Deep-water Species Research Articles

Biogeography and Species Durations of Selected Cenozoic Shallow and Deep-Water Smaller Calcareous Benthic Foraminifera – A Review

Abstract Most previous accounts summarising the biogeography and species durations of smaller calcareous benthic foraminifera have been based on literature reviews or on a massive North American database that had been taxonomically standardised. In this review we limit consideration to extant and fossil families or genera (from nearshore, open shelf, and deep-sea environments) with modern reviews that have standardised their global morphotaxonomy and where available, are complimented by molecular studies. We confirm previous studies that indicate most shelf species have limited geographic ranges and the majority of deep-water species are widespread and cosmopolitan or nearly so. In our intertidal and inner shelf groups only one species (molecular and morphological), Ammonia veneta, has a cosmopolitan distribution, although four warm-water morphospecies, of Ammonia and Rugobolivinella, have or had distributions that spanned more than one ocean in equatorial latitudes. The majority of both warm- and cool-water species in these groups are regionally or locally-restricted endemics (92% of Bolivinellidae, 100% of Tubulogenerina, 73% of Ammoniidae). The biogeographic distribution of the two rarer, warm-water groups (Bolivinellidae, Tubulogenerina) changed dramatically through the Cenozoic with the Paleocene–Eocene North American–European distribution of Bolivinellidae switching to purely Indo-Pacific by the Pliocene–Quaternary. In our shelf–upper bathyal groups (Notorotaliiidae, Plectofrondiculariidae), two genera have been restricted to the Southern Hemisphere since their Eocene originations with their greatest diversity throughout in New Zealand and Australia, respectively. The dominantly cold-water notorotaliid genus Buccella has a biogeographic distribution largely restricted to the Arctic Ocean and both coasts of North and South America. Most notorotaliid species are locally or regionally endemic (100% of Notorotalia, Parrellina, Porosorotalia, 75% of Buccella). At least 50–60% of species in five extinct mid-bathyal–abyssal families are cosmopolitan and have been throughout the Cenozoic since their originations. The majority of these deep-sea species with more-restricted distributions are rare, and many could possibly be more widespread with further extensive study. This review found that the shortest mean species durations (4–5 myrs) occur in two groups of rather rare, tropical–subtropical inner-shelf foraminifera with many locally endemic species. In cooler and progressively deeper water environments the mean species durations increase to 7–11 myrs for temperate shelf–bathyal taxa (Notorotaliidae), 20 myrs for an extinct mid-shelf to bathyal family (Plectofrondiculariidae) and 41–50 myrs for five extinct mid-bathyal–abyssal families (Chrysalogoniidae, Ellipsoidinidae, Glandulonodosariidae, Pleurostomellidae, Stilostomellidae). One species in each of four of these deep-water families had a species duration of 150–120 myrs.

Diversity and seasonal development of large zooplankton along physical gradients in the Arctic Barents Sea

Due to ongoing climate change, a new Arctic Ocean ecosystem is emerging. Within the framework of the Nansen Legacy project, we investigated the community composition of the large zooplankton and its seasonal development along a latitudinal gradient in the northern Barents Sea. Total biomass was maximal in summer and early winter, and minimal in spring, with copepods contributing considerably in all seasons. Euphausiids represented a minor fraction of the biomass, whereas chaetognaths and other gelatinous zooplankton contributed substantially to the sampled zooplankton at all stations, particularly in winter. Amphipod biomass was high in early winter, but otherwise low. Temperature in the water column interior and bottom-depth had the highest explanatory power for the community composition of the large zooplankton, both revealing the same distinct Atlantic and Arctic domains along the studied section. The continental shelf of the northern Barents Sea had an Arctic signature and was in terms of biomass characterized by a dominance of cold-water species, such as Themisto libellula, and Calanus glacialis. The copepod Calanus hyperboreus was the dominant over the continental slope. Locations at the southern and northern end of the studied section were influenced by Atlantic Water (at intermediate depth at the northern stations), and contained a mixture of temperate species, deep-water species, and sympagic amphipods in northern ice-covered waters. In the northern Barents Sea, a seasonal change was observed in the biomass fractions of different zooplankton feeding guilds, with dominance of herbivores in summer and carnivores in winter. This suggests switching between bottom-up and top-down control through the year. On the continental slope, species that are typically considered omnivores seemed to increase in importance. The role of seasonally changing food preferences to bridge periods outside of the main primary production season is discussed in light of ecosystem resilience to the expected changes in the Arctic Ocean.

