Snapshot of Macroalgae and Fish Assemblages in Temperate Reefs in the Southern European Atlantic Ecoregion

João N Franco,Carmen B De Los Santos,Francisco Arenas,Isabel Sousa-Pinto

doi:10.3390/d12010026

João N Franco, Carmen B De Los Santos + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/d12010026

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Abstract

Most of the biodiversity studies in the South European Atlantic Shelf ecoregion are limited to shallow subtidal or intertidal habitats, while deeper reef habitats, also of relevant ecological importance, are particularly understudied. Macroalgal communities, associated fauna, and sea surface temperature were studied in deep reefs (25–30 m) at two locations in this ecoregion: Parcel, North of Portugal (41° N), and Tarifa, Southern Spain (35° N). Specifically, algal assemblages were assessed using biomass collection and associated ichthyofauna was assessed using visual census techniques using scuba. Seawater surface temperature was higher (>3 °C) in the southern region—Tarifa, compared to the northern region—Parcel. Our survey revealed 18 fish species and 23 algae species. The highest abundance of cold-water species (both macroalgae and fish species) was recorded in Parcel and warm-water species were dominant in Tarifa. In light of climate global trends, both regions might experience biodiversity shifts towards tropicalization. Current knowledge on their biodiversity is imperative to further evaluate potential shifts.

Highlights

IntroductionThe Atlantic waters along the coast of the Iberian Peninsula
The Atlantic waters along the coast of the Iberian Peninsula have overlapping biotopes where species of both boreal and Lusitanian origins coexist [1,2]and are included within the same ecoregion, the South European Atlantic Shelf [3]
Parcel and Tarifa are within the same marine ecoregion, the South European Atlantic Shelf, but with nonhomogeneous ocean climate and potential biodiversity differences [7]

Summary

Introduction

The Atlantic waters along the coast of the Iberian Peninsula Are included within the same ecoregion, the South European Atlantic Shelf [3]. This temperate marine ecoregion encompasses the Atlantic Iberian Peninsula, which at its southern limit edges with. Sahara upwelling off the west coast of Africa and the Alboran Sea, within the Mediterranean [3]. This geographical location presents a great diversity of oceanographic processes that provide multiple climatic conditions and greatly influence its fauna and flora biodiversity. Features that affect macroalgal distribution in the nearshore rocky subtidal zone include wave action, rock slope, stratification of the water column (i.e., temperature, nutrients), sedimentation, biological interactions (grazing, competition), and, most importantly, light [4,5].

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