1
|
Ramos A, González-Díaz P, Banaszak AT, Perera O, Hernandez Delgado F, Delfín de León S, Vicente Castro P, Aguilera Pérez GC, Duran A. Seventeen-year study reveals fluctuations in key ecological indicators on two reef crests in Cuba. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16705. [PMID: 38282865 PMCID: PMC10812586 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Reef crests in the Caribbean have lost approximately 80% of the foundational habitat-forming coral Acropora palmata (Lamarck, 1816), with declines registered as early as the 1950s mainly from anthropogenic causes. We studied two reef crests in the northwestern region of Cuba over 17 years (2005 to 2021) to evaluate temporal changes in coral cover, dominated by A. palmata, and their potential drivers. The density of A. palmata generally showed a negative trend at both reefs, with the lowest density recorded in 2021 at 0.2 ± 0.05 col. m-2 at Playa Baracoa and 1.0 ± 0.1 col. m-2 at Rincon de Guanabo. The mean size of the colonies in the two reefs also decreased over time. In Playa Baracoa, the mean diameter of A. palmata colonies decreased from 2012 at 67 ± 5.9 cm to 2013 at 34 ± 2.2 cm, whereas in Rincon de Guanabo, a change in diameter was evident from 2015 at 44.3 ± 2.3 to 2021 at 21.6 ± 0.9 cm. Adult colonies (10 cm-50 cm diameter) predominated in most years on both reefs. The populations of A. palmata on both reefs were healthy, with an average of 70% colonies in good condition during the study period. However, A. palmata cover decreased by almost half by 2021, to 8.6% in Playa Baracoa and 16.8% in Rincon de Guanabo. By contrast, macroalgal cover increased two-fold to 87.1% in Playa Baracoa and four-fold to 77.2% in Rincon de Guanabo. The density of the sea urchin Diadema antillarum was higher in Playa Baracoa than in Rincon de Guanabo. The highest densities were 2.8 ± 0.2 ind. m-2 in Playa Baracoa in 2005 and 0.1 ± 0.03 ind. m-2 in Rincon de Guanabo in 2008. Although our results show an overall decline of A. palmata (density and percent cover) and an increase in macroalgae, these two reef crests are in better condition than most reefs in the Caribbean in terms of the density and health of A. palmata populations, and the density of D. antillarum at Playa Baracoa. Our results are important in establishing a management plan to ensure the condition of these reef crests does not degrade further.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Ramos
- Posgrado en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, México
- Centro de Investigaciones Marinas, Universidad de La Habana, La Habana, Cuba
| | | | - Anastazia T. Banaszak
- Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Mexico
| | - Orlando Perera
- Centro de Investigaciones Marinas, Universidad de La Habana, La Habana, Cuba
| | | | | | | | | | - Alain Duran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Johnson JV, Chequer AD, Goodbody-Gringley G. Insights from the 2-year-long human confinement experiment in Grand Cayman reveal the resilience of coral reef fish communities. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21806. [PMID: 38071390 PMCID: PMC10710434 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49221-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In March 2020, the world went into lockdown to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), with immediate impacts on wildlife across ecosystems. The strict 2-year long lockdown in Grand Cayman provided an unprecedented opportunity to assess how the 'human confinement experiment' influenced the community composition of reef fish. Using a suite of multivariate statistics, our findings revealed a stark increase in reef fish biomass during the 2 years of lockdown, especially among herbivores, including parrotfish, with drastic increases in juvenile parrotfishes identified. Additionally, when comparing baseline data of the community from 2018 to the 2 years during lockdown, over a three-fold significant increase in mean reef fish biomass was observed, with a clear shift in community composition. Our findings provide unique insights into the resilience of reef fish communities when local anthropogenic stressors are removed for an unprecedented length of time. Given the functional role of herbivores including parrotfish, our results suggest that reductions in human water-based activities have positive implications for coral reef ecosystems and should be considered in future management strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack V Johnson
- Reef Ecology and Evolution Lab, Central Caribbean Marine Institute, Little Cayman, Cayman Islands.
