Measuring the distribution of marine cryptofauna in the Mariana Archipelago using Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS)

Background/Question/Methods

The biodiversity found in coral reefs are among the greatest concentration of species in the world. The group of organisms that compose the majority of diversity in coral reef ecosystems is known as the cryptobiota community. However, they are largely understudied due to the difficulty in sampling these non-coral marine invertebrates. Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) were designed to mimic the structural complexity of coral reef habitats and attract colonizing invertebrates. These devices are an inexpensive, standard, and systematic method used to study cryptofauna. In 2009, ARMS were deployed in the Mariana Archipelago at Guam and Pagan. In 2011, 12 ARMS were recovered at Guam and 8 were recovered at Pagan. These ARMS were sorted to morphospecies greater than 2mm. Major phyla were examined to understand the patterns of cryptobiota diversity across geographic and anthropogenic gradients. This is the first examination of cryptobiota communities in the Mariana Archipelago. 

Results/Conclusions

Intial observations of samples between Guam and Pagan suggest that Gaum has a higher population of crustaceans and gastropods as opposed to Pagan. This may coincide with wave action patterns in the area, with slightly more wave impact at Guam. This is the first examination of cryptobiota communities in the Mariana Archipelago.