Marine invertebrates are characterized by an exceptional diversity, including many species that are key to the functioning of ecosystems. Marine invertebrates also have substantial socio-economic value, as species used by fishery and aquaculture, and by impacting many other commercially exploited species. However, despite their ecosystem and economic importance, marine invertebrates are often understudied and poorly assessed. Recent technical advancements have provided novel opportunities to improve our understanding of invertebrate biology, population dynamics and their assessment.
At this theme session, we welcome presentations on the diversity, life history, and ecology of marine invertebrates or on new methods of research applicable to them.
The session will also address identified knowledge gaps. Recent advances in research, including application of novel methods on the diversity, life history, and ecology of marine invertebrates will be addressed, as well as their response to anthropogenic impacts and consequences for fisheries management.
The session may result in the publication of an ICES Cooperative Research Report or a review article, depending on the number of participants and the variety of the research fields.
Background
Invertebrates are an important component of various ecosystems within the world’s oceans, contributing substantially to the transport of nutrients and energy (as well as pathogens and contaminants), spatially and among trophic levels. Moreover, significant amount of marine invertebrate taxa represent or have an impact on valuable economic resources. Some molluscs, crustaceans and echinoderms are intensively exploited in fisheries and aquaculture and are among the most valuable species in global fisheries; some taxa serve as key food source for other commercially exploited species; others prey on important fishery species, causing significant fluctuations in their abundance.
The development of an ecosystem-based approach to fishery management presumes the application of knowledge on the biology and ecology of all key species comprising the diversity. However, knowledge of life history and ecology of many marine invertebrate taxa as well as of their direct and indirect impact on fishery resources remains relatively limited. Knowledge gaps in these species are linked to lack of clarity in taxonomy, and limited or inadequate knowledge of the life history, ecology, and human impacts.
Recent technical advancements have provided novel opportunities to improve our understanding of invertebrate biology, population dynamics and their assessment. Advances in imaging technology and machine learning have increased the potential of video surveys, especially when combined with automated underwater vehicles that can operate independently and improve survey coverage. Progress in statistical modelling has produced tools and techniques that can better accommodate challenges common in invertebrate species, especially when estimating abundance indices and predicting stock dynamics. Novel state-space assessment frameworks allow for a better integration of multiple data sources, uncertainty, and length-based stock information.