| | - Alex D Chequer
- Reef Ecology and Evolution Lab, Central Caribbean Marine Institute, Little Cayman, Cayman Islands
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zuercher R, Kochan D, Harborne AR. Factors influencing the biomass of large-bodied parrotfish species in the absence of fishing on coral reefs in Florida, USA. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2023; 103:1526-1537. [PMID: 37681994 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Parrotfishes are a functionally critical component of Caribbean reef fish assemblages, with large-bodied parrotfish species exerting particularly important top-down control on macroalgae. Despite their importance, low biomasses of large-bodied parrotfishes on many reefs hamper our ability to study and understand their ecology. Florida reefs, where most parrotfish fishing has been illegal since 1992, present a unique opportunity to explore covariates of their distribution. Using boosted regression tree models and 23 covariates, this study identified the major predictors of four species of Atlantic large-bodied parrotfishes. Maximum hard substrate relief, the area of the surrounding reef, and the availability of seagrass habitat were each positively related to parrotfish presence. Strong positive relationships between parrotfish presence and biomass and the biomass of other parrotfishes on a reef suggest that all four species responded to a similar subset of environmental conditions. However, relationships between parrotfish presence and biomass and depth, habitat type, coral cover, and the proximity of a reef to deepwater habitats differed among species, highlighting distinct habitat preferences. These results can improve managers' ability to target important biophysical correlates of large-bodied parrotfishes with appropriate management interventions and identify areas for protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Zuercher
- Institute of Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - David Kochan
- Institute of Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Alastair R Harborne
- Institute of Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Spiers L, Frazer TK. Comparison of feeding preferences of herbivorous fishes and the sea urchin Diadema antillarum in Little Cayman. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16264. [PMID: 38025680 PMCID: PMC10656904 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
On Caribbean coral reefs, losses of two key groups of grazers, herbivorous fishes and Diadema antillarum, coincided with dramatic increases in macroalgae, which have contributed to decreases in the resilience of these coral reefs and continued low coral cover. In some locations, herbivorous reef fishes and D. antillarum populations have begun to recover, and reductions in macroalgal cover and abundance have followed. Harder to determine, and perhaps more important, are the combined grazing effects of herbivorous fishes and D. antillarum on the structure of macroalgal communities. Surprisingly few studies have examined the feeding preferences of D. antillarum for different macroalgal species, and there have been even fewer comparative studies between these different herbivore types. Accordingly, a series of in-situ and ex-situ feeding assays involving herbivorous fishes and D. antillarum were used to examine feeding preferences. Ten macrophytes representing palatable and chemically and/or structurally defended species were used in these assays, including nine macroalgae, and one seagrass. All species were eaten by at least one of the herbivores tested, although consumption varied greatly. All herbivores consumed significant portions of two red algae species while avoiding Halimeda tuna, which has both chemical and structural defenses. Herbivorous fishes mostly avoided chemically defended species while D. antillarum consumed less of the structurally defended algae. These results suggest complementarity and redundancy in feeding by these different types of herbivores indicating the most effective macroalgal control and subsequent restoration of degraded coral reefs may depend on the recovery of both herbivorous fishes and D. antillarum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Spiers
- Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
- Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Marathon, FL, United States of America
| | - Thomas K. Frazer
- Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
López-González LA, Cruz-Motta JJ, Rosario A, Hanke M, Appeldoorn R. Comparison of Underwater Visual Census (UVC), Underwater Remote Video (RUV), and Handline Used by Fisheries-Independent Programs to Assess Reef Fish. CARIBB J SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.18475/cjos.v52i2.a13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leysa A. López-González
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
| | - Juan J. Cruz-Motta
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
| | - Aida Rosario
- Division of Management and Investigation of Commercial Fisheries, Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Marcos Hanke
- Caribbean Fishery Management Council, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Richard Appeldoorn
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
López-Angarita J, Restrepo MDP, Guzmán K, Escobar D. Musical folklore as a tool for social-ecological change in the Colombian Caribbean. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2022.1039430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Large herbivorous fishes, such as parrotfishes, play a critical role in coral reef ecosystems by limiting the coverage of macroalgae. Yet, in the Colombian Caribbean, parrotfishes are being increasingly targeted for human consumption as the demand for fish increases with tourist numbers. The Colombian Caribbean is dominated by Afro-descendant communities, and music is a deeply rooted form of expression and communication. ‘Champeta’, the local music folklore, is heard at all times of day and danced continuously in the islands off the coast of Cartagena. We conducted a survey of local tourist and fisheries stakeholders to characterise the parrotfish fishery, and designed a contextualised awareness-raising campaign of the ecological role of parrotfish and the need for management in the Islands of the Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Park. In doing so, we test if Champeta could be used as a mechanism for social-ecological change in Caribbean coastal communities in the context of coral reef conservation. Locals were engaged in every aspect of the campaign, especially with the song, as the campaign was a process rooted in their culture, interests and idiosyncrasies. Surveys of restaurants illustrated the size of the fishery and the extent of misinformation surrounding the consumption of parrotfish by tourists. We found that both locals and tourists held misconceptions about the ecological role of parrotfish and were supportive of efforts to protect them.
