Đa dạng thành phần loài và phân bố sinh thái của động vật đáy tại gò đồi ngầm Cô Tô - Thanh Lân, Quảng Ninh

Abstract

   The Co To - Thanh Lan seamount possesses unique ecological characteristics, a diverse benthic fauna, and important fishing grounds for many local fishermen. However, to date, no specific studies have been conducted on this seamount to support effective resource management. This study was carried out through two field surveys using SCUBA diving methods to collect data on species composition, ecology, species identification, and ecological distribution in 2023 and 2024. The analysis results show that the area has three distinct substrate types: Coral reef substrate (at the top of seamount, 12–15 meters deep); Rocky and coral cluster substrate (on the seamount slopes, 18–22 meters deep); Sandy-muddy substrate (at the base of seamount, 25–35 meters deep). A total of 95 benthic animal species from three main groups (Mollusca, Arthropoda, and Echinodermata) were recorded for the first time in the Co To – Thanh Lan seamount area. The distribution of some species was associated with depth ranges and substrate types, such as Mauritia arabica, which was concentrated in shallow rocky reef areas (14–20 m), while Atrina vexillum, Pteria penguin, and Colochirus quadrangularis were primarily found at greater depths (>25 m). The study also recorded several economically valuable species, including Atrina vexillum, Pteria peasei, and Mauritia arabica. These findings provide a scientific foundation for proposing conservation measures and sustainable exploitation strategies to protect benthic animal resources and promote sustainable marine economic development at seamounts in the future.