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James K, Macreadie PI, Burdett HL, Davies I, Kamenos NA. It's time to broaden what we consider a 'blue carbon ecosystem'. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17261. [PMID: 38712641 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17261] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Photoautotrophic marine ecosystems can lock up organic carbon in their biomass and the associated organic sediments they trap over millennia and are thus regarded as blue carbon ecosystems. Because of the ability of marine ecosystems to lock up organic carbon for millennia, blue carbon is receiving much attention within the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a nature-based solution (NBS) to climate change, but classically still focuses on seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, and tidal marshes. However, other coastal ecosystems could also be important for blue carbon storage, but remain largely neglected in both carbon cycling budgets and NBS strategic planning. Using a meta-analysis of 253 research publications, we identify other coastal ecosystems-including mud flats, fjords, coralline algal (rhodolith) beds, and some components or coral reef systems-with a strong capacity to act as blue carbon sinks in certain situations. Features that promote blue carbon burial within these 'non-classical' blue carbon ecosystems included: (1) balancing of carbon release by calcification via carbon uptake at the individual and ecosystem levels; (2) high rates of allochthonous organic carbon supply because of high particle trapping capacity; (3) high rates of carbon preservation and low remineralization rates; and (4) location in depositional environments. Some of these features are context-dependent, meaning that these ecosystems were blue carbon sinks in some locations, but not others. Therefore, we provide a universal framework that can evaluate the likelihood of a given ecosystem to behave as a blue carbon sink for a given context. Overall, this paper seeks to encourage consideration of non-classical blue carbon ecosystems within NBS strategies, allowing more complete blue carbon accounting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter I Macreadie
- Marine Research and Innovation Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Heidi L Burdett
- Umeå Marine Sciences Centre, Umeå University, Norrbyn, Sweden
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Nicholas A Kamenos
- Umeå Marine Sciences Centre, Umeå University, Norrbyn, Sweden
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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2
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James C, Layton C, Hurd CL, Britton D. The endemic kelp Lessonia corrugata is being pushed above its thermal limits in an ocean warming hotspot. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2024; 60:503-516. [PMID: 38426571 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13434] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Kelps are in global decline due to climate change, which includes ocean warming. To identify vulnerable species, we need to identify their tolerances to increasing temperatures and determine whether tolerances are altered by co-occurring drivers such as inorganic nutrient levels. This is particularly important for those species with restricted distributions, which may already be experiencing thermal stress. To identify thermal tolerance of the range-restricted kelp Lessonia corrugata, we conducted a laboratory experiment on juvenile sporophytes to measure performance (growth, photosynthesis) across its thermal range (4-22°C). We determined the upper thermal limit for growth and photosynthesis to be ~22-23°C, with a thermal optimum of ~16°C. To determine if elevated inorganic nitrogen availability could enhance thermal tolerance, we compared the performance of juveniles under low (4.5 μmol · d-1) and high (90 μmol · d-1) nitrate conditions at and above the thermal optimum (16-23.5°C). Nitrate enrichment did not enhance thermal performance at temperatures above the optimum but did lead to elevated growth rates at the thermal optimum. Our results indicate L. corrugata is likely to be extremely susceptible to moderate ocean warming and marine heatwaves. Peak sea surface temperatures during summer in eastern and northeastern Tasmania can reach up to 20-21°C, and climate projections suggest that L. corrugata's thermal limit will be regularly exceeded by 2050 as southeastern Australia is a global ocean-warming hotspot. By identifying the upper thermal limit of L. corrugata, we have taken a critical step in predicting the future of the species in a warming climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody James
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Cayne Layton
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Catriona L Hurd
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Damon Britton
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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3
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Lange ID, Razak TB, Perry CT, Maulana PB, Prasetya ME, Irwan, Lamont TA. Coral restoration can drive rapid reef carbonate budget recovery. Curr Biol 2024; 34:1341-1348.e3. [PMID: 38460511 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Restoration is increasingly seen as a necessary tool to reverse ecological decline across terrestrial and marine ecosystems.1,2 Considering the unprecedented loss of coral cover and associated reef ecosystem services, active coral restoration is gaining traction in local management strategies and has recently seen major increases in scale. However, the extent to which coral restoration may restore key reef functions is poorly understood.3,4 Carbonate budgets, defined as the balance between calcium carbonate production and erosion, influence a reef's ability to provide important geo-ecological functions including structural complexity, reef framework production, and vertical accretion.5 Here we present the first assessment of reef carbonate budget trajectories at restoration sites. The study was conducted at one of the world's largest coral restoration programs, which transplants healthy coral fragments onto hexagonal metal frames to consolidate degraded rubble fields.6 Within 4 years, fast coral growth supports a rapid recovery of coral cover (from 17% ± 2% to 56% ± 4%), substrate rugosity (from 1.3 ± 0.1 to 1.7 ± 0.1) and carbonate production (from 7.2 ± 1.6 to 20.7 ± 2.2 kg m-2 yr-1). Four years after coral transplantation, net carbonate budgets have tripled and are indistinguishable from healthy control sites (19.1 ± 3.1 and 18.7 ± 2.2 kg m-2 yr-1, respectively). However, taxa-level contributions to carbonate production differ between restored and healthy reefs due to the preferential use of branching corals for transplantation. While longer observation times are necessary to observe any self-organization ability of restored reefs (natural recruitment, resilience to thermal stress), we demonstrate the potential of large-scale, well-managed coral restoration projects to recover important ecosystem functions within only 4 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines D Lange
- Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4RJ, UK.