The Fucales (Ochrophyta, Phaeophyceae) of the Island of Pantelleria (Sicily Channel, Mediterranean Sea): a new contribution

In the past, only a few studies were carried out on the marine vegetation of the Island of Pantelleria, reporting a high level of biodiversity in this island. However, the most recent study, performed about 20 years ago, documented a total loss of Fucales below ca. 12 m of depth and their substitution with morphologically simpler species. In the present study, the current presence and distribution of Cystoseira s.l. and Sargassum around the Island of Pantelleria were assessed, comparing the current data with the previous studies on the marine vegetation of this island. Through monitoring activities (both snorkelling and scuba diving), 19 taxa were recorded: seven belonging to Cystoseira, six to Ericaria, four to Gongolaria, and two to Sargassum. Comparing these data with the previous studies, it was highlighted that most of the species previously reported are still present on the island. Moreover, approximately 20 years after their documented disappearance, deep-water species such as C. foeniculacea f. latiramosa, G. elegans, G. montagnei, G. montagnei v. compressa and Sargassum cf. acinarium were recorded during this study, suggesting a natural recovery for these Fucales. We recommend that, in order to guarantee a long-term conservation of these fucalean populations, it would be useful to establish a marine protected area in the Island of Pantelleria.

Holocene coastal sedimentary evolution and neolithic human adaption in response to sea level changes in the Palaeo-Taihu valley, East China

The neolithic human-land relationship in the eastern coastal plain of China, interlinked sedimentary evolution and sea level changes, has been central to numerous studies. Here, we focus on the evolution of the sedimentary environment and its impacts on human activity in the Palaeo-Taihu valley (PTV) within the northern wing of Hangzhou Bay in response to post-glacial sea level rise. We employ multi-proxy analyses (lithology, AMS 14C, grain size, elements, TOC, and microfossil) on a new sediment core (WZ05) of comparatively analyze a series of previous radiocarbon-dated cores. Our results indicate that since the last deglaciation, the sedimentary environment of Core WZ05 has undergone the floodplain, upper tidal flat, estuary, upper tidal flat, coastal marsh, and fluvial plain, respectively. Regional cores comparisons display three stages: (1) A late Pleistocene incised valley (older than 9600 cal yr BP) dominated by terrestrial deposits accompanied by pottery sherds and rice phytoliths revealing that human activity on the floodplain can be dated to ca. 10600-10300 cal yr BP; (2) An early-mid Holocene transgression stage (9600-7800 cal yr BP) resulted from rapid sea level rise, causing widespread seawater inundation of the floodplain which interrupted early human activity. The transgression maximum during 8000-7800 cal yr BP was marked by the highest sedimentation rates and the coexistence of deep and shallow water species of foraminifera, corresponding to the appearance of a semi-enclosed estuary; (3) Finally, mid-late Holocene terrestrial deposits are the response to a slower sea-level rise and the seaward migration of the coast as the sediment supply exceeded sea level rise at 7800 cal yr BP. Tidal flats and coastal marshes dominated the PTV until 6500 cal yr BP, thereafter sediments continue to fill the PTV such that it develops into a subaerial plain. The reappearance of a freshwater environment since ∼ 7600 cal yr BP allowed the recovery of rice cultivation in the region. Saltwater deposits interspersed with terrestrial deposits between 7000-6500 cal yr BP probably reflect marine inundation during storm events and would have depressed rice domestication.