Collapse
|
7
|
Burkepile DE, Adam TC, Allgeier JE, Shantz AA. Functional diversity in herbivorous fishes on Caribbean reefs: The role of macroalgal traits in driving interspecific differences in feeding behavior. FOOD WEBS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2022.e00255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
8
|
Perry CT, Salter MA, Lange ID, Kochan DP, Harborne AR, Graham NAJ. Geo‐ecological functions provided by coral reef fishes vary among regions and impact reef carbonate cycling regimes. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chris T. Perry
- Geography, Faculty of Environment, Science & Economy University of Exeter Exeter UK
| | - Michael A. Salter
- Geography, Faculty of Environment, Science & Economy University of Exeter Exeter UK
| | - Ines D. Lange
- Geography, Faculty of Environment, Science & Economy University of Exeter Exeter UK
| | - David P. Kochan
- Institute of Environment & Department of Biological Sciences Florida International University North Miami Florida USA
| | - Alastair R. Harborne
- Institute of Environment & Department of Biological Sciences Florida International University North Miami Florida USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rivas N, Acero P. A, Tavera J. Spatial variation of parrotfish assemblages at oceanic islands in the western Caribbean: evidence of indirect effects of fishing? PeerJ 2022; 10:e14178. [PMID: 36518271 PMCID: PMC9744149 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fish populations that bear considerable pressure levels tend to show a decline in the average size of individuals, with the small and unexploited species replacing the large and exploited ones. It is important to carry on with their characterization in areas where they are becoming an important source of food for local human populations. An example of such species are parrotfishes, whose responses to external factors such as fishing need to be understood and predicted. In this study, we used a diver-operated stereo-video to examine individual body size, sex ratios and proportion of species of the parrotfish assemblage and analyze them on a qualitative fishing pressure gradient at four oceanic islands in the Colombian Caribbean. We reported over 10,000 occurrences of eleven parrotfish species, of which we estimated the total length of over 90%, grouping them into three size categories (large, medium, and small). Our data showed a spatial variation of parrotfishes' abundances, biomass, and individual body size. Observed differences are size-category-dependent throughout the qualitative fishing pressure. In general, the medium-bodied species had smaller sizes, lower abundances, and thus lower contribution to the total parrotfish biomass at the most heavily fished island. Unexpectedly, we found evidence of possible indirect effects over the small-bodied species Scarus iseri and Scarus taeniopterus with significantly greater abundances, and larger sizes of males of S. iseri, at the higher fishing pressure sites. Overall, our data highlights the extent of the spatial variation in the parrotfish communities at relatively short distances, and present new insights into the responses of parrotfish species on a spectrum of body sizes along a gradient of human pressure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Rivas
- Instituto de Estudios en Ciencias del Mar (Cecimar), Universidad Nacional de Colombia sede Caribe, El Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Arturo Acero P.
- Instituto de Estudios en Ciencias del Mar (Cecimar), Universidad Nacional de Colombia sede Caribe, El Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - José Tavera
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Shaver EC, McLeod E, Hein MY, Palumbi SR, Quigley K, Vardi T, Mumby PJ, Smith D, Montoya‐Maya P, Muller EM, Banaszak AT, McLeod IM, Wachenfeld D. A roadmap to integrating resilience into the practice of coral reef restoration. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:4751-4764. [PMID: 35451154 PMCID: PMC9545251 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Recent warm temperatures driven by climate change have caused mass coral bleaching and mortality across the world, prompting managers, policymakers, and conservation practitioners to embrace restoration as a strategy to sustain coral reefs. Despite a proliferation of new coral reef restoration efforts globally and increasing scientific recognition and research on interventions aimed at supporting reef resilience to climate impacts, few restoration programs are currently incorporating climate change and resilience in project design. As climate change will continue to degrade coral reefs for decades to come, guidance is needed to support managers and restoration practitioners to conduct restoration that promotes resilience through enhanced coral reef recovery, resistance, and adaptation. Here, we address this critical implementation gap by providing recommendations that integrate resilience principles into restoration design and practice, including for project planning and design, coral selection, site selection, and broader ecosystem context. We also discuss future opportunities to improve restoration methods to support enhanced outcomes for coral reefs in response to climate change. As coral reefs are one of the most vulnerable ecosystems to climate change, interventions that enhance reef resilience will help to ensure restoration efforts have a greater chance of success in a warming world. They are also more likely to provide essential contributions to global targets to protect natural biodiversity and the human communities that rely on reefs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Margaux Y. Hein
- Marine Ecosystem Restoration Research and ConsultingMonacoMonaco
| | | | - Kate Quigley
- Minderoo FoundationPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Tali Vardi
- ECS for NOAA Fisheries Office of Science & TechnologySilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - Peter J. Mumby
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueenslandAustralia
| | - David Smith
- Coral Reef Research UnitSchool of Life SciencesEssexUK
- Mars IncorporatedLondonUK
| | | | | | | | - Ian M. McLeod
- TropWATER, The Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - David Wachenfeld
