Recent trends and biases in mesophotic ecosystem research

Radice, VZ, Hernández-Agreda, A, Pérez-Rosales, G, Booker, R, Bellworthy, J, Broadribb, M, Carpenter, GE, Stevenson, A, Diaz, C and Eckert, RJ 2024 Recent trends and biases in mesophotic ecosystem research. Biology Letters. 10.1098/rsbl.2024.0465

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Abstract/Summary

Mesophotic ecosystems (approx. 30–150 m) represent a significant proportion of the world’s oceans yet have long remained understudied due to challenges in accessing these deeper depths. Owing to advances in underwater technologies and a growing scientific and management interest, there has been a major expansion in research of both (sub)tropical mesophotic coral ecosystems and temperate mesophotic ecosystems. Here, we characterize the recent global trends in mesophotic research through an updated release of the ‘mesophotic.org’ database (www.mesophotic.org) where we reviewed and catalogued 1500 scientific publications. In doing so, we shed light on four major research biases: a gross imbalance in (a) the geographical spread of research efforts, differences in (b) the focal depth range and (c) research fields associated with study organisms and research platforms, and (d) the lack of temporal studies. Overall, we are optimistic about the future of mesophotic research and hope that by highlighting current trends and imbalances, we can raise awareness and stimulate discussion on the future directions of this emerging field

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Opinion Piece
Additional Keywords:	mesophotic coral ecosystems, temperate mesophotic ecosystems, twilight zone, research biases, data repository, open access
Subjects:	Marine Sciences
Divisions:	Marine Biological Association of the UK > Coastal Ecology
Depositing User:	Ms Kristina Hixon
Date made live:	27 Jan 2025 09:13
Last Modified:	27 Jan 2025 09:13
URI:	https://plymsea.ac.uk/id/eprint/10358

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