Colleges and Divisions

Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Previously the algal community of Cuban mesophotic coral reef ecosystems (MCEs) has not been characterized quantitatively. The objective of this study was to explore the distribution of macroalgae around Cuba and their depth profiles within the mesophotic zone (30−150 m). Data on the algal community were obtained in 2017 during 43 ROV (remotely operated vehicle) dives around Cuba’s shelf. Scientists specializing in algal taxonomy watched the live ROV video on board the ship and recorded algal presence every ~5—10 min in a database. Algae were identified to the lowest possible taxa, and algal presence/absence was analyzed in 20 m depth intervals between 30 and 150 m. Differences in algal composition among zones and depths were observed. Macroalgae were more diverse at shallower depths (30—69 m). Changes in algal composition were observed as depth increased to 89 m; at greater depths, no differences in algal composition were observed. The deepest algae were crustose forms of Chlorophyta and Rhodophyta, capable of capturing the low light levels reaching the bottom. Differences among geographical zones were observed, where the most algal categories (16—22) occurred in the southwest, northwest, and northcentral zones. The least number were in the southcentral zone (10 categories). In addition to their major role as primary producers, mesophotic macroalgae are no doubt important to structuring MCEs in Cuba and merit more study to better elucidate and quantify their multiple roles at these depths.

Publication Title

Gulf and Caribbean Research

DOI

10.18785/gcr.3601.5

Publication Date

2025

Keywords

Macroalgae, Chlorophyta, Rhodophyta, Phaeophyceae, Cyanobacteria

Comments

This expedition was conducted in support of the Joint Statement between the United States of America and the Republic of Cuba on Cooperation on Environmental Protection (24 November 2015) and the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. National Park Service, and Cuba’s National Center for Protected Areas. We give special thanks to C. Díaz Maza (former Director of the National Center of Protected Areas) and U. Fernández Gomez (International Relations Officer, Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment CITMA) for assistance in securing the necessary permits to conduct the expedition and for their hospitality and logistical support in Cuba. We thank also P. González Díaz, for organizing and leading the expedition for the Cuban partners. We thank the captain and crew of the University of Miami R/V F.G. Walton Smith and Mohawk ROV operators L. Horn and J. White, University of North Carolina at Wilmington Undersea Vehicle Program (UNCW—UVP), for their excellent work at sea during the expedition. The Mohawk ROV is owned by the NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries Foundation. This paper is Contribution Number 2389 from Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University. This research was supported by the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research under award number NA14OAR4320260 to the Cooperative Institute for Ocean Exploration, Research and Technology (CIOERT) at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute—Florida Atlantic University (HBOI—FAU), and by the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory under award number NA150AR4320064 to the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) at the University of Miami. It is with great sadness to report that co—author Dr. D. Hanisak passed away unexpectedly in 2024 after the manuscript was completed. This manuscript is dedicated to him.

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