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park AuthorityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Adam TC, Holbrook SJ, Burkepile DE, Speare KE, Brooks AJ, Ladd MC, Shantz AA, Vega Thurber R, Schmitt RJ. Priority effects in coral-macroalgae interactions can drive alternate community paths in the absence of top-down control. Ecology 2022; 103:e3831. [PMID: 35862066 PMCID: PMC10078572 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The outcomes of species interactions can vary greatly in time and space with the outcomes of some interactions determined by priority effects. On coral reefs, benthic algae rapidly colonize disturbed substrate. In the absence of top-down control from herbivorous fishes, these algae can inhibit the recruitment of reef-building corals, leading to a persistent phase shift to a macroalgae-dominated state. Yet, corals may also inhibit colonization by macroalgae, and thus the effects of herbivores on algal communities may be strongest following disturbances that reduce coral cover. Here, we report results from experiments conducted on the fore reef of Moorea, French Polynesia, where we: 1) tested the ability of macroalgae to invade coral-dominated and coral-depauperate communities under different levels of herbivory, 2) explored the ability of juvenile corals (Pocillopora spp.) to suppress macroalgae, and 3) quantified the direct and indirect effects of fish herbivores and corallivores on juvenile corals. We found that macroalgae proliferated when herbivory was low but only in recently disturbed communities where coral cover was also low. When coral cover was < 10%, macroalgae increased 20-fold within one year under reduced herbivory conditions relative to high herbivory controls. Yet, when coral cover was high (50%), macroalgae were suppressed irrespective of the level of herbivory despite ample space for algal colonization. Once established in communities with low herbivory and low coral cover, macroalgae suppressed recruitment of coral larvae, reducing the capacity for coral replenishment. However, when we experimentally established small juvenile corals (2 cm diameter) following a disturbance, juvenile corals inhibited macroalgae from invading local neighborhoods, even in the absence of herbivores, indicating a strong priority effect in macroalgae-coral interactions. Surprisingly, fishes that initially facilitated coral recruitment by controlling algae had a net negative effect on juvenile corals via predation. Corallivores reduced growth rates of corals exposed to fishes by ~ 30% relative to fish exclosures despite increased competition with macroalgae within the exclosures. These results highlight that different processes are important for structuring coral reef ecosystems at different successional stages and underscore the need to consider multiple ecological processes and historical contingencies to predict coral community dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Adam
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - Sally J Holbrook
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA.,Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - Deron E Burkepile
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA.,Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - Kelly E Speare
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - Andrew J Brooks
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - Mark C Ladd
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA.,NOAA - National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Key Biscayne, FL, USA
| | - Andrew A Shantz
- Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory, St. Teresa, FL, USA
| | | | - Russell J Schmitt
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA.,Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bosch NE, McLean M, Zarco-Perello S, Bennett S, Stuart-Smith RD, Vergés A, Pessarrodona A, Tuya F, Langlois T, Spencer C, Bell S, Saunders BJ, Harvey ES, Wernberg T. Persistent thermally driven shift in the functional trait structure of herbivorous fishes: Evidence of top-down control on the rebound potential of temperate seaweed forests? GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:2296-2311. [PMID: 34981602 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Extreme climatic events can reshape the functional structure of ecological communities, potentially altering ecological interactions and ecosystem functioning. While these shifts have been widely documented, evidence of their persistence and potential flow-on effects on ecosystem structure following relaxation of extreme events remains limited. Here, we investigate changes in the functional trait structure - encompassing dimensions of resource use, thermal affinity, and body size - of herbivorous fishes in a temperate reef system that experienced an extreme marine heatwave (MHW) and subsequent return to cool conditions. We quantify how changes in the trait structure modified the nature and intensity of herbivory-related functions (macroalgae, turf, and sediment removal), and explored the potential flow-on effects on the recovery dynamics of macroalgal foundation species. The trait structure of the herbivorous fish assemblage shifted as a result of the MHW, from dominance of cool-water browsing species to increased evenness in the distribution of abundance among temperate and tropical guilds supporting novel herbivory roles (i.e. scraping, cropping, and sediment sucking). Despite the abundance of tropical herbivorous fishes and intensity of herbivory-related functions declined following a period of cooling after the MHW, the underlying trait structure displayed limited recovery. Concomitantly, algal assemblages displayed a lack of recovery of the formerly dominant foundational species, the kelp Ecklonia radiata, transitioning to an alternative state dominated by turf and Sargassum spp. Our study demonstrates a legacy effect of an extreme MHW and exemplified the value of monitoring phenotypic (trait mediated) changes in the nature of core ecosystem processes to predict and adapt to the future configurations of changing reef ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nestor E Bosch
- The UWA Oceans Institute, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Matthew McLean
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Salvador Zarco-Perello
- The UWA Oceans Institute, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Scott Bennett
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Rick D Stuart-Smith
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Adriana Vergés
- Centre of Marine Science & Innovation, Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Albert Pessarrodona
- The UWA Oceans Institute, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Fernando Tuya
