Seamounts are hotspots of pelagic biodiversity in the open ocean

Morato, Telmo; Hoyle, Simon; Allain, Valérie; Nicol, Simon

doi:10.1073/pnas.0910290107

Cited by 315 publications

(270 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…Further research is needed to elucidate the generalisation of this relationship, for example to estimate the size and depth of topographic features that can influence the generation of surface fronts. This controls an important source of surface mixing that impacts upon biological productivity, as is already apparent in the vicinity of seamounts (Morato et al, 2010). Further study is needed on the influence of surface fronts on the abundance of phytoplankton, zooplankton and higher trophic levels (Scales et al, in prep.).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Thermal front variability along the North Atlantic Current observed using microwave and infrared satellite data

Miller

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Dale

2013

Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography

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Thermal fronts detected using multiple satellite sensors have been integrated to provide new information on the spatial and seasonal distribution of oceanic fronts in the North Atlantic. The branching of the North Atlantic Current (NAC) as it encounters the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) is reflected in surface thermal fronts, which preferentially occur at the Charlie Gibbs Fracture Zone (CGFZ) and several smaller fracture zones. North of the CGFZ there are few thermal fronts, contrasting with the region to the south, where there are frequent surface thermal fronts that are persistent seasonally and interannually. The alignment of the fronts confirms that the shallower Reykjanes Ridge north of the CGFZ is more of a barrier to water movements than the ridge to the south. Comparison of front distributions with satellite altimetry data indicates that the MAR influence on deep ocean currents is also frequently exhibited in surface temperature. The improved spatial and temporal resolution of the front analysis has revealed consistent seasonality in the branching patterns. These results contribute to our understanding of the variability of the NAC, and the techniques for visualising oceanic fronts can be applied in other regions to reveal details of surface currents that cannot be resolved using satellite altimetry or in situ measurements.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Thermal front variability along the North Atlantic Current observed using microwave and infrared satellite data

Miller

Read

Dale

2013

Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography

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“…Recently, studies of seamount ecosystems have received a great deal of attention by the scientific community, due to their role as habitat providers for benthopelagic fishes and important spots for great pelagics (e.g. Clark et al 2010;Morato et al 2010). There is an ongoing concern that seamount stocks are overfished, and fishing is impairing the benthic communities (e.g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The fish fauna of Ampère Seamount (NE Atlantic) and the adjacent abyssal plain

et al. 2014

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An inventory of benthic and benthopelagic fishes is presented as a result of two exploratory surveys around Ampère Seamount, between Madeira and the Portuguese mainland, covering water depths from 60 to 4,400 m. A total of 239 fishes were collected using different types of sampling gear. Three chondrichthyan species and 31 teleosts in 21 families were identified. The collections showed a vertical zonation with little overlap, but indications for an affinity of species to certain water masses were only vague. Although most of the species present new records for Ampère Seamount, all of them have been known for the NE Atlantic; endemic species were not found. The comparison with fish communities at other NE Atlantic seamounts indicates that despite a high ichthyofaunal similarity, which supports the ''stepping stone'' hypothesis of species dispersal, some differences can be attributed to the local features of the seamounts.

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“…Seamounts have long been identified as important ocean habitats with elevated predator 47 diversity (Hubbs, 1959;Morato et al, 2010a). Multi-species aggregations of fishes are 48 commonly reported at shallow seamounts Rogers, 1994;Morato & 49 Clark, 2007).…”

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confidence: 99%

Seasonal changes in fish assemblage structure at a shallow seamount in the Gulf of California

Klimley

Muhlia-Melo²,

Morgan

2016

Preprint

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Seamounts have generally been identified as locations that can promote elevated productivity, biomass and predator biodiversity. These properties attract seamountassociated fisheries where elevated harvests can be obtained relative to surrounding areas. There exists large variation in the geological and oceanographic environment among the thousands of locations that fall within the broad definition of seamount. Global seamount surveys have revealed that not all seamounts are hotspots of biodiversity, and there remains a strong need to understand the mechanisms that underlie variation in species richness observed. We examined the process of fish species assembly at El Bajo Espiritu Santo (EBES) seamount in the Gulf of California over a five-year study period. To effectively quantify the relative abundance of fast-moving and schooling fishes in a 'blue water' habitat, we developed a simplified underwater visual census (UVC) methodology and analysis framework suitable for this setting and applicable to future studies in similar environments. We found correlations between seasonally changing community structure and variability in oceanographic conditions. Individual species responses to thermal habitat at EBES revealed three distinct assemblages, a 'summer assemblage' tracking warmer overall temperature, a 'winter assemblage' correlated with cooler temperature, and a 'year-round assemblage' with no significant response to temperature. Species richness was greatest in spring, when cool and warm water masses stratified the water column and a greater number of species from all three assemblages co-occurred. We discuss our findings in the context of potential mechanisms that could account for predator biodiversity at shallow seamounts. 35 methodology and analysis framework suitable for this setting and applicable to future studies in 36 similar environments. We found correlations between seasonally changing community structure 37 and variability in oceanographic conditions. Individual species responses to thermal habitat at 38 EBES revealed three distinct assemblages, a 'fall assemblage' tracking warmer overall 39 temperature, a 'spring assemblage' correlated with cooler temperature, and a 'year-round 40 assemblage' with no significant response to temperature. Species richness was greatest in 41 summer, when cool and warm water masses stratified the water column and a greater number of 42 species from all three assemblages co-occurred. We discuss our findings in the context of 43 potential mechanisms that could account for predator biodiversity at shallow seamounts.

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Seamounts are hotspots of pelagic biodiversity in the open ocean

Cited by 315 publications

References 38 publications

Thermal front variability along the North Atlantic Current observed using microwave and infrared satellite data

Thermal front variability along the North Atlantic Current observed using microwave and infrared satellite data

The fish fauna of Ampère Seamount (NE Atlantic) and the adjacent abyssal plain

Seasonal changes in fish assemblage structure at a shallow seamount in the Gulf of California

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