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Camp EF, Clases D, Bishop D, Dowd A, Goyen S, Gonzalez de Vega R, Strudwick P, Suggett DJ. Coral elementomes diverge for colonies persisting in vegetative lagoons versus reef environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2025; 979:179455. [PMID: 40286612 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179455] [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: 09/24/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2025] [Accepted: 04/14/2025] [Indexed: 04/29/2025]
Abstract
Climate change, in tandem with localised stressors, continues to drive global declines in coral cover worldwide. Identifying where and how corals survive in present day extreme environments, characterised by suboptimum abiotic conditions, has become a key tool to better resolve coral stress tolerance and in turn future reef trajectories. Whilst several reef forming coral species routinely extend their ecological niche into extreme environments, whether corals have a distinct biogeochemical niche reflected by unique elementomes (the stoichiometry and quantity of elements) remains unknown. Here, through quantitative assessment and elemental mapping, we demonstrate that two functionally important Great Barrier Reef coral species, Acropora millepora and Porites lutea and their algal symbionts (Symbiodiniaceae) exhibit unique elementomes, that reflect a unique biogeochemical niche of species in the extreme mangrove lagoon compared to a neighbouring reef. Coral elementomes were distinct over multiple years, as were the elementomes of the seawater of each habitat. Furthermore, particulate organic matter was elevated in the mangrove lagoon which could support enhanced rates of heterotrophy. Collectively these findings reveal that vegetative mangrove island waters provide a unique biogeochemical environment for resident corals and that resident corals undergo bioelemental reorganisation, particularly via elevated micronutrient content, when living in extreme vegetative mangrove island lagoons. Results here reaffirm the importance of vegetative island systems in the survival of coral reefs and thus the critical need to ensure conservation efforts consider cross ecosystem protection measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma F Camp
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway 2007, NSW, Australia.
| | - David Clases
- NanoMicroLab, Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - David Bishop
- Hyphenated Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Faculty of Science, The University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Annette Dowd
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway 2007, NSW, Australia
| | - Samantha Goyen
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway 2007, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Paige Strudwick
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway 2007, NSW, Australia
| | - David J Suggett
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway 2007, NSW, Australia; KAUST Coral Restoration Initiative (KCRI) and Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
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2
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Sato N, Nakashita R, Sasaki T, Kato H, Karube H, Mori H, Kawakami K. The distinctive material cycle associated with seabirds and land crabs on a pristine oceanic island: a case study of Minamiiwoto, Ogasawara Islands, subtropical Japan. Oecologia 2025; 207:88. [PMID: 40404865 PMCID: PMC12098187 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-025-05725-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2025] [Indexed: 05/24/2025]
Abstract
Seabirds are responsible for transporting marine material to oceanic islands, and attempts are being made to restore their function on many islands where they have become extinct. However, little is known about the original island ecosystems prior to disturbance. Minamiiwoto, located in the Ogasawara Islands, is an uninhabited oceanic island that remains uninvaded by alien animals, and its pristine ecosystem and material cycle should serve as a reference for the restoration of disturbed island ecosystems. We analyzed the food web structure of several of the Ogasawara Islands with different disturbance intensities using stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N) and compared the characteristics of the material cycle. We found that seabirds and land crabs are distributed across the entire island of Minamiiwoto, with high δ15N values derived from marine resources and a gradient in the δ15N of land crabs reflecting differences in seabird species with elevation. In contrast, on islands where forest-nesting seabirds have been extinct for more than 50 years, the nutrient supply to the island interior has been lost, and the δ15N of most organisms was significantly lower. Isotopic food niches among predators were clearly partitioned by species (max. 14% overlap) on Minamiiwoto, while on the disturbed islands they tended to be highly similar (max. 53% overlap). Our results confirmed that Minamiiwoto still maintains a pristine ecosystem characterized by material transport by seabirds and decomposition by land crabs. The recovery of these biological functions should be the guide for conservation and restoration of oceanic islands subjected to anthropogenic disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomu Sato
- Graduate School of Urban Environmental Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-Osawa, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0397, Japan.
| | - Rumiko Nakashita
- Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute (FFPRI), 1 Matsunosato, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8687, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Sasaki
- Institute of Boninlogy, Nishi-Machi, Chichijima, Ogasawara, Tokyo, 100-2101, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Kato
- Faculty of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-Osawa, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0397, Japan
| | - Haruki Karube
- Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History, 499 Iryuda, Odawara, Kanagawa, 250-0031, Japan
| | - Hideaki Mori
- Japan Wildlife Research Center, 3-3-7 Kotobashi, Sumida, Tokyo, 130-8606, Japan
| | - Kazuto Kawakami
- Hokkaido Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 7 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 062-8516, Japan
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3
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Thibault M, Lorrain A, Duprey NN, Martínez-García A, Houlbrèque F. Seabird-derived nitrogen supply enhances photosynthetic activity in a reef-building coral. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2025; 209:107147. [PMID: 40288178 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2025] [Accepted: 04/07/2025] [Indexed: 04/29/2025]
Abstract
Nutrient subsidies from seabirds (SDN) significantly impact coral reef ecosystems, but access to remote seabird nesting islands limits our understanding of how corals respond to this nutrient source. This study investigates the in natura effects of SDN on coral metabolism at Surprise Island in the southwestern Pacific. Specifically, we examine how the photobiology of the ubiquitous reef-building coral Pocillopora damicornis responds to SDN availability. On Surprise Island, seabird-derived nitrogen follows a well-defined gradient across the land-ocean continuum and significantly contributes to scleractinian coral nitrogen uptake. At stations exposed to SDN discharge, seawater exhibited an elevated N:P ratio due to high nitrate concentrations as phosphate and ammonium concentrations remained similar to those at the reference station. Corals exposed to SDN-enriched coastal waters displayed a 50 % increase in photosynthetic efficiency and a 40 % increase in photosynthetic rate, coupled with a 115 % increase in both symbiont density and chlorophyll concentrations. These findings demonstrate that nitrogen inputs from seabirds stimulate the photosynthetic activity of coral symbionts, highlighting the sensitivity of coral photophysiology to SDN. This underscores the critical link between seabird ecology and coral reefs functioning and emphasizes the need for integrated conservation efforts on coral islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Thibault
- UMR ENTROPIE (IRD-Université de La Réunion-CNRS-Université de la Nouvelle Calédonie-Ifremer), Laboratoire d'Excellence Labex-CORAIL, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, BP A5, 98848, Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia; Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO), Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Station de Biologie Marine, 1 Place de La Croix, 29900, Concarneau, France.
