How a collaborative integrated taxonomic effort has trained new spongiologists and improved knowledge of Martinique Island (French Antilles, eastern Caribbean Sea) marine biodiversity

Abstract

Although sponges are important components of benthic ecosystems of the Caribbean Sea, their diversity remained poorly investigated in the Lesser Antilles. By organizing a training course in Martinique, we wanted both to promote taxonomy and to provide a first inventory of the sponge diversity on this island. The course was like a naturalist expedition, with a field laboratory and a classroom nearby. Early-career scientists and environmental managers were trained in sponge taxonomy. We gathered unpublished data and conducted an inventory at 13 coastal sites. We explored only shallow water habitats (0–30 m), such as mangroves, reefs or rocky bottoms and underwater caves. According to this study, the sponge fauna of Martinique is currently represented by a minimum of 191 species, 134 of which we could assign species names. One third of the remaining non-identified sponge species we consider to be new to science. Martinique appears very remarkable because of its littoral marine fauna harboring sponge aggregations with high biomass and species diversity dominating over coral species. In mangroves, sponges cover about 10% of the surface of subtidal roots. Several submarine caves are true reservoirs of hidden and insufficiently described sponge diversity. Thanks to this new collaborative effort, the Eastern Caribbean has gained a significant increase of knowledge, with sponge diversity of this area potentially representing 40% of the total in the Caribbean Sea. We thus demonstrated the importance of developing exploratory and educational research in areas historically devoid of biodiversity inventories and systematics studies. Finally, we believe in the necessity to consider not only the number of species but their distribution in space to evaluate their putative contribution to ecosystem services and our willingness to preserve them.

Identification of marine key areas across the Caribbean to ensure the conservation of the critically endangered hawksbill turtle

“…The observed depth variation could suggest an opportunistically foraging behavior (Walcott et al, 2013;Van Dam and Diez, 1996). Such hypothesis is reinforced by a recent study revealing high sponge biomass and species diversity, particularly along the Caribbean side of Martinique Island (Pérez et al, 2017). The interpretation of our results is however limited by the sample size (n = 1) and the short tracking duration on the inter-nesting habitat.…”

“…Inferences on foraging ecology of hawksbill turtles are limited by the lack of studies on hawksbill diet in the region. However, sponges usually dominate both in terms of biomass and diversity at shallow depths (0-30 m; Pérez et al, 2017), possibly due to the greater availability of light (Pawlik et al, 2013). Despite the actual lack of literature on the distribution of sponges in Martinique waters, the depths reached by both the juveniles and the males tracked in Martinique may match the presence of this resource.…”

Fish, Coral, and Sponge Assemblages Associated With Altiphotic and Mesophotic Reefs Along the Guánica Biosphere Reserve Continental Shelf Edge, Southwest Puerto Rico

“…Comparison of overall species richness along Guánica's altiphotic and mesophotic reefs remained relatively similar across both depths, with 60 species at 20 m, and 54 species at 45 m, accounting for 63.0% species overlap (Figure 8; Table 5). The total number of species (71) found across Guánica's altiphotic and mesophotic reefs reflects the general trend of sponge diversity within other regions in the Caribbean (e.g., van Soest, 1978;Hajdu and Rützler, 1998;Alcolado, 2002;Diaz and Rützler, 2009;Thacker et al, 2010;Valderrama and Zea, 2013;Villamizar et al, 2013;Loh and Pawlik, 2014;Pérez et al, 2017;Cóndor-Luján et al, 2018). However, additional detailed surveys and exploratory dives targeting specific groups, such as calcareans (Fontana et al, 2018;JEGH unpubl.…”

Peer Review #1 of "Molecular and morphological congruence of three new cryptic Neopetrosia spp. in the Caribbean (v0.1)"

“…Habitat and ecology. This species is found living from shallow rocky shores and reefs, to deep reef habitats in a variety of wave-exposures (Zea 1987; also, in caves (Pérez et al 2017). Specimens UF 3858 and UF were collected in a highly exposed reef (Dolphin Rock) with strong wave energy, while specimen UF 3856 was collected inside Almirante Bay (Punta Caracol) with very low wave exposure.…”

“…Bahamas (Zea et al 2014). Caribbean: Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Martinique, Barbados, Panamá, Colombia, Belize, (Zea, 1987, Van Soest & Stentoft 1988, Lehnert & van Soest 1996Rützler et al 2000, Díaz 2005, Collin et al 2005, Pérez et al 2017. Guyana (Van Soest 2017).…”