CenSeam Synthesis Plan May 2008
CenSeam Synthesis Plan
May 2008
I.
Broad overarching synthesis themes and project outcome
The CenSeam field project commenced in 2005, identifying several priority research
themes which, during phase I (2005 – 2007), were focused, refined and further developed
through the work of a community workshop, committee meetings, and the Data Analysis
Working Group (DAWG). Entering into Phase II (2007 – 2009) two overarching priority
themes were defined, and more focused key questions formulated which will enable the
program to deliver more tractable and tangible outcomes (Table 1). Ultimately, the
CenSeam science community expects to make a significant contribution towards reshaping the reigning scientific paradigms for seamounts.
The two broad overarching synthesis themes are:
Theme 1: What factors drive community composition and diversity on seamounts,
including any differences between seamounts and other habitat types?
Theme 2: What are the impacts of human activities on seamount community structure
and function?
Whilst addressing the following questions CenSeam researchers will examine various
general ecological theories, for example, the theory of island biogeography and the
diversity-habitat heterogeneity hypothesis. In addition, hypotheses that have been
formulated with specific reference to seamounts will also be tested, e.g. the ‘oases of
productivity’ and ‘biodiversity hotspot’ hypotheses.
[Note: This synthesis document considers only those activities that remain to be
completed, not those which have been achieved already or are well underway towards
completion.]
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CenSeam Synthesis Plan May 2008
Table 1: CenSeam Science Questions
Question/dataset
Responsible persons
Update
Theme 1 question (a) Does community composition and diversity differ between
seamounts (and comparable slopes) in different regions, and what environmental factors
cause large-scale geographic patterns?
The distribution of the Derek Tittensor, Alex
Finish compiling database and
coral group
Rogers, Amy Bacoenvironmental data layers. Run
Octocorallia (global
Taylor, Juan Sanchez,
habitat suitability models.
scale). Also a number Michelle Taylor, and
Additional analyses.
of other spin-off
others as required.
studies (at different
spatial scales,
assemblage
composition etc).
A comparison of the
Derek Tittensor, Alex
Will include at least two coral
distribution of multiple Rogers, Amy Bacogroups, but may include more
coral groups (global
Taylor, Juan Sanchez,
(dependent on data availability).
scale).
Michelle Taylor.
The distribution of the Shane Ahyong, Keiji
Evaluate COMARGE compiled
squat lobsters Baba, Enrique
records, move to suitable database.
Galatheoidea (global
Macpherson, Gary
Compile environmental data layers.
scale). Also a number Poore, and colleagues
Run various analyses including
of other spin-off
from the COMARGE
habitat suitability models.
studies (at different
squat lobster team in
spatial scales,
association with Tim
assemblage
O’Hara, Ashley
composition etc).
Rowden, and Thomas
Schlacher of CenSeam.
The distribution of fish Malcolm Clark and
Requires data compilation effort.
on seamounts (global
Alan Williams.
scale), and on
seamounts and slope
(regional scale only).
Distribution of
CenSeam DAWG.
Number of taxa included in analysis
multiple taxa (global
depends on success of above data
scale).
compilations/analyes.
Distribution of
Marc Eleume and Tim Finish data reconciliation. Undertake
Asteroidea in SW
O’Hara.
analyses.
Pacific.
(b) How important are differences in dispersal capabilities in producing spatial
differences in species composition of the seamount?
Distribution analysis
Tim O’Hara.
This depends on the success of
of multiple taxa to
compiling sufficient data for
compare groups with
different taxa under question (a).
different dispersal
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CenSeam Synthesis Plan May 2008
strategies.
Connectivity of coral
populations in SW
Pacific (genetics).
Review of dispersal
strategies of seamount
fauna in NZ region.
Karen Miller.
Requires inclusion of new data
(under previous minigrant) and
samples from latest voyages.
Update list since last version and
redraft accompanying text.
Darren Stevens with
CenSeam members
Ashley Rowden,
Malcolm Clark and
Mireille Consalvey.
(c) What environmental factors (e.g. hydrodynamic regimes, substrate age and type)
cause differences in diversity and species composition of the seamount fauna at the scale
of individual seamounts?
Within seamount
Alan Williams, Thomas Use of image & multibeam data.
faunal distribution
Schlacher.
