A comprehensive investigation of mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Hawaiian Archipelago
A comprehensive investigation of mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Hawaiian Archipelago
复制标题
夏威夷群岛中光珊瑚生态系统的综合调查
作者：
R. Pyle;Raymond C. Boland;H. Bolick;B. Bowen;C. J. Bradley;Corinne N. Kane;R. Kosaki;R. Langston;K. Longenecker;A. Montgomery;F. Parrish;B. Popp;J. Rooney;Celia M Smith;D. Wagner;Heather L. Spalding
虽然存在的珊瑚礁栖息地在深处165米的热带地区已经知道了几十年，丰富性，多样性和生态重要性的mesophotic珊瑚生态系统（MCES）最近才得到广泛承认。在跨越二十多年的跨学科努力中，我们描述了有史以来最广泛的MCE，在夏威夷群岛50-90米的深度之间延伸数十平方公里，拥有巨大的大型藻类群落和100%珊瑚覆盖的区域。我们使用了各种传感器和技术来建立地球物理特征。通过视觉和视频观察以及从潜水器、遥控潜水器和混合气体SCUBA和呼吸器潜水中收集的标本确定了生物多样性模式。种群动态的基础上选定的鱼类的年龄，生长和繁殖力的估计，从激光视频测量，标本，耳石制备。利用碳和氮稳定同位素分析对750多种礁鱼的营养动态进行了测定。MCE与清水和合适的底物相关。与夏威夷群岛的浅礁相比，MCE的居民具有较低的总多样性，具有新的和独特的物种，并且在鱼类中具有较高的特有性。存在于浅水和中光深度的鱼类具有相似的种群和营养结构（底栖无脊椎动物除外），遗传连接性高，但在中光深度繁殖力较低。夏威夷的MCE分布广泛，但与特定的地球物理特征有关。高遗传，生态和营养的连接建立MCE作为避难所的一些物种的潜力，但我们的研究结果质疑的前提下，MCE比浅礁更有弹性。我们发现，MCE内的特有性随深度增加，我们的研究结果不支持建议的全球动物群在60米。我们的研究结果增强了MCE保护和管理的科学基础，并为未来全球MCE的跨学科研究提供了模板。
Although the existence of coral-reef habitats at depths to 165 m in tropical regions has been known for decades, the richness, diversity, and ecological importance of mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) has only recently become widely acknowledged. During an interdisciplinary effort spanning more than two decades, we characterized the most expansive MCEs ever recorded, with vast macroalgal communities and areas of 100% coral cover between depths of 50–90 m extending for tens of km2 in the Hawaiian Archipelago. We used a variety of sensors and techniques to establish geophysical characteristics. Biodiversity patterns were established from visual and video observations and collected specimens obtained from submersible, remotely operated vehicles and mixed-gas SCUBA and rebreather dives. Population dynamics based on age, growth and fecundity estimates of selected fish species were obtained from laser-videogrammetry, specimens, and otolith preparations. Trophic dynamics were determined using carbon and nitrogen stable isotopic analyses on more than 750 reef fishes. MCEs are associated with clear water and suitable substrate. In comparison to shallow reefs in the Hawaiian Archipelago, inhabitants of MCEs have lower total diversity, harbor new and unique species, and have higher rates of endemism in fishes. Fish species present in shallow and mesophotic depths have similar population and trophic (except benthic invertivores) structures and high genetic connectivity with lower fecundity at mesophotic depths. MCEs in Hawai‘i are widespread but associated with specific geophysical characteristics. High genetic, ecological and trophic connectivity establish the potential for MCEs to serve as refugia for some species, but our results question the premise that MCEs are more resilient than shallow reefs. We found that endemism within MCEs increases with depth, and our results do not support suggestions of a global faunal break at 60 m. Our findings enhance the scientific foundations for conservation and management of MCEs, and provide a template for future interdisciplinary research on MCEs worldwide.
影响因子：
4.6
作者：
Serrano XM;Baums IB;Smith TB;Jones RJ;Shearer TL;Baker AC
通讯作者：
Baker AC