- Grupo en Biodiversidad y Conservación, IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de G.C., Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Tim Langlois
- The UWA Oceans Institute, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Claude Spencer
- The UWA Oceans Institute, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sahira Bell
- The UWA Oceans Institute, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Saunders
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Euan S Harvey
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Thomas Wernberg
- The UWA Oceans Institute, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Institute of Marine Research, His, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
|
14
|
Alves C, Valdivia A, Aronson RB, Bood N, Castillo KD, Cox C, Fieseler C, Locklear Z, McField M, Mudge L, Umbanhowar J, Bruno JF. Twenty years of change in benthic communities across the Belizean Barrier Reef. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0249155. [PMID: 35041688 PMCID: PMC8765652 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Disease, storms, ocean warming, and pollution have caused the mass mortality of reef-building corals across the Caribbean over the last four decades. Subsequently, stony corals have been replaced by macroalgae, bacterial mats, and invertebrates including soft corals and sponges, causing changes to the functioning of Caribbean reef ecosystems. Here we describe changes in the absolute cover of benthic reef taxa, including corals, gorgonians, sponges, and algae, at 15 fore-reef sites (12–15m depth) across the Belizean Barrier Reef (BBR) from 1997 to 2016. We also tested whether Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), in which fishing was prohibited but likely still occurred, mitigated these changes. Additionally, we determined whether ocean-temperature anomalies (measured via satellite) or local human impacts (estimated using the Human Influence Index, HII) were related to changes in benthic community structure. We observed a reduction in the cover of reef-building corals, including the long-lived, massive corals Orbicella spp. (from 13 to 2%), and an increase in fleshy and corticated macroalgae across most sites. These and other changes to the benthic communities were unaffected by local protection. The covers of hard-coral taxa, including Acropora spp., Montastraea cavernosa, Orbicella spp., and Porites spp., were negatively related to the frequency of ocean-temperature anomalies. Only gorgonian cover was related, negatively, to our metric of the magnitude of local impacts (HII). Our results suggest that benthic communities along the BBR have experienced disturbances that are beyond the capacity of the current management structure to mitigate. We recommend that managers devote greater resources and capacity to enforcing and expanding existing marine protected areas and to mitigating local stressors, and most importantly, that government, industry, and the public act immediately to reduce global carbon emissions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Alves
- Environment, Ecology, and Energy Program, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- ECS Federal, Inc., in support of Northeast Fisheries Science Center, Social Science Branch, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Narragansett, RI, United States of America
| | | | - Richard B. Aronson
- Department of Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida, United States of America
| | - Nadia Bood
- World Wildlife Fund Mesoamerica, Belize Field Programme Office, Belize City, Belize, Central America
| | - Karl D. Castillo
- Department of Marine Sciences, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Courtney Cox
- Rare, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Clare Fieseler
- Science, Technology, and International Affairs Program, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Zachary Locklear
- Green Bay Wildlife Conservation Office, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, New Franken, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Melanie McField
- Healthy Reefs for Healthy People Initiative, Smithsonian Institution, Fort Pierce, FL, United States of America
| | - Laura Mudge
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Integral Consulting Inc., Annapolis, Maryland, United States of America
| | - James Umbanhowar
- Environment, Ecology, and Energy Program, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - John F. Bruno
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pentz B, Klenk N. When is a commercial fish species recovered? JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 301:113918. [PMID: 34731943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The need to reverse decades of species and ecosystem decline has created an imperative to understand the governance of recovery. To pursue this imperative, we ask a question at the centre of recovery governance: when is a commercial species recovered? To answer this question we conduct a case study of northern cod (Gadus morhua, NAFO subdivision 2J3KL), a species perhaps best known for the scale of its biological collapse and subsequent socioeconomic consequences. Northern cod has experienced recent biomass growth, raising the question of when the species can once again be the target of commercial fishing. We conducted 26 interviews with key stakeholders from Newfoundland and Labrador's fishing sector and identify three core discourses characterizing the governance of the northern cod recovery: (1) the biological recovery discourse, (2) the industrial recovery discourse, and (3) the community recovery discourse. We find these recovery discourses are composed of five dimensions: (i) epistemic orientation and inputs, (ii) emphasis on institutions and rules, (iii) framings of risk, (iv) stakeholder priorities, goals, and interests, and (v) different lessons learned from the collapse. Our findings suggest that the recovery of a commercial species is not determined only by biological metrics, but also how decision-makers view the value of different knowledge systems, what frames of risk they find most salient, and the lessons they glean from collapse on behalf of the societies they represent. Our discussion notes that co-productive approaches could supplement adaptive approaches as a potential strategy to reconcile competing discourses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Pentz
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, 1265 Military Trail, Scarborough, Ontario, M1C 1A4, Canada.
