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Large-scale distribution of a deep-sea megafauna community along Mediterranean trawlable grounds
- Source :
- Scientia Marina, Vol 83, Iss S1, Pp 175-187 (2019)
- Publication Year :
- 2019
- Publisher :
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 2019.
-
Abstract
- The large-scale distribution pattern of megafauna communities along the Mediterranean middle slope was explored. The study was conducted between 500 and 800 m depth where deep-water fishery occurs. Although community studies carried out deeper than 500 m are partly available for some geographic areas, few large-scale comparative studies have been carried out. Within the framework of the MEDITS survey programme, we compared the megafauna community structure in ten geographical sub-areas (GSAs) along the Mediterranean coasts. Additionally, the spatial distribution of fishing was analysed using vessel monitoring by satellite information. Overall, the community showed a significant difference between sub-areas, with a decreasing eastward pattern in abundance and biomass. Longitude was the main factor explaining variation among sub-areas (by generalized additive models). However, we found a region which did not follow the general pattern. GSA 6 (northern Spain) showed significantly lower abundance and a different composition structure to the adjacent areas. The decrease in community descriptors (i.e. abundance and biomass) in this area is probably a symptom of population changes induced by intense fishery exploitation. Overall, a combination of environmental variables and human-induced impacts appears to influence the bentho-pelagic communities along the slope areas of the Mediterranean.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 02148358 and 18868134
- Volume :
- 83
- Issue :
- S1
- Database :
- Directory of Open Access Journals
- Journal :
- Scientia Marina
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsdoj.4476fc3825d84f61b70ef65fb6bcfbb5
- Document Type :
- article
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3989/scimar.04852.14A