Abstract
Mega-benthic assemblages have been analyzed off Terre Adélie (East Antarctica) between 20 and 110 m depth by seabed videography. The study area is dominated by high abundances of sessile suspension feeders, however, sponges are rare at this depth. There are hints and evidence that different levels of disturbance and biological dynamics affect these assemblages. Biodiversity results are interpreted with the background of an applicability of the intermediate-disturbance hypothesis (IDH).
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Acknowledgments
ICOTA project funded by IPEV. Data analysis and publication funded by Université Littoral Côte d’Opale, by guest professorship of J. Gutt. Thanks to Département du Finistère for providing the ROV and to Océanopolis for the camera, to ROV pilots A. Pottier and D. Fleury and the electronic staff of Dumont d’Urville station for their support.
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Gutt, J., Koubbi, P. & Eléaume, M. Mega-epibenthic diversity off Terre Adélie (Antarctica) in relation to disturbance. Polar Biol 30, 1323–1329 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-007-0293-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-007-0293-z