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Published April 25, 2017 | Version v1
Presentation Open

Feeding biology of habitat forming cold-water corals: preferences and assimilation efficiencies of selected food sources

  • 1. MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre Universidade dos Açores, IMAR Marine Institute
  • 2. NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research
  • 3. School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh
  • 4. Instituto Español de Oceanografía

Description

Coral gardens are considered to be hotspots of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, due to the important structural and biogeochemical role of cold-water coral (CWC) species. Despite the importance of CWCs as habitat forming and mediating species in bentho-pelagic coupling processes, our understanding on their biology and ecophysiology is still very limited. Moreover, despite an increase in studies on deep reef-forming species, information on cold-water octocoral and antipatharian species is still very scarce. The present study aims at determining aspects of the feeding biology of two common indicators of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) in the Azores Archipelago: the gorgonian Dentomuricea aff. meteor and the antipatharian Antipathella wollastoni. By using controlled experiments in aquaria, we aim at determining the feeding preferences and assimilation efficiencies of the target species upon availability of live phytoplankton, live zooplankton and dissolved organic matter. Study methods will include measurements of capture rates, incorporation of stable isotopes and analysis of fatty acids. The study will provide new insights to the feeding biology and organic carbon requirements of the target species while the produced data will contribute to the development of innovative spatial models predicting distribution and habitat suitability of cold-water corals.

Files

Rakka Feeding biology of habitat forming CWC preferences and assimilation efficiencies of selected food sources.pdf

Additional details

Funding

ATLAS – A Trans-AtLantic Assessment and deep-water ecosystem-based Spatial management plan for Europe 678760
European Commission