The Vitória-Trindade Chain (VTC) is a line of seamounts extending 1,200 km eastwards from the central Brazilian coast (20°S) to the Trindade and Martin Vaz islands. These seamounts present mesophotic summits (60–55 m depths) that are predominantly flat and covered by soft sediments and rhodolith beds (Pereira-Filho et al. 2011). High-relief biogenic reefs were only recently found in the VTC, during two expeditions in 2011. These singular structures are mostly built by crustose coralline algae and sparse corals and hydrocorals, reaching up to 35–17 m (Vitória and Davis seamounts) and 62–84 m depths (Jaseur and Columbia seamounts). Structural reefs shelter a richer and more abundant fauna than the surrounding flat beds, including large, endangered, and commercially important reef fishes. Although being small and sparse, reef patches represent a critical habitat in the VTC, functioning as connectivity stepping-stones for several reef organisms that reach and maintain permanent populations in the isolated islands (Floeter and Gasparini 2000). As fishing effort is largely unregulated and mining of carbonates is already taking place at the VTC, the region urgently needs increased scientific and conservation efforts.

Depth range
17- 84 m

Mesophotic “mentions”
1 x (total of 202 words)

Classification
* Presents original data
* Focused on 'mesophotic' depth range
* Focused on 'mesophotic coral ecosystem'

Fields
Geomorphology
Management and Conservation
Biodiversity

Focusgroups
Overall benthic (groups)

Locations
Brazil - Trindade and Martin Vaz

Platforms
SCUBA (open-circuit or unspecified)