| | - Tries B Razak
- Research Centre for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jakarta Pusat 10340, Indonesia; School of Coral Reef Restoration (SCORES), Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Chris T Perry
- Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4RJ, UK
| | | | | | - Irwan
- Mars Sustainable Solutions, Makassar 90224, Indonesia
| | - Timothy Ac Lamont
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW, UK
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Yu X, Liu J, Chen X, Yu H, Du J. Fresh and saline groundwater nutrient inputs and their impacts on the nutrient budgets in a human-effected bay. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:116026. [PMID: 38211541 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116026] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) can be highly enriched in nutrients, especially in bays with strong human activity, but has often been overlooked in coastal nutrient budgets. This study investigated the impact of both fresh and saline SGD on nutrient budgets in Sanmen Bay, China, a region heavily influenced by human activities. Based on the 224Ra mass balance model, the total SGD flux was estimated to be (1.1 ± 0.1) × 108 m3 d-1 (13.9 ± 0.5 cm d-1). Additionally, a water-salt mass balance model revealed that fresh SGD flux accounted for ~9.0 % of the total SGD flux. The results highlight the significance of fresh SGD as a freshwater source, contributing to 35.9 % of the total dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) flux via SGD. Considering all nutrient sources and sinks in the Sanmen Bay, SGD was identified as the primary source of nutrients in Sanmen Bay, contributing 53.9 % and 11.9 % of the total dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and DIP input, respectively. Furthermore, the discharge of industrial/domestic sewage and mariculture wastewater also posed a potential threat to nutrient levels in the bay. Thus, initiatives such as reasonable control of culture species and scale, strengthening wastewater discharge and SGD management are crucial for maintaining the ecological environment of the Sanmen Bay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jianan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, School of Marine Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Xiaogang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Huaming Yu
- College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Jinzhou Du
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
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Alter K, Jacobs P, Delre A, Rasch B, Philippart CJM, Peck MA. Oyster larvae used for ecosystem restoration benefit from increased thermal fluctuation. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115750. [PMID: 38043205 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115750] [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: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
A bottleneck in restoring self-sustaining beds of the European oyster (Ostrea edulis) is the successful development and settlement of larvae to bottom habitats. These processes are largely governed by temperature but a mechanistic understanding of larval performance across ecologically relevant temperatures is lacking. We reared larvae at low (20-21 °C) and high (20-24 °C) fluctuating temperatures and applied short-term exposures of larvae to temperatures between 16 and 33 °C to assess vital rates and thermal coping ranges. Larval thermal preference was between 25 and 30 °C for both rearing treatments which corresponded with optimum temperatures for oxygen consumption rates and locomotion. Larvae had 5.5-fold higher settling success, however, when reared at the high compared to the low fluctuating temperatures. Higher mean and periods of increased temperature, as projected in a future climate, may therefore enhance recruitment success of O. edulis in northern European habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Alter
- Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Coastal Systems, 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, the Netherlands.
| | - Pascalle Jacobs
- Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Coastal Systems, 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, the Netherlands.
| | - Annalisa Delre
- Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Coastal Systems, 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, the Netherlands.
| | - Bianka Rasch
- Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Coastal Systems, 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, the Netherlands.
| | - Catharina J M Philippart
- Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Coastal Systems, 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, the Netherlands; Utrecht University, Department of Physical Geography, 80.115, 3508 TC Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Myron A Peck
- Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Coastal Systems, 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, the Netherlands; Wageningen University, Department of Animal Sciences, Marine Animal Ecology Group, De Elst 1, 6708 WD Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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Pessarrodona A, Filbee-Dexter K, Wernberg T. Recovery of algal turfs following removal. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 192:106185. [PMID: 37797426 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106185] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
As a consequence of the increasing human footprint on the environment, marine ecosystems are rapidly transforming into new configurations dominated by early-successional and weedy life forms. Algal turfs, in particular, are emerging as a common and widespread configuration of shallow temperate and tropical reefs, and are predicted to transform reef dynamics and ecosystem services. Restoration is an increasingly used approach to mitigate these transformations, with turf removal being proposed as a tool to shift back the competitive balance and facilitate the recovery of initial species, such as forest-forming seaweeds. Yet, our practical understanding of turf recovery trajectories following removal is limited, and removal success may be hindered by strong feedback mechanisms that reinforce turf dominance once turfs are established. Here we investigate the recovery of algal turfs and their properties (mean height, turf biomass and sediment load) to experimental clearance across six turf-dominated reefs at ca. 9 m in subtropical western Australia. Turf cover, mean height, and sediment loads exhibited a rapid recovery following experimental clearing, with all experimental sites reaching pre-clearing turf conditions between 28 and 46 days. This response was mostly driven by the growth of filamentous turf species, whose cover exhibited a positive relationship with sediment load, and are well-known to rapidly recover after disturbance. Turf abundance and turf properties remained relatively constant for the remaining experimental period. Our results suggest that clearing turfs creates only a small time window for recovery of seaweed forests, which limits the effectiveness of turf clearing as a restoration tool. System-specific quantitative evidence on the recovery capacity of turfs may thus be necessary to guide restoration initiatives and develop decision support systems that account for the risks, feasibility, and costs and benefits of restoring turf-dominated systems to previous configurations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Pessarrodona
- UWA Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, 6009, Western Australia, Australia; Conservation International, 2011 Crystal Dr., Suite 600, Arlington, VA, USA; International Blue Carbon Institute, 42B Boat Quay, 049831, Singapore.
| | - Karen Filbee-Dexter
- UWA Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, 6009, Western Australia, Australia; Institute of Marine Research, Nye Flødevigveien 20, 4817, His, Norway
| | - Thomas Wernberg
- UWA Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, 6009, Western Australia, Australia; Institute of Marine Research, Nye Flødevigveien 20, 4817, His, Norway
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7
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McAfee D, Connell SD. Rapid reversal of ecological extinction. Science 2023; 381:613. [PMID: 37561869 DOI: 10.1126/science.adi7443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dominic McAfee
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia, and Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sean D Connell
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia, and Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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8
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Bell-James J, Fitzsimons JA, Lovelock CE. Land Tenure, Ownership and Use as Barriers to Coastal Wetland Restoration Projects in Australia: Recommendations and Solutions. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 72:179-189. [PMID: 37010555 PMCID: PMC10220139 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-023-01817-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Globally, there is an urgent need for widespread restoration of coastal wetlands like mangroves and saltmarsh. This restoration has been slow to progress in Australia for a number of reasons, including legal issues surrounding land tenure, ownership and use. This paper uses the responses to a survey of coastal zone experts to identify and articulate these legal issues, before considering and analysing in-depth recommendations, solutions and levers to facilitate restoration, and areas where further research or possible policy and/or law reform is needed. It calls for legislative reform to clarify tidal boundaries generally and under sea-level rise, greater use of incentive schemes to encourage the uptake of restoration projects, and utilisation of contracts and land-based covenants to secure projects and carbon flows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Bell-James
- TC Beirne School of Law, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - James A Fitzsimons
- The Nature Conservancy, Carlton, VIC, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Catherine E Lovelock
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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9
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Symbiont-induced phenotypic variation in an ecosystem engineer mediates thermal stress for the associated community. J Therm Biol 2023; 112:103428. [PMID: 36796885 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2022.103428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Microbial symbionts have strong potential to mediate responses to climate change. Such modulation may be particularly important in the case of hosts that modify the physical habitat structure. By transforming the habitats, ecosystem engineers alter resource availability and modulate environmental conditions which, in turn, indirectly shape the community associated with that habitat. Endolithic cyanobacteria are known to reduce the body temperatures of infested mussels and here, we assessed whether the thermal benefits of endoliths on the intertidal reef-building mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis extends to the invertebrate community utilising mussel beds as habitat. Artificial reefs of biomimetic mussels either colonised or not colonised by microbial endoliths were used to test whether infauna species (the limpet Patella vulgata, the snail Littorina littorea and mussel recruits) in a mussel bed with symbionts experience lower body temperatures than those within a bed composed of mussels without symbionts. We found that infaunal individuals benefitted from being surrounded by mussels with symbionts, an effect that may be particularly critical during intense heat stress. Indirect effects of biotic interactions, complicate our understanding of community and ecosystem responses to climate change, especially in cases involving ecosystem engineers, and accounting for them will improve our predictions.
