomiids (2) and phosichthyids (1). The species were clustered according to body shape: "short-deep" (sternoptychids), "elongate" (gonostomatids, stomiids and some phosichthyids) and "fusiform" (myctophids and some phosichthyids). Three types of weight and LWRs were considered: wet weight (WW), eviscerated wet weight (eWW) and eviscerated dry weight (eDW). The study demonstrated that most species present a positive allometric growth, independent of the weight used. However, the allometric value varied in 40-50% of species depending on the type of weight considered. Significant variations linked to fish morphology were found in the relationship between the slope and intercept of the LWR equation. Significant differences were also noted in the water content linked to fish body shape. Based on the distributions of several species we compare their fitness between oceanographic regions using the relative condition factor (Krel ). Except for Diaphus brachycephalus (oligotrophic vs. equatorial waters) and Lampanyctus alatus (equatorial, Cape Blanc, Cape Verde and the Canary Islands), no regional significant differences were observed in the species analysed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina López-Pérez
- Department of Renewable Marine Resources, Institute of Marine Sciences (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Pilar Olivar
- Department of Renewable Marine Resources, Institute of Marine Sciences (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Percy A Hulley
- Marine Biology Department, Iziko - South African Museum, Cape Town, South Africa
- MA-RE Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Víctor M Tuset
- Department of Renewable Marine Resources, Institute of Marine Sciences (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
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29
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Alejo-Plata MDC, Martínez Santiago N. The reproductive strategy of Argonauta nouryi (Cephalopoda: Argonautidae) in the Mexican South Pacific. MOLLUSCAN RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/13235818.2020.1748263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- María del Carmen Alejo-Plata
- Instituto de Recursos, Universidad del Mar, Campus Puerto Ángel, Ciudad Universitaria, Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca, México
| | - Nayeli Martínez Santiago
- Programa Licenciatura en Biología Marina, Universidad del Mar Campus Puerto Ángel, Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca, México
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30
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Cascão I, Lammers MO, Prieto R, Santos RS, Silva MA. Temporal patterns in acoustic presence and foraging activity of oceanic dolphins at seamounts in the Azores. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3610. [PMID: 32107405 PMCID: PMC7046721 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60441-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Several seamounts have been identified as hotspots of marine life in the Azores, acting as feeding stations for top predators, including cetaceans. Passive acoustic monitoring is an efficient tool to study temporal variations in the occurrence and behaviour of vocalizing cetacean species. We deployed bottom-moored Ecological Acoustic Recorders (EARs) to investigate the temporal patterns in acoustic presence and foraging activity of oceanic dolphins at two seamounts (Condor and Gigante) in the Azores. Data were collected in March-May 2008 and April 2010-February 2011. Dolphins were present year round and nearly every day at both seamounts. Foraging signals (buzzes and bray calls) were recorded in >87% of the days dolphin were present. There was a strong diel pattern in dolphin acoustic occurrence and behaviour, with higher detections of foraging and echolocation vocalizations during the night and of social signals during daylight hours. Acoustic data demonstrate that small dolphins consistently use Condor and Gigante seamounts to forage at night. These results suggest that these seamounts likely are important feeding areas for dolphins. This study contributes to a better understanding of the feeding ecology of oceanic dolphins and provides new insights into the role of seamount habitats for top predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Cascão
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), Institute of Marine Research (IMAR) and Okeanos R&D Centre, University of the Azores, Rua Frederico Machado 4, 9901-862, Horta, Portugal.
