Publication Date:
2018-08-24
Description:
In a bid to further understand processes that influence deep-sea epibenthic
megafauna, which fulfil critical roles in the global carbon cycle, we present data from the Arctic
Long-Term Ecological Research observatory HAUSGARTEN, in the Fram Strait, showing significant
temporal changes in total biomass of 3 key organisms (Kolga hyalina, Elpidia heckeri and
Mohnia spp.) at stations N3, HG-IV and S3 during repeated deployments over a time series spanning
2004−2015. Overall, all species investigated displayed a similar reproduction/recruitment
cycle, with increasing mean mass per individual leading to decreases in abundance, and vice
versa. However, there were 3 ‘events’ that deviated from this pattern. The first was a mass reproduction
event of E. heckeri at HG-IV from 2012 onwards, likely due to an increased carrying
capacity. The second event involved migration of K. hyalina from HG-IV between 2004−2007,
with a return in 2011. This coincided with a shift in the composition of the particle flux at the station.
The final event was a mass migration of K. hyalina to N3 between 2004 (0 ind. m−2) and 2007
(4.765 ± 0.084 ind. m−2). This event coincided with a 4-fold increase in phytodetrital food availability
at the seafloor at N3. Our results highlight the importance of time-series studies to ascertain the
key factors that influence epibenthic megafaunal communities. It also highlights the fact that more
needs to be done in understanding the life history of these organisms, as this understanding is, so
far, widely lacking.
Repository Name:
EPIC Alfred Wegener Institut
Type:
Article
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isiRev
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