Predicting potential distribution for cold-water coral based on GIS and MaxEnt

Cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa is the most common reef framework-forming species in the North Atlantic, which builds complex reef structures supporting a high diversity of benthic species. L. pertusa reef is vulnerable to anthropogenic impact. Mapping L. pertusa distribution is fundamental for resource management, but challenging given the typical remoteness of their habitat. In this study, we used MaxEnt to predict the potential distribution of L. pertusa at the Røst Reef on Norwegian margin, based on terrain variables at multiple scales (30, 90 and 170 m). MaxEnt performed well in each of the ten runs, and successfully predicted the potential distribution of L. pertusa at Røst Reef. The suitable habitat of L. pertusa was predicted to occur predominantly on the SW-NE running ridges. Jackknife tests indicated that the terrain variables mean curvature and plan curvature at scale 170 m were the most useful parameters in prediction when used in isolation. The ridge structures at Røst Reef are likely to play an important role in influencing the coral distribution by enhancing the bottom current, therefore beneficial for feeding of the species.