| | - Marc O Lammers
- Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Kihei, HI, 96753, USA
- Oceanwide Science Institute (OSI), PO Box 61692, Honolulu, HI, 96744, USA
| | - Rui Prieto
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), Institute of Marine Research (IMAR) and Okeanos R&D Centre, University of the Azores, Rua Frederico Machado 4, 9901-862, Horta, Portugal
| | - Ricardo S Santos
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), Institute of Marine Research (IMAR) and Okeanos R&D Centre, University of the Azores, Rua Frederico Machado 4, 9901-862, Horta, Portugal
| | - Mónica A Silva
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), Institute of Marine Research (IMAR) and Okeanos R&D Centre, University of the Azores, Rua Frederico Machado 4, 9901-862, Horta, Portugal
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
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31
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Romero‐Romero S, Choy CA, Hannides CCS, Popp BN, Drazen JC. Differences in the trophic ecology of micronekton driven by diel vertical migration. LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY 2019; 64:1473-1483. [PMID: 31598007 PMCID: PMC6774321 DOI: 10.1002/lno.11128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Many species of micronekton perform diel vertical migrations (DVMs), which ultimately contributes to carbon export to the deep sea. However, not all micronekton species perform DVM, and the nonmigrators, which are often understudied, have different energetic requirements that might be reflected in their trophic ecology. We analyze bulk tissue and whole animal stable nitrogen isotopic compositions (δ 15N values) of micronekton species collected seasonally between 0 and 1250 m depth to explore differences in the trophic ecology of vertically migrating and nonmigrating micronekton in the central North Pacific. Nonmigrating species exhibit depth-related increases in δ 15N values mirroring their main prey, zooplankton. Higher variance in δ 15N values of bathypelagic species points to the increasing reliance of deeper dwelling micronekton on microbially reworked, very small suspended particles. Migrators have higher δ 15N values than nonmigrators inhabiting the epipelagic zone, suggesting the consumption of material during the day at depth, not only at night when they migrate closer to the surface. Migrating species also appear to eat larger prey and exhibit a higher range of variation in δ 15N values seasonally than nonmigrators, likely because of their higher energy needs. The dependence on material at depth enriched in 15N relative to surface particles is higher in migratory fish that ascend only to the lower epipelagic zone. Our results confirm that stark differences in the food habits and dietary sources of micronekton species are driven by vertical migrations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C. Anela Choy
- Integrative Oceanography DivisionScripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San DiegoSan DiegoCalifornia
| | | | - Brian N. Popp
- Department of Earth SciencesUniversity of Hawaii at ManoaHonoluluHawaii
| | - Jeffrey C. Drazen
- Department of OceanographyUniversity of Hawaii at ManoaHonoluluHawaii
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Burd BJ, Thomson RE. Seasonal patterns in deep acoustic backscatter layers near vent plumes in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. Facets (Ott) 2019. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2018-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We used moored 75 kHz acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs) to examine seasonal cycles in zooplankton deep scattering layers (DSLs) observed below 1300 m depth at Endeavour Ridge hydrothermal vents. DSLs are present year-round in the lower water column near vent plumes. Temporal variations suggest passive, flow-induced displacements superimposed on migratory movements. Although the strongest DSLs are shallower than the neutrally buoyant plumes (1900–2100 m), anomalies also occur at and below plume depth. Upward movement from plume depth in the main DSL is evident in late summer/fall, resulting in shallower DSLs in winter, consistent with the timing of adult diapause/reproduction in upper-ocean migratory copepods. Movement from the upper ocean to plume depth coincides with pre-adult migration to greater depths in spring. Synchronous 20–40 d cycles in DSLs may account for patchiness in space and time of above-plume zooplankton layers observed in summer during previous net-sampling surveys, and suggests lateral and vertical migratory movements to counter current drift away from plume-derived food sources. Persistent near-bottom DSLs move vertically between the spreading plume and seafloor. Historical net data suggests that these are deep, resident fauna. Unlike upper ocean fauna, they seem to be advected considerable distances from the ridge axis, where they are evident as remnant scattering layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda J. Burd
- Institute of Ocean Sciences, P.O. Box 6000, Sidney, BC V8L 5T5, Canada
