Size, spatial, and bathymetrical distribution of the ascidian Halocynthia papillosa in Mediterranean coastal bottoms: benthic–pelagic coupling implications

Coppari, Martina; Gori, Andrea; Rossi, Sergio

doi:10.1007/s00227-014-2488-5

Cited by 13 publications

(8 citation statements)

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“…Spring is the most favourable season for Mediterranean benthic suspension feeders due to the high quality and quantity of the near-bottom seston 49 , which enable increased activity 50 and secondary production 51 , as well as the accumulation of large quantities of lipids essential for surviving less favourable seasons 52,53 . Spring represents the only period of the year in which water column productivity allows for energy storage, whereas during the other seasons of the year, energy outputs exceed energy inputs 39 . It is reasonable to think that this is a feature of many active and passive suspension feeders 34,51 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The spatial distribution and abundance of these three species was coupled with C flux data (energy input and output) for the three species in order to obtain their impact in benthic-pelagic coupling processes and assess their role as C sinks in accordance with the methodology of Coppari et al . 28,39,40 . Reliable data on marine benthic species distribution and abundance over large geographical areas can be obtained by video analysis conducted using Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV), which enable the study of large areas at great depths with no impact on benthic communities 41 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Reliable data on marine benthic species distribution and abundance over large geographical areas can be obtained by video analysis conducted using Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV), which enable the study of large areas at great depths with no impact on benthic communities 41 . ROV samplings are the ideal tool to describe the health status of benthic communities both qualitatively and quantitatively 42,43 , allowing for the characterization of the distribution patterns and population size structure 35,39 of various species. Data on C assimilation are obtained by means of in situ or laboratory feeding and respiration experiments 40 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…the C flux generated by these species), we have selected the most productive season (spring), in order to obtain a snapshot of the moment with the highest quality and quantity of food reaching the sea floor 12 . In warm temperate seas, spring represents the moment when benthic suspension feeders have the greatest impact on the water column, accumulating matter and energy which is then used during the rest of the year 12,34,39 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The importance of coastal gorgonians in the blue carbon budget

Coppari

Zanella

Rossi

2019

Sci Rep

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Terrestrial (trees, shrubs) and marine (seaweeds and seagrasses) organisms act as carbon (C) sinks, but the role of benthic suspension feeders in this regard has been largely neglected so far. Gorgonians are one of the most conspicuous inhabitants of marine animal forests (mainly composed of sessile filter feeders); their seston capture rates influence benthic-pelagic coupling processes and they act as C sinks immobilizing carbon in their long-living structures. Three gorgonian species (Paramuricea clavata, Eunicella singularis and Leptogorgia sarmentosa) were studied coupling data of population size structure, biomass and spatial distribution in a NW Mediterranean area (Cap de Creus, Spain) with feeding, respiration and growth rates. In the study area, we calculated that P. clavata sequestered 0.73 ± 0.71 g C m−2 year−1, E. singularis 0.73 ± 0.89 g C m−2 year−1 and L. sarmentosa 0.03 ± 0.02 g C m−2 year−1. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to calculate the importance as C sinks of gorgonian species that we consider as a starting point to estimate the importance of marine animal forests in C sequestration, and to ensure appropriate management and protection especially in areas and at depths where they are concentrated.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The importance of coastal gorgonians in the blue carbon budget

Coppari

Zanella

Rossi

2019

Sci Rep

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“…Ascidians are soft-bodied colonial or solitary animals found in all oceans (Van Name 1945). They are important members of benthic communities in terms of diversity (c. 3000 species according to Shenkar and Swalla 2011) and abundance and, as they are filter feeders, they have an important role in bentho-pelagic coupling (Coppari et al 2014). The distribution of ascidians is determined by the dispersal capability of their lecithotrophic larvae and the passive transportation of these larvae by marine currents (Ayre et al 1997).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ascidian distribution provides new insights to help define the biogeographic provinces in the South American Region

et al. 2018

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The validity and size of the biogeographic Magellan Province of marine organisms have been the focus of discussion of many authors. The distribution of fish and other organisms has revealed a lack of homogeneity in the area, which has also been interpreted as comprising four different Provinces: Southern Chile (SCH), Tierra del Fuego (TDF), Southern Argentina (SAR), and the Malvinas/Falkland Islands (MAI). For the first time, we assess the ascidian fauna of this region to determine if the distribution of benthic sessile filter feeders corresponds to these biogeographic provinces. Ascidian species richness and percentages of endemism for these four areas were estimated using data from the literature and new sampling. Biogeographic affinities among SCH, TDF, SAR, and MAI were also calculated. The species Pyura pilosa, Molgula malvinensis, and Molgula manhattensis, the latter frequently considered as invasive, were found for the first time on the TDF shelf. The highest ascidian species richness was found in TDF (70 species), while the percentages of endemism greater than 10% (the minimum to qualify an area as a province) were found in TDF (15.7%) and SCH (11.1%). SAR and MAI showed the lowest percentages of endemism and the strongest affinity. Based on percentages of endemism, faunal affinities, and differences among the four provinces, we propose a separation of the South American Region into three Provinces: SCH, TDF, and SAR/MAI. Continued sampling of ascidians is considered to be particularly important, given the potential spread of invasive species throughout this region.

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Marine Animal Forests as Carbon Immobilizers or Why We Should Preserve These Three-Dimensional Alive Structures

Rossi

Rizzo

2020

Perspectives on the Marine Animal Forests of the World

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Size, spatial, and bathymetrical distribution of the ascidian Halocynthia papillosa in Mediterranean coastal bottoms: benthic–pelagic coupling implications

Cited by 13 publications

References 73 publications

The importance of coastal gorgonians in the blue carbon budget

The importance of coastal gorgonians in the blue carbon budget

Ascidian distribution provides new insights to help define the biogeographic provinces in the South American Region

Marine Animal Forests as Carbon Immobilizers or Why We Should Preserve These Three-Dimensional Alive Structures

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