An assessment of sessile benthic communities in Jeju Island off the south coast of Korea using Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures

Abstract

Coastal benthic communities in temperate regions, playing a vital role in ecosystem functions and services, are shifting due to the combined impacts of climate change and anthropogenic factors. These changes have negative impacts on local benthic habitats and biodiversity. We utilized Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) in our study to assess sessile benthic community and cryptic biodiversity. We employed two methods: image analysis of ARMS plates and DNA metabarcoding of ARMS units. While our experimental design was not optimized for this specific objective, the results provide foundational data for understanding sessile benthic community. The sessile benthic community was influenced by plate-face, installation period of ARMS units, and site (i.e., different habitats). DNA metabarcoding also revealed differences in the sessile benthic diversity among different habitats. Additionally, we identified the genus Lithophyllum within the CCA community, and its dominance has the potential to trigger a transition towards coral-dominated habitats in Jeju Island. We recommend the integration of ARMS image analysis and DNA metabarcoding for enhancing and complementing studies focused on benthic diversity. This study, by utilizing ARMS, provides valuable information for understanding sessile benthic community and biodiversity, contributing to an enhanced comprehension of the ecological community's response to climate changes.