Distinguishing marine habitat classification concepts for ecological data management

Abstract

Including ecology in biodiversity data management systems requires classifications of habitat terms that provide standard definitions and indicate their relationships. In addition to databases, a wide range of intergovernmental, conservation and fishery organizations require classifications of habitats and ecosystems to enable comparisons between areas and organize information in maps and reports. However, all of the terms used to describe habitats are concepts whose definition is context-dependent. This paper reviews the key concepts and ecological perspectives involved in classifying marine 'habitats' and 'biotopes' (habitat plus its associated species) so as to advise how they may be used in data management systems. Classifications of biotopes provide practical measures of biodiversity at the ecosystem level. As an example the habitat of a benthic invertebrate is very different in spatial scale to that of a parasite, plankton, tuna or whale. Habitats can be geophysical and/or biogenic, and may operate at different spatial scales. For example, aggregations of deepsea coral colonies <1 m in diameter may form km-scale reefs which contain other habitats (e.g. sediments, sponges). An ecosystem can be physiographically defined as a lagoon, seamount, estuary, abyssal plain or entire ocean. Different sampling methods will define different regions, such as satellite images of ocean colour, acoustic maps of the seabed, in situ sampling of water or sediment cores and maps derived from analyses of species distributions that may define biogeographic regions. Because they are sampled (and thus defined) by different methods and can operate at different spatial scales, separate classifications are recommended for (1) nekton, plankton and benthos and (2) regions (defined to suit political, geographic or management areas), seascapes (defined by topography or water mass), biotopes and guilds (e.g. based on body size, diet or sampling method). Furthermore, it is recommended to record the measurable features used to describe biotopes (e.g. depth, dominant species, substratum) and to avoid imposing a classification hierarchy where the concepts and methods of defining them are different. Indeed, one can let users create the most parsimonious classification for their purposes.KEY WORDS: Methods · Biogeography · Ocean · Biotope · Seascape · Eco-informatics · Biodiversity Resale or republication not permitted without written consent of the publisher Contribution to the Theme Section 'Conservation and management of deep-sea corals and coral reefs'OPEN PEN ACCESS CCESS

Assessment of goods and services, vulnerability, and conservation status of European seabed biotopes: a stepping stone towards ecosystem-based marine spatial management

“…This original concept was widely used, until the 1990's, when a new definition of biotope emerged in the context of classifying marine habitats in the coastal zone. In that sense, a biotope was defined as the combination of an abiotic habitat and its associated community or assemblage of species (Connor et al, 2004;Costello, 2009;Davies et al, 2004). Although the classical definition of habitat has been "the locality in which a plant or animal naturally lives" (Darwin, 1859), today the term is rather defined as an 'organism-environment complex', i.e.…”

Cold-Water Coral Habitats in Submarine Canyons of the Bay of Biscay

“…The CoralFISH classification system was developed to deliver standardized terminology across the CoralFISH regions, especially for marine management purposes (Davies et al, in press). It encompasses both species and their environment, a scale suggested to be most accurate and ecological relevant for spatial planning and conservation (Costello, 2009). Using a classification system to analyze images is less time-consuming (at least four times) than a detailed analysis to the species level.…”

“…An important advantage of classification systems is that they permit the use of a standardized terminology and habitat type over a large region. Classification systems may have different information or concepts, e.g., region, seascape, and biotope, depending on the goal of the marine management plan (Costello, 2009). A hierarchical system allows mapping of habitats at different scales, using a variety of data, depending on availability (e.g., different resolutions, quality, etc.…”

“…A hierarchical system allows mapping of habitats at different scales, using a variety of data, depending on availability (e.g., different resolutions, quality, etc. ); and can be adjusted to the needs and goals of the user (Costello, 2009).…”

Combining literature review, acoustic mapping and in situ observations: an overview of coralligenous assemblages in Liguria (NW Mediterranean Sea)

“…Habitat mapping is crucial in order to obtain reliable estimates of the total area occupied by each habitat, so as to reach the required conservation targets and to implement appropriate management measures (UNEP-MAP-RAC/SPA 2008, Costello 2009). A bibliographic database plays a major role in the study of habitat distribution and its changes over time.…”