title: High-resolution habitat mapping on mud fields: new approach to quantitative mapping of Ocean quahog.
abstract: During 2009-2012 stocks of the bivalve Arctica islandica (Linnaeus, 1767) (Ocean quahog) in Kandalaksha Bay (the White Sea) has been assessed using a side-scan sonar, grab sampling and underwater photo imaging. Structurally uniform localities were highlighted on the basis of side-scan signal. Each type of a signal reflects combination of sediment type, microtopography and structural characteristics of benthic community. The distribution of A. islandica was the predominant factor in determining community structure. Seabed attributes considered most significant were defined for each type of substrate type. Relations of sonar signal and sediment type were used for landscape mapping based on sonar data. Community characteristics at known localities were reliably interpolated to the area of survey using statistical processing of geophysical data. A method of integrated sonar and sampling data interpretation for high-resolution mapping of A. islandica by biomass groups, benthic faunal groups and associated habitats was developed.
authors: MSU, White Sea Biological Station, Russian Federation. Electronic address: isachenko@wsbs-msu.ru.
authors: Artem
authors: A
authors: Isachenko
authors: MSU, Faculty of Geology, Russian Federation.
authors: Yana
authors: Y
authors: Gubanova
authors: MSU, White Sea Biological Station, Russian Federation.
authors: Alexander
authors: A
authors: Tzetlin
authors: Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation.
authors: Vadim
authors: V
authors: Mokievsky
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D059001:Aquatic Organisms; D001110:Arctic Regions; D018533:Biomass; D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D055593:Geological Phenomena; D008386:Marine Biology / Q000379:methods*; D049891:Mercenaria; D009792:Oceans and Seas; D010781:Photography / Q000379:methods
keywords: Arctica islandica; Habitat mapping; Macrobenthos; Side scan sonar; Spatial distribution; White Sea