| | - Nicole Klenk
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, 1265 Military Trail, Scarborough, Ontario, M1C 1A4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mumby PJ, Steneck RS, Roff G, Paul VJ. Marine reserves, fisheries ban, and 20 years of positive change in a coral reef ecosystem. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2021; 35:1473-1483. [PMID: 33909928 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
By 2004, Belize was exhibiting classic fishing down of the food web. Groupers (Serranidae) and snappers (Lutjanidae) were scarce and fisheries turned to parrotfishes (Scarinae), leading to a 41% decline in their biomass. Several policies were enacted in 2009-2010, including a moratorium on fishing parrotfish and a new marine park with no-take areas. Using a 20-year time series on reef fish and benthos, we evaluated the impact of these policies approximately 10 years after their implementation. Establishment of the Southwater Caye Marine Reserve led to a recovery of snapper at 2 out of 3 sites, but there was no evidence of recovery outside the reserve. Snapper populations in an older reserve continued to increase, implying that at least 9 years is required for their recovery. Despite concerns over the feasibility of banning parrotfish harvest once it has become a dominant fin fishery, parrotfishes returned and exceeded biomass levels prior to the fishery. The majority of these changes involved an increase in parrotfish density; species composition and adult body size generally exhibited little change. Recovery occurred equally well in reserves and areas open to other forms of fishing, implying strong compliance. Temporal trends in parrotfish grazing intensity were strongly negatively associated with the cover of macroalgae, which by 2018 had fallen to the lowest levels observed since measurements began in 1998. Coral populations remained resilient and continued to exhibit periods of net recovery after disturbance. We found that a moratorium on parrotfish harvesting is feasible and appears to help constrain macroalgae, which can otherwise impede coral resilience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Mumby
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab & ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Science, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robert S Steneck
- Darling Marine Center, School of Marine Sciences, University of Maine, Walpole, Maine, USA
| | - George Roff
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab & ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Science, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Examining the development of a parrotfish fishery in The Bahamas: Social considerations & management implications. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
|
18
|
Schlaefer JA, Tebbett SB, Bellwood DR. The study of sediments on coral reefs: A hydrodynamic perspective. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 169:112580. [PMID: 34102417 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
There is a rich literature on coral reef sediments. However, this knowledge is spread among research fields, and the extent to which major sediment reservoirs and reservoir connecting processes have been quantified is unclear. We examined the literature to quantify where and how sediments have been measured on coral reefs and, thereby, identified critical knowledge gaps. In most studies, sediments in one reservoir or one sedimentary process were quantified. The measurement of water column sediments (55% of reservoir measurements) and sediment trapping rates (42% of process measurements) were over-represented. In contrast, sediments on reef substrata, and the transition of sediments from the water column to the benthos, were rarely quantified. Furthermore, only ~20% of sediment measurements were accompanied by the quantification of hydrodynamic drivers. Multidisciplinary collaborative approaches offer great promise for advancing our understanding of the connections between sediment reservoirs, and the sedimentary and hydrodynamic processes that mediate these connections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jodie A Schlaefer
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
| | - Sterling B Tebbett
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - David R Bellwood
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Cheal AJ, Emslie MJ, Currey-Randall LM, Heupel MR. Comparability and complementarity of reef fish measures from underwater visual census (UVC) and baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS). JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 289:112375. [PMID: 33813301 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The much-publicized threats to coral reef systems necessitate a considered management response based on comprehensive ecological data. However, data from large reef systems commonly originate from multiple monitoring programs that use different methods, each with distinct biases that limit united assessments of ecological status. The effective integration of data from different monitoring methods would allow better assessment of system status and hence, more informed management. Here we examine the scope for comparability and complementarity of fish data from two different methods used on Australia's Great Barrier Reef (GBR): underwater visual census (UVC) and baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS). We compared commonly reported reef fish measures from UVC and BRUVS on similar reef slope habitats of three central GBR reefs. Both methods recorded similar estimates of total species richness, although ~30% of recorded species were not common to both methods. There were marked differences between methods in sub-group species richness, frequency of species occurrences, relative abundances of taxa and assemblage structure. The magnitude and orientation of inter-method differences were often inconsistent among taxa. However, each method better categorized certain components of fish communities: BRUVS sampled more predatory species in higher numbers while UVC was similarly better at sampling damselfishes (Pomacentridae). Our results suggest limited scope for direct or adjusted comparisons of data from UVC and BRUVS. Conversely, complementary aspects of the two methods confirm that their integration in monitoring programs will provide a more complete and extensive assessment of reef fish status for managers than from either method alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alistair J Cheal
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia.