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Vieira RP, Trueman CN, Readdy L, Kenny A, Pinnegar JK. Deep-water fisheries along the British Isles continental slopes: status, ecosystem effects and future perspectives. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2019; 94:981-992. [PMID: 30746699 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we revisit the state of deep-water fisheries to the west of the British Isles and aim to provide an overview on the key drivers behind community changes along continental margins. The deep-water fisheries to the west of the British Isles that extend from the shelf-slope break down to the lower slope and along banks and seamounts of the Rockall Basin, mainly target blue ling Molva dypterygia, roundnose grenadier Coryphaenoides rupestris, orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus, with by-catches of black scabbardfish Aphanopus carbo and tusk Brosme brosme. These fishing grounds experienced a long period of exhaustive exploitation until the early 2000s, but subsequently the implementation of management strategies has helped to relieve excessive fishing pressure. It is widely accepted that a better understanding of the long-term implications of disturbance is needed to understand patterns in deep-water communities and what sustainable use and exploitation of resources might look like in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui P Vieira
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, Lowestoft, UK
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
- Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Clive N Trueman
- Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Lisa Readdy
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, Lowestoft, UK
| | - Andrew Kenny
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, Lowestoft, UK
| | - John K Pinnegar
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, Lowestoft, UK
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
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Stefanoudis PV, Rivers M, Ford H, Yashayaev IM, Rogers AD, Woodall LC. Changes in zooplankton communities from epipelagic to lower mesopelagic waters. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 146:1-11. [PMID: 30879698 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Zooplankton form a trophic link between primary producers and higher trophic levels, and exert significant influence on the vertical transport of carbon through the water column ('biological carbon pump'). Using a MultiNet we sampled and studied mesozooplankton communities (i.e. >0.2 mm) from six locations around Bermuda targeting four depth zones: ∼0-200 m, ∼200-400 m, ∼400-600 m (deep-scattering layer), and ∼600-800 m. Copepoda, our focal taxonomic group, consistently dominated samples (∼80% relative abundance). We report declines in zooplankton and copepod abundance with depth, concurrent with decreases in food availability. Taxonomic richness was lowest at depth and below the deep-scattering layer. In contrast, copepod diversity peaked at these depths, suggesting lower competitive displacement in these more food-limited waters. Finally, omnivory and carnivory, were the dominant trophic traits, each one affecting the biological carbon pump in a different way. This highlights the importance of incorporating data on zooplankton food web structure in future modelling of global ocean carbon cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paris V Stefanoudis
- Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Begbroke Hill, Woodstock Road, Begbroke, Oxfordshire, OX5 1PF, UK; Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX3 1PS, UK.
| | - Molly Rivers
- Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Begbroke Hill, Woodstock Road, Begbroke, Oxfordshire, OX5 1PF, UK
| | - Helen Ford
- Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Begbroke Hill, Woodstock Road, Begbroke, Oxfordshire, OX5 1PF, UK; School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Igor M Yashayaev
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Alex D Rogers
- Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Begbroke Hill, Woodstock Road, Begbroke, Oxfordshire, OX5 1PF, UK; Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX3 1PS, UK
| | - Lucy C Woodall
- Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Begbroke Hill, Woodstock Road, Begbroke, Oxfordshire, OX5 1PF, UK; Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX3 1PS, UK
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Urbano B, Hendrickx ME. Offshore cephalopods (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) collected off the west coast of Mexico during the TALUD cruises. MOLLUSCAN RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/13235818.2018.1495799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Urbano
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, UNAM Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Michel E. Hendrickx
- Laboratorio de Invertebrados Bentónicos, Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mazatlán, Mexico
