1. Connectivity across the Atlantic
Mysterious patterns of connectivity, the importance of the unknown

2. Observation
Common taxa on both sides of (and in the middle for some) the Atlantic
Common genera, species across that Atlantic on Cold Water Corals, but also Chemosynthetic ecosystems
are those really shared species in ecosystems so scattered and fragmented across the Atlantic?
Bivalves and shrimp from cold seeps and vents
Madrepora oculata
Lophelia pertusa
Two main reef builders

3. Transatlantic contemporary or past connectivity?
Common genera, species, but also common genetic polymorphism
present day connectivity?
Strong implications for management and conservation: do we protect same of different taxa (what are management units), are there crucial population for the system dynamics?
Teixeira et al., 2013, Molecular Ecology

4. Hypothesis:
Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation: a conveyer belt?
Are there stepping stones in the deep and unknown abysses of the Atlantic?