Journal
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
Volume 578, Issue -, Pages 19-33Publisher
INTER-RESEARCH
DOI: 10.3354/meps12231
Keywords
Stable-isotope analysis; Food web; Deep sea; Niche breadth; Slopes; Submarine canyon; US mid-Atlantic
Categories
Funding
- USGS
- Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) from CSA Ocean Sciences, Inc [M10PC00100]
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Examination of food webs and trophic niches provide insights into organisms' functional ecology, yet few studies have examined trophodynamics within submarine canyons, where the interaction of canyon morphology and oceanography influences habitat provision and food deposition. Using stable isotope analysis and Bayesian ellipses, we documented deep-sea food-web structure and trophic niches in Baltimore Canyon and the adjacent open slopes in the US Mid-Atlantic Region. Results revealed isotopically diverse feeding groups, comprising approximately 5 trophic levels. Regression analysis indicated that consumer isotope data are structured by habitat ( canyon vs. slope), feeding group, and depth. Benthic feeders were enriched in C-13 and N-15 relative to suspension feeders, consistent with consuming older, more refractory organic matter. In contrast, canyon suspension feeders had the largest and more distinct isotopic niche, indicating they consume an isotopically discrete food source, possibly fresher organic material. The wider isotopic niche observed for canyon consumers indicated the presence of feeding specialists and generalists. High dispersion in delta C-13 values for canyon consumers suggests that the isotopic composition of particulate organic matter changes, which is linked to depositional dynamics, resulting in discrete zones of organic matter accumulation or resuspension. Heterogeneity in habitat and food availability likely enhances trophic diversity in canyons. Given their abundance in the world's oceans, our results from Baltimore Canyon suggest that submarine canyons may represent important havens for trophic diversity.
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