| | - Anne Lorrain
- Univ Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, LEMAR, F-29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Nicolas N Duprey
- Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (Otto Hahn Institute), Hahn-Meitner-Weg 1, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Alfredo Martínez-García
- Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (Otto Hahn Institute), Hahn-Meitner-Weg 1, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Fanny Houlbrèque
- UMR ENTROPIE (IRD-Université de La Réunion-CNRS-Université de la Nouvelle Calédonie-Ifremer), Laboratoire d'Excellence Labex-CORAIL, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, BP A5, 98848, Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia
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4
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Dunn RE, Benkwitt CE, Maury O, Barrier N, Carr P, Graham NAJ. Island restoration to rebuild seabird populations and amplify coral reef functioning. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2025; 39:e14313. [PMID: 38887868 PMCID: PMC11780216 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14313] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Mobile organisms like seabirds can provide important nutrient flows between ecosystems, but this connectivity has been interrupted by the degradation of island ecosystems. Island restoration (via invasive species eradications and the restoration of native vegetation) can reestablish seabird populations and their nutrient transfers between their foraging areas, breeding colonies, and adjacent nearshore habitats. Its diverse benefits are making island restoration increasingly common and scalable to larger islands and whole archipelagos. We identified the factors that influence breeding seabird abundances throughout the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean and conducted predictive modeling to estimate the abundances of seabirds that the archipelago could support under invasive predator eradication and native vegetation restoration scenarios. We explored whether the prey base exists to support restored seabird populations across the archipelago, calculated the nitrogen that restored populations of seabirds might produce via their guano, and modeled the cascading conservation gains that island restoration could provide. Restoration was predicted to increase breeding pairs of seabirds to over 280,000, and prey was predicted to be ample to support the revived seabird populations. Restored nutrient fluxes were predicted to result in increases in coral growth rates, reef fish biomasses, and parrotfish grazing and bioerosion rates. Given these potential cross-ecosystem benefits, our results support island restoration as a conservation priority that could enhance resilience to climatic change effects, such as sea-level rise and coral bleaching. We encourage the incorporation of our estimates of cross-ecosystem benefits in prioritization exercises for island restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth E. Dunn
- Lancaster Environment CentreLancaster UniversityLancasterUK
- The Lyell CentreHeriot‐Watt UniversityEdinburghUK
| | | | - Olivier Maury
- Institut de Recherche pour le DéveloppementUniversité de MontpellierSèteFrance
| | - Nicolas Barrier
- Institut de Recherche pour le DéveloppementUniversité de MontpellierSèteFrance
| | - Peter Carr
- Institute of ZoologyZoological Society of LondonLondonUK
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Mello TJ, Longhini CM, Wanderley BMS, Silva CAD, Lehrback BD, Bom FC, Neto RR, Sá F, Vieira EA, Costa VE, Longo GO. Pollution affects even oceanic marine protected areas in Southwestern Atlantic. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2025; 366:125485. [PMID: 39644954 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.125485] [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: 07/26/2024] [Revised: 12/02/2024] [Accepted: 12/04/2024] [Indexed: 12/09/2024]
Abstract
Reefs are facing a global decline with sewage pollution emerging as a significant and poorly understood threat. Inadequate wastewater management and disorderly urbanization contribute to water pollution globally. Tropical Southwestern Atlantic comprises a set of oceanic Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) including the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago in Brazil, which has experienced significant population growth without expanding the sewage infrastructure. We mapped and quantified marine pollution in these MPAs, characterizing pollution sources and evaluating their effects on benthic and fish communities in 13 reef sites. We quantified nutrients, metals and metalloid, microplastics, fecal sterols, and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in both water and sediment samples. We also used isotopic tracing on macroalgae to identify the origin of organic matter and characterized benthic and fish communities, and algae biomass at each site. Pollution was more pronounced in the multiple-use area but also affected no-take areas. Effluents from wastewater treatment plants did not meet legislative standards, and reefs in the multiple-use area were enriched in orthophosphate and ammonia compared to those in the no-take area. Nitrogen isotopes in macroalgae revealed sewage-derived nitrogen throughout the multiple-use area. Nutrient enriched sites exhibited higher abundances of fast-growing and opportunistic green macroalgae, and higher biomass of brown macroalgae. The port area, within the multiple-use area, showed high PAHs, coprostanol and metal(loid) concentrations, suggesting untreated sewage and nautical chemical pollution. Microplastics were widespread in sediment and water samples. We documented the pervasive impacts of marine pollution on reef habitats even within marine protected areas in oceanic regions, demonstrating that local pollution control, sewage management and regulating procedures in port areas are critical to protect marine ecosystems. Comparisons with previous studies suggest marine pollution has substantially increased in the Archipelago in the last ten years. This is the first comprehensive assessment of marine pollution in an oceanic environment in Southwestern Atlantic, showing these isolated environments are not immune to pollution impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thayná J Mello
- Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Oceanography and Limnology, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Norte, Natal, RN, 59014-002, Brazil; Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, Núcleo de Gestão Integrada Alcatrazes, São Sebastião, SP, 11610-000, Brazil
| | - Cybelle M Longhini
- Marine Biogeochemistry Laboratory, Department of Oceanography and Limnology, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Norte, Natal, RN, 59014-002, Brazil
| | - Bruno Mattos Silva Wanderley
- Marine Biogeochemistry Laboratory, Department of Oceanography and Limnology, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Norte, Natal, RN, 59014-002, Brazil
| | - Cesar Alexandro da Silva
- Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry and Marine Pollution, Department of Oceanography, Center of Human and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Bethânia Dal'Col Lehrback
- Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry and Marine Pollution, Department of Oceanography, Center of Human and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Fábio Cavalca Bom
- Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry and Marine Pollution, Department of Oceanography, Center of Human and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Renato Rodrigues Neto
- Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry and Marine Pollution, Department of Oceanography, Center of Human and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Fabian Sá
- Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry and Marine Pollution, Department of Oceanography, Center of Human and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Edson A Vieira
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, BA, 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Vladmir E Costa
- Stable Isotopes Center, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, 18618689, Brazil
| | - Guilherme O Longo
- Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Oceanography and Limnology, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Norte, Natal, RN, 59014-002, Brazil.
