OSBORN, Karen J.: Distribution and diversity of midwater munnopsid isopods in the Monterey Submarine Canyon

Midwater munnopsid isopods (Asellota) have been observed in the water column of the Monterey Submarine Canyon with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) since 1989. This project focuses on two midwater munnopsid species, investigating spatial and temporal distribution in the top 1200 m of the water column. A search of MBARI?s Video Information Management System resulted in just over 2300 video taped observations of the two species. Video clips were viewed to identify each animal and record observations of behaviors. Distribution plots reveal distinct depth distributions for each species. Acanthamunnopsis nov. sp. is found from 200 to 400 m and Munneurycope sp. is found from 500 to 1200 m. Temporal patterns are investigated over 10 years of observations for relationships to temperature, dissolved oxygen content, and salinity. Collected specimens are used to begin gathering demographic profiles for each species. A further investigation of diversity of other midwater and epibenthic munnopsids in the Monterey Submarine Canyon is briefly introduced.