Deep-Sea Benthic Biodiversity

Abstract

The life that inhabits ocean depths beyond the continental shelves is unfamiliar even to most biologists. Samples of deep-ocean sediments typically contain representatives of a dozen phyla but most deep-sea animals are small and live below the sediment surface. In contrast to the graphs showing the perceived species population presented before the 1960s the new sampling method demonstrated the existence of large numbers of species in the deep sea. In the context of regional species diversity no single theory can account for the high diversity in the deep sea. Several major features of the deep sea contribute to its relatively high diversity. These include the following: 1) absence of widespread disruption of habitat; 2) patchy food resources; 3) disturbance; and 4) large area. But deep-sea floor vastness and remoteness makes it appear attractive as a waste disposal area. Moreover the potential effect of toxic compounds that have been found to accumulate in deep-sea sediments is a serious cause for concern. The establishment of long-term stations to better understand the interactions of deep-sea organisms with their natural environment and to monitor the potential effects of pollution are necessary to provide the information required for wise management of ocean resources.