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6
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Kench PS. Effects of Environmental and Climatic Changes on Coral Reef Islands. ANNUAL REVIEW OF MARINE SCIENCE 2025; 17:301-324. [PMID: 39028992 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-marine-032223-030921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Coral reef islands are low-lying, wave-deposited sedimentary landforms. Using an eco-morphodynamic framework, this review examines the sensitivity of islands to climatic and environmental change. Reef island formation and morphological dynamics are directly controlled by nearshore wave processes and ecologically mediated sediment supply. The review highlights that reef islands are intrinsically dynamic landforms, able to adjust their morphology (size, shape, and location) on reef surfaces in response to changes in these processes. A suite of ecological and oceanographic processes also indirectly impact hydrodynamic and sediment processes and thereby regulate morphological change, though the temporal scales and magnitudes of impacts on islands vary, leading to divergent morphodynamic outcomes. Climatic change will modify the direct and indirect processes, causing complex positive and negative outcomes on islands. Understanding this complexity is critical to improve predictive capabilities for island physical change and resolve the timescales of change and lag times for impacts to be expressed in island systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul S Kench
- Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, Singapore;
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7
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Guareschi S, Mathers KL, South J, Navarro LM, Renals T, Hiley A, Antonsich M, Bolpagni R, Bortolus A, Genovesi P, Jere A, Madzivanzira TC, Phaka FM, Novoa A, Olden JD, Saccó M, Shackleton RT, Vilà M, Wood PJ. Framing challenges and polarized issues in invasion science: toward an interdisciplinary agenda. Bioscience 2024; 74:825-839. [PMID: 39713562 PMCID: PMC11660934 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biae084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 12/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In a hyperconnected world, framing and managing biological invasions poses complex and contentious challenges, affecting socioeconomic and environmental sectors. This complexity distinguishes the field and fuels polarized debates. In the present article, we synthesize four contentious issues in invasion science that are rarely addressed together: vocabulary usage, the potential benefits of nonnative species, perceptions shifting because of global change, and rewilding practices and biological invasions. Researchers have predominantly focused on single issues; few have addressed multiple components of the debate within or across disciplinary boundaries. Ignoring the interconnected nature of these issues risks overlooking crucial cross-links. We advocate for interdisciplinary approaches that better integrate social and natural sciences. Although they are challenging, interdisciplinary collaborations offer hope to overcome polarization issues in invasion science. These may bridge disagreements, facilitate knowledge exchange, and reshape invasion science narratives. Finally, we present a contemporary agenda to advance future research, management, and constructive dialogue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Guareschi
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology at the University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Geography and Environment at Loughborough University, Loughborough, England, United Kingdom
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Kate L Mathers
- Department of Geography and Environment at Loughborough University, Loughborough, England, United Kingdom
| | - Josie South
- Faculty of Biological Sciences at the University of Leeds, Leeds, England, United Kingdom
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda, South Africa
| | | | - Trevor Renals
- Environment Agency of Bristol, England, United Kingdom
| | - Alice Hiley
- Environment Agency of Bristol, England, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Antonsich
- Department of Geography and Environment at Loughborough University, Loughborough, England, United Kingdom
| | - Rossano Bolpagni
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, Environmental Sustainability at the University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Alejandro Bortolus
- Instituto Patagonico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Piero Genovesi
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Roma, Italy
| | - Arthertone Jere
- School of Applied Science and Open Learning at Kapasa Makasa University, Chinsali, Zambia
| | - Takudzwa C Madzivanzira
- Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science at Rhodes University
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda, South Africa
| | - Fortunate M Phaka
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda, South Africa
- African Amphibian Conservation Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management of North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- Research Group on Zoology: Biodiversity and Toxicology at the Centre for Environmental Sciences at Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Ana Novoa
- Institute of Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague the Czech Republic
- Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas, Almería, Spain
| | - Julian D Olden
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences at the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, Environmental Studies at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala
| | - Mattia Saccó
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, Environmental Sustainability at the University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- School of Molecular and Life Science at Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ross T Shackleton
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology at Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Montserrat Vilà
- Estación Biológica de Doñana
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology at the University of Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Paul J Wood
- Department of Geography and Environment at Loughborough University, Loughborough, England, United Kingdom
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8
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Acosta ICL, Chiebao DP, Serafini PP, Canani G, Pena HFJ, Heinemann MB, Souza-Filho AF, Campolina C, Marques CA, Neves TS, Efe MA, Nunes GT, Labruna MB, Bugoni L. Analysis of free-living seabirds from Brazil as potential hosts of Toxoplasma gondii and serological investigation for antibodies against Leptospira spp. Vet Res Commun 2024; 49:14. [PMID: 39560806 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10575-x] [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: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 10/24/2024] [Indexed: 11/20/2024]
Abstract
Dispersal patterns of zoonotic pathogens can be strongly influenced by mobility and contact among hosts. Toxoplasma gondii infection has been documented in many avian species, however, there is little information regarding free-living seabird populations. Leptospira can infect domestic and wild animals, with birds being potential carriers of the bacteria. The continental shelf of the southwestern Atlantic Ocean is a foraging area for seabirds that breed locally, as well as migratory seabirds wintering in the area, which may come into contact with each other in prey aggregation areas and contribute to T. gondii and Leptospira spread. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of two important zoonotic pathogens in free-living seabirds. Blood samples were collected from 322 birds of three local breeders (Phaethon aethereus, Sula leucogaster and S. dactylatra) in the eastern coast of Brazil (Abrolhos Archipelago), and two migratory species using the area during the pre-laying (Pterodroma arminjoniana) and the non-breeding periods (Thalassarche chlororhynchos). Serological agglutination tests for detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies were performed. None of the seabirds in this study was seroreactive to Leptospira spp., whereas 34.5% (n = 111) of the animals presented antibodies anti-T. gondii. Antibody titers in seropositive birds ranged from 10 to 640. There were seropositive birds in all sampled localities. This study provides the first records for P. arminjoniana and T. chlororhynchos as seropositive to T. gondii, suggesting their potential role as sentinels for the environmental contamination by T. gondii and also T. gondii infection. These findings indicate the circulation of the parasite in the Brazilian coastal and oceanic regions, probably due to the ingestion of T. gondii oocysts by birds, the epidemiological involvement of migratory birds as hosts of pathogens, as well as the role of the historical introduction of invasive vertebrates on Brazilian islands. Therefore, due to the serological evidence of infection, the dynamics of toxoplasmosis in seabirds, regarding their susceptibility towards the disease and the possible anthropogenic influence need to be better understood for the colonies to be included in the wildlife cycle of T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor C L Acosta
- Programa de Monitoramento da Biodiversidade Aquática na Área Ambiental I, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS, CEP 96203-900, Brazil.