Combined use of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur stable isotopes reveal trophic structure and connections in deep-sea mesopelagic and demersal fish communities from the Southeastern Pacific Ocean

The trophic structure of deep-sea fish communities has been poorly studied in the Southeastern Pacific Ocean. Here, using the analysis of multiple (CNS) stable isotopes, we provide a first approach to characterize the structure of a marine food web including mesopelagic (9 species) and demersal (13 species) fishes. At a species level, Dissostichus eleginoides were the most 13C-depleted and the grenadier Coryphaenoides ariommus the most 13C-enriched species. The most 15N-depleted species was the lanternfish Diogenichthys laternatus and macrourid fishes Trachyrincus villagai and C. ariommus the most 15N-enriched. δ34S values showed less variation, but ranged considerably, varying between 10.5 and 17.7‰: C. ariommus was the most 34S-depleted species and D. eleginoides the most 34S-enriched. At a whole study level, individual δ13C and δ15N values were positively correlated. Relationships between δ13C and δ34S, and δ15N and δ34S were both negative. When analyses were conducted separately for demersal and mesopelagic fishes, δ13C showed a positive correlation with δ15N. There was a negative relationship between δ13C and δ34S in demersal fish but no apparent relationship between δ15N and δ34S. In mesopelagic fishes, there was no statistical support for relationships between δ13C and δ34S or δ15N and δ34S. Mean log-transformed total length (TL) and mean δ15N were related in mesopelagic fishes, but there was no apparent relationship between TL and δ13C or δ34S values. In the case of demersal fishes there was no relationship between TL and either δ15N, δ13C or δ34S. Using cluster analysis, species were classified into 4 distinct trophic groups (G1 - G4) that display different trophic strategies according to the literature. Groups G1 and G2 included zooplanktivorous, micronektonivorous and gelatinovorous fishes associated with pelagic habitats. Groups G3 and G4 include micronektonivorous, piscivorous and generalist fishes foraging in benthic habitats. The demersal fish Dissostichus eleginoides was classified as a member of G1, suggesting that its diet in northern Chile is likely dominated by pelagic prey. In addition, Macrourus holotrachys (G3) showed very marked individual variability in δ15N values indicating considerable intraspecific variation in diet and foraging behavior. Given that this species had isotope values that extended across values typical of benthic and pelagic habitats, it suggests that some individuals may perform vertical migrations. Our results also highlighted that some demersal species (M. holotrachys and Coryphaenoides ariommus) had δ34S values that indicate the assimilation of some chemosynthetic-derived sulfur.Our results provide isotopic information on deep-water species in this region and show likely coupling between the demersal and mesopelagic assemblages. This information improves our understanding of deep-sea ecosystem functioning and provides key information for fisheries management and conservation initiatives.

Shark mandible evolution reveals patterns of trophic and habitat-mediated diversification

Environmental controls of species diversity represent a central research focus in evolutionary biology. In the marine realm, sharks are widely distributed, occupying mainly higher trophic levels and varied dietary preferences, mirrored by several morphological traits and behaviours. Recent comparative phylogenetic studies revealed that sharks present a fairly uneven diversification across habitats, from reefs to deep-water. We show preliminary evidence that morphological diversification (disparity) in the feeding system (mandibles) follows these patterns, and we tested hypotheses linking these patterns to morphological specialisation. We conducted a 3D geometric morphometric analysis and phylogenetic comparative methods on 145 specimens representing 90 extant shark species using computed tomography models. We explored how rates of morphological evolution in the jaw correlate with habitat, size, diet, trophic level, and taxonomic order. Our findings show a relationship between disparity and environment, with higher rates of morphological evolution in reef and deep-water habitats. Deep-water species display highly divergent morphologies compared to other sharks. Strikingly, evolutionary rates of jaw disparity are associated with diversification in deep water, but not in reefs. The environmental heterogeneity of the offshore water column exposes the importance of this parameter as a driver of diversification at least in the early part of clade history.

