Spatial, bathymetrical and size distribution of deep unexpected well preserved Mediterranean gorgonian assemblages (Menorca Channel, Western Mediterranean Sea)

Autor: Grinyó, Jordi, Gori, Andrea, Ambroso, Stefano, Purroy, Ariadna, Calatayud, Clara, Dominguez-Carrió, Carlos, Coppari, Martina, Lo Iacono, Claudio, López-González, Pablo J., Gili, Josep Maria
Rok vydání: 2015
Zdroj: Digital.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
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Popis: International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Annual Science Conference, 21-25 September 2015, Copenhagen, Denmark.-- 2 pages
Knowledge concerning deep Mediterranean gorgonian populations ecology is still widely unknown. To overcome this situation gorgonian assemblages were studied over a large geographical and bathymetrical extent on the continental shelf and upper slope of the Menorca Channel (Northwestern Mediterranean Sea). By means of quantitative analysis of video transects, recorded by a manned submersible and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), diversity, distribution and demography of gorgonian species were examined. A total of nine species were observed: Paramuricea macrospina, Viminella falgellum, Eunicella cavolinii, Swiftia pallida, Bebryce mollis, Eunciella singularis, Callogorgia verticillata, Acanthogorgia hirsute and Paramuricea clavata. Gorgonian assemblages on the continental shelve were mostly monospecific, and composed by P. macrospina, whereas shelf break and upper‑slope assemblages were multispecific. Greatest occurrences and abundance happened in those are as exposed to constant currents. Populations on the continental shelve were mostly immature contrary in the shelf break and upper‑slope most populations weremature. Higher environmental stability in deeper areas may allow the development of mature populations. The good preservation status of the observed gorgonian population probably results from the exceptional fishing practices of the local artisanal fleet and the low trawling pressure over the study area
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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