bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory),
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Nov. 29, 2023
Abstract
Increasing
interest
in
seabed
resource
use
the
ocean
is
introducing
new
pressures
on
deep-sea
environments,
ecological
impacts
of
which
need
to
be
evaluated
carefully.
The
complexity
these
ecosystems
and
dearth
comprehensive
data
pose
significant
challenges
predicting
potential
impacts.
In
this
study,
we
demonstrate
Bayesian
Networks
(BNs)
as
a
modelling
framework
address
enhance
development
robust
quantitative
predictions
concerning
effects
human
activities
deep-seafloor
ecosystems.
approach
consists
iterative
model
building
with
experts,
probability
estimates
relative
decrease
abundance
different
functional
groups
benthos
following
mining.
then
used
evaluate
two
alternative
mining
scenarios
identify
major
sources
uncertainty
associated
By
establishing
causal
connections
between
various
components
benthic
ecosystem,
our
offers
an
improved
comprehension
seafloor
environment.
We
illustrate
using
example
phosphorite
nodule
Chatham
Rise,
offshore
Aotearoa/New
Zealand,
SW
Pacific
Ocean,
examine
ways
incorporate
knowledge
from
both
empirical
expert
assessments
into
risk
assessments.
further
discuss
how
can
constructed
better
inform
decision-making,
metrics
relevant
ecology
policy.
findings
study
highlight
valuable
insights
that
BNs
provide
evaluating
activities.
However,
continued
research
collection
are
crucial
for
refining
ground
truthing
models
improving
understanding
long-term
consequences
other
anthropogenic
marine
leveraging
such
tools,
policymakers,
researchers,
stakeholders
work
together
towards
deep
sea
minimise
harm
ensure
conservation
environments.
Diversity and Distributions,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
30(8)
Published: June 29, 2024
Abstract
Aim
Seamounts
are
conspicuous
geological
features
with
an
important
ecological
role
and
can
be
considered
vulnerable
marine
ecosystems
(VMEs).
Since
many
deep‐sea
regions
remain
largely
unexplored,
investigating
the
occurrence
of
VME
taxa
on
seamounts
is
challenging.
Our
study
aimed
to
predict
distribution
four
cold‐water
coral
(CWC)
taxa,
indicators
for
VMEs,
in
a
region
where
data
scarce.
Location
around
Cabo
Verde
archipelago
(NW
Africa).
Methods
We
used
species
presence–absence
obtained
from
remotely
operated
vehicle
(ROV)
footage
collected
during
two
research
expeditions.
Terrain
variables
calculated
using
multiscale
approach
100‐m‐resolution
bathymetry
grid,
as
well
physical
oceanographical
VIKING20X
model,
at
native
resolution
1/20°,
were
environmental
predictors.
Two
modelling
techniques
(generalized
additive
model
random
forest)
employed
single‐model
predictions
combined
into
final
weighted‐average
ensemble
model.
Model
performance
was
validated
different
metrics
through
cross‐validation.
Results
orientation,
broad
scale,
presented
one
highest
relative
variable
contributions
models
all
CWC
suggesting
that
hydrodynamic–topographic
interactions
could
benefit
CWCs
by
maximizing
food
supply.
However,
changes
finer
scales
terrain
morphology
bottom
salinity
driving
differences
specific
CWCs.
The
predicted
presence
consistently
achieved
metrics,
outperforming
individual
models.
Nonetheless,
extrapolation
uncertainty,
measured
coefficient
variation,
high,
particularly,
least
surveyed
areas
across
seamounts,
highlighting
need
collect
more
future
surveys.
Main
Conclusions
shows
how
data‐poor
may
assessed
likelihood
VMEs
provides
information
guide
Verde,
which
fundamental
advise
ongoing
conservation
planning.
Ecological Applications,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Nov. 25, 2024
Increasing
interest
in
seabed
resource
use
the
ocean
is
introducing
new
pressures
on
deep-sea
environments,
ecological
impacts
of
which
need
to
be
evaluated
carefully.
The
complexity
these
ecosystems
and
lack
comprehensive
data
pose
significant
challenges
predicting
potential
impacts.
In
this
study,
we
demonstrate
Bayesian
networks
(BNs)
as
a
modeling
framework
address
enhance
development
robust
quantitative
predictions
concerning
effects
human
activities
deep-seafloor
ecosystems.
approach
consists
iterative
model
building
with
experts,
probability
estimates
relative
decrease
abundance
different
functional
groups
benthos
following
mining.
then
used
evaluate
two
alternative
mining
scenarios
identify
major
sources
uncertainty
associated
By
establishing
causal
connections
between
various
components
benthic
ecosystem,
our
offers
an
improved
comprehension
seafloor
environment.
