Rhythms and Community Dynamics of a Hydrothermal Tubeworm Assemblage at Main Endeavour Field - A Multidisciplinary Deep-Sea Observatory Approach

Type Article
Date 2014-05
Language English
Author(s) Cuvelier Daphne1, Legendre Pierre2, Laes AgatheORCID3, Sarradin Pierre-MarieORCID1, Sarrazin JozeeORCID1
Affiliation(s) 1 : IFREMER, REM EEP, Ctr Bretagne, Lab Environm Profond, Inst Carnot Ifremer EDROME, Plouzane, France.
2 : Univ Montreal, Dept Sci Biol, Montreal, PQ H3C 3J7, Canada.
3 : IFREMER, REM RDT, Ctr Bretagne, Inst Carnot Ifremer EDROME, Lab Detect Capteur & Mesures, Plouzane, France.
Source Plos One (1932-6203) (Public Library Science), 2014-05 , Vol. 9 , N. 5 , P. e96924
DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0096924
WOS© Times Cited 33
Abstract The NEPTUNE cabled observatory network hosts an ecological module called TEMPO-mini that focuses on hydrothermal vent ecology and time series, granting us real-time access to data originating from the deep sea. In 2011-2012, during TEMPO-mini's first deployment on the NEPTUNE network, the module recorded high-resolution imagery, temperature, iron (Fe) and oxygen on a hydrothermal assemblage at 2186 m depth at Main Endeavour Field (North East Pacific). 23 days of continuous imagery were analysed with an hourly frequency. Community dynamics were analysed in detail for Ridgeia piscesae tubeworms, Polynoidae, Pycnogonida and Buccinidae, documenting faunal variations, natural change and biotic interactions in the filmed tubeworm assemblage as well as links with the local environment. Semi-diurnal and diurnal periods were identified both in fauna and environment, revealing the influence of tidal cycles. Species interactions were described and distribution patterns were indicative of possible microhabitat preference. The importance of high-resolution frequencies (< 1 h) to fully comprehend rhythms in fauna and environment was emphasised, as well as the need for the development of automated or semi-automated imagery analysis tools.
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