Complex polychaete reefs in East Antarctica

The majority of Antarctica’s biodiversity inhabits marine benthic ecosystems. Shallow-water habitats represent vitally important oases for productive and thriving communities, with links to higher trophic levels. Scientists have only a limited understanding these coastal ecosystems across most the continent, as there are many vast areas – including highly complex Antarctic fjord systems that never been surveyed. in provides invaluable ecosystem services such refuges ecologically species, along carbon storage sequestration (that is, blue carbon), acting natural negative feedback climate change (Glob Change Biol 2021; doi.org/10.1111/gcb.15392) 2020; doi.org/10.1111/gcb.15055). Limited surveys Vestfold Hills fjords East Antarctica identified several rare unusual stunning structurally serpulid polychaete reefs Ellis Fjord. Found subantarctic, formed by worm Serpula narconensis, were first observed 1985 reported 1988 “one largest known tubeworm world” (Mar 1988; doi.org/10.1007/BF00397776), estimated be over 8 km long covering seafloor from depths 5 30 m. Such beneath sea ice hypothesized vulnerable effects environmental 2013; doi.org/10.1111/gcb.12337) (Austral Ecol 2015; doi.org/10.1111/aec.12237). multidecadal gap sampling past 34 years or so is due part logistical challenges conducting remote science, but if we find way explore environments more thoroughly, who knows what else could discovered?