Some images & multibeam require
patterns for Australian
further analysis.
seamounts.
Within seamount
Malcolm Clark and
Use of image & multibeam data.
faunal distribution
Ashley Rowden.
Some images & multibeam require
patterns for New
further analysis.
Zealand seamounts.
(d) Are seamounts centers of high biological productivity (as reflected in
abundance/biomass)?
Abundance and
Alan Williams and
Further image analysis required to
biomass of
Thomas Schlacher in
capture additional variables (e.g.
invertebrate fauna on
association with
length, area etc) to calculate biomass
SE Australia
CSIRO colleagues.
Extra analysis of slope images.
seamounts and slope.
(e) Are seamount ecosystems characterized by unique trophic architecture?
The trophic structure
Thomas Schlacher.
This represents an update of
of benthic fauna on
previous work.
seamounts of the
Norfolk Ridge
(possibility to extend
to non-benthic fauna).
Theme 2, question (a) How vulnerable are seamounts to bottom fishing?
The vulnerability of
Derek Tittensor and
Need to refine methodologies to
the coral groups
Malcolm Clark.
define ‘overlap’, and compile
Scleractinia and
improved fishing data.
Octocorallia to bottom
trawling (global scale,
with possibility of
more detailed regional
study).
The vulnerability of
Derek Tittensor and
Depends of the availability of
other taxonomic
Malcolm Clark.
suitable taxonomic data (e.g.
groups to bottom
Galatheoidea).
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CenSeam Synthesis Plan May 2008
fishing.
(b) What are the threats posed by non-trawl fishing (e.g. longlining) activities?
The vulnerability of
Derek Tittensor and
Depends on access to good long-line
the coral groups
Malcolm Clark.
data.
Scleractinia and
Octocorallia to
longlining (regional
scale, with possibility
of global scale)
(c) What are the likely effects of mining on seamount communities?
Faunal assemblages of Amy BacoISA contracted study. Probably
Co-rich crust habitat in Taylor,Chris Kelley,
requires some value-added work on
Central Pacific.
and Malcolm Clark.
non-Co-rich crust data.
(d) How resilient are seamount communities likely to be to human-induced disturbance?
Review data that
Alan Williams, Thomas Dependent on outputs from other
relates to recovery of
Schlacher, and
studies (some non-CenSeam)
fauna to disturbance
Malcolm Clark
by fishing (small scale
and larger scale
studies)
(e) What is likely influence of climate change on coral distribution of deep-sea habitats
(including seamounts)?
The influence of
Derek Tittensor and
Need to obtain the latest IPCC
climate change on the Alex Rogers.
predictions and incorporate into the
distribution of the
environmental data layers.
coral groups
Scleractinia and
Octocorallia
As work is completed for the questions presented above there may be opportunity to
expand the studies to address further, or subsidiary, questions e.g. what is the relationship
between local and regional diversity? Such questions will be given further consideration
by CenSeam researchers Thomas Schlacher, Tim O’Hara and Derek Tittensor (also
FMAP).
II. Synthesis management structure
Within CenSeam two persons are nominated as synthesis contacts: Ashley Rowden and
Mireille Consalvey.
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CenSeam Synthesis Plan May 2008
Table 2: CenSeam Synthesis Management Team
Name
Ashley Rowden
Malcolm Clark
Karen Stocks
Mireille Consalvey
Contact
a.rowden@niwa.co.nz
Responsibilities
Main synthesis contact
CenSeam Principle Investigator
DAWG facilitator
m.clark@niwa.co.nz
CenSeam Principle Investigator
DAWG, SWG
kstocks@sdsc.edu
CenSeam Principle Investigator
SeamountsOnline database manager
DAWG
m.consalvey@niwa.co.nz CenSeam Project Coordinator
Education and Outreach
In addition, members of the DAWG and wider CenSeam community associated with
synthesis analysis and write up tasks are detailed in Table 1.
III. CenSeam Contribution to Census of Marine Life Synthesis Volume
In December 2009 CenSeam will submit a chapter contribution to the Census of Marine
Life Synthesis volume. It is intended that our Chapter will follow on from a planned
review paper in the Annual Review of Marine Science (lead author Malcolm Clark). The
review will identify specific major gaps in our knowledge, and make some comment as to
where seamount research needs to head in the next decade. New questions will arise, and
the paper will be able to provide some guidance in where and how to focus efforts.
