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Mesophotic fishes of the Abrolhos Shelf, the largest reef ecosystem in the South Atlantic
Author(s) -
Simon T.,
Pinheiro H. T.,
Moura R. L.,
CarvalhoFilho A.,
Rocha L. A.,
Martins A. S.,
Mazzei E.,
FranciniFilho R. B.,
AmadoFilho G. M.,
Joyeux J.C.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/jfb.12967
Subject(s) - reef , coral reef , fishery , overfishing , biology , oceanography , endangered species , continental shelf , anthozoa , marine protected area , ecology , fish <actinopterygii> , habitat , geology
Fishes inhabiting rhodolith beds and reefs at mesophotic depths on the Abrolhos Shelf, which encompasses the largest and richest coral reef formation in the South Atlantic Ocean, were assessed through technical diving and remotely operated vehicles ( ROVs ). A total of 74 fish species were recorded, including at least one new species, one new record for the south‐western Atlantic and six new records for the Abrolhos region. Overfishing, mining and port activities are already threatening many endangered and commercially important species recorded on the mesophotic reefs of Abrolhos Shelf, and the establishment of marine protected areas and off‐reserve fisheries regulations are urgently needed.