Development of a benthic foraminifera based marine biotic index (Foram-AMBI) for the Gulf of Mexico: A decision support tool

The Gulf of Mexico (GoM) is an economically important region (e.g. oil and gas, fisheries) with the expansion drilling, harmful algal bloom events, blowouts, dead zones, anthropogenic eutrophication contaminant loading, it that ecological quality statuses (EcoQS) different localities in are closely monitored. EcoQS, as implemented by European Water Framework Directive, effective tool for monitoring health developing reference conditions. One such index used to define EcoQS AZTI Marine Biotic Index (AMBI), which pairs species abundance environmental stressors. Benthic foraminifera ideal specimens populate due their varying sensitivities among species, preservation potential, high diversity nearly every marine environment. To calculate benthic foraminiferal AMBI (Foram-AMBI), assigned one five groups ranging from sensitive (I) first-order opportunists (V) based on correlation total organic matter sediment grain size. This study constructs a Foram-AMBI assemblages collected at 59 sites throughout GoM. approach provides GoM will satisfy need widespread geospatial coverage case future natural or disturbances. master assignment list 155 identification plates 44 those depth range 42 m-2975 m. development encourages collaborative partnerships between academic scientists living resource managers operationalize, refine implement decision support tool.