- Dept. of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), Cidade Universitária, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05508-270, Brazil.
- Projeto Albatroz - Instituto Albatroz, Rua Marechal Hermes, 35, Boqueirão, Santos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Daniela P Chiebao
- Research Center for Animal Health, Biological Institute (IB), Av. Conselheiro Rodrigues Alves, 1252, São Paulo, SP, CEP 04014-900, Brazil
| | - Patricia P Serafini
- Laboratório de Biomarcadores de Contaminação Aquática e Imunoquímica, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina - UFSC, Florianópolis, SC, CEP 88037-000, Brazil
- Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Aves Silvestres, Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade (ICMBio), Florianópolis, SC, CEP, 88053-700, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Canani
- Projeto Albatroz - Instituto Albatroz, Rua Marechal Hermes, 35, Boqueirão, Santos, SP, Brazil
- Laboratório de Aves Aquáticas e Tartarugas Marinhas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS, CEP 96203-900, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal de Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Hilda F J Pena
- Dept. of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), Cidade Universitária, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Marcos B Heinemann
- Dept. of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), Cidade Universitária, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Antonio F Souza-Filho
- Dept. of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), Cidade Universitária, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05508-270, Brazil
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia - Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Av. Senador Felinto Muller, 2443, Campo Grande, MS, CEP 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Cynthia Campolina
- Laboratório de Aves Aquáticas e Tartarugas Marinhas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS, CEP 96203-900, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Caio A Marques
- Projeto Albatroz - Instituto Albatroz, Rua Marechal Hermes, 35, Boqueirão, Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Tatiana S Neves
- Projeto Albatroz - Instituto Albatroz, Rua Marechal Hermes, 35, Boqueirão, Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcio A Efe
- Laboratório de Bioecologia e Conservação de Aves Neotropicais, Universidade Federal de Alagoas (UFAL), Maceió, AL, Brazil
| | - Guilherme T Nunes
- Centro de Estudos Costeiros, Limnológicos e Marinhos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Imbé, RS, CEP 95625-000, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Dept. of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), Cidade Universitária, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Leandro Bugoni
- Laboratório de Aves Aquáticas e Tartarugas Marinhas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS, CEP 96203-900, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal de Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
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9
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Piaggio AJ, Gierus L, Taylor DR, Holmes ND, Will DJ, Gemmell NJ, Thomas PQ. Building an eDNA surveillance toolkit for invasive rodents on islands: can we detect wild-type and gene drive Mus musculus? BMC Biol 2024; 22:261. [PMID: 39548497 PMCID: PMC11566076 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-02063-0] [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: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 11/05/2024] [Indexed: 11/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive management strategies range from preventing new invasive species incursions to eliminating established populations, with all requiring effective monitoring to guide action. The use of DNA sampled from the environment (eDNA) is one such tool that provides the ability to surveille and monitor target invasive species through passive sampling. Technology being developed to eliminate invasive species includes genetic biocontrol in the form of gene drive. This approach would drive a trait through a population and could be used to eliminate or modify a target population. Once a gene drive organism is released into a population then monitoring changes in density of the target species and the spread of the drive in the population would be critical. RESULTS In this paper, we use invasive Mus musculus as a model for development of an eDNA assay that detects wild-type M. musculus and gene drive M. musculus. We demonstrate successful development of an assay where environmental samples could be used to detect wild-type invasive M. musculus and the relative density of wild-type to gene drive M. musculus. CONCLUSIONS The development of a method that detects both wild-type M. musculus and a gene drive M. musculus (tCRISPR) from environmental samples expands the utility of environmental DNA. This method provides a tool that can immediately be deployed for invasive wild M. musculus management across the world. This is a proof-of-concept that a genetic biocontrol construct could be monitored using environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoinette J Piaggio
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
| | - Luke Gierus
- School of Biomedicine and Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Genome Editing Program, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Daniel R Taylor
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | | | - Neil J Gemmell
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Paul Q Thomas
- School of Biomedicine and Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Genome Editing Program, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
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10
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Reijers VC, van Rees F, van der Heide T, Oost AP, Ruessink G, Koffijberg K, Camphuysen KCJ, Penning E, Hijner N, Govers LL. Birds influence vegetation coverage and structure on sandy biogeomorphic islands in the Dutch Wadden Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 950:175254. [PMID: 39111441 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175254] [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: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Small uninhabited islands form important roosting and breeding habitats for many coastal birds. Previous studies have demonstrated that guano can promote ecosystem productivity and functionality on island ecosystems. Here, we assess the role of external nutrient input by coastal birds on the vegetation structure and coverage on sandy biogeomorphic islands, where island-forming processes depend on vegetation-sedimentation feedbacks. As a first step, we investigated whether breeding birds affect vegetation productivity on sandy back-barrier islands in the Wadden Sea. Using a combination of bird observations and plant stable isotope (δ15N) analyses, we demonstrate that (i) breeding birds transport large quantities of nutrients via their faecal outputs to these islands annually and that (ii) this external nitrogen source influences vegetation development on these sandy, nutrient-limited, islands. Based on these results we discuss how this avian nutrient pump could impact island development and habitat suitability for coastal birds and discuss future directions for research. In general, we conclude that avian subsidies have the potential to affect both the ecological and biogeomorphic functioning of coastal soft-sediment systems. However, the strength and scale of especially these biogeomorphic interactions are not fully understood. For the conservation of both threatened coastal birds and sandy back-barrier islands and the design of appropriate management strategies, we argue that three-way interactions between birds, vegetation and sandy island morphodynamics need to be further elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie C Reijers
- Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, 3508 TC Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department Coastal Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research and Utrecht University, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, the Netherlands; Department of Aquatic Ecology & Environmental Biology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, Faculty of Science, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Floris van Rees
- Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, 3508 TC Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department Coastal Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research and Utrecht University, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, the Netherlands
| | - Tjisse van der Heide
- Department Coastal Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research and Utrecht University, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, the Netherlands; Conservation Ecology Group, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, 9700 CC Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Albert P Oost
- Staatsbosbeheer, P.O. Box 2, 3800 AA Amersfoort, the Netherlands
| | - Gerben Ruessink
- Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, 3508 TC Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kees Koffijberg
- Sovon Dutch Centre for Field Ornithology, PO Box 6521, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Kees C J Camphuysen
- Department Coastal Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research and Utrecht University, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, the Netherlands
| | - Emma Penning
- Department Coastal Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research and Utrecht University, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, the Netherlands; BirdEyes, Centre for Global Ecological Change at the Faculties of Science & Engineering and Campus Fryslân, University of Groningen, Zaailand 110, 8911 BN Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
| | - Nadia Hijner
- Conservation Ecology Group, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, 9700 CC Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Laura L Govers
- Department Coastal Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research and Utrecht University, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, the Netherlands; Department of Aquatic Ecology & Environmental Biology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, Faculty of Science, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Conservation Ecology Group, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, 9700 CC Groningen, the Netherlands
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11
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Lange ID, Benkwitt CE. Seabird nutrients increase coral calcification rates and boost reef carbonate production. Sci Rep 2024; 14:24937. [PMID: 39438679 PMCID: PMC11496823 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-76759-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 10/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/25/2024] Open
Abstract
While excessive anthropogenic nutrient loads are harmful to coral reefs, natural nutrient flows can boost coral growth and reef functions. Here we investigate if seabird-derived nutrient subsidies benefit the growth of two dominant corals on lagoonal reefs, submassive Isopora palifera and corymbose Acropora vermiculata, and if enhanced colony-level calcification rates can increase reef-scale carbonate production. I. palifera and A. vermiculata colonies close to an island with high seabird densities displayed 1.4 and 3.2-times higher linear extension rates, 1.8 and 3.9-times faster planar area increase, and 1.6 and 2.7-times higher calcification rates compared to colonies close to a nearby island with low seabird densities, respectively. While benthic ReefBudget surveys in combination with average coral growth rates did not indicate differences in reef-scale carbonate production across sites, coral carbonate production was 2.2-times higher at the seabird-rich island when using site-specific linear growth rates and skeletal densities. This study shows that seabird-derived nutrients benefit fast-growing branching as well as previously unstudied submassive coral taxa. It also demonstrates that nutrient subsidies benefit colony-scale and reef-scale calcification rates, which underpin important geo-ecological reef functions. Restoring natural nutrient pathways should thus be a priority for island and reef management.
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12
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Steibl S, Steiger S, Wegmann AS, Holmes ND, Young HS, Carr P, Russell JC. Atolls are globally important sites for tropical seabirds. Nat Ecol Evol 2024; 8:1907-1915. [PMID: 39147843 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02496-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Seabirds play critical roles on islands. By catalysing terrestrial and marine productivity through guano nutrient input, seabirds support natural island functioning. In the Indo-Pacific, atolls comprise one-third of all islands but only ~0.02% of island area. The importance of atolls as seabird nesting grounds has been historically neglected except on a few key atolls. We compiled a global dataset of seabird surveys on atolls and modelled seabird distribution and nutrient deposition on all Indo-Pacific atolls. We found that atolls are breeding sites for 37 species, ranging from a few dozen to more than 3 million individuals per atoll. In total, an estimated 31.2 million seabirds nest on atolls, or ~25% of the tropical seabirds of the world. For 14 species, more than half of their global populations nest on atolls. Seabirds forage more than 10,000-100,000 km² around an atoll and deposit, on average, 65,000 kg N and 11,000 kg P per atoll per year, thus acting as major nutrient pumps within the tropical Indo-Pacific. Our findings reveal the global importance of atolls for tropical seabirds. Given global change, conservation will have to leverage atoll protection and restoration to preserve a relevant fraction of the tropical seabirds of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Steibl
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Simon Steiger
- Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Hillary S Young
- Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Peter Carr
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
| | - James C Russell
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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13
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Dunn RE. Atolls are vital for seabirds and vice versa. Nat Ecol Evol 2024; 8:1784-1785. [PMID: 39147842 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02518-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth E Dunn
- The Lyell Centre, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK.
