Towards a strategy to preserve deep-sea biodiversity: understanding deep-sea evolution and diversification drivers of hyperdiverse marine invertebrates

For centuries, biologists have been intrigued by how diverse our planet is and what processes are behind it. But we are far from knowing how many species live on Earth, especially for deep-sea invertebrates. The deep ocean provides a particular scenario for diversification and remains relatively pristine.

However, soon programmed deep-sea mining activities threaten deep-sea diversity even before its discovery.

Squat lobsters are highly diverse at all levels and an ideal group to undertake a critical assessment of deep-sea diversity and evolution.

For DEEPDIVERSE I propose to follow up a conceptual framework towards an evaluation of global species diversity of squat lobsters to assess the role of depth and deep-sea habitat in the diversification dynamics, supporting at the same time scientific research and conservation of deep-sea diversity.

The action proposes 1) Beyond-taxonomy: a critical appraisal of squat lobster biodiversity combining extensive ecological, biological, morphological, and genetic traits, using 3D micro-computed tomography, barcoding with high-throughput sequencing, automatic species delimitation analyses, and formal species descriptions; 2) Phylogenomic reconstruction using target capture sequencing (UCEs) and integrating fossil taxa to set the base to understanding the evolutionary processes behind deep sea colonisation; 3) searching for diversification drivers to unveil factors shaping morphological evolution and potentially shifting diversification rates; and 4) Synthesis of the results towards the implementation of conservation actions comparing with other hyperdiverse taxa.

This includes a comprehensive spatial data integration to guide the best available management options for global seafloor biodiversity.

These actions will contribute to the efforts of the European Union Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, within the European Commission priority A European Green Deal, to tackle the outstanding Biodiversity crisis the World is currently facing.