Therefore the chapter will be able to capitalise on the discussions and development of the
review paper by outlining the research required to break the barriers to knowledge and
the highlight the methodologies and technologies that will assist in moving from the
unknown to the known. A preliminary outline is presented below. This will be further
refined and developed at subsequent CenSeam workshops and meetings.
CenSeam Chapter
1. The Known
 What are seamounts and where are they found
 A history of seamount research at the global scale
 Key issues for seamount ecosystems
2. From Unknown to Known (2000-2010)
A brief history of seamount research 2005 – 2010: challenging paradigms
 Major gaps in seamount sampling and research endeavours towards closing gaps
e.g. expansion in seamount sampling coverage and mining of historical data
 Increased understanding of seamount ecosystems relating to core CenSeam
science themes
 Knowledge transfer and ramifications: to science and to stakeholders
 Moving beyond 2010: emerging issues and new questions
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CenSeam Synthesis Plan May 2008
3. The Currently Unknown
 Core science questions that have not been answered – linking to (2)
 Biology of seamount species e.g. growth rates, age, dispersal methods
 Species new to science
4. How can we move from unknowable to knowable?
 What is the unknowable? What are current limits to seamount knowledge?
 Why we need to push the limits (what we stand to learn and why we cannot afford
to accept the unknowable)
 Ideas to move the goalposts (dream cruises or technology, etc.)
 Blueprint for the future (beyond 2010)
5. Conclusions – major findings and major gaps, how to move forward?
 New seamount paradigms e.g. are seamounts oases in the oceans? are seamount
ecosystems unique?
 Where to now – a map for future sampling effort
 Seamounts in the future: potential impacts etc
 Future of seamount sampling: a practical evaluation of how to move forwards
post-CenSeam
Approx. 6000 words.
IV. Within-CenSeam synthesis plan
For scientific audiences
Scientific papers
(1) Review Paper
Scope: A multi-authored review paper for the Annual Review of Marine Science
(invited). The paper will review published literature (including early CenSeam-related
efforts of Samadi et al, O’Hara, Hall-Spencer et al, and Seamount Book) as well as the in
press literature to provide a ‘state of the nation’ synthesis.
Lead: Malcolm Clark will be the lead author and thus responsible for
writing/collating/editing the text and for submitting the review on time.
Submission: April 2009.
(2) Special edition of journal
Scope: A special seamount issue containing up to 15 ‘challenging the paradigm’ papers
that will shape the new seamount paradigms, including an introductory chapter by the
guest editors, and a final synthesis chapter by the CenSeam Principle Investigators and
the Steering Committee. Talks are ongoing with the target journal Marine Ecology.
Responsible persons: The special issue will be jointly edited by Ashley Rowden and
Thomas Schlacher as guest editors.
Submission: Mid-2009 following a Special Issue Workshop March 2009 (location TBC).
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CenSeam Synthesis Plan May 2008
(3) Review Paper
Scope: A multi-authored review paper for a journal (to be decided based on results and
author preference). The paper will be more focused than (1) - reviewing published
literature (including the early (Seamount Book) and most recent (Special edition)
CenSeam-related efforts as well as the in press literature to provide a ‘state of the nation’
synthesis of the human impacts on benthic fauna of seamounts (probably focussing on
deep-sea coral).
Responsible persons: Derek Tittensor and Malcolm Clark.
Submission: 2010.
All three papers will be major outputs for the 2010 finale.
Workshops
(4) DAWG Synthesis work shop and initiation of Octocoral analysis
Who: DAWG members (including Derek Tittensor of FMAP).
When: mid May 2008.
Where: Queensland, Australia.
Funding: CenSeam.
Outcome: The work will contribute towards the PhD thesis of Michelle Taylor, and upon
completion will be published in the primary literature. A number of publications are
expected with different lead authors.
(5) Co-rich crusts on seamounts workshops
Who: Co-crust project team and any from DAWG as required.
When: No later than May 2009.
Where: Kingston, Jamaica (International Seabed Authority - ISA).
Funding: ISA.
Outcome: Report and data to the International Seabed Authority (provisional list of
species found at crusts and non-crusts, locations and representative image) and
development of relevant publications.