Cooling water intake system safety analysis based on impingement probability

Invasion or aggregation of marine organisms in cooling water intake systems (CWIS) has gradually become an important problem affecting the safety of nuclear power plants with environmental and climate changes. In this study, a 3-dimensional numerical model (TELEMAC-3D) was used to determine the impingement probability in a typical nuclear power plant with a once-through cooling system, and the effect on CWIS safety. The factors controlling impingement probability were also analyzed. Results show that (1) impingement probability decreased rapidly with an increase in distance from the CWIS. In addition, the distance of the impingement effect of a nuclear power plant with six units was mainly within 1 km of the CWIS. (2) Impingement probability increased with water withdrawal, and as distance to the CWIS increased, the increase in probability increased. (3) Generally, an increase in tide strength led to a decrease impingement probability. (4) Near the CWIS, the impingement probabilities of areas upstream or downstream of the CWIS along the tidal flow direction were much higher than those not in those areas. (5) An increase in water depth significantly reduced impingement probability. When the water depth of the CWIS increased from 5 m to 15 m, impingement probability was reduced up to 30%. Based on the above findings, the following suggestions were made to minimize the impingement effects on CWIS safety: first, the CWIS of coastal nuclear power plants should be set in an area with low aquatic biomass, strong tides, deep water, and few surface species within the range of 1 km, and second, the amount of cooling water withdrawal or velocity should be reduced as much as possible.

Paleoecological Inferences for Turborotalita Nikolasi (Koutsoukos, 2014) Based on Stable Carbon and Oxygen Isotopes

Abstract The species Turborotalita nikolasi first appeared immediately after the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary and is considered the progenitor of all Cenozoic normal perforate species. We present δ18O and δ13C isotope signals of T. nikolasi specimens and compare them with those of mixed-layer (Guembelina cretacea), thermocline (Subbotina trivialis and Chiloguembelina midwayensis), and deep water (Nuttalides truempyi) species with glassy shell preservation from São Paulo Plateau [Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) Site 356]. Turborotalita nikolasi δ18O values are similar to those of G. cretacea, suggesting that both species cohabited the mixed layer. Values of δ13C for T. nikolasi are higher than those of all other planktic foraminiferal species, which may have been due to the presence of photosymbionts, and thus might represent the earliest known record of photosymbiosis for Cenozoic planktic foraminifera. Nuttalides truempyi δ13C values are remarkably high at Site 356, indicating low 12C abundance in deep waters, which could be related to reduced inefficiency of the biological pump in transporting 12C to the bottom of the ocean after the K-Pg boundary during the first ∼300 kyr of the Danian.

Gradients of Variation in the At-Vessel Mortality Rate between Twelve Species of Sharks and Skates Sampled through a Fishery-Independent Trawl Survey in the Asinara Gulf (NW Mediterranean Sea)

Elasmobranchs are priority species for conservation due to their rapid decline determined by the unbalanced struggle between a fragile bio-ecology and strong anthropogenic impacts, such as bycatch from professional fishing. In this context, measuring species resistance to catch of poorly selective gear is of paramount importance. During June-October 2022, five experimental fishing campaigns were carried out in the Asinara Gulf (northern Sardinia) through 35 geographically and bathymetrically representative hauls of an area between 30 and 600 m in depth. Skates prevailed over sharks in the number of species, with seven and five species, respectively. We first evaluated the status of each individual with respect to stress due to the trawl's catch using a three-graded scale. We also recorded individual biometrics (total and disk length, weight and sex, and maturity for males) on board by implementing the best practices in manipulating individuals for physiological recovery and release at sea. After capture, skates resulted in generally better conditions than sharks, although deepwater species of both groups exhibited a worse state than coastal species. The estimated vitality rates also depended on the size of the individuals. This work provides standardized data on the intermingled effect of size, species type, and inhabited depth on the resistance response of some elasmobranch species against capture by trawl fishery activities.

