Synopsis "Ecology and Biogeography of Marine Benthos"
The seafloor, which covers 71% of the Earth's surface, contains diverse habitats (from shallow coastal areas to the deepest ocean trenches) and is essential for ecosystem services (such as pollution regulation, food supply, and biodiversity conservation). However, despite its crucial role, only about a quarter of the seafloor has been mapped. This Special Issue aligns with global initiatives such as the UN Decade of Ocean Science and SDG 14 ("Life Below Water") by deepening our understanding of marine ecosystems. It combines traditional and modern methods and aims to integrate research from a wide range of habitats, climates, and regions. The studies presented have primarily examined macrofauna at the community and species level, with an additional focus on megafauna, foraminifera, and macroalgae. These studies integrated conventional techniques and remote sensing for data collection, as well as taxonomic, molecular, and biogeochemical analyses in the laboratory. By applying diverse metrics to assess biodiversity and physiological conditions, coupled with advanced statistical tools, these studies have successfully explored previously unexplored areas, identified invasive species, monitored pollution, and tested innovative substrates to enhance monitoring capabilities. Overall, this SI significantly enriches our understanding of marine benthic ecology and biogeography and provides critical insights that support the conservation and management of marine benthic ecosystems.
