Spatial and temporal variability of demersal fishes at Condor seamount (Northeast Atlantic)

Abstract

Temporal and spatial patterns of variation of benthic and benthopelagic fish assemblages on the Condor Seamount of the Azores, Northeast Atlantic, were studied based on longline samples from the depth interval 200–1300m depth. The seamount was used as a commercial fishing ground for decades but is currently closed to fishing as a temporary protected area for research. The protection regime offers an opportunity to monitor and analyze responses to harvesting and recovery from previous fishing impacts. Species number, catches per unit of effort, and zonation with depth corresponded in general with what was observed elsewhere for the Azorean demersal fish community. Total abundance, species richness and species composition significantly varied in time and space within the seamount, generally showing a North–South asymmetry. Abundance and species richness were higher in the Northern than in the Southern sector of the seamount, mainly due to higher abundances of the species Helicolenus dactylopterus, Pagellus bogaraveo, Beryx splendens and Trachurus picturatus. Analyses of abundance variation of the most frequent species showed an array of species-specific responses. The variability of fish assemblages is discussed in the light of oceanographic and anthropogenic factors, which may drive the observed patterns and trends.