DNA Barcoding of the Genus Magnisudis (Aulopiformes: Paralepididae) with a Coastal Record and Biological Features of Magnisudis atlantica

One specimen of the duckbill barracudina Magnisudis atlantica of 402 mm TL was caught in a shallow coastal area in Galician waters, northwest of Spain. Morphometric and meristic parameters along with DNA barcoding, based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, were used to confirm the specimen identity. Neighbor-joining analysis of nominal sequences of the genus Magnisudis obtained from the Barcode of Life Data System indicates the presence of six representative groupings of potential species, in contrast to the three that are currently recognized as valid. The stomach contents showed remains of digested crustaceans, tentatively identified as Euphausiids. Histological examination of the gonads revealed the specimen to be an immature female with oocytes at the primary growth stage, indicative of a lack of hermaphroditism. The results add new biological and taxonomic data that contribute to improved understanding of these poorly characterized, mainly deep-water species, demonstrating, once again, the effectiveness of DNA barcoding for identifying deep-sea fishes and characterizing their genetic differences.

Two new deep-water species of squat lobsters (Crustacea: Anomura: Galatheoidea) from the Central and Southwest Indian Ridge

The high diversity and endemism of benthic species on seamounts are extensively documented. Although the number of squat lobster species from seamount habitats has increased, species from the Central Indian Ridge (CIR) and Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR) systems remain largely unknown. The hydrothermally active Indian Ridge system harbours potential sites for future Seafloor Massive Sulphides (SMS) mining. Since seabed mining may create a long-lasting impact on the deep-sea ecosystems, it could harm the unique deep-sea life associated with mineral deposits. This study identified two undescribed squat lobster specimens: one from the genus Munidopsis Whiteaves, 1874 from the CIR system in water depths ranging from 1981 to 2033 m, and one from the genus Typhlonida Macpherson & Baba in Machordom, Ahyong, Andreakis, Baba, Buckley, Garcia-Jimenez, McCallum, Rodriguez-Flores & Macpherson, 2022 from the SWIR system in depths ranging from 2070 to 2404 m. Both new species may be distinguished morphologically and genetically based on the partial mitochondrial (mtCOI) gene. To generate baseline environmental and biodiversity data, efforts for accurate sampling and correct identification of biological species are required.

Introgression from extinct species facilitates adaptation to its vacated niche.

Anthropogenic disturbances of ecosystems are causing a loss of biodiversity at an unprecedented rate. Species extinctions often leave ecological niches underutilized, and their colonization by other species may require new adaptation. In Lake Constance, on the borders of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, an endemic profundal whitefish species went extinct during a period of anthropogenic eutrophication. In the process of extinction, the deep-water species hybridized with three surviving whitefish species of Lake Constance, resulting in introgression of genetic variation that is potentially adaptive in deep-water habitats. Here, we sampled a water depth gradient across a known spawning ground of one of these surviving species, Coregonus macrophthalmus, and caught spawning individuals at greater depths (down to 90 m) than historically recorded. We sequenced a total of 96 whole genomes, 11-17 for each of six different spawning depth populations (4, 12, 20, 40, 60 and 90 m), to document genomic intraspecific differentiation along a water depth gradient. We identified 52 genomic regions that are potentially under divergent selection between the deepest (90 m) and all shallower (4-60 m) spawning habitats. At 12 (23.1%) of these 52 loci, the allele frequency pattern across historical and contemporary populations suggests that introgression from the extinct species potentially facilitates ongoing adaptation to deep water. Our results are consistent with the syngameon hypothesis, proposing that hybridization between members of an adaptive radiation can promote further niche expansion and diversification. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that introgression from extinct into extant species can be a source of evolvability, enabling rapid adaptation to environmental change, and may contribute to the ecological recovery of ecosystem functions after extinctions.

Bathyal octopus, Muusoctopus leioderma, living in a world of acid: First recordings of routine metabolic rate and critical oxygen partial pressures of a deep water species under elevated pCO2.