| | - Michael J Emslie
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia
| | | | - Michelle R Heupel
- Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS), Hobart, Tasmania, 7004, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Donovan MK, Burkepile DE, Kratochwill C, Shlesinger T, Sully S, Oliver TA, Hodgson G, Freiwald J, van Woesik R. Local conditions magnify coral loss after marine heatwaves. Science 2021; 372:977-980. [PMID: 34045353 DOI: 10.1126/science.abd9464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Climate change threatens coral reefs by causing heat stress events that lead to widespread coral bleaching and mortality. Given the global nature of these mass coral mortality events, recent studies argue that mitigating climate change is the only path to conserve coral reefs. Using a global analysis of 223 sites, we show that local stressors act synergistically with climate change to kill corals. Local factors such as high abundance of macroalgae or urchins magnified coral loss in the year after bleaching. Notably, the combined effects of increasing heat stress and macroalgae intensified coral loss. Our results offer an optimistic premise that effective local management, alongside global efforts to mitigate climate change, can help coral reefs survive the Anthropocene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary K Donovan
- Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science and School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA.
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Deron E Burkepile
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Chelsey Kratochwill
- Institute for Global Ecology, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 32901, USA
| | - Tom Shlesinger
- Institute for Global Ecology, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 32901, USA
| | - Shannon Sully
- Institute for Global Ecology, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 32901, USA
| | - Thomas A Oliver
- Ecosystem Sciences Division, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries, Honolulu, HI 96818, USA
| | | | - Jan Freiwald
- Reef Check Foundation, Marina del Rey, CA 90292, USA
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Robert van Woesik
- Institute for Global Ecology, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 32901, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wulff JL. Targeted predator defenses of sponges shape community organization and tropical marine ecosystem function. ECOL MONOGR 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecm.1438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Janie L. Wulff
- Department of Biological Science Florida State University Tallahassee Florida32306‐4295USA
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Balboa Republic of Panama
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Molina-Hernández A, González-Barrios FJ, Perry CT, Álvarez-Filip L. Two decades of carbonate budget change on shifted coral reef assemblages: are these reefs being locked into low net budget states? Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20202305. [PMID: 33290684 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.2305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The ecology of coral reefs is rapidly shifting from historical baselines. One key-question is whether under these new, less favourable ecological conditions, coral reefs will be able to sustain key geo-ecological processes such as the capacity to accumulate carbonate structure. Here, we use data from 34 Caribbean reef sites to examine how the carbonate production, net erosion and net carbonate budgets, as well as the organisms underlying these processes, have changed over the past 15 years in the absence of further severe acute disturbances. We find that despite fundamental benthic ecological changes, these ecologically shifted coral assemblages have exhibited a modest but significant increase in their net carbonate budgets over the past 15 years. However, contrary to expectations this trend was driven by a decrease in erosion pressure, largely resulting from changes in the abundance and size-frequency distribution of parrotfishes, and not by an increase in rates of coral carbonate production. Although in the short term, the carbonate budgets seem to have benefitted marginally from reduced parrotfish erosion, the absence of these key substrate grazers, particularly of larger individuals, is unlikely to be conducive to reef recovery and will thus probably lock these reefs into low budget states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Molina-Hernández
- Posgrado en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Ciudad Universitaria 3000, C.P. 04510, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, México.,Biodiversity and Reef Conservation Laboratory, Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, México
| | - F Javier González-Barrios
- Biodiversity and Reef Conservation Laboratory, Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, México
| | - Chris T Perry
- Geography, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Lorenzo Álvarez-Filip
- Biodiversity and Reef Conservation Laboratory, Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, México
