Multi‐Taxon Predictions of Deep‐Sea Corals and Sponges From Stacked Species Distribution Models in the United States West Coast Exclusive Economic Zone and Relation to Trawl Closure Zones DOI Creative Commons
Arvind K. Shantharam, Matthew Poti,

Arliss J. Winship

et al.

Diversity and Distributions, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 31(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Aim Abundant species distribution models (SDMs) of deep‐sea corals and sponges (DSCS) allow one to make community‐level predictions about DSCS. Pairing that with the conservation information Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) due their sensitivity seafloor trawling, can assess efficacy established protections, known as Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Areas (trawl closure areas), in United States West Coast on a multi‐taxon basis. From this, we seek answer following questions: (1) accurate multi‐taxon, trawl‐sensitive DSCS be made for US (2) what extent do current trawl protections overlap are management implications? Location marine waters. Methods A cluster analysis was run 40 SDMs DSCS, identifiable VME indicators assigned indicator score based criteria used by regional fisheries organisations. taxa clusters were stacked averaged produce SDM (S‐SDM) prediction maps. All maps classified into five habitat suitability classes facilitate interpretation. The total area within benthic ecoregion‐bathymetric boundaries percentage bottom zone computed spatial contextualization determine protection coverage S‐SDMs, respectively. Results Cluster identified 10 groups represent unique S‐SDMs region. Taxa clustered together have previously been documented surveys but some novel associations reported. Geographically, predicted occurrences range along entire western continental margin, highly restricted, or constrained recognised biogeographic boundaries. metrics ranged from low moderate. When relative suitability's prevalence modelling domain, shown large highest most S‐SDMs. Main Conclusions indicate clustering approach has strengths identifying between problematic moderate scores undercutting metric should convey. Coupled small areas classes, wholesale recommendation this purposes is difficult. We discuss avenues methodological improvements.

Language: Английский

Multi‐Taxon Predictions of Deep‐Sea Corals and Sponges From Stacked Species Distribution Models in the United States West Coast Exclusive Economic Zone and Relation to Trawl Closure Zones DOI Creative Commons
Arvind K. Shantharam, Matthew Poti,

Arliss J. Winship

et al.

Diversity and Distributions, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 31(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Aim Abundant species distribution models (SDMs) of deep‐sea corals and sponges (DSCS) allow one to make community‐level predictions about DSCS. Pairing that with the conservation information Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) due their sensitivity seafloor trawling, can assess efficacy established protections, known as Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Areas (trawl closure areas), in United States West Coast on a multi‐taxon basis. From this, we seek answer following questions: (1) accurate multi‐taxon, trawl‐sensitive DSCS be made for US (2) what extent do current trawl protections overlap are management implications? Location marine waters. Methods A cluster analysis was run 40 SDMs DSCS, identifiable VME indicators assigned indicator score based criteria used by regional fisheries organisations. taxa clusters were stacked averaged produce SDM (S‐SDM) prediction maps. All maps classified into five habitat suitability classes facilitate interpretation. The total area within benthic ecoregion‐bathymetric boundaries percentage bottom zone computed spatial contextualization determine protection coverage S‐SDMs, respectively. Results Cluster identified 10 groups represent unique S‐SDMs region. Taxa clustered together have previously been documented surveys but some novel associations reported. Geographically, predicted occurrences range along entire western continental margin, highly restricted, or constrained recognised biogeographic boundaries. metrics ranged from low moderate. When relative suitability's prevalence modelling domain, shown large highest most S‐SDMs. Main Conclusions indicate clustering approach has strengths identifying between problematic moderate scores undercutting metric should convey. Coupled small areas classes, wholesale recommendation this purposes is difficult. We discuss avenues methodological improvements.

Language: Английский

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