Elevated atmospheric CO2 as a result of human activity is dissolving into the world's oceans, driving a drop in pH, and making them more acidic. Here we present the first data on the impacts of ocean acidification on a bathyal species of octopus Muusoctopus leioderma. A recent discovery of a shallow living population in the Salish Sea, Washington United States allowed collection via SCUBA and maintenance in the lab. We exposed individual Muusoctopus leioderma to elevated CO2 pressure (pCO2) for 1day and 7days, measuring their routine metabolic rate (RMR), critical partial pressure (P crit ), and oxygen supply capacity (α). At the time of this writing, we believe this is the first aerobic metabolic data recorded for a member of Muusoctopus. Our results showed that there was no change in either RMR, P crit or α at 1800µatm compared to the 1,000µatm of the habitat where this population was collected. The ability to maintain aerobic physiology at these relatively high levels is discussed and considered against phylogeny and life history.

First evidence of population genetic structure of the deep-water blackmouth catshark Galeus melastomus Rafinesque, 1810

Among the main measures adopted to reduce anthropogenic impacts on elasmobranch communities, understanding the ecology of deep-sea sharks is of paramount importance, especially for potentially vulnerable species highly represented in the bycatch composition of commercial fisheries such as the blackmouth catshark Galeus melastomus. In the present work, we unravelled the first indication of population genetic structure of G. melastomus by using a novel and effective panel of nuclear, and polymorphic DNA markers and compared our results with previous findings supporting high genetic connectivity at large spatial scales. Given the lack of species-specific nuclear markers, a total of 129 microsatellite loci (Simple Sequence Repeats, SSRs) were cross-amplified on blackmouth catshark specimens collected in eight geographically distant areas in the Mediterranean Sea and North-eastern Atlantic Ocean. A total of 13 SSRs were finally selected for genotyping, based on which the species exhibited signs of weak, but tangible genetic structure. The clearcut evidence of genetic differentiation of G. melastomus from Scottish waters from the rest of the population samples was defined, indicating that the species is genetically structured in the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent North-eastern Atlantic. Both individual and frequency-based analyses identified a genetic unit formed by the individuals collected in the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Strait of Sicily, distinguished from the rest of the Mediterranean and Portuguese samples. In addition, Bayesian analyses resolved a certain degree of separation of the easternmost Aegean sample and the admixed nature of the other Mediterranean and the Portuguese samples. Here, our results supported the hypothesis that the interaction between the ecology and biology of the species and abiotic drivers such as water circulations, temperature and bathymetry may affect the dispersion of G. melastomus, adding new information to the current knowledge of the connectivity of this deep-water species and providing powerful tools for estimating its response to anthropogenic impacts.

Ptychogena lactea A. Agassiz, 1865 (Hydrozoa; Laodiceidae): What We Know on Taxonomy, Life-Cycle and Distribution

The hydromedusa Ptychogena lactea A. Agassiz, 1865 is a large and remarkable jellyfish; it has been found in many Arctic and even boreal localities and at various depths, from the mesopelagial to the surface. However, it is still regarded in the literature as a rare deep-water species, with an unknown polyp stage. The hydroid was reared from the medusa P. lactea in the Franz-Josef Land archipelago field laboratory. The hydroid was identified as Cuspidella procumbens Kramp, 1911: a poorly known Campanulinoidea, “Cuspidella-like” Arctic hydroid whose medusa stage was hitherto unknown. Both stages are here proposed to link taxonomically into a one nominal species. Co-distribution of the well-known medusa and the little-known hydroid is studied and mapped. Data on the distribution and ecology of both stages is added. Some data has already been published in Russian literature, but remains unknown to English-speaking scientists. New observations show that P. lactea is neither a deep-water species nor rare, and establish the continuity between medusae and polyp stages of the life cycle.

