This research topic will establish the current state of mesopelagic communities in the North Atlantic. The topic makes up work package 4 of the MEESO project.
Objectives
This work package will establish the current state (biomass, productivity, diversity, trophic position and role in carbon vertical flux) of mesopelagic communities in the North Atlantic. The work package focuses on potential fishing areas and use of mesopelagic resources in the human food chain.
Specific objectives
- Map the distribution, biomass and diversity of the mesopelagic ecosystem relative to oceanographic conditions, and to identify potential hot spots for fisheries.
- Determine vital rates, and define major food web structure of the mesopelagic ecosystem and its role in carbon sequestration.
- Establish ecological relationships between the distribution of mesopelagic communities and lower (i.e. primary productivity) and higher (e.g. cetaceans, seabirds) trophic levels.
Learn more
Learn about the tasks of work package 4