Research Document - 2012/114
Recent DFO (Newfoundland & Labrador Region) studies of the Grand Banks benthos at small and large spatial scales
By K. Gilkinson
Abstract
While acknowledged to be an important component of the Grand Banks ecosystem, our understanding of benthic communities on the Grand Banks is limited. In recent years, DFO NL has implemented sampling programs which sample benthos at large and small spatial scales over wide areas of the Grand Banks and Labrador Shelf. The DFO multispecies trawl surveys primarily provide information on large epifaunal benthos extending from the northern Labrador shelf to southern Grand Bank and from shallow shelf depths (~40 m) to deep continental slope areas (~ 1500 m). Preliminary observations on geographic trends in this dataset are discussed. As part of the NL NEREUS Ecosystem Research Initiative a benthic grab sampling program was designed and implemented during routine multispecies surveys. The benthic grab sampling program was developed to compliment other components of the NEREUS program. Objectives of the benthic program were to improve our understanding of benthic species assemblages and patterns of benthic biomass on the Grand Banks. Over the three-year period of the program (2008-2010), a total of 158 grab samples were collected and processed from 58 grab sample stations representing 25 survey strata and three NAFO Divisions (3LNO). Species assemblages and trophic composition characterizing grab sample sediment types are described. Benthic biomass recorded in the NEREUS program is compared with previous benthic grab sampling programs on the Grand Banks.
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