Thesis Defense: Exploring Benthic Biodiversity using Underwater Imagery in Melville Bay, Greenland

In the coming weeks, UW master's students will defend their theses. The subjects are varied and the students are from both master's programs, Coastal Marine Management and Coastal Communities and Regional Development. The defenses are accessible to everyone through zoom links but they are also open to the public, at the University Centre of the Westfjords in Ísafjörður.

Student: Orla Mallon
Date & time: September 11th at 13:00
Thesis title: Exploring Benthic Biodiversity using Underwater Imagery in Melville Bay, Greenland
Program: Coastal Marine Management
Zoom link: https://eu01web.zoom.us/j/62528427919

Abstract: Benthic ecosystem biodiversity provides critical insights into the health, functionality, and
stability of marine environments. Polar regions and the deep ocean seafloor are difficult for
researchers to access, resulting in vast and understudied areas. The lack of reliable and
recent data in these areas can hinder effective marine resource management, highlighting
the importance of this research in places such as Melville Bay, northwest Greenland.
Melville Bay is under threat of potential future exploitation from fisheries and other marine
traffic, especially as sea ice retreats. This study focuses on documenting the community
composition of benthic species in Melville Bay using video sled imagery. The aims of this
research are to provide insight into (i) how environmental factors influence the community
composition, (ii) how the presence of habitat-forming species influences diversity, and (iii)
whether there are environmental parameters that point to areas with a high abundance of
Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem (VME) species, including sea pens. A PERMANOVA analysis
shows that depth, sea temperature, and substrate type significantly impact community
composition in Melville Bay. Linear regression models show that habitat-forming species do
not significantly influence species abundance or richness. Comprehensive data collection
allows for analysis and creation of maps indicating VME and sea pen distribution. These are
critical to inform management and conservation efforts, ensuring the sustainability of these
vital ecosystems for the future. This is especially important as the northward migration of
certain commercial species, alongside increased accessibility for marine vessels, could
attract fisheries into regions that have not previously been fished.

Defense schedule for this defense season: