Evaluation of benthic assemblage structure in the NAFO regulatory area with regard to the protection of VME

This article presents the results from the analysis of data acquired during the NEREIDA survey programme (2009-2010) around the Flemish Cap and the tail of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland (NAFO Regulatory Area). Biological samples were collected using a mega box-core, which were processed for the extraction and identification of benthic macrofauna. A suite of physical samples and environmental measurements was also collected for evaluation. Analyses revealed the presence of benthic assemblages that were indicative of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VME). VME indicative assemblages were present mostly outside of the fishing footprint. A simple habitat suitability model identified areas that are likely to accommodate VME indicative assemblages. Areas with the greatest potential to accommodate VME assemblages closely correspond with areas already managed for the protection of VME, where bottom-contact fishing practices are presently excluded. Such results support the notion that existing bottom-fishery exclusion zones should continue to be enforced for the long-term protection of VME.En prensa2,277

Reconstructing baselines: use of habitat suitability modelling to predict pre-fishing condition of a Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem

As industrialized fishing activities have moved into deeper water, the recognition of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) has become important for the protection of the deep-sea. Our limited knowledge on the past and present distribution of VMEs hinders our ability to manage bottom fisheries effectively. This study investigated whether accounting for bottom fishing intensity (derived from Vessel Monitoring System records) as a predictor in habitat suitability models can (1) improve predictions of, and (2) provide estimates for a pre-fishing baseline for the distribution and biomass of a VME indicator taxon. Random Forest models were applied to presence/absence and biomass of Geodia sponges and environmental variables with and without bottom fishing intensity. The models including fishing were further used to predict distribution and biomass of Geodia to a pre-fishing scenario. Inclusion of fishing pressure as a predictive term significantly improved model performance for both sponge presence and biomass. This study has demonstrated a way to produce a more accurate picture of the current distribution of VMEs in the study area. The pre-fishing scenario predictions also identified areas of suitable Geodia habitat that are currently impacted by fishing, suggesting that sponge habitat and biomass have been impacted by bottom trawling activities.1054-3139Versión del editor2,27

Distribution of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems at the South Sandwich Islands: Results From the Blue Belt Discovery Expedition 99 Deep-Water Camera Surveys

The South Sandwich Islands (SSI) are a chain of volcanic islands located to the east of the Scotia Sea, approximately 700 km south-east of South Georgia. To date, knowledge of the SSI benthic environment remains limited. In this context, the Blue Belt Programme conducted a scientific survey in the SSI Marine Protected Area (MPA) during February/March 2019 to examine the biodiversity and distribution of benthic communities and their potential vulnerability to licensed longline research fisheries. Here we report results from analysis of multibeam echosounder (MBES) data and drop camera imagery data collected in selected locations around the SSI. A total of eight vulnerable marine ecosystem (VME) indicator morphotaxa were mapped along the slopes of the SSI, showing a substantial variation in taxon composition and frequency of occurrence, both along bathymetric and latitudinal gradients. Our results suggest that VME indicator taxa are mostly restricted to waters shallower than 700 m. As such, based on our present understanding of the region’s benthic environment the MPA, as currently established, offers effective protection for the majority of the VME indicator taxa

Testing the Potential for Predictive Modeling and Mapping and Extending Its Use as a Tool for Evaluating Management Scenarios and Economic Valuation in the Baltic Sea (PREHAB)

Peer reviewe

Evaluation of benthic assemblage structure in the NAFO regulatory area with regard to the protection of VME

This article presents the results from the analysis of data acquired during the NEREIDA survey programme (2009-2010) around the Flemish Cap and the tail of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland (NAFO Regulatory Area). Biological samples were collected using a mega boxcore, and were processed for the extraction and identification of benthic macrofauna. A suite of physical samples and environmental measurements was also collected for evaluation. Analyses revealed the presence of benthic assemblages that were indicative of vulnerable marine ecosystems (VME). VME indicative assemblages were present mostly outside of the fishing footprint. A simple habitat suitability model identified areas that are likely to accommodate VME indicative assemblages. Areas with the greatest potential to accommodate VME assemblages closely correspond with areas already managed for the protection of VME, where bottom-contact fishing practices are currently excluded. Such results support the notion that existing bottom-fishery exclusion zones should continue to be enforced for the long-term protection of VME.</p

On the influence of vulnerable marine ecosystem habitats on peracarid crustacean assemblages in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation regulatory area

Vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs) are considered hotspots of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in the deep sea, but are also characterised by a high vulnerability to disturbance and a low recovery potential. Since 2006, a series of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolutions have been developed, attempting to ensure the protection of VMEs in international waters. In the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO) Regulatory Area, large areas of seabed have been closed to bottom-contact fishing to protect VMEs. However, knowledge of the influence of VME-indicator taxa on macrofaunal assemblages, and the appropriateness of current fishery closures for protecting macrofaunal biodiversity in this area is limited. Here we investigate relationships between the prevalence of VME-indicator taxa [poriferans (sponges), gorgonian corals, and pennatulaceans (sea pens)] and an extensive suite of peracarid crustacean biodiversity metrics in the NAFO Regulatory Area. We also examine whether the current NAFO VME closures protect areas of significantly elevated peracarid diversity. Of the VME-indicator taxa analysed, poriferans were found to have by far the greatest influence over peracarid assemblages. Assemblage structure was altered, and peracarid abundance, biomass, richness, diversity, and variability were enhanced in areas of elevated poriferan biomass, whilst assemblage evenness was slightly depressed in these areas. These findings reaffirm the perception of poriferans as crucial components of VMEs. In contrast, gorgonian coral density had little influence over the faunal assemblages investigated, perhaps reflecting their relatively low prevalence in the study area. Similarly, pennatulaceans were found to influence peracarid assemblages only weakly. This too may reflect a moderately low density of Pennatulacea in the study area. Our results highlight that the application of taxon distribution model outputs to ecological investigations and management decisions in data-limited environments should be treated with caution. Finally, our results indicate that the current system of fishery closures in the NAFO Regulatory Area may not be optimal in terms of providing adequate protection to VMEs against the impacts of bottom trawling