(6) Image Analysis Workshop and linked workshop on data analysis of Australian
and NZ data
Who: Interested parties from wider seamount/deep-sea community as well as members
of the DAWG and SWG.
When: TBD (potentially April 2009).
Where: Monteray Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI).
Funding: CenSeam.
Outcome: Participants will be more confident in consistently assigning identifications to
the featured taxonomic groups, including fish, corals, sponges, anemones, asteroids,
holothuroids, echinoids and may include select groups of gastropods, bivalves,
cephalopds, miscellaneous worms, crustaceans, crinoids and ophiuroids. The workshop
will facilitate a greater level of standardisation across the image anaylsis community and
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CenSeam Synthesis Plan May 2008
will further serve as a test bed for future workshops on particular taxonomic groups and
specific habitats.
For Public Audiences
(1) Expansion of MAR-ECO Deeper than Light Exhibition
Aim: To develop the successful MAR-ECO exhibition to incorporate all CoML deep-sea
projects through the Deep Sea Education and Outreach team (DESEO). The new module
will set the deep sea in a wider global context as well as highlight some of the recent and
exciting census discoveries.
Lead contact: Mireille Consalvey.
Date: January 2009.
Funding: CenSeam.
(2) Expansion of CenSeam website
Aim: To expand the CenSeam website for a public audience providing general
information on seamount ecosystems through posters, leaflets, creature feature cards and
video clips as well as some fun activities e.g. deep-sea origami.
Lead contact: Mireille Consalvey.
Date: Ongoing.
Funding: CenSeam.
In particular the expanded MAR-ECO exhibition - encompassing all 5 Census deep-sea
field programmes (under the DESEO umbrella) - will be a major event at the 2010 finale.
For Stakeholders and Policy Audiences
(1) Impact of fisheries on seamount ecosystems
Aim: To describe and quantify the nature and extent of fishing activities on seamounts
Lead: Malcolm Clark (NIWA) and Alan Williams (CSIRO).
Progress: There is ongoing review of seamount fisheries globally, and fishing impacts
building on chapters published in Blackwells Seamount Book (Pitcher et al. 2007). There
is liaison between New Zealand and Australian seamount research projects to give a
regional dataset on fishing impacts and “recovery” of benthic fauna. CenSeam
researchers will attend and present this research at the 5th World Fisheries Congress in
2008 (Seamount session) and then publish in the planned CenSeam special issue.
Outcome: Improved understanding of the impacts of fishing activities, and means of
reducing impacts are identified.
(2) Impact of mining on seamount ecosystems
Aim: To describe the nature and extent of mining activities on seamounts.
Lead: Malcolm Clark and Amy Baco-Taylor.
Progress: Following from a CenSeam workshop hosted by the ISA in 2006, the ISA is
supporting research in 2008-09 on the biodiversity of Cobalt-rich seamount crusts in the
central northern Pacific Ocean. A workshop will be held at the ISA in 2009 to review this
work and develop plans to manage exploratory mining activities.
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CenSeam Synthesis Plan May 2008
Outcome: Improved understanding of the impacts of mining activities, and means of
reducing impacts are identified.
(3) Impact of climate change on seamount ecosystems
Aim: To describe the nature and extent of changes potentially due to climate change on
seamounts
Lead: Derek Tittensor (Dalhousie) and Alex Rogers (IZL).
Progress: Predictive modeling of habitat suitability for stony corals was completed and
published by UNEP (Clark et al. 2007), and further work to refine that analysis, and
extend to octocorals, is underway. This work will be discussed at the DeepSea Corals
conference in December 2009.
Outcome: Improved understanding of the impacts of climate change, and means of
ameliorating such changes.
(4) Management of exploitation of seamount resources
Aim: To provide information and advice to stakeholders and policy agencies on the
sustainable management of biological and geological resources of seamounts.
Lead: Malcolm Clark (NIWA) and Gui Menezes (University of the Azores).
Progress: CenSeam has previously provided information to the UNGA, and workshops
hosted by FAO on the development of guidelines for fishing on the high seas (2006,
2007, ongoing). A report has recently been published by IUCN on scientific background
to these guidelines (Rogers et al. 2008), and CenSeam has ongoing input to the South
Pacific RFMO on vulnerable marine ecosystems and the development of benthic
assessment standards. Several reports are due from this in 2008.