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Chee SY, Tan ML, Tew YL, Sim YK, Yee JC, Chong AKM. Between the devil and the deep blue sea: Trends, drivers, and impacts of coastal reclamation in Malaysia and way forward. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159889. [PMID: 36328260 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159889] [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: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cities all over the world are edging further into the ocean. Coastal reclamation is a global conservation issue with implications for ocean life, ecosystems, and human well-being. Using Malaysia as a case study, the coastal reclamation trends over three decades (1991-2021) were mapped using Landsat images and Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) via the Google Earth Engine platform. The changes in drivers and impacts of these coastal expansions throughout the decades were also reviewed. Twelve out of the 14 states in Malaysia had planned, active, or completed reclamations on their shorelines. Between 1991 and 2021, an absolute area of 82.64 km2 has been or will be reclaimed should all the projects be completed. The most reported driver for coastal expansion in Malaysia is for development and modernization (41 %), followed by rise in human population (20 %), monetary gains from the development of prime land (15 %), and agriculture and aquaculture activities (9 %). Drivers such as reduction of construction costs, financial advantage of prime land, oil and gas, advancement of technology, and tourism (Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)) had only started occurring within the last decade, while others have been documented since the 1990's. Pollution is the most reported impact (24 %) followed by disruption of livelihoods, sources of income and human well-being (21 %), destruction of natural habitats (17 %), decrease in biodiversity (11 %), changes in landscapes (10 %), erosion / accretion (8 %), threat to tourism industry (6 %), and exposure to wave surges (3 %). Of these, changes in landscape, shoreline alignment, seabed contour, and coastal groundwater, as well as wave surges had only started to surface as impacts in the last two decades. Efforts to protect existing natural coastal and marine ecosystems, restore degraded ones, and fund endeavours that emphasize nature is needed to support sustainable development goals for the benefit of future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Yin Chee
- Centre for Global Sustainability Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia.
| | - Mou Leong Tan
- GeoInformatic Unit, Geography Section, School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Yi Lin Tew
- GeoInformatic Unit, Geography Section, School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Yee Kwang Sim
- Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Jean Chai Yee
- Centre for Global Sustainability Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Amanda Kar Mun Chong
- Centre for Global Sustainability Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia
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Levy N, Simon-Blecher N, Ben-Ezra S, Yuval M, Doniger T, Leray M, Karako-Lampert S, Tarazi E, Levy O. Evaluating biodiversity for coral reef reformation and monitoring on complex 3D structures using environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 856:159051. [PMID: 36181819 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159051] [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: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Quantifying coral reef biodiversity is challenging for cryptofauna and organisms in early life stages. We demonstrate the utility of eDNA metabarcoding as a tool for comprehensively evaluating invertebrate communities on complex 3D structures for reef reformation, and the role these structures play in provisioning habitat for organisms. 3D design and printing were used to create 18 complex tiles, which were used to form artificial reef structures. eDNA was collected from scraping tile surfaces for organismal biomass and from seawater samples around the artificial reefs in the Gulf of Eilat/Aqaba, Red Sea. Metabarcoding targeted the mitochondrial COI gene with specific primers for marine biodiversity. We provide the first eDNA biodiversity baseline for the Gulf of Eilat/Aqaba, capturing extensive information on species abundance, richness, and diversity. Tile tops had higher phylogenetic diversity and richness, despite a higher abundance of organisms on tile bottoms, highlighting the detection of cryptic organisms with eDNA. We recommend eDNA metabarcoding for reef restoration initiatives, especially for complex marine structures, to improve success and evaluation of biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Levy
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel.
| | - Noa Simon-Blecher
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Shachaf Ben-Ezra
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Matan Yuval
- Hatter Department of Marine Technologies, Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; Department of Marine Biology, Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; Inter-University Institute for Marine Sciences of Eilat, Eilat 88103, Israel
| | - Tirza Doniger
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Matthieu Leray
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Smithsonian Institution, Balboa Ancon 0843-03092, Panama
| | - Sarit Karako-Lampert
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Ezri Tarazi
- Design-Tech Lab, Industrial Design Department at the Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Oren Levy
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel.
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12
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McAfee D, McLeod IM, Alleway HK, Bishop MJ, Branigan S, Connell SD, Copeland C, Crawford CM, Diggles BK, Fitzsimons JA, Gilby BL, Hamer P, Hancock B, Pearce R, Russell K, Gillies CL. Turning a lost reef ecosystem into a national restoration program. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2022; 36:e13958. [PMID: 35621094 PMCID: PMC10087571 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13958] [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: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Achieving a sustainable socioecological future now requires large-scale environmental repair across legislative borders. Yet, enabling large-scale conservation is complicated by policy-making processes that are disconnected from socioeconomic interests, multiple sources of knowledge, and differing applications of policy. We considered how a multidisciplinary approach to marine habitat restoration generated the scientific evidence base, community support, and funding needed to begin the restoration of a forgotten, functionally extinct shellfish reef ecosystem. The key actors came together as a multidisciplinary community of researchers, conservation practitioners, recreational fisher communities, and government bodies that collaborated across sectors to rediscover Australia's lost shellfish reefs and communicate the value of its restoration. Actions undertaken to build a case for large-scale marine restoration included synthesizing current knowledge on Australian shellfish reefs and their historical decline, using this history to tell a compelling story to spark public and political interest, integrating restoration into government policy, and rallying local support through community engagement. Clearly articulating the social, economic, and environmental business case for restoration led to state and national funding for reef restoration to meet diverse sustainability goals (e.g., enhanced biodiversity and fisheries productivity) and socioeconomic goals (e.g., job creation and recreational opportunities). A key lesson learned was the importance of aligning project goals with public and industry interests so that projects could address multiple political obligations. This process culminated in Australia's largest marine restoration initiative and shows that solutions for large-scale ecosystem repair can rapidly occur when socially valued science acts on political opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic McAfee
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ian M McLeod
- TropWATER, Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Heidi K Alleway
- The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Provide Food and Water, The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, Virginia, USA
| | - Melanie J Bishop
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simon Branigan
- The Nature Conservancy Australia, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sean D Connell
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Christine M Crawford
- Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Ben K Diggles
- DigsFish Services Pty Ltd, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - James A Fitzsimons
- The Nature Conservancy Australia, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ben L Gilby
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul Hamer
- Victorian Fisheries Authority, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Boze Hancock
- The Nature Conservancy, c/o Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Robert Pearce
- Albert Park Yachting and Angling Club, Albert Park, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kylie Russell
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Taylors Beach, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chris L Gillies
- TropWATER, Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- The Nature Conservancy Australia, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
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13
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Sievers M, Brown CJ, Buelow CA, Hale R, Ostrowski A, Saunders MI, Silliman BR, Swearer SE, Turschwell MP, Valdez SR, Connolly RM. Greater Consideration of Animals Will Enhance Coastal Restoration Outcomes. Bioscience 2022; 72:1088-1098. [PMID: 36325106 PMCID: PMC9618274 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biac088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
As efforts to restore coastal habitats accelerate, it is critical that investments are targeted to most effectively mitigate and reverse habitat loss and its impacts on biodiversity. One likely but largely overlooked impediment to effective restoration of habitat-forming organisms is failing to explicitly consider non-habitat-forming animals in restoration planning, implementation, and monitoring. These animals can greatly enhance or degrade ecosystem function, persistence, and resilience. Bivalves, for instance, can reduce sulfide stress in seagrass habitats and increase drought tolerance of saltmarsh vegetation, whereas megaherbivores can detrimentally overgraze seagrass or improve seagrass seed germination, depending on the context. Therefore, understanding when, why, and how to directly manipulate or support animals can enhance coastal restoration outcomes. In support of this expanded restoration approach, we provide a conceptual framework, incorporating lessons from structured decision-making, and describe potential actions that could lead to better restoration outcomes using case studies to illustrate practical approaches.
