Abstract
The aim of this study was to select a candidate deep-sea amphipod species suitable for connectivity analyses in areas around cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts (CRCs). We applied DNA barcoding based on the mitochondrial protein-coding gene, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), to specimens collected from the Xufu Guyot (the JA06 Seamount) off southeastern Minami-Torishima Island in the North Pacific, where CRCs are distributed. We used baited traps to collect 37 specimens. Comparison of COI sequences with public reference databases (GenBank, BOLD) showed that almost all of the specimens belonged to the superfamily Lysianassoidea, which is known to be ubiquitous in deep-sea areas. In a molecular taxonomic analysis of these sequences, we detected 11 clades. One of these clades (group 9) composed of 18 sequences and was identified by DNA barcoding as a putative species belonging to Abyssorchomene, which has been reported from the New Hebrides Trench in the South Pacific. We considered this species to be a candidate for connectivity analysis and analyzed its genome by restriction site–associated DNA sequencing. The results showed that the genetic variation in this species is adequate for analyzing connectivity patterns in CRC areas in the future.
Highlights
Cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts (CRCs) in deep-sea areas are attracting international attention as possible future sources of marine minerals
CRCs occur on the summits and slopes of seamounts, which are characterized by a unique fauna [1]
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) strongly recommends that contractors for exploration and exploitation of CRCs carry out baseline surveys for marine fauna and environmental conditions following ISA guidelines [2]
Summary
Cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts (CRCs) in deep-sea areas are attracting international attention as possible future sources of marine minerals. CRCs occur on the summits and slopes of seamounts (e.g., large flat-topped guyots), which are characterized by a unique fauna [1]. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) strongly recommends that contractors for exploration and exploitation of CRCs carry out baseline surveys for marine fauna and environmental conditions following ISA guidelines [2]. Molecular diversity of deep-sea amphipods (JOGMEC) provided support in the form of salaries for authors SK, TM, YI, and NO, but did not have any additional role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The specific roles of these authors are articulated in the ‘author contributions’ section
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