Publications des scientifiques de l'IRD

Proudfoot B., Devillers Rodolphe, Brown C. J., Edinger E., Copeland A. (2020). Seafloor mapping to support conservation planning in an ecologically unique fjord in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Journal of Coastal Conservation, 24 (3), 36 [17 p.]. ISSN 1400-0350.

Titre du document
Seafloor mapping to support conservation planning in an ecologically unique fjord in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Année de publication
2020
Type de document
Article référencé dans le Web of Science WOS:000537437900001
Auteurs
Proudfoot B., Devillers Rodolphe, Brown C. J., Edinger E., Copeland A.
Source
Journal of Coastal Conservation, 2020, 24 (3), 36 [17 p.] ISSN 1400-0350
As human impacts continue to threaten coastal habitats and ecosystems, marine benthic habitat and substrate mapping has become a key component of many conservation and management initiatives. Understanding the composition and extent of marine habitats can inform marine protected area (MPA) planning and monitoring, help identify vulnerable or rare habitats and support fisheries management. To support conservation planning in Eastern Canada, we mapped the seafloor of Newman Sound, identifying the benthoscape classes (i.e. discrete biophysical seafloor classes) of this ecologically diverse and unique fjord in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Mapping was achieved using multibeam echosounder (MBES) data collected using multiple platforms, seafloor videos and an unsupervised pixel-based classification method. Seven benthoscape classes were identified within the extent of the MBES coverages. Multivariate statistical analyses indicate that two benthoscape classes - mixed boulder and mud - support distinct epifaunal communities, and also capture the changes in benthic community composition between hard/shallow substrates and soft/deep substrates. Our results illustrate how benthoscape maps can inform marine spatial planning and conservation in the Newman Sound region, support monitoring and also calls for adaptive management of the adjacent Eastport MPA.
Plan de classement
Ecologie, systèmes aquatiques [036]
Description Géographique
CANADA ; TERRE NEUVE
Localisation
Fonds IRD [F B010078137]
Identifiant IRD
fdi:010078137
Contact