Biological studies of hydrothermal vent and cold seep communities

Abstract

Characteristics of active hydrothermal settings important to biology-Energy sources as biological oxidation of hydrogen sulfide free living microorganisms bacterial-invertebrate chemoautotrophic symbioses- Invertebrate populations at moderate temperatures, for example, alvinellid polychaetes, alvinocarid shrimp to ~40 ºC but, extreme thermal tolerance in metazoan organisms - Animals controlled by physicohemical factors such as total iron, sulfide, pH, and temperature Distribution of vent habitats degree of isolation is reflected in biology, species diversity, species compositionCharacteristics of inactive hydrothermal settings important to biology-chemoautotrophic production present, but lower rates of primary productivity no flux of hydrothermal fluids, but sulfides may cap thermal systems and begin to flow once disturbed by mining activities (ODP experiences) with macrofaunal invertebrates, possibly some (or many) that are endemic, but much lower biomass; no known examples of symbioses-habitat duration longer than that of active vents-degree of isolation similar to that of active vents-reproduction - relevant conditions different (e.g. habitat longevity, population density, food availability), so potential for different adaptations-larval transport - plume-generated currents absent Deep sea hydrothermal ventsperspective- to consider the ecosystem as a whole - to consider its dynamic, structure and functionmeasures proposed intend to - preserve biological and ecological diversity- study and follow up the processes of natural sucession- keep productivityregulations apply to- scientific research (with zonation and subject to authorisations and respect for the codes of conduct)- fisheries (interdiction)- tourism and other commercial non-extractive activities (with zonation and subject to authorisations and respect for the codes of conduct)- commercial exploration - mineral, geothermal, biotechnological (c