Hidden Depths: A Unique Biodiversity Oasis in the Persian Gulf in Need of Further Exploration and Conservation

The Persian Gulf, a young and shallow epicontinental sea, is known for its unique geological and oceanographic characteristics that foster its diverse and productive marine ecosystems. A substantial portion of the Gulf’s seafloor consists of unconsolidated soft sediments, making it unsuitable for co...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Diversity (Basel) Vol. 15; no. 6; p. 779
Main Authors: Samimi-Namin, Kaveh, Hoeksema, Bert W.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.06.2023
Subjects:
Aquatic habitats
Biodiversity
biodiversity hot spot
Biological diversity
coasts
Columns (structural)
Conflicts of interest
Conservation
Coral reefs
corals
deep water
Ecosystems
Fluid dynamics
fluid mechanics
Geographical locations
Habitats
humans
Hydrodynamics
Invertebrates
Iran
Larvae
Marine ecosystems
non-scleractinians
Nutrients
oases
Ocean floor
octocorals
Persian Gulf
Physical properties
Salt domes
Sediments
Sessile species
Shoals
submerged banks
Substrates
Netherlands
Indian Ocean
Strait of Hormuz
Persian Gulf
Iran
ISSN:1424-2818, 1424-2818
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The Persian Gulf, a young and shallow epicontinental sea, is known for its unique geological and oceanographic characteristics that foster its diverse and productive marine ecosystems. A substantial portion of the Gulf’s seafloor consists of unconsolidated soft sediments, making it unsuitable for colonization by many sessile organisms. Consequently, relatively few hard grounds and submerged banks provide suitable habitats for benthic and substrate dwellers. This study documents a unique marine habitat on an offshore submerged bank, likely a raised salt dome, south of Qeshm Island, Iran. This area is home to a high concentration of ahermatypic coral species and remains relatively sheltered from human activities. The bank’s geographic location allows inflow currents from the Strait of Hormuz to transport larvae and nutrients, providing suitable substrates for various sessile invertebrates. Moreover, it causes the formation of Taylor columns, which affect fluid dynamics and circulation patterns, indirectly enhancing biodiversity. Despite facing risks from large-scale regional and localized threats, the bank’s remoteness from the main coast and its depth provide some protection. This study emphasizes the need for continued exploration and the implementation of effective conservation measures in the region, along with additional research to clarify the ecological and physical parameters supporting its diversity. It also presents the first in situ photographic evidence for the occurrence of some octocoral genera in the Gulf. Future research should investigate how the species compositions of hidden banks and shoals contribute to the overall biodiversity of the Persian Gulf.
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ISSN:1424-2818
1424-2818
DOI:10.3390/d15060779