We
illustrate
using
example
phosphorite
nodule
Chatham
Rise,
offshore
Aotearoa/New
Zealand,
SW
Pacific
Ocean,
examine
ways
incorporate
knowledge
from
both
empirical
expert
assessments
into
risk
assessments.
further
discuss
how
can
constructed
better
inform
decision-making,
metrics
relevant
ecology
policy.
findings
study
highlight
valuable
insights
that
BNs
provide
evaluating
activities.
However,
research
collection
are
crucial
for
refining
ground
truthing
models
improving
understanding
long-term
consequences
other
anthropogenic
marine
leveraging
such
tools,
policymakers,
researchers,
stakeholders
work
together
toward
deep
sea
minimize
harm
ensure
conservation
environments.
npj Biodiversity,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
3(1)
Published: May 31, 2024
Abstract
The
increase
in
interest
of
mining
at
seamounts
means
there
is
a
critical
need
to
establish
baseline
inventories
through
environmental
survey,
with
the
aim
promoting
conservation
and
stewardship
these
remote
habitats.
To
efficiently
evaluate
fish
biodiversity
around
seamount,
we
compared
DNA
(eDNA)
methods
using
seawater
sponge
samples
against
imagery
obtained
remotely
operated
vehicle
(ROV)
free-fall
deep-sea
camera
lander
called
Edokko
Mark
I
on
Takuyo-Daigo
Seamount
(153.0°E,
23.5°N)
northwestern
Pacific
Ocean.
We
detected
total
18
families
by
methods.
fauna
seamount
included
many
commonly
found
areas
were
similar
other
located
latitudes
Pacific.
Significant
differences
patterns
detection
between
eDNA
imaging
attributed
differing
powers
some
groups
(related
primer
compatibility
size).
For
fish,
difference
composition
family
level
was
not
significant,
but
ROV
significant;
latter
likely
due
whether
or
bait
used
attract
fish.
Although
workflow
implemented
here
requires
improvements,
use
combination
provided
better
insight
into
fishes
where
our
knowledge
has
been
extremely
limited.
Our
recovery
from
demonstrates
potential
for
facilitating
surveys
impact
assessments
activities
obtain
results
previously
possible
visual
only.
ICES Journal of Marine Science,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
81(3), P. 413 - 425
Published: Feb. 15, 2024
Abstract
Changes
and
needs
in
marine
science
(and
natural
general)
training
over
the
past
six
decades
are
discussed.
Among
these
are:
new
technological
advances;
loss
of
-ology
courses;
field
courses
sense
place
opportunities
for
students;
need
a
more
interdisciplinary
approach
to
better
expose
our
students
threats
Earth’s
biocultural
diversity;
include
humanities
student
training,
including
addressing
diminished
readership
appreciation
great
books;
nature
creativity;
perils
internet;
university
emphasis
on
faculty
overhead
dollars
high-profile
publications
at
expense
creative
research.
Molecular Ecology,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
33(1)
Published: Nov. 20, 2023
Abstract
Information
on
genetic
divergence
and
migration
patterns
of
vent‐
seep‐endemic
macrobenthos
can
help
delimit
biogeographical
provinces
provide
scientific
guidelines
for
deep‐sea
conservation
under
the
growing
threats
anthropogenic
disturbances.
Nevertheless,
related
studies
are
still
scarce,
impeding
informed
these
hotspots
biodiversity.
To
bridge
this
knowledge
gap,
we
conducted
a
population
connectivity
study
galatheoid
squat
lobster
Shinkaia
crosnieri
–
foundation
species
widely
distributed
in
vent
seep
ecosystems
Northwest
Pacific.
With
application
an
interdisciplinary
methodology
involving
genomics
oceanographic
approaches,
unveiled
two
semi‐isolated
lineages
S
.
with
limited
asymmetrical
gene
flow
potentially
shaped
by
geographic
settings,
habitat
types,
ocean
currents
one
comprising
populations
Okinawa
Trough,
those
inhabiting
southern
trough
area
likely
serving
as
source;
other
being
Jiaolong
(JR)
South
China
Sea.
The
latter
might
have
recently
experienced
pronounced
demographic
contraction
exhibited
introgression
from
Trough
lineage,
mediated
intrusion
North
Pacific
Intermediate
Water.
We
then
compared
biogeographic
between
representative
co‐occurring
using
published
data.
Based
their
subdivisions
source‐sink
dynamics,
highlighted
vents
JR
warrant
imperative
efforts
to
sustain
biodiversity