Megafaunal assemblages in deep-sea ecosystems of the Gulf of Cadiz, northeast Atlantic ocean

Deep-sea ecosystems of the Iberian margin have been widely impacted over past decades, but limited knowledge on their biodiversity and functioning limits our ability to contribute conservation. So far, in Gulf Cadiz, research has mostly focused megabenthic assemblages associated mud volcanoes. However, several other geomorphological structures remained unexplored. Here, by means a quantitative analysis 17 video transects conducted between 220 980 m depth, we investigated canyons, contouritic channels, furrows open slopes. We report presence 8 different assemblages, segregated as result substrates geomorphologic features. Megabenthic hard were characterized mono or multispecific sponge assemblages. Soft bottoms hosted crinoid beds, pennatulacean meadows fields gorgonian Radicipes gracilis. These results highlight high diversity deep-sea Cadiz suggest that most features so far unexplored represent vulnerable marine deserving protection inclusion future management plans.