Which regions have especially abundant or diverse lamp shell populations?

Although lamp shells (brachiopods) are found in all oceans, they are generally abundant only locally today. Their distribution and diversity vary significantly by region:12

• High Abundance: In parts of the Antarctic, lamp shells are particularly numerous, outnumbering all other large invertebrates.2
• Common Regions: They are frequently found in the waters surrounding Japan, southern Australia, and New Zealand.2
• Diverse Populations: The coasts of Chile and Argentina host a considerable variety of species, including the largest living examples. Additionally, the West Coast of the United States and Hawaii support a notable number of species.2
• Specific Occurrences: While rare in the Indian Ocean, unique types are common along the coast of South Africa. Other areas, such as the Caribbean, the British Isles, and the Mediterranean Sea, contain smaller, less diverse populations.2