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
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14
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Williamson MJ, Tebbs EJ, Curnick DJ, Ferretti F, Carlisle AB, Chapple TK, Schallert RJ, Tickler DM, Block BA, Jacoby DMP. Environmental stress reduces shark residency to coral reefs. Commun Biol 2024; 7:1018. [PMID: 39251811 PMCID: PMC11385207 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06707-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Coral reef ecosystems are highly threatened and can be extremely sensitive to the effects of climate change. Multiple shark species rely on coral reefs as important habitat and, as such, play a number of significant ecological roles in these ecosystems. How environmental stress impacts routine, site-attached reef shark behavior, remains relatively unexplored. Here, we combine 8 years of acoustic tracking data (2013-2020) from grey reef sharks resident to the remote coral reefs of the Chagos Archipelago in the Central Indian Ocean, with a satellite-based index of coral reef environmental stress exposure. We show that on average across the region, increased stress on the reefs significantly reduces grey reef shark residency, promoting more diffuse space use and increasing time away from shallow forereefs. Importantly, this impact has a lagged effect for up to 16 months. This may have important physiological and conservation consequences for reef sharks, as well as broader implications for reef ecosystem functioning. As climate change is predicted to increase environmental stress on coral reef ecosystems, understanding how site-attached predators respond to stress will be crucial for forecasting the functional significance of altering predator behavior and the potential impacts on conservation for both reef sharks and coral reefs themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Williamson
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK.
- Department of Geography, King's College London, London, UK.
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Emma J Tebbs
- Department of Geography, King's College London, London, UK
| | - David J Curnick
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
| | - Francesco Ferretti
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Aaron B Carlisle
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, Lewes, DE, USA
| | - Taylor K Chapple
- Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State University, Newport, OR, USA
| | | | - David M Tickler
- Marine Futures Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Barbara A Block
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, USA
| | - David M P Jacoby
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK.
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
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15
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Bird JP, Fuller RA, Shaw JD. Patterns of recovery in extant and extirpated seabirds after the world's largest multipredator eradication. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024; 38:e14239. [PMID: 38375602 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14239] [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: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Eradicating invasive predators from islands can result in substantial recovery of seabirds, but the mechanisms that drive population changes remain poorly understood. Meta-analyses have recently revealed that immigration is surprisingly important to the recovery of philopatric seabirds, but it is not known whether dispersal and philopatry interact predictably to determine rates of population growth and changes of distribution. We used whole-island surveys and long-term monitoring plots to study the abundance, distribution, and trends of 4 burrowing seabird species on Macquarie Island, Australia, to examine the legacy impacts of invasive species and ongoing responses to the world's largest eradication of multiple species of vertebrates. Wekas (Gallirallus australis) were eradicated in 1988; cats (Felis catus) in 2001; and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), black rats (Rattus rattus), and mice (Mus mus) in 2011-2014. We compared surveys from 1976-1979 and 2017-2018 and monitoring from the 1990s and 2000s onward. Antarctic prions (Pachyptila desolata) and white-headed petrels (Pterodroma lessonii) increased ∼1% per year. Blue petrels (Halobaena caerulea) and gray petrels (Procellaria cinerea) recolonized following extirpation from the main island in the 1900s but remained spatially and numerically rare in 2018. However, they increased rapidly at 14% and 10% per year, respectively, since cat eradication in 2001. Blue and gray petrel recolonization occurred on steep, dry, west-facing slopes close to ridgelines at low elevation (i.e., high-quality petrel habitat). They overlapped <5% with the distribution of Antarctic prion and white-headed petrels which occurred in suboptimal shallow, wet, east-facing slopes at high elevation. We inferred that the speed of population growth of recolonizing species was related to their numerically smaller starting size compared with the established species and was driven by immigration and selection of ideal habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy P Bird
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard A Fuller
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Justine D Shaw
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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16
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Peller T, Altermatt F. Invasive species drive cross-ecosystem effects worldwide. Nat Ecol Evol 2024; 8:1087-1097. [PMID: 38503866 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02380-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Invasive species are pervasive around the world and have profound impacts on the ecosystem they invade. Invasive species, however, can also have impacts beyond the ecosystem they invade by altering the flow of non-living materials (for example, nutrients or chemicals) or movement of organisms across the boundaries of the invaded ecosystem. Cross-ecosystem interactions via spatial flows are ubiquitous in nature, for example, connecting forests and lakes, grasslands and rivers, and coral reefs and the deep ocean. Yet, we have a limited understanding of the cross-ecosystem impacts invasive species have relative to their local effects. By synthesizing emerging evidence, here we demonstrate the cross-ecosystem impacts of invasive species as a ubiquitous phenomenon that influences biodiversity and ecosystem functioning around the world. We identify three primary ways by which invasive species have cross-ecosystem effects: first, by altering the magnitude of spatial flows across ecosystem boundaries; second, by altering the quality of spatial flows; and third, by introducing novel spatial flows. Ultimately, the strong impacts invasive species can drive across ecosystem boundaries suggests the need for a paradigm shift in how we study and manage invasive species around the world, expanding from a local to a cross-ecosystem perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianna Peller
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland.
| | - Florian Altermatt
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland.