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14
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Hagger V, Worthington TA, Lovelock CE, Adame MF, Amano T, Brown BM, Friess DA, Landis E, Mumby PJ, Morrison TH, O’Brien KR, Wilson KA, Zganjar C, Saunders MI. Drivers of global mangrove loss and gain in social-ecological systems. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6373. [PMID: 36289201 PMCID: PMC9606261 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33962-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mangrove forests store high amounts of carbon, protect communities from storms, and support fisheries. Mangroves exist in complex social-ecological systems, hence identifying socioeconomic conditions associated with decreasing losses and increasing gains remains challenging albeit important. The impact of national governance and conservation policies on mangrove conservation at the landscape-scale has not been assessed to date, nor have the interactions with local economic pressures and biophysical drivers. Here, we assess the relationship between socioeconomic and biophysical variables and mangrove change across coastal geomorphic units worldwide from 1996 to 2016. Globally, we find that drivers of loss can also be drivers of gain, and that drivers have changed over 20 years. The association with economic growth appears to have reversed, shifting from negatively impacting mangroves in the first decade to enabling mangrove expansion in the second decade. Importantly, we find that community forestry is promoting mangrove expansion, whereas conversion to agriculture and aquaculture, often occurring in protected areas, results in high loss. Sustainable development, community forestry, and co-management of protected areas are promising strategies to reverse mangrove losses, increasing the capacity of mangroves to support human-livelihoods and combat climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Hagger
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Thomas A. Worthington
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ UK
| | - Catherine E. Lovelock
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Maria Fernanda Adame
- grid.1022.10000 0004 0437 5432Australian Rivers Institute, Centre for Marine and Coastal Research, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Tatsuya Amano
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Benjamin M. Brown
- grid.1043.60000 0001 2157 559XResearch Institute for Environment & Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT Australia
| | - Daniel A. Friess
- grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore ,grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Emily Landis
- grid.422375.50000 0004 0591 6771The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, VA USA
| | - Peter J. Mumby
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Tiffany H. Morrison
- grid.1011.10000 0004 0474 1797Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD Australia
| | - Katherine R. O’Brien
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Kerrie A. Wilson
- grid.1024.70000000089150953Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Chris Zganjar
- grid.422375.50000 0004 0591 6771The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, VA USA
| | - Megan I. Saunders
- grid.1016.60000 0001 2173 2719Coasts and Ocean Research Program, Oceans and Atmosphere, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, St Lucia, QLD Australia
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15
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Abstract
Mangroves have been converted and degraded for decades. Rates of loss have declined over the past decades, but achieving resilient coastlines requires both conservation and restoration. Here, we outline the challenges for the global restoration of mangroves and what actions could enhance restoration. Ambitious global targets for mangrove restoration, if successful, could deliver global benefits of carbon sequestration, fisheries production, biodiversity, and coastal protection. However, large-scale mangrove planting efforts have often failed, and smaller projects may not deliver landscape-scale benefits, even though they are more suited to community management. Solutions to achieving global targets include reducing risks of large projects and increasing the uptake and effectiveness of smaller projects. Sustainable mangrove restoration requires investment in capacity building in communities and institutions, and mechanisms to match restoration opportunities with prospective supporters and investors. Global reporting standards will support adaptive management and help fully understand and monitor the benefits of mangrove restoration. Restoration of mangroves is urgently needed and contributes to climate change mitigation, but often faces biophysical, social, economic and regulatory barriers. This Essay describes emerging solutions supporting restoration of mangroves - solutions that are needed to fully implement restoration goals and achieve resilient, sustainable coastal communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E. Lovelock
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Edward Barbier
- Department of Economics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Carlos M. Duarte
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
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16
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Loke LHL, Chisholm RA. Measuring habitat complexity and spatial heterogeneity in ecology. Ecol Lett 2022; 25:2269-2288. [PMID: 35977844 PMCID: PMC9804605 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Habitat complexity has been considered a key driver of biodiversity and other ecological phenomena for nearly a century. However, there is still no consensus over the definition of complexity or how to measure it. Up-to-date and clear guidance on measuring complexity is urgently needed, particularly given the rise of remote sensing and advent of technologies that allow environments to be scanned at unprecedented spatial extents and resolutions. Here we review how complexity is measured in ecology. We provide a framework for metrics of habitat complexity, and for the related concept of spatial heterogeneity. We focus on the two most commonly used complexity metrics in ecology: fractal dimension and rugosity. We discuss the pros and cons of these metrics using practical examples from our own empirical data and from simulations. Fractal dimension is particularly widely used, and we provide a critical examination of it drawing on research from other scientific fields. We also discuss informational metrics of complexity and their potential benefits. We chart a path forward for research on measuring habitat complexity by presenting, as a guide, sets of essential and desirable criteria that a metric of complexity should possess. Lastly, we discuss the applied significance of our review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynette H. L. Loke
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and EngineeringMacquarie UniversityNorth RydeNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Ryan A. Chisholm
- Department of Biological SciencesNational University of SingaporeSingapore CitySingapore
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17
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Bell‐James J. Overcoming legal barriers to coastal wetland restoration – lessons from Australia’s Blue Carbon methodology. Restor Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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18
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Cooke SJ, Frempong‐Manso A, Piczak ML, Karathanou E, Clavijo C, Ajagbe SO, Akeredolu E, Strauch AM, Piccolo J. A freshwater perspective on the United Nations decade for ecosystem restoration. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Steven J. Cooke
- Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science Carleton University Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Acacia Frempong‐Manso
- Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science Carleton University Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Morgan L. Piczak
- Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science Carleton University Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Eirini Karathanou
- Biology Department Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Thessaloniki Greece
| | | | - Stephen O. Ajagbe
- Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Department Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria Ibadan Nigeria
| | | | - Ayron M. Strauch
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management University of Hawai‘i Honolulu Hawaii USA
| | - John Piccolo
- Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, River Ecology and Management Research Group RivEM Karlstad University Karlstad Sweden
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19