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Choy CA, Haddock SHD, Robison BH. Deep pelagic food web structure as revealed by in situ feeding observations. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 284:rspb.2017.2116. [PMID: 29212727 PMCID: PMC5740285 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.2116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Food web linkages, or the feeding relationships between species inhabiting a shared ecosystem, are an ecological lens through which ecosystem structure and function can be assessed, and thus are fundamental to informing sustainable resource management. Empirical feeding datasets have traditionally been painstakingly generated from stomach content analysis, direct observations and from biochemical trophic markers (stable isotopes, fatty acids, molecular tools). Each approach carries inherent biases and limitations, as well as advantages. Here, using 27 years (1991-2016) of in situ feeding observations collected by remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), we quantitatively characterize the deep pelagic food web of central California within the California Current, complementing existing studies of diet and trophic interactions with a unique perspective. Seven hundred and forty-three independent feeding events were observed with ROVs from near-surface waters down to depths approaching 4000 m, involving an assemblage of 84 different predators and 82 different prey types, for a total of 242 unique feeding relationships. The greatest diversity of prey was consumed by narcomedusae, followed by physonect siphonophores, ctenophores and cephalopods. We highlight key interactions within the poorly understood 'jelly web', showing the importance of medusae, ctenophores and siphonophores as key predators, whose ecological significance is comparable to large fish and squid species within the central California deep pelagic food web. Gelatinous predators are often thought to comprise relatively inefficient trophic pathways within marine communities, but we build upon previous findings to document their substantial and integral roles in deep pelagic food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Anela Choy
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, 7700 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA
| | - Steven H D Haddock
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, 7700 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA
| | - Bruce H Robison
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, 7700 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA
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Mesoscale eddies influence the movements of mature female white sharks in the Gulf Stream and Sargasso Sea. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7363. [PMID: 29743492 PMCID: PMC5943458 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25565-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Satellite-tracking of mature white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) has revealed open-ocean movements spanning months and covering tens of thousands of kilometers. But how are the energetic demands of these active apex predators met as they leave coastal areas with relatively high prey abundance to swim across the open ocean through waters often characterized as biological deserts? Here we investigate mesoscale oceanographic variability encountered by two white sharks as they moved through the Gulf Stream region and Sargasso Sea in the North Atlantic Ocean. In the vicinity of the Gulf Stream, the two mature female white sharks exhibited extensive use of the interiors of clockwise-rotating anticyclonic eddies, characterized by positive (warm) temperature anomalies. One tagged white shark was also equipped with an archival tag that indicated this individual made frequent dives to nearly 1,000 m in anticyclones, where it was presumably foraging on mesopelagic prey. We propose that warm temperature anomalies in anticyclones make prey more accessible and energetically profitable to adult white sharks in the Gulf Stream region by reducing the physiological costs of thermoregulation in cold water. The results presented here provide valuable new insight into open ocean habitat use by mature, female white sharks that may be applicable to other large pelagic predators.
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Rodriguez-Ezpeleta N, Álvarez P, Irigoien X. Genetic Diversity and Connectivity in Maurolicus muelleri in the Bay of Biscay Inferred from Thousands of SNP Markers. Front Genet 2017; 8:195. [PMID: 29234350 PMCID: PMC5712365 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2017.00195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesopelagic fish are largely abundant poorly studied fish that are still intact, but which, due to their potentially great added value, will be imminently exploited by humans. Therefore, studies that provide information to anticipate the anthropogenic impact on this important resource are urgently needed. In particular, knowledge about their connectivity, potential adaptation and resilience are needed. This information can be obtained through the analysis of genome-wide markers which are now relatively easily and cost-efficiently discovered thanks to high-throughput sequencing technologies. Here, we have generated thousands of SNP markers in Maurolicus muelleri, based on the restriction-site associated DNA sequencing method, and preformed population connectivity and genetic diversity analyses in a subset of samples collected from the Bay of Biscay. Our study proves the method valid for obtaining genome-wide markers in this species and provides the first insights into the population genomics of M. muelleri. Importantly, the genomic resources developed here are made available for future studies and set the basics for additional endeavors on this issue.