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17
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Sanchez CL, Casale P, Bunbury N, A'Bear L, Banane V, Benstrong F, Bielsa M, Jones CW, Koester A, Murasko S, van Rooyen MC, Fleischer-Dogley F, Ceriani SA. Fine-scale foraging ecology and habitat use of sympatric green and hawksbill turtles in the Western Indian ocean. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 198:106529. [PMID: 38688109 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106529] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Using stable isotope analysis of carbon and nitrogen of turtle tissues and putative prey items, we investigated the diet of immature green turtles and hawksbill turtles foraging in the lagoon of Aldabra Atoll, a relatively undisturbed atoll in the southern Seychelles. Aldabra offers a unique environment for understanding sea turtle ecology. Green turtles mostly consumed seagrass and brown algae while hawksbill turtles mainly consumed mangroves and invertebrates. Green turtles showed a dietary shift with size (a proxy for age). There was minimal niche overlap between species and evidence of small-scale foraging site fidelity with turtle tissue reflecting site-specific prey. This highlights the ecological importance of seagrass and mangrove habitats and suggests that turtles play a role in controlling algal biomass at Aldabra. This study is the first to closely examine the foraging ecology of these sympatric turtle species in the Western Indian Ocean, a globally important region for both species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl L Sanchez
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via A. Volta 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Saint Petersburg, FL, USA; Seychelles Islands Foundation, Mahé, P.O. Box 853, Victoria, Seychelles
| | - Paolo Casale
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via A. Volta 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Nancy Bunbury
- Seychelles Islands Foundation, Mahé, P.O. Box 853, Victoria, Seychelles; Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Luke A'Bear
- Seychelles Islands Foundation, Mahé, P.O. Box 853, Victoria, Seychelles
| | - Veronique Banane
- Seychelles Islands Foundation, Mahé, P.O. Box 853, Victoria, Seychelles
| | - Frances Benstrong
- Seychelles Islands Foundation, Mahé, P.O. Box 853, Victoria, Seychelles
| | - Maria Bielsa
- Seychelles Islands Foundation, Mahé, P.O. Box 853, Victoria, Seychelles
| | | | - Anna Koester
- Seychelles Islands Foundation, Mahé, P.O. Box 853, Victoria, Seychelles
| | - Susan Murasko
- Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Saint Petersburg, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Simona A Ceriani
- Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Saint Petersburg, FL, USA
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18
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Graham NAJ, Benkwitt CE, Jones HP. Species eradication for ecosystem restoration. Curr Biol 2024; 34:R407-R412. [PMID: 38714173 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Many of the world's ecosystems are under unprecedented stress as human pressures have escalated to be a dominant driver of ecosystem composition and condition. Direct impacts such as agriculture, extraction, and development are impacting vast swathes of land and ocean, while the effects of human-caused climate change are felt even in the most remote parts of marine and terrestrial wildernesses. These impacts are resulting in changes ranging from ecosystem collapse or replacement to novel mixes of species due to temperature-driven range shifts. While reducing human pressures is paramount for the future viability of vulnerable ecosystems, much attention is now also focused on whether degraded areas can be restored. Indeed, the UN has declared 2021-2030 the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, which aims to "prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean".
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Holly P Jones
- Department of Biological Sciences and the Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability, and Energy, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
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19
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Robinson JPW, Benkwitt CE, Maire E, Morais R, Schiettekatte NMD, Skinner C, Brandl SJ. Quantifying energy and nutrient fluxes in coral reef food webs. Trends Ecol Evol 2024; 39:467-478. [PMID: 38105132 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The movement of energy and nutrients through ecological communities represents the biological 'pulse' underpinning ecosystem functioning and services. However, energy and nutrient fluxes are inherently difficult to observe, particularly in high-diversity systems such as coral reefs. We review advances in the quantification of fluxes in coral reef fishes, focusing on four key frameworks: demographic modelling, bioenergetics, micronutrients, and compound-specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA). Each framework can be integrated with underwater surveys, enabling researchers to scale organismal processes to ecosystem properties. This has revealed how small fish support biomass turnover, pelagic subsidies sustain fisheries, and fisheries benefit human health. Combining frameworks, closing data gaps, and expansion to other aquatic ecosystems can advance understanding of how fishes contribute to ecosystem functions and services.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P W Robinson
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK.
| | | | - Eva Maire
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Renato Morais
- Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, École Pratique des Hautes Études, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Perpignan 66860, France
| | | | - Christina Skinner
- School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, QLD, Australia
| | - Simon J Brandl
- Department of Marine Science, The University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA
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20
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Han DHT, James D, Waheed Z, Phua MH. THREE-DECADE changes of reef cover in Pulau Layang-Layang, Malaysia using multitemporal Landsat images. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 197:106454. [PMID: 38552455 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106454] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Over the years, coral reefs in the South China Sea have degraded and faced severe threats from rapid development, coral bleaching, and Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) outbreak. There is limited knowledge relating to the effects of anthropogenic disturbances and natural events on the coral reefs of Pulau Layang-Layang. This study aims to assess reef cover changes by utilizing Landsat satellite images spanning from 1989 to 2022. Using the object-based image analysis method, this study classified the reef cover into three categories: coral, rock and rubble, and sand. The supervised classification had an overall accuracy of 86.41-87.38 % and Tau's coefficients of 0.80-0.81. The results showed island development and construction of artificial bird sanctuary have led to an increase in coral cover. Furthermore, it was illustrated that the impact of COTS outbreaks in 2010 and 2020 differed significantly, with the latter showing no signs of recovery. Our study underscores the importance of timely intervention to mitigate the spread of COTS. This study provides insights into the resilience and vulnerability of these ecosystems in the face of various stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella Hsu Tsyr Han
- Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Daniel James
- Faculty of Tropical Forestry, UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Zarinah Waheed
- Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia; Small Islands Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Mui-How Phua
- Faculty of Tropical Forestry, UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia; Small Islands Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
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21