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Eger AM, Marzinelli EM, Christie H, Fagerli CW, Fujita D, Gonzalez AP, Hong SW, Kim JH, Lee LC, McHugh TA, Nishihara GN, Tatsumi M, Steinberg PD, Vergés A. Global kelp forest restoration: past lessons, present status, and future directions. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:1449-1475. [PMID: 35255531 PMCID: PMC9543053 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Kelp forest ecosystems and their associated ecosystem services are declining around the world. In response, marine managers are working to restore and counteract these declines. Kelp restoration first started in the 1700s in Japan and since then has spread across the globe. Restoration efforts, however, have been largely disconnected, with varying methodologies trialled by different actors in different countries. Moreover, a small subset of these efforts are 'afforestation', which focuses on creating new kelp habitat, as opposed to restoring kelp where it previously existed. To distil lessons learned over the last 300 years of kelp restoration, we review the history of kelp restoration (including afforestation) around the world and synthesise the results of 259 documented restoration attempts spanning from 1957 to 2020, across 16 countries, five languages, and multiple user groups. Our results show that kelp restoration projects have increased in frequency, have employed 10 different methodologies and targeted 17 different kelp genera. Of these projects, the majority have been led by academics (62%), have been conducted at sizes of less than 1 ha (80%) and took place over time spans of less than 2 years. We show that projects are most successful when they are located near existing kelp forests. Further, disturbance events such as sea-urchin grazing are identified as regular causes of project failure. Costs for restoration are historically high, averaging hundreds of thousands of dollars per hectare, therefore we explore avenues to reduce these costs and suggest financial and legal pathways for scaling up future restoration efforts. One key suggestion is the creation of a living database which serves as a platform for recording restoration projects, showcasing and/or re-analysing existing data, and providing updated information. Our work establishes the groundwork to provide adaptive and relevant recommendations on best practices for kelp restoration projects today and into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M. Eger
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation & Ecology and Evolution Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW2052
| | - Ezequiel M. Marzinelli
- The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental SciencesSydneyNSW2006Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science19 Chowder Bay RdMosmanNSW2088Australia
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences EngineeringNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore637551Singapore
| | - Hartvig Christie
- Norwegian Institute for Water ResearchØkernveien 94Oslo0579Norway
| | | | - Daisuke Fujita
- University of Tokyo Marine Science and Technology, School of Marine Bioresources, Applied PhycologyKonan, Minato‐kuTokyo108‐8477Japan
| | - Alejandra P. Gonzalez
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de ChileLas Palmeras 3425, ÑuñoaSantiagoChile
| | - Seok Woo Hong
- Department of Biological SciencesSungkyunkwan UniversitySuwon2066South Korea
| | - Jeong Ha Kim
- Department of Biological SciencesSungkyunkwan UniversitySuwon2066South Korea
| | - Lynn C. Lee
- Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site60 Second Beach Road, SkidegateHaida GwaiiBCV0T 1S1Canada
- Canada & School of Environmental Sciences, University of Victoria3800 Finnerty RoadVictoriaBCV8P 5C2Canada
| | - Tristin Anoush McHugh
- Reef Check Foundation, Long Marine Laboratory115 McAllister RoadSanta CruzCA95060U.S.A.
- Present address:
The Nature Conservancy830 S StreetSacramentoCA95811U.S.A.
| | - Gregory N. Nishihara
- Organization for Marine Science and TechnologyInstitute for East China Sea Research, Nagasaki University1551‐7 Taira‐machiNagasaki City851‐2213Japan
| | - Masayuki Tatsumi
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of TasmaniaHobartTAS7004Australia
| | - Peter D. Steinberg
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation & Ecology and Evolution Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW2052
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science19 Chowder Bay RdMosmanNSW2088Australia
| | - Adriana Vergés
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation & Ecology and Evolution Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW2052
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science19 Chowder Bay RdMosmanNSW2088Australia
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20
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Levy N, Berman O, Yuval M, Loya Y, Treibitz T, Tarazi E, Levy O. Emerging 3D technologies for future reformation of coral reefs: Enhancing biodiversity using biomimetic structures based on designs by nature. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 830:154749. [PMID: 35339542 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The rapid decline of vulnerable coral reefs has increased the necessity of exploring interdisciplinary methods for reef restoration. Examining how to upgrade these tools may uncover options to better support or increase biodiversity of coral reefs. As many of the issues facing reef restoration today deal with the scalability and effectiveness of restoration efforts, there is an urgency to invest in technology that can help reach ecosystem-scale. Here, we provide an overview on the evolution to current state of artificial reefs as a reef reformation tool and discuss a blueprint with which to guide the next generation of biomimetic artificial habitats for ecosystem support. Currently, existing artificial structures have difficulty replicating the 3D complexity of coral habitats and scaling them to larger areas can be problematic in terms of production and design. We introduce a novel customizable 3D interface for producing scalable, biomimetic artificial structures, utilizing real data collected from coral ecosystems. This interface employs 3D technologies, 3D imaging and 3D printing, to extract core reef characteristics, which can be translated and digitized into a 3D printed artificial reef. The advantages of 3D printing lie in providing customized tools by which to integrate the vital details of natural reefs, such as rugosity and complexity, into a sustainable manufacturing process. This methodology can offer economic solutions for developing both small and large-scale biomimetic structures for a variety of restoration situations, that closely resemble the coral reefs they intend to support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Levy
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel.
| | - Ofer Berman
- Design-Tech Lab, Industrial Design Department at the Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Matan Yuval
- Hatter Department of Marine Technologies, Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; Department of Marine Biology, Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; Inter-University Institute for Marine Sciences of Eilat, Eilat 88103, Israel
| | - Yossi Loya
- School of Zoology, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Tali Treibitz
- Department of Marine Biology, Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Ezri Tarazi
- Design-Tech Lab, Industrial Design Department at the Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Oren Levy
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
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21
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Buelow CA, Connolly RM, Turschwell MP, Adame MF, Ahmadia GN, Andradi-Brown DA, Bunting P, Canty SWJ, Dunic JC, Friess DA, Lee SY, Lovelock CE, McClure EC, Pearson RM, Sievers M, Sousa AI, Worthington TA, Brown CJ. Ambitious global targets for mangrove and seagrass recovery. Curr Biol 2022; 32:1641-1649.e3. [PMID: 35196506 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to halt and reverse loss of mangroves and seagrass to protect and increase the ecosystem services they provide to coastal communities, such as enhancing coastal resilience and contributing to climate stability.1,2 Ambitious targets for their recovery can inspire public and private investment in conservation,3 but the expected outcomes of different protection and restoration strategies are unclear. We estimated potential recovery of mangroves and seagrass through gains in ecosystem extent to the year 2070 under a range of protection and restoration strategies implemented until the year 2050. Under a protection-only scenario, the current trajectories of net mangrove loss slowed, and a minor net gain in global seagrass extent (∼1%) was estimated. Protection alone is therefore unlikely to drive sufficient recovery. However, if action is taken to both protect and restore, net gains of up to 5% and 35% of mangroves and seagrasses, respectively, could be achieved by 2050. Further, protection and restoration can be complementary, as protection prevents losses that would otherwise occur post-2050, highlighting the importance of implementing protection measures. Our findings provide the scientific evidence required for setting strategic and ambitious targets to inspire significant global investment and effort in mangrove and seagrass conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina A Buelow
- Coastal and Marine Research Centre, Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia.
| | - Rod M Connolly
- Coastal and Marine Research Centre, Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Mischa P Turschwell
- Coastal and Marine Research Centre, Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Maria F Adame
- Coastal and Marine Research Centre, Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Gabby N Ahmadia
- Ocean Conservation, World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037, USA
| | - Dominic A Andradi-Brown
- Ocean Conservation, World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037, USA; Mangrove Specialist Group, International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Conservation Programmes, Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Pete Bunting
- Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales SY23 3DB, UK
| | - Steven W J Canty
- Smithsonian Marine Station, 701 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34949, USA; Working Land and Seascapes, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. 20013, USA
| | - Jillian C Dunic
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Daniel A Friess
- Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, 1 Arts Link, Singapore 117570, Singapore; Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore; Mangrove Specialist Group, International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Conservation Programmes, Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Shing Yip Lee
- Mangrove Specialist Group, International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Conservation Programmes, Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY, UK; Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Catherine E Lovelock
- Mangrove Specialist Group, International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Conservation Programmes, Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, London NW1 4RY, UK; The University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Eva C McClure
- Coastal and Marine Research Centre, Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Ryan M Pearson
- Coastal and Marine Research Centre, Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Michael Sievers
- Coastal and Marine Research Centre, Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Ana I Sousa
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal
| | - Thomas A Worthington
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK
| | - Christopher J Brown
- Coastal and Marine Research Centre, Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
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22
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Doropoulos C, Gómez-Lemos LA, Salee K, McLaughlin MJ, Tebben J, Van Koningsveld M, Feng M, Babcock RC. Limitations to coral recovery along an environmental stress gradient. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e2558. [PMID: 35112758 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Positive feedbacks driving habitat-forming species recovery and population growth are often lost as ecosystems degrade. For such systems, identifying mechanisms that limit the re-establishment of critical positive feedbacks is key to facilitating recovery. Theory predicts the primary drivers limiting system recovery shift from biological to physical as abiotic stress increases, but recent work has demonstrated that this seldom happens. We combined field and laboratory experiments to identify variation in limitations to coral recovery along an environmental stress gradient at Ningaloo Reef and Exmouth Gulf in northwest Australia. Many reefs in the region are coral depauperate due to recent cyclones and thermal stress. In general, recovery trajectories are prolonged due to limited coral recruitment. Consistent with theory, clearer water reefs under low thermal stress appear limited by biological interactions: competition with turf algae caused high mortality of newly settled corals and upright macroalgal stands drove mortality in transplanted juvenile corals. Laboratory experiments showed a positive relationship between crustose coralline algae cover and coral settlement, but only in the absence of sedimentation. Contrary to expectation, coral recovery does not appear limited by the survival or growth of recruits on turbid reefs under higher thermal stress, but to exceptionally low larval supply. Laboratory experiments showed that larval survival and settlement are unaffected by seawater quality across the study region. Rather, connectivity models predicted that many of the more turbid reefs in the Gulf are predominantly self seeded, receiving limited supply under degraded reef states. Overall, we find that the influence of oceanography can overwhelm the influences of physical and biological interactions on recovery potential at locations where environmental stressors are high, whereas populations in relatively benign physical conditions are predominantly structured by local ecological drivers. Such context-dependent information can help guide expectations and assist managers in optimizing strategies for spatial conservation planning for system recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luis A Gómez-Lemos
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia - Sede de La Paz - Escuela de Pregrados, La Paz, Colombia
| | - Kinam Salee
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Jan Tebben
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Mark Van Koningsveld
- Van Oord Dredging and Marine Contractors B.V., Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Ports and Waterways, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Ming Feng
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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23
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Filbee-Dexter K, Wernberg T, Barreiro R, Coleman MA, de Bettignies T, Feehan CJ, Franco JN, Hasler B, Louro I, Norderhaug KM, Staehr PAU, Tuya F, Verbeek J. Leveraging the blue economy to transform marine forest restoration. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2022; 58:198-207. [PMID: 35092031 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration is a response to the urgent need to substantially accelerate and upscale ecological restoration to secure Earth's sustainable future. Globally, restoration commitments have focused overwhelmingly on terrestrial forests. In contrast, despite a strong value proposition, efforts to restore seaweed forests lag far behind other major ecosystems and continue to be dominated by small-scale, short-term academic experiments. However, seaweed forest restoration can match the scale of damage and threat if moved from academia into the hands of community groups, industry, and restoration practitioners. Connecting two rapidly growing sectors in the Blue Economy-seaweed cultivation and the restoration industry-can transform marine forest restoration into a commercial-scale enterprise that can make a significant contribution to global restoration efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Filbee-Dexter
- Institute of Marine Research, His, Norway
- School of Biological Sciences and Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Thomas Wernberg
- Institute of Marine Research, His, Norway
- School of Biological Sciences and Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Rodolfo Barreiro
- Facultad de Ciencias y Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Avanzadas, Universidad de A Coruña, A Coruna, Spain
| | - Melinda A Coleman
- School of Biological Sciences and Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Department of Primary Industries, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Thibaut de Bettignies
- UMS Patrimoine Naturel, OFB-CNRS-MNHN, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Colette J Feehan
- Department of Biology, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey, USA
| | - Joao N Franco
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ESTM, Politécnico de Leiria, Peniche, Portugal
| | - Berit Hasler
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Fernando Tuya
- University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain
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Quantitative Analysis of Methodological and Environmental Influences on Survival of Planted Mangroves in Restoration and Afforestation. FORESTS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/f13030404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mangrove planting has been employed for decades to achieve aims associated with restoration and afforestation. Often, survival of planted mangroves is low. Improving survival might be aided by augmenting the understanding of which planting methods and environmental variables most influence plant survival across a range of contexts. The aim of this study was to provide a global synthesis of the influence of planting methods and background environment on mangrove survival. This was achieved through a global meta-analysis, which compiled published survival rates for the period 1979–2021 and analyzed the influence of decisions about minimum spacing and which life stage to plant, and environmental contexts such as climate, tidal range and coastal setting on the reported survival of planted individuals, classified by species and root morphology. Generalized Additive Mixed Modeling (GAMM) revealed that planting larger mangrove saplings was associated with increased survival for pencil-rooted species such as Avicennia spp. and Sonneratia spp. (17% increase cf. seedlings), while greater plant spacing was associated with higher survival of stilt-rooted species in the family Rhizophoraceae (39% increase when doubling plant spacing from 1.5 to 3.0 m). Tidal range showed a nonlinear positive correlation with survival for pencil-rooted species, and the coastal environmental setting was associated with significant variation in survival for both pencil- and stilt-rooted species. The results suggest that improving decisions about which species to plant in different contexts, and intensive care after planting, is likely to improve the survival of planted mangroves.
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Contingency planning for coral reefs in the Anthropocene; The potential of reef safe havens. Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:107-124. [PMID: 35225326 DOI: 10.1042/etls20210232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Reducing the global reliance on fossil fuels is essential to ensure the long-term survival of coral reefs, but until this happens, alternative tools are required to safeguard their future. One emerging tool is to locate areas where corals are surviving well despite the changing climate. Such locations include refuges, refugia, hotspots of resilience, bright spots, contemporary near-pristine reefs, and hope spots that are collectively named reef 'safe havens' in this mini-review. Safe havens have intrinsic value for reefs through services such as environmental buffering, maintaining near-pristine reef conditions, or housing corals naturally adapted to future environmental conditions. Spatial and temporal variance in physicochemical conditions and exposure to stress however preclude certainty over the ubiquitous long-term capacity of reef safe havens to maintain protective service provision. To effectively integrate reef safe havens into proactive reef management and contingency planning for climate change scenarios, thus requires an understanding of their differences, potential values, and predispositions to stress. To this purpose, I provide a high-level review on the defining characteristics of different coral reef safe havens, how they are being utilised in proactive reef management and what risk and susceptibilities they inherently have. The mini-review concludes with an outline of the potential for reef safe haven habitats to support contingency planning of coral reefs under an uncertain future from intensifying climate change.
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Higgins E, Metaxas A, Scheibling RE. A systematic review of artificial reefs as platforms for coral reef research and conservation. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0261964. [PMID: 35061746 PMCID: PMC8782470 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial reefs (ARs) have been used on coral reefs for ecological research, conservation, and socio-cultural purposes since the 1980s. We examined spatio-temporal patterns in AR deployment in tropical and subtropical coral reefs (up to 35° latitude) and evaluated their efficacy in meeting conservation objectives, using a systematic review of the scientific literature. Most deployments (136 studies) were in the North Atlantic and Central Indo-Pacific in 1980s – 2000s, with a pronounced shift to the Western Indo-Pacific in 2010s. Use of ARs in reef restoration or stressor mitigation increased markedly in response to accelerating coral decline over the last 2 decades. Studies that evaluated success in meeting conservation objectives (n = 51) commonly reported increasing fish abundance (55%), enhancing habitat quantity (31%) or coral cover (27%), and conserving target species (24%). Other objectives included stressor mitigation (22%), provision of coral nursery habitat (14%) or source populations (2%) and addressing socio-cultural and economic values (16%). Fish (55% of studies) and coral (53%) were the most commonly monitored taxa. Success in achieving conservation objectives was reported in 33 studies. Success rates were highest for provision of nursery habitat and increasing coral cover (each 71%). Increasing fish abundance or habitat quantity, mitigating environmental impacts, and attaining socio-cultural objectives were moderately successful (60–64%); conservation of target species was the least successful (42%). Failure in achieving objectives commonly was attributed to poor AR design or disruption by large-scale bleaching events. The scale of ARs generally was too small (m2 –10s m2) to address regional losses in coral cover, and study duration too short (< 5 years) to adequately assess ecologically relevant trends in coral cover and community composition. ARs are mostly likely to aid in reef conservation and restoration by providing nursery habitat for target species or recruitment substrate for corals and other organisms. Promoting local socio-cultural values also has potential for regional or global impact by increasing awareness of coral reef decline, if prioritized and properly monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Higgins
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Anna Metaxas
- Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Chen W, Wallhead P, Hynes S, Groeneveld R, O'Connor E, Gambi C, Danovaro R, Tinch R, Papadopoulou N, Smith C. Ecosystem service benefits and costs of deep-sea ecosystem restoration. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 303:114127. [PMID: 34838382 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.114127] [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: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Deep-sea ecosystems are facing degradation which could have severe consequences for biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal populations. Ecosystem restoration as a natural based solution has been regarded as a useful means to recover ecosystems. The study provides a social cost-benefit analysis for a proposed project to restore the Dohrn Canyon cold water corals and the deep-sea ecosystem in the Bay of Naples, Italy. By incorporating ecosystem service benefits and uncertainties related to a complex natural-technological-social system surrounding restoration activities, the study demonstrated how to evaluate large-scale ecosystem restoration activities. The results indicate that an ecosystem restoration project can be economic (in terms of welfare improvement) even if the restoration costs are high. Our study shows the uncertainty associated with restoration success rate significantly affects the probability distribution of the expected net present values. Identifying and controlling the underlying factors to improve the restoration successful rate is thus crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stephen Hynes
- SEMRU (Socio-Economic Marine Research Unit), Whitaker Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Rolf Groeneveld
- Environmental Economics and Natural Resources Group, Wageningen University, the Netherlands
| | - Eamon O'Connor
- SEMRU (Socio-Economic Marine Research Unit), Whitaker Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Cristina Gambi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Roberto Danovaro
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy; Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Napoli, Italy
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28
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Duarte de Paula Costa M, Lovelock CE, Waltham NJ, Moritsch MM, Butler D, Power T, Thomas E, Macreadie PI. Modelling blue carbon farming opportunities at different spatial scales. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 301:113813. [PMID: 34607133 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113813] [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: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing interest in including blue carbon ecosystems (i.e., mangroves, tidal marshes and seagrasses) in climate mitigation programs in national and sub-national policies, with restoration and conservation of these ecosystems identified as potential activities to increase carbon accumulation through time. However, there is still a gap on the spatial scales needed to produce carbon offsets comparable with terrestrial or agricultural ecosystems. Here, we used the Coastal Blue Carbon InVEST 3.7.0 model to estimate future net carbon sequestration in blue carbon ecosystems along Australia's Great Barrier Reef (hereafter GBR) catchments, considering different management scenarios (i.e., reintroduction of tidal exchange through the removal of barriers, sea level rise, restoring low lying land) at three different spatial scales: whole GBR coastline, regional (14,000-16,300 ha), and local (335-370 ha) scales. The focus of the restoration (i.e., tidal marshes and/or mangroves) was dependent on data availability for each scenario. Furthermore, we also estimated the monetary value of carbon sequestration under each management scenario and spatial scale assessed in the study. We found that large scale restoration of tidal marshes could potentially sequester an additional ∼800,000 tonnes of CO2e by 2045 (potentially generating AU$12 million based on the average Australia carbon price), with greater opportunities when sea level rise is accounted for in the modelling. Also, we found that regional and local projects would generate up to 23 tonnes CO2e ha-1 by the end of the crediting period. Our results can guide future decisions in the blue carbon market and financing schemes, however, the return on investment is dependent on the carbon price and funding scheme available for project implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micheli Duarte de Paula Costa
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood Campus, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia.
| | - Catherine E Lovelock
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Nathan J Waltham
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4870, Australia
| | - Monica M Moritsch
- University of California Santa Cruz, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA; School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Warrnambool Campus, Warrnambool, VIC, 3280, Australia
| | - Don Butler
- Department of Environment and Science, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Trent Power
- Catchment Solutions, Mackay, QLD, 4750, Australia
| | - Evan Thomas
- Department of Environment and Science, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Peter I Macreadie
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood Campus, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
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29
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Creighton C, Waterhouse J, Day JC, Brodie J. Criteria for effective regional scale catchment to reef management: A case study of Australia's Great Barrier Reef. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:112882. [PMID: 34534939 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112882] [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: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Many coastal and marine ecosystems around the world are under increasing threat from a range of anthropogenic influences. The management of these threats continues to present ongoing challenges, with many ecosystems increasingly requiring active restoration to support or re-establish the ecosystem's biological, cultural, social and economic values. The current condition of Australia's Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and its threats, including water quality, climate change and the loss of wetlands, causing the continuing decline in the GBR's ecological condition and function, has received global attention. Activities aimed at halting these declines and system restoration have been underway for over forty years. These activities are challenging to implement, and much has been learnt from their various outcomes. This paper considers the GBR and the associated management activities as a case study for regional scale catchment to reef management. It summarises the management approaches to date, describing the key role that science, policy and community have played in underpinning various investments. Four criteria for success are proposed: the lead role of the community, the need for a systems approach, the need for targeted, cost-effective and sustainable long-term investment, and importantly, building knowledge and maintaining consensus and political commitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Creighton
- Tropical Water & Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Jane Waterhouse
- Tropical Water & Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia; C(2)O Consulting coasts climate oceans, Townsville, Australia.
| | - Jon C Day
- ARC Centre for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Jon Brodie
- C(2)O Consulting coasts climate oceans, Townsville, Australia; ARC Centre for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
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Edwards DP, Cerullo GR, Chomba S, Worthington TA, Balmford AP, Chazdon RL, Harrison RD. Upscaling tropical restoration to deliver environmental benefits and socially equitable outcomes. Curr Biol 2021; 31:R1326-R1341. [PMID: 34637743 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.08.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration offers immense potential to return hundreds of millions of hectares of degraded tropical landscapes to functioning ecosystems. Well-designed restoration can tackle multiple Sustainable Development Goals, driving synergistic benefits for biodiversity, ecosystem services, agricultural and timber production, and local livelihoods at large spatial scales. To deliver on this potential, restoration efforts must recognise and reduce trade-offs among objectives, and minimize competition with food production and conservation of native ecosystems. Restoration initiatives also need to confront core environmental challenges of climate change and inappropriate planting in savanna biomes, be robustly funded over the long term, and address issues of poor governance, inadequate land tenure, and socio-cultural disparities in benefits and costs. Tackling these issues using the landscape approach is vital to realising the potential for restoration to break the cycle of land degradation and poverty, and deliver on its core environmental and social promises.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P Edwards
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK.
| | | | | | | | - Andrew P Balmford
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Robin L Chazdon
- Tropical Forests and People Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4556, Australia
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Dunic JC, Brown CJ, Connolly RM, Turschwell MP, Côté IM. Long-term declines and recovery of meadow area across the world's seagrass bioregions. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:4096-4109. [PMID: 33993580 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
As human impacts increase in coastal regions, there is concern that critical habitats that provide the foundation of entire ecosystems are in decline. Seagrass meadows face growing threats such as poor water quality and coastal development. To determine the status of seagrass meadows over time, we reconstructed time series of meadow area from 175 studies that surveyed 547 sites around the world. We found an overall trajectory of decline in all seven bioregions with a global net loss of 5602 km2 (19.1% of surveyed meadow area) occurring since 1880. Declines have typically been non-linear, with rapid and historical losses observed in several bioregions. The greatest net losses of area occurred in four bioregions (Tropical Atlantic, Temperate North Atlantic East, Temperate Southern Oceans and Tropical Indo-Pacific), with declining trends being the slowest and most consistent in the latter two bioregions. In some bioregions, trends have recently stabilised or reversed. Losses, however, still outweigh gains. Despite consistent global declines, meadows show high variability in trajectories, within and across bioregions, highlighting the importance of local context. Studies identified 12 different drivers of meadow area change, with coastal development and water quality as the most commonly cited. Overall, however, attributions were primarily descriptive and only 10% of studies used inferential attributions. Although ours is the most comprehensive dataset to date, it still represents only one-tenth of known global seagrass extent, with conspicuous historical and geographic biases in sampling. It therefore remains unclear whether the bioregional patterns of change documented here reflect changes in the world's unmonitored seagrass meadows. The variability in seagrass meadow trajectories, and the attribution of change to numerous drivers, suggest we urgently need to improve understanding of the causes of seagrass meadow loss if we are to improve local-scale management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian C Dunic
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Christopher J Brown
- Coastal and Marine Research Centre, Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld, Australia
| | - Rod M Connolly
- Coastal and Marine Research Centre, Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld, Australia
| | - Mischa P Turschwell
- Coastal and Marine Research Centre, Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld, Australia
| | - Isabelle M Côté
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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Valuing marine restoration beyond the 'too small and too expensive'. Trends Ecol Evol 2021; 36:968-971. [PMID: 34456067 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Restoration is criticized as ineffectively small scale, a smoke screen against global-scale action. Yet, large-scale solutions arise from small-scale successes, which inject social values and optimism needed for global investment. Human values are central to achieving socio-ecological sustainability; understanding human behavior is now arguably more important than understanding the ecological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colette J Feehan
- Department of Biology, Montclair State University, NJ 07043, USA.
| | - Karen Filbee-Dexter
- Institute of Marine Research, His, 4817, Norway.,School of Biological Sciences and Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.,Universite Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Thomas Wernberg
- Institute of Marine Research, His, 4817, Norway.,School of Biological Sciences and Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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Danovaro R, Aronson J, Cimino R, Gambi C, Snelgrove PVR, Van Dover C. Marine ecosystem restoration in a changing ocean. Restor Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Danovaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente Università Politecnica delle Marche Ancona 60131 Italy
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Naples 80121 Italy
| | - James Aronson
- Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development Missouri Botanical Garden 4344 Shaw Boulevard St Louis MO 63110 U.S.A
- EcoHealth Network 1330 Beacon St, Suite 355a Brookline MA 02446 U.S.A
| | - Roberto Cimino
- ENI S.p.A., Development, Operations & Technology (DOT) Milan Italy
| | - Cristina Gambi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente Università Politecnica delle Marche Ancona 60131 Italy
| | | | - Cindy Van Dover
- Division of Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment Duke University 135 Duke Marine Lab Road Beaufort NC 28516 U.S.A
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