Improving models of covariation between marine communities and their habitats by incorporating pelagic features captured by coastal ocean observatories
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Palamara, Laura Jean. Improving models of covariation between marine communities and their habitats by incorporating pelagic features captured by coastal ocean observatories. Retrieved from https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T3HQ3Z6D
TitleImproving models of covariation between marine communities and their habitats by incorporating pelagic features captured by coastal ocean observatories
DescriptionFisheries habitats are spatially and temporally variable in the Mid-Atlantic Bight. Therefore, understanding how fisheries species respond to habitat change is important for developing effective management strategies. In this study, we use canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) to determine which habitat variables are most important in explaining variation in fish and invertebrate communities sampled using bottom trawls. Using partial CCA we also quantify the relative explanatory power of benthic factors, pelagic factors measured in situ, and pelagic factors measured remotely for describing species variability. Results show that pelagic habitat factors are as important as benthic habitat factors in determining species distributions, and that remote sensing can accurately represent many characteristics of fisheries habitats. Cross-shore and seasonal variation in environmental variables were the major predictors of fisheries habitats, accounting for 71.3% of the total explained community variation. We generated seasonal spatial maps for these key gradients and fit response curves for 6 species along each gradient. Future possibilities for fisheries management are discussed.