Research Training Program

The deep-sea is a vast and largely unexplored environment. In the deep-sea surrounding the Antarctic continent the temperature is constantly below 0° C, and the pressure is immense. In this utterly black environment thousands of square kilometers are flat and nearly featureless, covered by little more than slowly settling debris from the sea surface miles above. Yet even in this hostile environment, a diverse fauna persists. This study investigates why different organisms choose to inhabit the areas they do. Use was made of a collection of in situ photographs to investigate the fauna of the continental slope and abyssal plain surrounding Antarctica. An attempt was made at understanding what factors influence habitat selection by fish in this seemingly homogeneous environment. Environmental variables were quantified including substrate type, features such as bumps and holes, and a number of common abyssal organisms. Comparison of these variables between areas where fish were and were not photographed showed which characteristics of the environment might influence organisms' habitat choices. Results indicated that fish prefer more diverse areas containing more rocks and substrate features. Fish prefer areas with more habitat heterogeneity because these environments provide more shelter and can support a more diverse fauna including potential prey items. A number of factors may influence this finding such as organisms present in the area, including other fishes, as well as many other non-visible factors. With further research and careful study, there is confidence that more specific environmental factors can be identified and their roles in fish habitat selection can be isolated. Knowing what makes fish choose their habitats gives a greater understanding of how not only deep-sea ecosystems in the Antarctic work, but in other regions as well.

This research was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates program, Award Number DBI-9820303

Letter of Gratitude