Megabenthic Diversity Patterns on a Seamount in the Philippine Sea: Implications for Conservation Planning on the Kyushu-Palau Ridge.

ABSTRACT: The oligotrophic tropical western Pacific region is characterized by a high density of seamounts, with the Kyushu-Palau Ridge (KPR) being the longest seamount chain here. Effective spatial management plans for seamount ecosystems necessitate an understanding of distribution patterns and key environmental factors influencing benthic communities. However, knowledge regarding deep-sea biodiversity patterns over intricate topography remains limited. In this study, we investigated a seamount with a water depth of 522 m at the summit located in the southern section of KPR. Survey transects were conducted from 522 m to 4059 m. By analyzing video-recorded data obtained by a human-occupied vehicle (HOV) during dives and environmental variables derived from bathymetry, distinct assemblages were iden

SUBMITTER: Lu X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11486664 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature