A team of scientists from the US and the UK has utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to map the activities of seafloor invertebrates, including shrimp, worms, and clams, across the world’s oceans. This collaborative research, spearheaded by Texas A&M University with significant contributions from the University of Southampton and Yale University, sheds light on the critical factors that support and sustain marine ecosystems.

The Role of Bioturbation in Ocean Health

Marine sediments, which cover the majority of the Earth’s surface, are incredibly diverse. Small creatures living within these sediments engage in a process known as “bioturbation”—stirring and churning the seafloor. This activity plays a pivotal role in regulating global carbon, nutrient, and biogeochemical cycles. Much like worms enriching the soil in a garden, invertebrates, including shrimp, improve the conditions of the seabed, thereby enhancing ocean life.

Understanding how bioturbation operates in different regions of the world provides scientists with valuable insights into what drives ocean health and how these systems might respond to climate change. The study, published in the journal Current Biology, represents a significant advancement by offering a method to predict and map the contributions of seafloor creatures globally for the first time.

Dr. Shuang Zhang, lead researcher and assistant professor at the Department of Oceanography at Texas A&M University, emphasized the importance of this research, stating, “Knowing how bioturbation links to other aspects of the environment means that we are now better equipped to predict how these systems might change in response to climate change.”

Diverse Impacts on Ocean Ecosystems

Martin Solan, Professor of Marine Ecology at the University of Southampton, highlighted the diversity and fundamental role of ocean sediments in maintaining ocean health. “We have known for some time that ocean sediments are extremely diverse and play a fundamental role in mediating the health of the ocean,” he said. “But only now do we have insights about where, and by how much, these communities contribute.”

The researchers used existing datasets on sea creature activity and sediment mixing depth from hundreds of test points around the world. By training the AI with this data and relating it to various environmental conditions, accurate predictions were made about seafloor sediment activity globally.

Environmental Factors Influencing Shrimp and Invertebrate Activity

The team discovered that a complex combination of environmental conditions influences bioturbation, varying across different regions. Factors such as water depth, temperature, salinity, distance from land, animal abundance, and nutrient availability all impact the activity of invertebrate animals, including shrimp, and ultimately the health of ocean ecosystems.

Dr. Lidya Tarhan, Assistant Professor at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Yale University, noted, “Through our analysis, we discovered that not just one, but multiple environmental factors jointly influence seafloor bioturbation and the ecosystem services these animals provide.”

Implications for Marine Conservation

The findings of this study have significant implications for marine conservation strategies. The researchers hope their work will aid in developing measures to mitigate habitat deterioration and protect marine biodiversity. Dr. Tarhan pointed out, “Our analysis suggests that the present global network of marine protected areas does not sufficiently protect these important seafloor processes, indicating that protection measures need to be better catered to promote ecosystem health.”