A review of over 500 taxa known to occur in the NRA revealed three additional faunal groups (additional
to NAFO 2008a) that meet the criteria for a VME indicator based on traits related to functional
significance, fragility, and the life-history traits of component species that produce a slow recovery to
disturbance. These are crinoids, erect bryozoans and large sea squirts. For each group it is the dense
aggregations (beds/fields) that are considered to be VME in order to establish functional significance.
Although each group is present in the NRA, data to date have not revealed any concentrations of note with
the exception of one catch of the stalked tunicate Boltenia ovifera (large sea squirt).
Black corals were considered to be VME indicators by NAFO based on what was then known of their
distribution. These were included based on the uniqueness/rarity criterion of habitats of rare, threatened or
endangered species that occur only in discrete areas, however evaluation of their distribution using trawl
survey, rock dredge and underwater video has indicated that they have widespread occurrence at low
densities in the NRA and along the continental slopes off Labrador. However, because they are thought to
be extremely long-lived and therefore ‘iconic’ if not rare, we have identified where the highest frequency of
occurrence is for this taxon.
Lastly, based on NEREIDA multibeam bathymetry we have identified more canyon heads, steep flanks and
new seamounts in the NRA as possible VME elements
