Bennecke, Swaantje (2016) Deep-water corals: Studies of distribution, abundance and growth in a conservation area. (PhD/ Doctoral thesis), Christian-Albrechts-Universität, Kiel, X, 97 pp.

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Abstract

Deep-water corals can form structurally complex habitats that harbour diverse associated fauna. Although largely hidden from view, these habitats are susceptible to anthropogenic impacts such as fishing with bottom contacting gear. Over the past decades, scientific interest in deep-water corals has intensified and following the discovery of the extent of human impacts to these vulnerable ecosystems, multiple conservation areas have been established. To date, information on coral ecosystem recovery capacity and thus the effectiveness of conservation measures remain scarce. Insights on key ecological traits of deep-water corals can aid marine spatial planning and management of deep-water coral conservation areas. In this thesis, I studied distribution patterns as well as changes in growth and abundance of coral colonies over time in the Northeast Channel Coral Conservation Area (NECCCA) established at the entrance to the Gulf of Maine in 2002. Analyses were based on videos collected by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in 2001, 2006, 2010 and 2014. I evaluate the recovery potential of the two dominant coral species in the NECCCA and present how information on distribution, abundance and growth of corals can be used to inform marine spatial planning...

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