During the 2022 expedition aboard the NGCC Amundsen, a research team investigated the ecological role of deep-sea cerianthid fields in Hebron Fjord, Nunatsiavut (Labrador, Canada). Hebron Fjordis an important area for Labrador Inuit because of its rich cultural history and its valuable hunting and fishing resources.
Cerianthids are tube-dwelling anemones that live in sediments from coastal waters to the deep ocean. Although they are recognized as a Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem indicator species, relatively little is known about how they influence marine ecosystems.
To better understand their role, the research team used the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) ASTRID to collect sediment samples from areas with and without cerianthid fields. They then examined the macrofauna living in the sediments, biodiversity, organic matter, and nutrient cycling.
The researchers found that areas associated with cerianthid fields support higher biodiversity and differences in community composition through sediment layers compared with nearby sites. They also observed differences in nutrient cycling. Besides, Organic matter decomposed more quickly within cerianthid fields, increasing the release of silicate from the sediment. By altering water flow and feeding, cerianthids may increase the amount of food reaching the seafloor, supporting more sediment-feeding polychaetes and other opportunistic species.
Overall, the study shows that cerianthid fields play an important role in macrofaunal community composition and ecosystem functioning. The authors emphasize that additional research is needed to better understand the influence of cerianthid fields across the North Atlantic and other ocean regions.
Overall, the study shows that cerianthid fields play an important role in shaping seafloor communities and ecosystem processes. The authors emphasize that additional research is needed to better understand the influence of cerianthid fields across the North Atlantic and other ocean regions.
