Benthic ecology of the northeastern Chukchi Sea. Part II. Spatial variation of megafaunal community structure, 2009–2010

Sources for spatial variability of benthic megafaunal communities in the northeastern Chukchi Sea are poorly documented and may include altered water circulation patterns, as noted for macrofauna. Spatial variability of megafauna was investigated by sampling with a plumb-staff beam trawl in three petroleum leases, the Klondike, Burger, and Statoil study areas, as part of a multi-disciplinary research program in the northeastern Chukchi Sea ecosystem. Trawling occurred during two sampling periods from 2009 and one in 2010 with a total of 81 trawls from 38 stations. A total of 99 discrete taxonomic categories were identified in 2009 and 2010 which were expanded to 239 taxa in the laboratory. Biomass in the three study areas ranged from ∼15,500 to ∼96,000 g 1000 m−2 and numerical density ranged from ∼8500 to ∼134,000 individuals 1000 m−2. Although the megabenthic species-assemblages in all three study areas were similar in composition, average biomass values were higher in Burger (ranging from ∼54,000 to ∼96,000 g 1000 m−2) where altered water circulation occurs, than in Klondike (ranging from ∼15,500 to ∼31,000 g 1000 m−2) or Statoil (∼15,000 g 1000 m−2). The brittle star Ophiura sarsi was the numerically dominant megafauna (70% of total biomass) followed by the snow crab Chionoecetes opilio (7% total biomass), as noted in prior investigations in the region. Biomass and density of benthic megafauna in this region reflected the high quantities of seasonal production reaching the benthos in the shallow waters of the Chukchi Sea. Differences in benthic communities among study areas were associated with variations in bottom-water temperature and latitude, and to a lesser extent, water depth and percent mud. We believe these associations arise from effects of topography on northward-flowing water, that create regions of slower currents, and consequently, higher organic deposition.