Fatty acid composition in common deep-water shrimps of the Arabian Sea and its importance to human nutrition

AbstractDeep-water shrimps are recognized as non-conventional culinary delicacies owing to the presence of high-quality polyunsaturated fatty acids, even though they remain one of the predominantly unexplored marine fishery resources. In this study, variation of fatty acid profiles of Aristeus alcocki, Solenocera choprai, Heterocarpus chani and Plesionika quasigrandis, caught along the south-west coast of India (Arabian Sea) during the months spanning from September 2018–April 2019, were compared. Among the deep-water shrimps studied, A. alcocki contained a greater amount of n-3 fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid along with optimal n-3/n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios beneficial for human nutrition (up to 8 during the winter months) when compared with other shrimps. In general, fatty acid concentrations exhibited variations, particularly with regard to polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. These n-3 fatty acids were predominant during December–February of the studied year, but concentrations were noticeably lower during March and April. Females had considerably higher (P < 0.05) C20–22n-3 fatty acid concentrations along with nutritionally balanced polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio than males. Results of the two-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed statistically significant differences in the fatty acid profiles between the species and months. The interaction effects of months with species were also highly significant (Wilk's lambda = 0.000001; F = 187.7, P < 0.0001). Lesser atherogenicity (<3) and thrombogenicity (<0.5) indices coupled with considerably greater n-3/n-6 fatty acid ratios recognized these deep-water species as a possible source of highly nutritional human food.

Deep-water species assemblages on the trawlable bottoms of the Central Mediterranean: Changes or not over time?

Deep-sea communities are impacted by several anthropogenic activities, such as fisheries, which still remain one of the most damaging on the marine environments in terms of biodiversity loss and habitat degradation. The north-western Ionian Sea (Central Mediterranean) experienced long-standing trawl fishing activity with the exploitation of deep-sea demersal resources. The integrate analysis with data of both benthic, demersal and benthopelagic species collected during a time series of experimental trawl survey, yearly carried out in the Ionian basin down to 800 m in depth, allowed to asses the current status of the Ionian deep-sea faunal assemblages and their potential changes overtime. Multivariate analysis and univariate indices, modelled using Generalized Additive Model (GAM) framework, confirm a depth zonation pattern of deep-sea faunal assemblages in the study area, with the presence of two distinct epibathyal and mesobathyal groups. GAM also highlighted a temporal effect on the biodiversity indices, with significant negative trends of diversity and evenness indices as well as a significant increasing of dominance one, over the study period 2012-2020. The benthic community is characterised by more generalist species and a simplified structure, with a severe depletion in habitat-former taxa whereas the demersal and benthopelagic fauna of the Ionian Sea show a general stability in the overall structure if compared with previous studies lasting over two decades. The presence of complex and heterogenous habitats unsuitable for trawl, like cold-water coral communities and canyon systems, provide Essential Fish Habitats (EFHs) for commercial species, acting as potential renewal areas for exploited resources in the neighbouring fishing grounds. These findings encourage an ecosystem-based management including spatial considerations for the objectives of biodiversity conservation combined with those of management of fishery resources.

Effects of capture on acute and long-term reflex impairment, survival, and health of a deepwater fish: Shortspine thornyhead (Sebastolobus alaskanus).

Shortspine thornyhead (Sebastolobus alaskanus) are a benthic, deepwater species in the family Scorpaenidae. They have been tagged annually in Alaska since 1992, but have a low tag return rate of 1.6%. This may be at least partially attributed to post-release mortality related to capture. In this study, 21 shortspine thornyhead were caught on bottom hook-and-line longline gear and immediately given reflex tests. Eighteen were transported to the laboratory and held for 10–42 days, given reflex tests again, and then given postmortem examinations, including histopathology of tissues; three were given postmortem examinations after reflex tests on the vessel. There were no histological findings that could be directly linked to capture and holding; however, there were occurrences of myxozoan (protozoa) and metazoan (nematode) parasites, sometimes associated with minor inflammation. The vibration response reflex was found in only 24% of fish on deck and in 56% of fish after holding in the laboratory. The vestibular-ocular response was present in 47% of fish on deck and 89% of fish in the laboratory. A fish’s ability to right itself was successful on deck in 43% of fish (an additional 19% responded slowly) and 100% in the laboratory. Some reflex impairments may be permanent or may take more than days or weeks to improve. Reflex responses to other tests, the tail grab, gag, and operculum flare, were 95–100% successful on deck and later in the laboratory. A lack of reflexes may increase the risk of predation after release and may affect other behaviors related to survival and productivity.