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Sommer SA, Van Woudenberg L, Lenz PH, Cepeda G, Goetze E. Vertical gradients in species richness and community composition across the twilight zone in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. Mol Ecol 2017; 26:6136-6156. [PMID: 28792641 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Although metazoan animals in the mesopelagic zone play critical roles in deep pelagic food webs and in the attenuation of carbon in midwaters, the diversity of these assemblages is not fully known. A metabarcoding survey of mesozooplankton diversity across the epipelagic, mesopelagic and upper bathypelagic zones (0-1500 m) in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre revealed far higher estimates of species richness than expected given prior morphology-based studies in the region (4,024 OTUs, 10-fold increase), despite conservative bioinformatic processing. Operational taxonomic unit (OTU) richness of the full assemblage peaked at lower epipelagic-upper mesopelagic depths (100-300 m), with slight shoaling of maximal richness at night due to diel vertical migration, in contrast to expectations of a deep mesopelagic diversity maximum as reported for several plankton groups in early systematic and zoogeographic studies. Four distinct depth-stratified species assemblages were identified, with faunal transitions occurring at 100 m, 300 m and 500 m. Highest diversity occurred in the smallest zooplankton size fractions (0.2-0.5 mm), which had significantly lower % OTUs classified due to poor representation in reference databases, suggesting a deep reservoir of poorly understood diversity in the smallest metazoan animals. A diverse meroplankton assemblage also was detected (350 OTUs), including larvae of both shallow and deep living benthic species. Our results provide some of the first insights into the hidden diversity present in zooplankton assemblages in midwaters, and a molecular reappraisal of vertical gradients in species richness, depth distributions and community composition for the full zooplankton assemblage across the epipelagic, mesopelagic and upper bathypelagic zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A Sommer
- Department of Oceanography, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Lauren Van Woudenberg
- Department of Oceanography, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Petra H Lenz
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Georgina Cepeda
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero (INIDEP), Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Erica Goetze
- Department of Oceanography, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
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Barcoding Atlantic Canada's mesopelagic and upper bathypelagic marine fishes. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185173. [PMID: 28931082 PMCID: PMC5607201 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA barcode sequences were developed from 557 mesopelagic and upper bathypelagic teleost specimens collected in waters off Atlantic Canada. Confident morphological identifications were available for 366 specimens, of 118 species and 93 genera, which yielded 328 haplotypes. Five of the species were novel to the Barcode of Life Database (BOLD). Most of the 118 species conformed to expectations of monophyly and the presence of a “barcode gap”, though some known weaknesses in existing taxonomy were confirmed and a deficiency in published keys was revealed. Of the specimens for which no firm morphological identification was available, 156 were successfully identified to species, and a further 11 to genus, using their barcode sequences and a combination of distance- and character-based methods. The remaining 24 specimens were from species for which no reference barcode is yet available or else ones confused by apparent misidentification of publicly available sequences in BOLD. Addition of the new sequences to those previously in BOLD contributed support to recent taxonomic revisions of Chiasmodon and Poromitra, while it also revealed 18 cases of potential cryptic speciation. Most of the latter appear to result from genetic divergence among populations in different ocean basins, while the general lack of strong horizontal environmental gradients within the deep sea has allowed morphology to be conserved. Other examples of divergence appear to distinguish individuals living under the sub-tropical gyre of the North Atlantic from those under that ocean’s sub-polar gyre. In contrast, the available sequences for two myctophid species, Benthosema glaciale and Notoscopelus elongatus, showed genetic structuring on finer geographic scales. The observed structure was not consistent with recent suggestions that “resident” populations of myctophids can maintain allopatry despite the mixing of ocean waters. Rather, it indicates that the very rapid speciation characteristic of the Myctophidae is both on-going and detectable using barcodes.
