Cross-Shelf Habitat Suitability Modeling for Benthic Macrofauna

Publication Title: Cross-Shelf Habitat Suitability Modeling for Benthic Macrofauna

Subject: Marine Biodiversity
Marine Benthic Communities
assemblages; biogeography; classification; California; continental shelf; continental slope; Eastern Pacific; grain size; habitat characterization; Oregon; Pacific Northwest; unconsolidated sediment habitats

CSE Reference: Henkel SK, Gilbane L, Phillips AJ, Gillett DJ (Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR). 2020. Cross-shelf habitat suitability modeling for benthic macrofauna. Camarillo (CA): US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. 78 p. Obligation No.: M16AC00014. Report No.: OCS Study BOEM 2020-008. URL: https://espis.boem.gov/Final%20Reports/BOEM_2020-008.pdf

Abstract: This study developed maps of the modeled spatial distributions of deep-sea corals, sponges, and benthic macrofauna offshore of the continental US West Coast to 1,200 m depth. These maps can be used to inform planning for offshore energy development, conservation planning, and to guide future data collection efforts. Occurrence data for deep-sea corals, sponges, and macrofauna and spatial environmental predictors depicting seafloor topography, substrate, oceanography, and geography were used in statistical models to predict and map suitable habitat for 31 deep-sea coral taxa, 15 sponge taxa, and 43 macrofauna taxa. Maps identify areas where these organisms are more likely and less likely to occur, and this information can contribute to regional ocean planning efforts and assessments for offshore energy, ground fishing, conservation, and other activities potentially impacting benthic biota in deeper waters offshore of the US West Coast.