Tight trophic association between benthic diatom blooms and shallow-water megabenthic communities in a rapidly deglaciated Antarctic fjord

Abstract

This study reports isotopic evidence of a unique and highly efficient trophic structure based on a rarely reported benthic diatom species in a rapidly warming Antarctic fjord (Marian Cove; MC). Recent surveys of MC revealed a very conspicuous feature, an intense, persistent benthic diatom bloom ('benthic diatom bush) overgrowing a variety of common megabenthic fauna, primarily filter feeders (bivalves, ascidians, and demosponges), which occurred widely at shallow depths. To ascertain if the benthic diatom bloom is consumed as a primary food source, delta C-13 and delta N-15 were analyzed in the associated filter feeders and other herbivores, as well as in the diatom bush and other potential food sources (microphytobenthos, sedimentary organic matter and macroalgae). The analysis showed that the delta C-13 values of all filter feeders (-23.5 to -25.2 parts per thousand) were very similar to those of the diatom bush (-23.1 to -23.6 parts per thousand), strongly suggesting that these benthic diatoms are the principal diet of the associated filter feeders. The isotopic signatures of the other food sources were very close to those of the diatom bush, indicating that the organic matter had the same origin, namely benthic diatoms. Given its quality, quantity and availability, the diatom bush could be regarded as the primary food source. The benthic diatom bush was predominated by the chain-forming centric diatom Paralia sp., which occurs in shallow coastal waters with a wide range of salinity in various geographic localities. Thus, the Paralia sp. bloom in this rapidly warming fjord also indicates its potential utility as an indicator of climate-induced environmental changes. Additional isotopic analysis of other common fauna showed that the benthic food web in this fjord comprised up to four trophic levels of consumers, with starfish and isopods at the apex. Given that filter feeders comprise the largest trophic group in the cove and many other Antarctic coastal waters, the results of this study strongly suggest that benthic diatoms are of prime importance in supporting the benthic food web in MC, and possibly other nearshore Antarctic waters. Further studies on the mechanism underlying benthic diatom blooms and their relevance to climate-induced processes would provide better project future scenarios for rapidly warming fjord ecosystems.