Demographic indicators of change in a deposit-feeding abyssal holothurian community (Station M, 4000 m)

摘要: Abstract Holothurians are among the most abundant benthic megafauna at abyssal depths, and important consumers bioturbators of organic carbon on sea floor. Significant fluctuations in holothurian density often attributed to species-specific responses variable particulate flux (food supply) stemming from surface ocean events. We report changes densities 19 species monitoring site Station M northeast Pacific, recorded during 11 remotely operated vehicle surveys between Dec 2006 Oct 2014. Body size demographics presented for Abyssocucumis abyssorum, Synallactidae sp. 1, Paelopatides confundens , Elpidia A, Peniagone gracilis papillata vitrea Scotoplanes globosa . Densities were lower evenness was higher 2006–2009 compared 2011–2014. Food supply freshly-settled phytodetritus exceptionally high this latter period. Based relationships median body length density, numerous immigration juvenile recruitment events multiple appeared take place 2011 These patterns dominated by elpidiids (Holothuroidea: Elasipodida: Elpidiidae), which consistently increased a period food availability, while other groups showed inconsistent responses. considered minimum be proxy recruitment. Patterns clustered measure, stronger predictor maximum than mean length.