Range Extension of Mesophotic Kelps (Ochrophyta: Laminariales and Tilopteridales) in the Central North Atlantic: Opportunities for Marine Forest Research and Conservation
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Date | 2021-08 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Language | English | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Author(s) | Tempera Fernando1, 2, Milla‐figueras David1, 3, Sinde‐mano Ana Luísa1, Atchoi Elizabeth3, Afonso Pedro1, 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Affiliation(s) | 1 : IMAR‐ Institute of Marine Research University of the Azores Rua Prof. Dr. Frederico Machado, 4 PT 9901‐862 Horta Azores, Portugal 2 : IFREMER RBE/STH/LBH, Centre de Bretagne Z. I. de la Pointe du Diable CS 10070, 29280 Plouzané ,France 3 : Okeanos‐UAç R&D center University of the Azores PT 9901‐862 Horta Azores, Portugal |
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Source | Journal Of Phycology (0022-3646) (Wiley), 2021-08 , Vol. 57 , N. 4 , P. 1140-1150 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DOI | 10.1111/jpy.13162 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WOS© Times Cited | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Keyword(s) | associated biota, Azores, deep water, kelp, Laminaria ochroleuca, marine forests, Phyllariopsis brevipes subsp, brevipes, range extension | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Abstract | Kelp was first recorded for the remote warm‐temperate Azores archipelago (central North Atlantic) as late as 1971, when a few Laminaria specimens were collected on the Formigas Bank at depths beyond conventional SCUBA diving reach. A shortage of technical means and projects targeting mesophotic environments has since kept this offshore marine protected area as the single known kelp occurrence site. Here, we present new kelp records collected on previously unexplored mesophotic reefs using remote imaging systems, open and closed‐circuit SCUBA diving and fisheries by‐catch information. The new data extends the known distribution range of kelp in the Azores 350 km to the west and 25 km to the southwest, henceforth including several island shelves in eastern and central Azores. In addition to the previously recorded Laminaria ochroleuca, kelp specimens with a morphology akin to Phyllariopsis brevipes subsp. brevipes are also reported. For the first time, seabed imagery is used to document the depth‐wise diversity of the Azores kelp beds and their associated biota. Our findings emphasize the poor knowledge that persists in regard to Macaronesia’s mesophotic environments located beyond conventional SCUBA diving limits. The new on‐shelf kelp occurrences add conservation value to coastal areas and should facilitate island‐based research. However, their greater proximity to land‐based impacts and exposure to climate change also raise management needs. |
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