Comparative biology of the grenadiers Macrourus caml and M. whitsoni in the Ross Sea region, Antarctica

The grenadiersMacrourus camlandM. whitsoniform a significant bycatch component of longline fisheries for Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) in the Southern Ocean. A lack of species-level biological and catch data has to date hindered the development of quantitative assessments for these deepwater species. This paper examines species- and sex-specific life histories ofM.camlandM.whitsoniin the Ross Sea region, Antarctica, from samples collected from the commercial fishery and research collections.Macrourus camlwas found to live longer, grow slower, and attain a larger maximum length thanM.whitsoni, reaching at least 65 years of age and 97 cm total length (TL) vs. 43 years and 78 cm TL forM.whitsoni. In addition,M.camlattains a larger length for a given age and a greater weight for a given length. For each species, females of a given age were larger and reached a greater maximum age than males. Assuming that selectivity of the fishing gear is related to fish size, greater fishing pressure on females than males is likely, and was evidenced by female-biased sex ratios of both species. Estimates of natural and fishing mortality rates were low for both species. Despite having a shorter lifespan and attaining a smaller maximum length,M.whitsonimatured later in life and at larger lengths thanM.caml. Although sampling opportunities are constrained seasonally due to sea ice cover, gonad staging and interannual patterns in gonadosomatic indices suggest prolonged spawning for both species, with available data indicating peak spawning during austral summer. The differences in life history observed between these two closely related and morphologically similar species illustrates the importance of understanding species-specific life histories to infer responses to exploitation, provide key biological inputs to inform parameters for future risk assessments and ecosystem models as well as baseline information for comparative work over both time and space, contribute to greater clarity in managing fisheries that interact with these two species, and further our understanding of grenadier life history.

The Dasya baillouviana and D. cryptica complexes (Delesseriaceae, Rhodophyta) in Bermuda with three additional new species from the archipelago.

Continuing molecular studies of the red algal genus Dasya collected off the coast of Bermuda have revealed two new species in the developing D. cryptica species complex-one from each the euphotic and mesophotic zones, D. orae sp. nov. and D. bathypelagica sp. nov., respectively. Furthermore, what was known as D. baillouviana in Bermuda is shown to represent D. hibernae sp. nov., a sibling of D. pedicellata from New England and New York, USA. Despite morphological similarities to the recently described shallow subtidal species from the islands, D. cryptica, molecular sequencing and morphological comparisons demonstrated that a new set of inshore specimens represented D. orae. The larger, new deep-water species, D. bathypelagica, was genetically compared with recent Bermuda collections of D. baillouviana and others worldwide morphologically falling under this epithet and represented a new species also grouping in the D. cryptica complex. The specimens of D. hibernae from Bermuda were shown to be genetically distinct from specimens of D. pedicellata from southern New England and New York. Molecular analyses necessitated the resurrection of D. pedicellata and uncovered undescribed species in the D. baillouviana complex in the western Atlantic. Based upon genetic evidence provided here, the generitype of Rhodoptilum nested among species in the D. baillouviana complex including the generitype. This finding required the synonymy of the genus Rhodoptilum with Dasya and allowed for the reinstatement of D. plumosa. Furthermore, Dasya collinsiana resolved in the lineage including a closely related species to the generitype of Dasysiphonia, necessitating the transfer of this Bermudian species and others worldwide from the genus Dasya to Dasysiphonia.