Responses of deep-water shrimp populations to intermediate nepheloid layer detachments on the Northwestern Mediterranean continental margin

13 pages, 3 figuresA clear link between the distribution of intermediate nepheloid layer detachments on the Northwestern Mediterranean continental margin and the population structure of five congeneric megafaunal species of deep-water benthic shrimps inhabiting different depth ranges between 100 and 1100m was found. The results of the multidisciplinary approach presented in this study provide evidence for the ecological conditions that affect the spatial distribution of juveniles and females of a deep-water fishery resource. The significantly higher occurrence of juveniles and females in regions where intermediate nepheloid layers detach from the seabed allows us to define these areas as potential deep-water nursery habitats. The spatial recognition of these habitats could contribute to the management of the stocks concerned and afford a basis for protecting these vulnerable habitats from fishing pressure. Overall, our findings furnish support for the hypothesis that deep-water benthic biological processes are linked to pelagic processes, suggesting that the detachments of intermediate nepheloid layers serve as one of the physical links between these two environments. © 2001 Elsevier Science LtdThis work was supported by the European Commission (projects MED 92/008 to F. Sardà and MAS2-CT93-0053 and MAS3-CT95-0037 to A. Palanques) and by the Spanish Interdepartmental Commission for Science and Technology (CICYT) (projects MAR90-0757 to F. Sardà and MAR96-1781-CO-01 to A. Palanques). P. Puig and J.B. Company were supported by grants from the Generalitat of Catalonia and from the Spanish Ministry of Education and Culture, respectivel