traitORS
Trait Offshore Research Synthesis
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Photo: Cherisse Du Preez, DFO
Offshore areas present particular challenges for their understanding and management due to their remoteness, as well as limited knowledge of species and habitat distributions, as well as rates and scales of change. The Offshore Pacific Bioregion (OPB) covers unique seafloor features such as seamounts and hydrothermal vents, including the Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents Marine Protected Area (MPA) and Tang.ɢ̲wan · ḥačxʷiqak · Tsig̱is Proposed MPA.
In this project, we will collaborate with scientists and managers to compile, collate, curate, and make freely available a trait database for the species inhabiting the Canadian Offshore Pacific Bioregion.
Photo: Northeast Pacific Deep-Sea Expedition Partnership, CSSF ROPOS
Photo: Shelton Dupreez, DFO
A trait is a well-defined, measurable characteristic of organisms, usually measured at the individual level and used comparatively across species.
A trait can relate to
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physical characteristics (body size, morphology),
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biochemistry (energetic pathway, presence of secondary metabolites),
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behaviours (nocturnal vs. diurnal migration, gregariousness)
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habitat use (pelagic duration of larval stage).
Traits can inform on the ecological roles of species in nature, such as where a species can live; how species interact with one another and the contributions of species to ecosystem function (e.g., Cadotte et al. 2011). Traits can both indicate how the species influence ecosystem function (effect traits) and how species respond to environmental change or disturbance (response traits) (Diaz et al 2013).
We expect our project will increase collaboration, knowledge of function, and capacity to inform management activities in the Offshore Pacific Bioregion.
Our proposed species trait database will underpin the development of key Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBV) or indicators for monitoring and reporting against conservation objectives and internationally agreed conventions and treaties. The EBV framework was developed internationally by the Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON) and the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), both of which are leaders in coordinating global monitoring of the ocean.
Photo: Shelton Dupreez, DFO