Latitudinal and bathymetric distribution patterns of ophiuroids (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) on scallop fishing grounds at the shelf-break frontal system, south-western Atlantic

Abstract

Ophiuroidea represents the dominant invertebrate group in Patagonian scallop fishery by-catch in the south-western Atlantic. This study presents information that brings forward the spatial patterns and abundance of the most abundant species in the benthic community associated with this fishery at the shelf-break front in the Argentine Sea, between 378 and 448S during the period 2002–2005. Ophiactis asperula, Ophiacantha vivipara, Ophiura (Ophiuroglypha) lymani and Gorgonocephalus chilensis show a latitudinal and bathymetric distribution pattern, explained by their natural distributional ranges and feeding habits. Our results indicate that the abundance and distribution of these species are not related to scallop fishing activities