Integrating in situ and satellite-based observations to unravel a mass mortality event of mussel beds in Patagonia, Argentina

MENDEZ, MARÍA M.; LIVORE, JUAN P.; BIGATTI, GREGORIO; MONTES ENRIQUE

San Fransisco

Congreso; AGU Fall Meeting 2020; 2020

AGU Advancing Earth and Space Science

A continuous global decline in biodiversity highlights the urgency of increasingour knowledge on the spatial and temporal variation of the abundance of keyspecies. The development of the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network Pole toPole of the Americas program is contributing to this goal by coordinatingbiodiversity surveys in the coastal zone throughout the continent. The programcombines biodiversity data with in situand remotely sensed environmental properties to gain a broader understanding ofthe sensitivity of coastal biological communities to multi-scale variability inatmospheric and oceanographic conditions. This study illustrates how in situ and remotely sensedenvironmental observations are related to documented changes in percent coverof mussels (Brachidontes rodriguezii and Perumitylus purpuratus), the primary space holders onrocky shores of the continental Argentinean Patagonia (~41-52 ºS). Majorchanges of mussel bed cover were observed at five monitoring sites in GolfoNuevo in the northern region of Patagonia between 42.35-42.50 ºS, showing drasticlosses from ~ 45 to 90 % cover from November 2018 through May 2019. Theobserved cover loss of mussels appeared to result from coinciding highatmospheric temperature (> 35 °C), strong offshore winds(> 30 knots) and low tides that exposed these organisms to prolonged thermaland desiccation stress over several continuous days. Sea surface temperatureanomalies exceeding 1 °C were observed inGolfo Nuevo in December 2018 and February 2019, indicating the presence of heatwave conditions during the 2019 austral summer. The combined use of in situ biodiversity monitoring and satelliteremote sensing data can provide information to anticipate future changes in SpeciesPopulations and Community Composition, two Essential Biodiversity Variables incoastal habitats. Early warning signs based on satellite observations caninform managers and decision makers of when extreme conditions threatening thesehigh value to society ecosystems are present to effectively implementstrategies for the conservation of living resources and the services theyprovide.