Predictive modeling of coral distribution in the Central Aleutian Islands, USA

Abstract

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 397:227-240 (2009) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps08358 Predictive modeling of coral distribution in the Central Aleutian Islands, USA Doug Woodby*, Dave Carlile, Lee Hulbert Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 1255 West 8th Street, Juneau, Alaska 99811, USA *Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT: Logistic regression and generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to predict the probability of presence/absence for deep-sea corals in the central Aleutian Islands from 50 to 3000 m depth. Explanatory variables included in the models were depth, slope, and rugosity. Five of 15 logistic models were considered acceptable based on cross validation using a Kappa statistic threshold of 0.4. Models of occurrence north of the Aleutian chain were more successful than models for areas to the south of the chain. Based on the logistic regression predictive model, there are large swaths of sea floor between 100 and 1700 m depth with high rugosity and steep slope that have the potential to support coral gardens, particularly north of the Aleutian Islands arc and in Amchitka Pass. Improvements to the predictive models, including high resolution substrate and current data, as well as more in situ coral observations from a broader range of areas in the archipelago, would allow an improved evaluation of the adequacy of recent fishing gear restrictions in the Aleutian Islands to provide conservation benefits. KEY WORDS: Coral · Aleutian Islands · Predictive modeling · Logistic regression · Generalized estimating equations · Gorgonians Full text in pdf format Supplementary material PreviousNextCite this article as: Woodby D, Carlile D, Hulbert L (2009) Predictive modeling of coral distribution in the Central Aleutian Islands, USA. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 397:227-240. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps08358Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 397. Online publication date: December 17, 2009 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2009 Inter-Research.