This study investigates the hydrothermal vents at Menez Gwen located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. A transect from 2012 and 2022 was performed to study the active hydrothermal field to inactive environments surrounding the vents. A temporal variation study of hydrothermal vents White Flame and Cage Site was conducted, comparing data from 2011 and 2017. The study aims to: 1) characterize species distribution in the transition zone from active to inactive vent field, and 2) assess the temporal variation in the faunal assemblage of mussels, shrimps, limpets and microbial patches. The results show that the classes Bivalvia and Malacostraca are found at the active vents, while Hexacorallia can be observed in the transition zone. Further away with less or non-association with the vents are the coral Octocorallia and four classes of Echinodermata. The fauna over time showed changes in the distribution around the venting area, as well as 5% increased total relative abundance. Understanding the influence of hydrothermal vents on the abundance and diversity of marine species is crucial, particularly considering increased anthropogenic activities in the deep sea.
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