Outcome: Protocols and regulations are in place to manage the effects of human
activities on seamounts (fishing and mining in particular)
(5) Conservation of seamount ecosystems
Aim: To provide information and advice on measures necessary to conserve biodiversity
on seamounts.
Lead: Malcolm Clark (NIWA) and Alex Rogers (IZL).
Progress: A PEW-funded workshop to further develop a seamount MPA design
(initiated at a PEW-ISA workshop in November 2007) is to be held in May 2008. This
will continue into 2009 and will be presented at the International Marine Conservation
Congress in May 2009. CenSeam researchers are involved in the recent work (the
“GOODS” report) on global biogeographical patterns (including benthic biodiversity on
seamounts). This work is continuing in association with the GeoHab 2008 conference.
Outcome: Improved design of global seamount MPAs to maximize efficacy of
conservation networks.
V. Cross-project syntheses
CenSeam-linked researchers have been identified as potential contacts for CoML cross
project synthesis activities (Table 3). The main activity as identified by CenSeam is
participation in SYNDEEP. Within CenSeam two options for the level of participation
within SYNDEEP have been identified, either a minimal attendance (1 person – Ashley
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CenSeam Synthesis Plan May 2008
Rowden) or, if adequate funding achieved a larger party (Ashley Rowden with Thomas
Schlacher, Karen Stocks, Derek Tittensor, and Alan Williams)
In addition to the activities identified by CoML, CenSeam is also linking with other field
projects e.g. participation in a COMARGE workshop on habitat heterogeneity
recognizing linkages between seamount and slope habitats. CenSeam researchers have
also established links with the COMARGE regards developing an analysis of slope
versus seamount habitat for galatheoids.
Table 3. CenSeam participation in CoML Synthesis Topics
NB: Not all suggested participation has been confirmed.
Type of Product
Invited Leader
Diversity Topics
1. A complete list of named species. Edward Vanden
Berghe.
2. Marine species pages for 230,000
Edward Vanden
species.
Berghe.
3. Barcodes for 50,000+ species
Dirk Steinke,
covering broad taxonomic range.
Ann Bucklin,
Nancy Knowlton.
5. Estimates of unknown species.
Derek Tittensor,
Edward Vanden
Berghe.
6. Trends in diversity past to future.
Heike Lotze,
Boris Worm,
Camilo Mora.
Distribution Topics
7. Range maps for 80,000+ species.
Edward Vanden
Berghe,
Pat Halpin.
8. New global biogeography(ies),
Mark Costello,
zonation, (communities/biomes).
Pat Halpin,
Paul Snelgrove.
10. Geography of biodiversity
Boris Worm,
hotspots (and coldspots). MERGED
Barbara Block,
WITH UNKNOWN SPECIES.
Pat Halpin.
12. Relationship of community types, Roland Pitcher,
diversity or species distribution to
Peter Lawton.
habitat.
Abundance Topics
13. Fresh estimates of biomass by
Elva Escobar,
trophic and/or species levels in all
Gilbert Rowe.
realms.
Funding
CenSeam
contacts
OBIS.
Tim O’Hara.
OBIS.
Tim O’Hara.
BOLD.
Tim Shank.
Synthesis
Group.
Tim O’Hara.
FMAP.
Derek Tittensor.
M & V,
Synthesis
Group.
Synthesis
Group
Karen Stocks.
Synthesis
Group
Tim O’Hara
Synthesis
Group.
Ashley Rowden
Synthesis
Group
Alan
Williams/Thomas
Schlacher.
Tim O’Hara
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CenSeam Synthesis Plan May 2008
Type of Product
14. Fresh estimate of changes in size
distribution of animals.
Invited Leader
Funding
CenSeam
contacts
Boris Worm.
Synthesis TBD
Group,
FMAP
Cross cutting Topics: Diversity and Distribution and Abundance
15. Oceans past and present as
Synthesis
No leader
precursors for Oceans Future (both
Group.
identified.
worse and better).
16. The “roles of the rare.” – what
Mitch Sogin.
Synthesis Karen Stocks.
rare species do.
Group.