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Vereshchaka AL. The shrimp superfamily Sergestoidea: a global phylogeny with definition of new families and an assessment of the pathways into principal biotopes. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2017; 4:170221. [PMID: 28989733 PMCID: PMC5627073 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.170221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The phylogenetic analysis of Sergestoidea based on 253 morphological characters and encompassing all 99 valid species confirmed all previously recognized genus-level clades. Analysis retrieved five major robust clades that correspond to families Luciferidae, Sergestidae, Acetidae fam.n., Sicyonellidae fam.n. and Petalidiumidae fam.n. Synonymy, emended diagnoses and composition of revealed family-level clades are provided. Three types of morphological characters were important in the phylogeny of the Sergestoidea: general external characters, copulatory organs, and photophores. Novel metrics to quantify the contribution of these character types were tested. General external characters were significant in supporting the major clades (80% of the families and nearly half of the genera). Copulatory organ characters and photophores greatly supported the medium-level clades: Lucifer, Belzebub, Petalidium, Neosergestes, Challengerosergia (copulatory organ characters) and Lucensosergia, Challengerosergia, Gardinerosergia, Phorcosergia (photophores). An evolutionary model of the Sergestoidea showing their pathways into their principal biotopes is proposed: the major clades evolved in a vertical direction (from epi- to bathypelagic); further divergence at the genus level occurred within vertical zones in a horizontal direction, with the invasion of the benthopelagic and neritic (shelf and estuarine) habitats and speciation within these domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. L. Vereshchaka
- P. P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moskva 117997, Russia
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42
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Muñoz M, Reul A, Vargas-Yáñez M, Plaza F, Bautista B, García-Martínez MC, Moya F, Gómez-Moreno ML, Fernandes JA, Rodríguez V. Fertilization and connectivity in the Garrucha Canyon (SE-Spain) implications for Marine Spatial Planning. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 126:45-68. [PMID: 28249173 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Marine Spatial Planning is usually based on benthic georeferenced information or GPS tracked human activities, whereas the pelagic ecosystem is often ignored because of scarce and limited surface information. However, the 3-D pelagic ecosystem plays a key role connecting all the other ecosystems by physical (currents) and biological (migration) processes. According to remote sensing the Garrucha Canyon is oligotrophic, but 3-D sampling reveals subsurface upwelling, and converts it into the richest area around the Cape of Gata. Vertical connectivity by means of zooplankton migration, measured at two sampling stations, is 40 and 220 times faster than microphytoplankton settling and vertical water velocities respectively. Thus coupled physical-biological connectivity models are necessary to estimate the ecosystem connection and the fate of carbon, but also other substances (e.g. radioactivity), that might accumulate throughout the food-web. This is especially important in the Garrucha Canyon and the Coastal Areas Management Programme Levante de Almería where natural heritage and extractive fishery are important for the local economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Muñoz
- Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Departamento de Ecología y Geología, Campus de Teatinos s/n, 29071 Málaga, Spain.
| | - A Reul
- Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Departamento de Ecología y Geología, Campus de Teatinos s/n, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - M Vargas-Yáñez
- Centro Oceanográfico de Málaga, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Puerto Pesquero 21 s/n, 29640 Fuengirola, Málaga, Spain
| | - F Plaza
- Centro Oceanográfico de Gijón, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Avenida Príncipe de Asturias, 70 Bis, 33212 Gijón, Spain
| | - B Bautista
- Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Departamento de Ecología y Geología, Campus de Teatinos s/n, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - M C García-Martínez
- Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Departamento de Ecología y Geología, Campus de Teatinos s/n, 29071 Málaga, Spain; Centro Oceanográfico de Málaga, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Puerto Pesquero 21 s/n, 29640 Fuengirola, Málaga, Spain
| | - F Moya
- Centro Oceanográfico de Málaga, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Puerto Pesquero 21 s/n, 29640 Fuengirola, Málaga, Spain
| | - M-L Gómez-Moreno
- Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Departamento de Geografía, Campus de Teatinos s/n, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - J A Fernandes
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL13 DH, UK; AZTI, Herrera Kaia, Portualdea, z/g, Pasaia (Gipuzkoa), 20110, Spain
| | - V Rodríguez
- Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Departamento de Ecología y Geología, Campus de Teatinos s/n, 29071 Málaga, Spain
