The Pelagic Species Trait Database, an open data resource to support trait-based ocean research

Area of Science:

• Marine ecology
• Global change biology
• Trait-based ecology

Background:

• Trait-based frameworks are crucial for predicting ecological community responses to global change.
• Species range shifts create novel predator-prey interactions, necessitating methods to predict food web dynamics.
• Open-ocean trait data are essential for advancing trait-based ecological research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Pelagic Species Trait Database, a comprehensive resource for functional traits of pelagic species.
• To facilitate trait-based approaches in marine ecosystems and for global predator population studies.
• To document traits for 529 pelagic fish and invertebrate species.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized information from literature and online resources.
• Conducted morphometric analysis of species images.
• Performed laboratory analyses on trawl-captured specimens.

Main Results:

• Compiled a database of functional traits for 529 pelagic species.
• Included traits on habitat use, behavior, morphology, nutritional quality, and population status.
• Focused on species from the California Current system and NE Pacific, plus those preyed upon by top predators globally.

Conclusions:

• The Pelagic Species Trait Database enhances trait-based approaches in marine science.
• This resource aids in predicting food web dynamics and predator responses to environmental changes.
• It provides a foundation for understanding species interactions in a changing ocean.