Bermuda’s subtropical coral reefs represent the northern- most reef system in the Atlantic Ocean, and consist of a large lagoon with thousands of patch reefs, bounded along the edge by a shallow annular rim reef tract that drops quickly to mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) encircling the entire platform and two adjacent shallow seamounts. Although extensive investigations on Bermuda’s MCEs are lacking, several historical studies, conducted via dredging (late 1800s), followed by more recent investigations (1970s–2000s) using traps, deep diving, submersibles, and remotely operated vehicles, have occurred, and thus, a diverse collection of information has accumulated on MCEs. These studies reveal reefs dominated by scleractinian corals that decrease in abundance and diversity from upper to lower MCEs towards habitat dominated by fossil biogenic reefs and rhodolith beds with low topographic complexity. Fish and algal communities thrive on MCEs in Bermuda, and it is suggested that depth may serve as a refuge from fishing pressure for many species. However, invasive lionfish (Pterois spp.) are documented in high abundance on MCEs in Bermuda, which may threaten the health of these ecosystems. Here we discuss research, albeit limited, conducted on MCEs in Bermuda including descriptions of the physical environment, benthic habitat, and general ecology, with particular attention to the biodiversity of major taxonomic groups, and provide suggestions for ecosystem management and conservation.

Depth range
30- 305 m

Mesophotic “mentions”
107 x (total of 5763 words)

Classification
* Focused on 'mesophotic coral ecosystem'

Fields
Biodiversity
Community structure
Connectivity
Ecology
Management and Conservation
Climate Change
Long-term monitoring

Focusgroups
Fishes
Overall benthic (groups)

Locations
Bermuda

Platforms
Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV)
Drop / Towed Video
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)
SCUBA (open-circuit or unspecified)