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Djurhuus A, Boersch-Supan PH, Mikalsen SO, Rogers AD. Microbe biogeography tracks water masses in a dynamic oceanic frontal system. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2017; 4:170033. [PMID: 28405400 PMCID: PMC5383857 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.170033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Dispersal limitation, not just environmental selection, plays an important role in microbial biogeography. The distance-decay relationship is thought to be weak in habitats where dispersal is high, such as in the pelagic environment, where ocean currents facilitate microbial dispersal. Most studies of microbial community composition to date have observed little geographical heterogeneity on a regional scale (100 km). We present a study of microbial communities across a dynamic frontal zone in the southwest Indian Ocean and investigate the spatial structure of the microbes with respect to the different water masses separated by these fronts. We collected 153 samples of free-living microorganisms from five seamounts located along a gradient from subtropical to subantarctic waters and across three depth layers: (i) the sub-surface chlorophyll maximum (approx. 40 m), (ii) the bottom of the euphotic zone (approx. 200 m), and (iii) the benthic boundary layer (300-2000 m). Diversity and abundance of microbial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were assessed by amplification and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene on an Illumina MiSeq platform. Multivariate analyses showed that microbial communities were structured more strongly by depth than by latitude, with similar phyla occurring within each depth stratum across seamounts. The deep layer was homogeneous across the entire survey area, corresponding to the spread of Antarctic intermediate water. However, within both the sub-surface layer and the intermediate depth stratum there was evidence for OTU turnover across fronts. The microbiome of these layers appears to be divided into three distinct biological regimes corresponding to the subantarctic surface water, the convergence zone and subtropical. We show that microbial biogeography across depth and latitudinal gradients is linked to the water masses the microbes persist in, resulting in regional patterns of microbial biogeography that correspond to the regional scale physical oceanography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni Djurhuus
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, 830 1st St SE, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
- Author for correspondence: Anni Djurhuus e-mail:
| | - Philipp H. Boersch-Supan
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 E Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
- Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Svein-Ole Mikalsen
- Department of Science and Technology, University of the Faroe Islands, Noatun 3, Torshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Alex D. Rogers
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
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Drazen JC, Sutton TT. Dining in the Deep: The Feeding Ecology of Deep-Sea Fishes. ANNUAL REVIEW OF MARINE SCIENCE 2017; 9:337-366. [PMID: 27814034 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-marine-010816-060543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Deep-sea fishes inhabit ∼75% of the biosphere and are a critical part of deep-sea food webs. Diet analysis and more recent trophic biomarker approaches, such as stable isotopes and fatty-acid profiles, have enabled the description of feeding guilds and an increased recognition of the vertical connectivity in food webs in a whole-water-column sense, including benthic-pelagic coupling. Ecosystem modeling requires data on feeding rates; the available estimates indicate that deep-sea fishes have lower per-individual feeding rates than coastal and epipelagic fishes, but the overall predation impact may be high. A limited number of studies have measured the vertical flux of carbon by mesopelagic fishes, which appears to be substantial. Anthropogenic activities are altering deep-sea ecosystems and their services, which are mediated by trophic interactions. We also summarize outstanding data gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey C Drazen
- Department of Oceanography, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822;
| | - Tracey T Sutton
- Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, Florida 33004;
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Howey LA, Tolentino ER, Papastamatiou YP, Brooks EJ, Abercrombie DL, Watanabe YY, Williams S, Brooks A, Chapman DD, Jordan LKB. Into the deep: the functionality of mesopelagic excursions by an oceanic apex predator. Ecol Evol 2016; 6:5290-304. [PMID: 27551383 PMCID: PMC4984504 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Comprehension of ecological processes in marine animals requires information regarding dynamic vertical habitat use. While many pelagic predators primarily associate with epipelagic waters, some species routinely dive beyond the deep scattering layer. Actuation for exploiting these aphotic habitats remains largely unknown. Recent telemetry data from oceanic whitetip sharks (Carcharhinus longimanus) in the Atlantic show a strong association with warm waters (>20°C) less than 200 m. Yet, individuals regularly exhibit excursions into the meso‐ and bathypelagic zone. In order to examine deep‐diving behavior in oceanic whitetip sharks, we physically recovered 16 pop‐up satellite archival tags and analyzed the high‐resolution depth