Seabird diversity hotspot linked to ocean productivity in the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem.

ABSTRACT: Upwelling regions are highly productive habitats targeted by wide-ranging marine predators and industrial fisheries. In this study, we track the migratory movements of eight seabird species from across the Atlantic; quantify overlap with the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME) and determine the habitat characteristics that drive this association. Our results indicate the CCLME is a biodiversity hotspot for migratory seabirds; all tracked species and more than 70% of individuals used this upwelling region. Relative species richness peaked in areas where sea surface temperature averaged between 15 and 20°C, and correlated positively with chlorophyll a, revealing the optimum conditions driving bottom-up trophic effects for seabirds. Marine vertebrates are not confined by internation

SUBMITTER: Grecian WJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5014014 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature