Faunal biodiversity of the lower abyssal and hadal zones of the Japan, Ryukyu and Izu-Ogasawara trenches (NW Pacific Ocean; 4534-9775 m)

<i>In-situ</i> video-based observations collected using multiple platforms are increasingly used for biodiversity assessments at abyssal and hadal depths, sometimes complemented by physical sampling. Here, we present an imagery-based guide and biodiversity record of organisms observed in the Japan, Ryukyu and Izu-Ogasawara trenches in the Northwest Pacific Ocean between 4534 m and 9775 m. The guide compiles morphotaxa identifications, reference imagery and observational notes from approximately 460 hours of video footage obtained through baited lander and submersible transect surveys. A total of 108 morphotaxa were observed, which are listed here with locality and depth range. The illustrated occurrence list serves as a practical reference to aid in the identification of organisms in future image-based biodiversity assessments at these depths, to support voucher specimen collections and to provide a baseline record of faunal occurrence and distribution at these localities. Additionally, this study highlights the value of utilising multiple observation platforms to improve comprehensive biodiversity and behavioural assessments in abyssal and hadal ecosystems.

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Publication Details

Journal
Biodiversity Data Journal
Published
2026-03-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3897/bdj.14.e182172
Primary Topic
Marine Biology and Ecology Research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Faunal biodiversity of the lower abyssal and hadal zones of the Japan, Ryukyu and Izu-Ogasawara trenches (NW Pacific Ocean; 4534-9775 m)

Dhugal J. Lindsay, Hiroshi Kitazato, Megan E. Cundy, Alan J. Jamieson et al.
Biodiversity Data Journal
Marine Biology and Ecology Research
article

Faunal biodiversity of the lower abyssal and hadal zones of the Japan, Ryukyu and Izu-Ogasawara trenches (NW Pacific Ocean; 4534-9775 m)

Dhugal J. Lindsay, Hiroshi Kitazato, Megan E. Cundy, Alan J. Jamieson, Melanie Stott, Yoshihiro Fujiwara, Todd Bond, Denise Swanborn
article en

Abstract

<i>In-situ</i> video-based observations collected using multiple platforms are increasingly used for biodiversity assessments at abyssal and hadal depths, sometimes complemented by physical sampling. Here, we present an imagery-based guide and biodiversity record of organisms observed in the Japan, Ryukyu and Izu-Ogasawara trenches in the Northwest Pacific Ocean between 4534 m and 9775 m. The guide compiles morphotaxa identifications, reference imagery and observational notes from approximately 460 hours of video footage obtained through baited lander and submersible transect surveys. A total of 108 morphotaxa were observed, which are listed here with locality and depth range. The illustrated occurrence list serves as a practical reference to aid in the identification of organisms in future image-based biodiversity assessments at these depths, to support voucher specimen collections and to provide a baseline record of faunal occurrence and distribution at these localities. Additionally, this study highlights the value of utilising multiple observation platforms to improve comprehensive biodiversity and behavioural assessments in abyssal and hadal ecosystems.

Biodiversity Data JournalVol. 14
Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JP), The University of Western Australia (AU), Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (JP)
Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Nature and Science, National Research Foundation, Danmarks Grundforskningsfond, Minderoo Foundation, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology
Life below water
Openalex Percentile: Top 47%
Marine Biology and Ecology Research
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