and temperature data. Diving behavior was evaluated in the context of plausible functional behavior hypotheses including interactive behaviors, energy conservation, thermoregulation, navigation, and foraging. Mesopelagic excursions (n = 610) occurred throughout the entire migratory circuit in all individuals, with no indication of site specificity. Six depth‐versus‐time descent and ascent profiles were identified. Descent profile shapes showed little association with examined environmental variables. Contrastingly, ascent profile shapes were related to environmental factors and appear to represent unique behavioral responses to abiotic conditions present at the dive apex. However, environmental conditions may not be the sole factors influencing ascents, as ascent mode may be linked to intentional behaviors. While dive functionality remains unconfirmed, our study suggests that mesopelagic excursions relate to active foraging behavior or navigation. Dive timing, prey constituents, and dive shape support foraging as the most viable hypothesis for mesopelagic excursions, indicating that the oceanic whitetip shark may regularly survey extreme environments (deep depths, low temperatures) as a foraging strategy. At the apex of these deep‐water excursions, sharks exhibit a variable behavioral response, perhaps, indicating the presence or absence of prey.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yannis P Papastamatiou
- Department of Biological Sciences Florida International University North Miami Florida USA
| | - Edward J Brooks
- Shark Research and Conservation Program Cape Eleuthera Institute Eleuthera The Bahamas
| | | | - Yuuki Y Watanabe
- National Institute of Polar Research Tachikawa Tokyo Japan; Department of Polar Science SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies) Tachikawa Tokyo Japan
| | - Sean Williams
- Shark Research and Conservation Program Cape Eleuthera Institute Eleuthera The Bahamas
| | - Annabelle Brooks
- Shark Research and Conservation Program Cape Eleuthera Institute Eleuthera The Bahamas
| | - Demian D Chapman
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Science & Institute for Ocean Conservation Science Stony Brook University Stony Brook New York USA
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Klevjer TA, Irigoien X, Røstad A, Fraile-Nuez E, Benítez-Barrios VM, Kaartvedt S. Large scale patterns in vertical distribution and behaviour of mesopelagic scattering layers. Sci Rep 2016; 6:19873. [PMID: 26813333 PMCID: PMC4728495 DOI: 10.1038/srep19873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that previous estimates of mesopelagic biomasses are severely biased, with the new, higher estimates underlining the need to unveil behaviourally mediated coupling between shallow and deep ocean habitats. We analysed vertical distribution and diel vertical migration (DVM) of mesopelagic acoustic scattering layers (SLs) recorded at 38 kHz across oceanographic regimes encountered during the circumglobal Malaspina expedition. Mesopelagic SLs were observed in all areas covered, but vertical distributions and DVM patterns varied markedly. The distribution of mesopelagic backscatter was deepest in the southern Indian Ocean (weighted mean daytime depth: WMD 590 m) and shallowest at the oxygen minimum zone in the eastern Pacific (WMD 350 m). DVM was evident in all areas covered, on average ~50% of mesopelagic backscatter made daily excursions from mesopelagic depths to shallow waters. There were marked differences in migrating proportions between the regions, ranging from ~20% in the Indian Ocean to ~90% in the Eastern Pacific. Overall the data suggest strong spatial gradients in mesopelagic DVM patterns, with implied ecological and biogeochemical consequences. Our results suggest that parts of this spatial variability can be explained by horizontal patterns in physical-chemical properties of water masses, such as oxygen, temperature and turbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Klevjer
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.,Institute of Marine Research, PO Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway
| | - X Irigoien
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - A Røstad
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - E Fraile-Nuez
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), Centro Oceanográfico de Canarias, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, E38180, Spain
| | - V M Benítez-Barrios
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), Centro Oceanográfico de Canarias, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, E38180, Spain
| | - S Kaartvedt
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.,University of Oslo, Department of Biosciences, PO Box 1066 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
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Abstract
Gelatinous organisms apparently play a central role in deep pelagic ecosystems, but lack of observational methodologies has restricted information on their behaviour. We made acoustic records of diel migrating jellyfish Periphylla periphylla forming small, ephemeral groups at the upper fringe of an acoustic scattering layer consisting of krill. Groups of P. periphylla were also documented photographically using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Although the adaptive value of group formation remains speculative, we clearly demonstrate the ability of these jellyfishes to locate and team up with each other.
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