Articles | Volume 17, issue 7
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-17-1845-2020
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-17-1845-2020
Research article
 | 
07 Apr 2020
Research article |  | 07 Apr 2020

Unexpected high abyssal ophiuroid diversity in polymetallic nodule fields of the northeast Pacific Ocean and implications for conservation

Magdalini Christodoulou, Timothy O'Hara, Andrew F. Hugall, Sahar Khodami, Clara F. Rodrigues, Ana Hilario, Annemiek Vink, and Pedro Martinez Arbizu

Data sets

DS-CCZ1 M. Christodoulou, T. O'Hara, and P. Martinez Arbizu https://doi.org/10.5883/DS-CCZ1

DS-DEA1 M. Christodoulou, T. O'Hara, and P. Martinez Arbizu https://doi.org/10.5883/DS-DEA1

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Short summary
Unexpectedly high diversity was revealed in areas licenced for polymetallic nodule mining exploration in the Pacific Ocean. For the first time, a comprehensive reference library including 287 novel ophiuroid sequences allocated to 43 species was produced. Differences in food availability along the nodule province of CCZ were reflected in the biodiversity patterns observed. The APEI3's dissimilarity with the exploration contract areas questions its ability to serve as a biodiversity reservoir.
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