Functional diversity and fish community structure: depth and seasonal dynamics in the Canary current large marine ecosystem
Rbiai, O.; Bemis, K.E.; Badaoui, B.; Houssa, R.; Sbiba, S.E.; Bensbai, J.; Dridi, A.; Charouki, N.; Chlaida, M. (2025). Functional diversity and fish community structure: depth and seasonal dynamics in the Canary current large marine ecosystem. Biodivers. Conserv. 34(13): 4903-4927. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10531-025-03189-5
In: Biodiversity and Conservation. Kluwer Academic Publishers/Springer: London. ISSN 0960-3115; e-ISSN 1572-9710, more
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| Author keywords |
Trait composition · Functional trait · Marine fish biodiversity · Moroccan north Atlantic Ocean · CCLME |
| Authors | | Top |
- Rbiai, O.
- Bemis, K.E.
- Badaoui, B.
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- Houssa, R.
- Sbiba, S.E.
- Bensbai, J.
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- Dridi, A.
- Charouki, N.
- Chlaida, M.
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| Abstract |
Functional trait-based approaches are effective in understanding key mechanisms driving dynamics of biological communities and providing insights into potential impacts of climate change. However, these methods are still underused in the Moroccan North Atlantic Ocean. This region, part of the Canary Current large marine ecosystem, is characterized by a high abundance of fish resources. In this study, we derived six functional traits related to fish locomotion, habitat use, and life history functions using data from four scientific surveys. We analyzed changes in functional trait composition and functional diversity indices across a depth range of 20 to 650 m and between two seasons: autumn and winter. Our results showed that both depth and season were important factors driving shifts in functional diversity indices and trait composition of fish communities. Across depths, functional diversity indices were significantly higher at 50–150 m depth range, except for functional evenness, which remained consistent. On the other hand, functional trait composition varied significantly between all depths except between 150 and 300 m and 300–450 m. Seasonally, both functional diversity indices and trait composition varied between seasons only in shallow depths less than 300 m. This research underscores the necessity of accounting for spatio-temporal variations and integrating functional trait-based approaches for effective conservation and management strategies. Data from fisheries surveys can be an excellent resource for such spatio-temporal functional trait-based studies. |
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