Abstract
Sponges have been identified as ecosystem engineers, providing habitat structure for many other benthic organisms, but are vulnerable to the impacts of bottom contact fishing. The Sambro Bank Sponge Conservation Area (SBSCA) protects a globally unique aggregation of the glass sponge (Vazella pourtalesii) off the east coast of Canada. Here, we present the first comprehensive, high-resolution mapping study of this site. Multispectral multibeam echosounder (MBES) mapping at three operating frequencies and benthic drop camera surveys were conducted at the SBSCA in 2022. Video data were analysed to quantify the abundance and location of V. pourtalesii and all associated benthic fauna and sediment characteristics. Using the MBES data as predictor variables, the study created a generalized linear mixed model of V. pourtalesii presence in the SBSCA, with 90.1% accuracy. Four seafloor benthoscape classes were identified from the video imagery, with statistically distinct benthic macrofaunal communities associated with each class. The study creates a baseline assessment of the current community composition and habitat characteristics of the site, which can be used for future ecological monitoring and management.
Published Version
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