MEPS 688:19-31 (2022)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14021

ABSTRACT: Using the non-invasive aquatic eddy covariance technique, we provide the first oxygen (O₂) uptake rates from within coral gardens at the Condor seamount (Azores). To explore some of the key drivers of the benthic O₂ demand, we obtained benthic images, quantified local hydrodynamics, and estimated phototrophic biomass and deposition dynamics with a long-term moored sediment trap. The coral gardens were dominated by the octocorals Viminella flagellum and Dentomuricea aff. meteor. Daily rates of O₂ uptake within 3 targeted coral garden sites (203 to 206 m depth) ranged from 10.0 ± 0.88 to 18.8 ± 2.0 mmol m^-2 d^-1 (mean ± SE) and were up to 10 times higher than 2 local sandy reference sites within the seamount summit area. The overall mean O₂ uptake rate for the garden (13.4 mmol m^-2 d^-1) was twice the global mean for sedimentary habitats at comparable depths. Combined with parallel ex situ incubations, the results suggest that the octocorals might contribute just ~5% of the observed O₂ uptake rates. Deposition of particulate organic matter (POM) assessed by the sediment trap accounted for less than 10% of the O₂ demand of the coral garden, implying a substantial POM supply circumventing the deployed traps. Our results expand the database for carbon turnover rates in cold-water coral habitats by including the first estimates from these largely understudied coral gardens.

KEY WORDS: Aquatic eddy covariance · Cold-water corals · Condor seamount · Community oxygen uptake · Viminella flagellum · Dentomuricea aff. meteor

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Cite this article as: Rovelli L, Carreiro-Silva M, Attard KM, Rakka M and others (2022) Benthic O2 uptake by coral gardens at the Condor seamount (Azores). Mar Ecol Prog Ser 688:19-31. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14021 Export citation Share:    Facebook - - linkedIn