17. “Deeper than light” – life where
Eva RamirezSynthesis Ashley Rowden.
sunlight is absent. Aka SYNDEEP.
Llodra.
Group.
18. “Changing Oceans” – relative
Boris Worm,
FMAP.
Malcolm Clark.
role of fisheries, habitat change,
Camilo Mora.
climate variability etc.
19. Estimates of what has been lost
Synthesis
No leader
or might be lost soon.
Group.
identified.
20. Census technologies for a
Ed Urban.
SCOR
Alex Rogers.
“transparent ocean”.
technolog
y panel.
VI . Visualization outputs for CenSeam
For COML-wide plans for data visualization CenSeam has identified Mireille Consalvey
(public) and Karen Stocks (science) as the points of contact.
At the time of writing


Karen Stocks is road testing the beta version of SeamountsOnline and future
developments within SeamountsOnline may utilise the COML visualisation team.
We are awaiting feedback on the suggested visualization output for CenSeam
which was to develop an animation of a seamount e.g. a "day in the life" perhaps
showing factors such as:
1) vertical migrations of the plankton with day/night
2) current movements e.g. trapping plankton
3) taylor columns
4) sporadic visitors e.g. whales, fish, fishing boats etc
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CenSeam Synthesis Plan May 2008
VII . Synthesis Timelines/milestones for deliverables
Dates
12-14 May 2008.
15-16 May 2008.
8 – 12 September 2008.
13 – 15 September 2008.
Items
2008
DAWG Synthesis Planning
workshop.
Octocoral analysis
workshop.
COMARGE workshop on
Habitat Heterogeneity.
SYNDEEP.
October 2008.
Visualisation and Mapping
Workshop.
October 2008.
World Fisheries
Conference.
SYNDEEP 2.
WCMB (Chess/CenSeam
session).
SSC meeting after WCMB.
8 November 2008 (TBC).
11 – 15 November 2008.
16 and 17 November.
December 2008.
January 2009.
1 – 5 February 2009.
March 2009.
April 2009 (date not final).
May 2009.
20 – 24 May 2009.
August 2009.
Deep-Sea Coral Meeting,
(Seamounts session).
2009
New Deeper than Light
exhibition unveiled
encompassing CenSeam
contribution.
CoML Synthesis workshop,
Queen Mary.
Final CenSeam Workshop
for Special Issue.
Image Analysis Workshop,
incorporating SWG
meeting.
Co-Crust workshop.
International Marine
Conservation Congress.
Draft cross-project
syntheses, inc SYNDEEP.
Contacts
DAWG.
Derek Tittensor.
Ashley Rowden and Alan
Williams.
Ashley Rowden, Alan
Williams, Thomas
Schlacher, Karen, Derek
Fernando Tempera, Mireille
Consalvey and Karen
Stocks.
Malcolm Clark and Alan
Williams.
As above.
Tim Shank.
Malcolm Clark, Ashley
Rowden, Karen Stocks.
Malcolm Clark.
Mireille Consalvey
Mireille Consalvey
Guest Editor of Special
Issue (TBC)
Thomas Schlacher
Amy Baco-Taylor
Malcolm Clark
Malcolm Clark, Ashley
Rowden, Karen Stocks
Draft version of CenSeam
project synthesis for book
chapter.
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CenSeam Synthesis Plan May 2008
September 2009.
September 2009.
Deep-Sea Biology Meeting.
CenSeam SC meeting.
November 2009
Update on project
methodologies to CoML.
Final versions of all cross
project synthesis products
(including SYNDEEP).
Final version of CenSeam
project synthesis for book
chapter.
National Geographic Maps.
December 2009
December 2009
TBC
March 2010
September 2010
October 2010
2010
Final CenSeam SC
Meeting.
Special Edition published.
Grand Finale.
Baban Ingole
Malcolm Clark, Ashley
Rowden, Karen Stocks
Malcolm Clark, Ashley
Rowden, Karen Stocks
Malcolm Clark, Ashley
Rowden, Karen Stocks
Malcolm Clark, Ashley
Rowden, Karen Stocks
Mireille Consalvey and
Karen Stocks
Malcolm Clark, Ashley
Rowden, Karen Stocks
Guest Editor TBC
Malcolm Clark, Ashley
Rowden, Karen Stocks
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