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Identification and Characterization of Atlantic Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) Habitats with Bathymetric Data Supplemented with Seafloor Video Observations
  • Hayley Drennon,
  • Vicki Ferrini
Hayley Drennon
Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University

Corresponding Author:hdrennon@ldeo.columbia.edu

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Vicki Ferrini
Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University
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Abstract

The utilization of first-order information about seafloor morphology, derived from multibeam sonar data, has become common in the investigation of deep-sea benthic habitats. When combined with complementary datasets, these data can be used to study deep-sea coral ecosystems and predict environments that are favorable for fish spawning, larval nurseries, and juvenile fish habitats. The identification and protection of these environments is critical where biodiversity is vulnerable or unique in order to rehabilitate or maintain ecological communities and encourage higher fecundity. In August of 2019, the expedition Deep Connections: Exploring Atlantic Canyons and Seamounts was conducted to explore understudied deep-sea environments aboard the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer off the coast of the United States and Canada (EX1905L1 and EX1905L2). This expedition included multibeam mapping and seafloor exploration with a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). Observations from ROV dives include several fish species including multiple sightings of Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus), which is considered endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. Identifying and classifying the habitats where Atlantic halibut is observed would facilitate future endeavors of protection or rehabilitation. Spawning events are known to coincide with areas of increased seafloor slope associated with high energy systems such as canyons. Utilizing multibeam data included in the Global Multi-Resolution Topography (GMRT) Synthesis, we characterize canyons at the edges of George’s and Brown’s Banks based on morphology, roughness, and seafloor slope and aspect. We combine these data with observations of Atlantic halibut from ROV video to seek correlations that can be used to identify potential habitats. This information can be used to guide further exploration and characterization of the seafloor to better understand the spatial extent of Atlantic halibut habitat in the region.