W RK PACKAGE 2

Theme: Broad-scale Mapping

Role of geomorphology in assessing shifting species patterns in a changing ocean climate

Individual species possess particular physiological characteristics which enables them to tolerate and strive under specific sets of environmental conditions. By modelling species-environment relationships, it becomes possible to predict how marine species and ecosystems may respond to specific changes (e.g. climate change, ocean acidification, human activities). Based on predicted temperature increases, poleward range shifts are predicted for many species, but owing to the scarcity of high resolution bathymetric datasets, the role of adequate substrate availability in driving habitat suitability in areas of predicted range shifts has not been addressed.

The aims of WP2 are to:

Identify preferred habitat characteristics of a suite of benthic species of commercial (e.g. lobster, scallop, snow crab) and conservation (corals and sponges) importance based on broad-scale seafloor geomorphology and substrata [Tasks 2.2.1, 2.2.2];
Build current habitat suitability models using the abiotic variable layers and habitat maps created under WP 2.1 coupled with information from regional oceanographic models [Task 2.2.4];
Model changing distribution (range) patterns of these species over the NW Atlantic caused by predicted oceanographic changes, and evaluate the role that available benthic habitat will have on future distribution patterns [tasks 2.2.3, 2.2.5].

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WP2 Researchers

Katleen Robert

Work Package 2 Lead

WP2 Students

WP2 Postdocs & Students

Emmeline Broad

WP2 Outputs

Presentations:

Broad, E., Brown, C., Shackell, N. and Robert, K. (2023) Mapping shifting species patterns in a changing climate using a hierarchical approach. [Conference presentation]. GeoHab 2023, Reunion Island.
Broad, E., Brown, C. J., Shackell, N., Robert, K. (2022). Evaluating the role of Geomorphology in Modelling Suitable Habitat for Adult Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio) in Atlantic Canada Under Future Ocean Climates [Poster presentation]. International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Annual Science Conference, Dublin, Ireland.
Broad, E., Brown, C. J., Shackell, N., Robert, K. (2022). The Role of Regional-Scale Geomorphology in Assessing Shifting Species Patterns in a Changing Ocean Climate [Poster presentation]. North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES), St. John's, NL, Canada
Broad E, Brown CJ, Shackell N, Robert K (2026) Estimating Climate-Driven Shifts in Snow Crab Habitat Using Hierarchical Habitat Suitability Models, Presentation at the GeoHab 2026, Malta.
Broad E, Brown CJ, Fisher J, Robert K (2026) Using Benthic Imagery to Validate Regional Model Projections of Temperate Mesophotic Ecosystems in Atlantic Canada, Poster presentation to the Marine Imaging Workshop, Gibraltar, UK.
Broad E, Brown CJ, Fisher J, De Moura Neves B, Hayes V, Misiuk B, Robert K (2026) Using Benthic Imagery to Validate Regional Model Projections of Temperate Mesophotic Ecosystems in Atlantic Canada. Poster presentation to the Marine Imaging Workshop, Gibraltar, UK.
Video posts from SOI covering the new technologies
Broad E, Brown CJ, Fisher J, Robert K (2025) Using a newly discovered biodiversity hotspot to validate regional model projections of soft coral taxa, Presentation at the GeoHab 2025, Key West, USA.

WP2 Partners