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Site-Level Variation in Parrotfish Grazing and Bioerosion as a Function of Species-Specific Feeding Metrics. DIVERSITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/d12100379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Parrotfish provide important ecological functions on coral reefs, including the provision of new settlement space through grazing and the generation of sediment through bioerosion of reef substrate. Estimating these functions at an ecosystem level depends on accurately quantifying the functional impact of individuals, yet parrotfish feeding metrics are only available for a limited range of sites, species and size classes. We quantified bite rates, proportion of bites leaving scars and scar sizes in situ for the dominant excavator (Cetoscarus ocellatus, Chlorurus strongylocephalus, Ch. sordidus) and scraper species (Scarus rubroviolaceus, S. frenatus, S. niger, S. tricolor, S. scaber, S. psittacus) in the central Indian Ocean. This includes the first record of scar frequencies and sizes for the latter three species. Bite rates varied with species and life phase and decreased with body size. The proportion of bites leaving scars and scar sizes differed among species and increased with body size. Species-level allometric relationships between body size and each of these feeding metrics were used to parameterize annual individual grazing and bioerosion rates which increase non-linearly with body size. Large individuals of C. ocellatus, Ch. strongylocephalus and S. rubroviolaceus can graze 200–400 m2 and erode >500 kg of reef substrate annually. Smaller species graze 1–100 m2 yr−1 and erode 0.2–30 kg yr−1. We used these individual functional rates to quantify community grazing and bioerosion levels at 15 sites across the Maldives and the Chagos Archipelago. Although parrotfish density was 2.6 times higher on Maldivian reefs, average grazing (3.9 ± 1.4 m2 m−2 reef yr−1) and bioerosion levels (3.1 ± 1.2 kg m−2 reef yr−1) were about 15% lower than in the Chagos Archipelago (4.5 ± 2.3 and 3.7 ± 3.0, respectively), due to the dominance of small species and individuals in the Maldives (90% <30 cm length). This demonstrates that large-bodied species and individuals contribute disproportionally to both grazing and bioerosion. Across all sites, grazing increased by 66 ± 5 m2 ha−1 and bioerosion by 109 ± 9 kg ha−1 for every kg increase in parrotfish biomass. However, for a given level of parrotfish biomass, grazing and bioerosion levels were higher on Maldivian reefs than in the Chagos Archipelago. This suggests that small-bodied fish assemblages can maintain ecosystem functions, but only if key species are present in sufficiently high numbers.
Collapse
|
24
|
Seraphim MJ, Sloman KA, Alexander ME, Janetski N, Jompa J, Ambo-Rappe R, Snellgrove D, Mars F, Harborne AR. Interactions between coral restoration and fish assemblages: implications for reef management. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2020; 97:633-655. [PMID: 32564370 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Corals create complex reef structures that provide both habitat and food for many fish species. Because of numerous natural and anthropogenic threats, many coral reefs are currently being degraded, endangering the fish assemblages they support. Coral reef restoration, an active ecological management tool, may help reverse some of the current trends in reef degradation through the transplantation of stony corals. Although restoration techniques have been extensively reviewed in relation to coral survival, our understanding of the effects of adding live coral cover and complexity on fishes is in its infancy with a lack of scientifically validated research. This study reviews the limited data on reef restoration and fish assemblages, and complements this with the more extensive understanding of complex interactions between natural reefs and fishes and how this might inform restoration efforts. It also discusses which key fish species or functional groups may promote, facilitate or inhibit restoration efforts and, in turn, how restoration efforts can be optimised to enhance coral fish assemblages. By highlighting critical knowledge gaps in relation to fishes and restoration interactions, the study aims to stimulate research into the role of reef fishes in restoration projects. A greater understanding of the functional roles of reef fishes would also help inform whether restoration projects can return fish assemblages to their natural compositions or whether alternative species compositions develop, and over what timeframe. Although alleviation of local and global reef stressors remains a priority, reef restoration is an important tool; an increased understanding of the interactions between replanted corals and the fishes they support is critical for ensuring its success for people and nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie J Seraphim
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
| | - Katherine A Sloman
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
| | - Mhairi E Alexander
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
| | | | - Jamaluddin Jompa
- Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Rohani Ambo-Rappe
- Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Donna Snellgrove
- Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, UK
| | | | - Alastair R Harborne
- Institute of Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
|