Variation in the structure of the deep-sea fish assemblages on Necker Island, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

Deep-sea fish assemblages on Necker Island, part of the UNESCO-listed Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, exhibit significant variability in abundance, diversity, and structure across different depths (200–700 m) and study sites. Research using 51,988 AUV photos identified 92 species, with notable peaks in richness at 350 m and 500 m, while dominance was highest at 250 m and 700 m. The NE slope showed the lowest abundance and richness. Assemblage structure correlated with environmental parameters like dissolved oxygen, salinity, and substrate type, highlighting natural variability independent of human impacts. These findings underscore the need to account for such variability in seamount ecological studies and conservation efforts.

Mejía-Mercado, B. E., Mundy, B., & Baco, A. R. (2019). Variation in the structure of the deep-sea fish assemblages on Necker Island, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers, 152, 103086. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2019.103086