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Appoo J, Bunbury N, Jaquemet S, Graham NA. Seabird nutrient subsidies enrich mangrove ecosystems and are exported to nearby coastal habitats. iScience 2024; 27:109404. [PMID: 38510135 PMCID: PMC10952037 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Eutrophication by human-derived nutrient enrichment is a major threat to mangroves, impacting productivity, ecological functions, resilience, and ecosystem services. Natural mangrove nutrient enrichment processes, however, remain largely uninvestigated. Mobile consumers such as seabirds are important vectors of cross-ecosystem nutrient subsidies to islands but how they influence mangrove ecosystems is poorly known. We assessed the contribution, uptake, cycling, and transfer of nutrients from seabird colonies in remote mangrove systems free of human stressors. We found that nutrients from seabird guano enrich mangrove plants, reduce nutrient limitations, enhance mangrove invertebrate food webs, and are exported to nearby coastal habitats through tidal flow. We show that seabird nutrient subsidies in mangroves can be substantial, improving the nutrient status and health of mangroves and adjacent coastal habitats. Conserving mobile consumers, such as seabirds, is therefore vital to preserve and enhance their role in mangrove productivity, resilience, and provision of diverse functions and services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Appoo
- UMR ENTROPIE, Université de La Réunion, 97744 Saint Denis Cedex 9, La Réunion, France
- Seychelles Islands Foundation, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
| | - Nancy Bunbury
- Seychelles Islands Foundation, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Sébastien Jaquemet
- UMR ENTROPIE, Université de La Réunion, 97744 Saint Denis Cedex 9, La Réunion, France
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22
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Burt AJ, Vogt-Vincent N, Johnson H, Sendell-Price A, Kelly S, Clegg SM, Head C, Bunbury N, Fleischer-Dogley F, Jeremie MM, Khan N, Baxter R, Gendron G, Mason-Parker C, Walton R, Turnbull LA. Integration of population genetics with oceanographic models reveals strong connectivity among coral reefs across Seychelles. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4936. [PMID: 38472289 PMCID: PMC10933301 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55459-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Many countries with tropical reef systems face hard choices preserving coral reefs in the face of climate change on limited budgets. One approach to maximising regional reef resilience is targeting management efforts and resources at reefs that export large numbers of larvae to other reefs. However, this requires reef connectivity to be quantified. To map coral connectivity in the Seychelles reef system we carried out a population genomic study of the Porites lutea species complex using 241 sequenced colonies from multiple islands. To identify oceanographic drivers of this connectivity and quantify variability, we further used a 2 km resolution regional ocean simulation coupled with a larval dispersal model to predict the flow of coral larvae between reef sites. Patterns of admixture and gene flow are broadly supported by model predictions, but the realised connectivity is greater than that predicted from model simulations. Both methods detected a biogeographic dispersal barrier between the Inner and Outer Islands of Seychelles. However, this barrier is permeable and substantial larval transport is possible across Seychelles, particularly for one of two putative species found in our genomic study. The broad agreement between predicted connectivity and observed genetic patterns supports the use of such larval dispersal simulations in reef system management in Seychelles and the wider region.
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Affiliation(s)
- April J Burt
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, UK.
- Seychelles Islands Foundation, Mont Fleuri, Mahé, Seychelles.
| | - Noam Vogt-Vincent
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3AN, UK
| | - Helen Johnson
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3AN, UK
| | | | - Steve Kelly
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Sonya M Clegg
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Catherine Head
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Nancy Bunbury
- Seychelles Islands Foundation, Mont Fleuri, Mahé, Seychelles
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn, TR10 9FE, UK
| | | | - Marie-May Jeremie
- Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, Victoria, Seychelles
| | - Nasreen Khan
- Island Conservation Society Seychelles, Pointe Larue, Mahé, Seychelles
| | - Richard Baxter
- Island Biodiversity and Conservation Centre, University of Seychelles, Victoria, Seychelles
| | - Gilberte Gendron
- Island Biodiversity and Conservation Centre, University of Seychelles, Victoria, Seychelles
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23
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Jones NP, Gilliam DS. Temperature and local anthropogenic pressures limit stony coral assemblage viability in southeast Florida. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116098. [PMID: 38310721 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116098] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Climate change is viewed as the primary threat to coral reefs, with local pressures exacerbating coral cover decline. The consensus is that improving water quality may increase resilience, but disentangling water quality and temperature impacts is difficult. We used distance-based linear models and random forests to analyze spatiotemporal variation in benthic community structure and interannual changes in the coral assemblage, in relation to specific environmental metrics in Southeast Florida. Temperature accounted for most of the variation, recruitment doubled and interannual increases in coral abundance tripled when mean annual temperature reached 27 °C, until maximum temperatures exceeded 31 °C. Benefits associated with warmer temperatures were negated by poor water quality, as nutrient enrichment was related to increased macroalgal cover, reduced coral recruitment and higher coral partial mortality. We suggest reducing local pressures will contribute to reduced macroalgae and enhance coral recovery, but that temperature is the predominant influence on coral assemblages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P Jones
- National Coral Reef Institute, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, 8000 N Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, FL 33004, USA.
| | - David S Gilliam
- National Coral Reef Institute, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, 8000 N Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, FL 33004, USA
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24
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Steibl S, Kench PS, Young HS, Wegmann AS, Holmes ND, Bunbury N, Teavai-Murphy TH, Davies N, Murphy F, Russell JC. Rethinking atoll futures: local resilience to global challenges. Trends Ecol Evol 2024; 39:258-266. [PMID: 38114338 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.11.004] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Atoll islands are often perceived as inevitably lost due to rising sea levels. However, unlike other islands, atoll islands are dynamic landforms that have evolved, at least historically, to vertically accrete at a pace commensurate with changing sea levels. Rather than atoll islands' low elevation per se, the impairment of natural accretion processes is jeopardising their persistence. While global marine impacts are deteriorating coral reefs, local impacts also significantly affect accretion, together potentially tipping the scales toward atoll island erosion. Maintaining atoll island accretion requires intact sediment generation on coral reefs, unobstructed sediment transport from reef to island, and available vegetated deposition sites on the island. Ensuring the persistence of atoll islands must include global greenhouse gas emission reduction and local restoration of accretion processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Steibl
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Paul S Kench
- Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hillary S Young
- Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Nancy Bunbury
- Seychelles Islands Foundation, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles; Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Neil Davies
- Tetiaroa Society, Tetiaroa, French Polynesia; Gump South Pacific Research Station, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - James C Russell
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
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25
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Lin JW, Liao CP, Chou CC, Clark RW, Tseng HY, Hsu JY, Huang WS. Loss of sea turtle eggs drives the collapse of an insular reptile community. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadj7052. [PMID: 38091400 PMCID: PMC10848710 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj7052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Marine subsidies are vital for terrestrial ecosystems, especially low-productivity islands. However, the impact of losing these subsidies on the terrestrial food web can be difficult to predict. We analyzed 23 years of survey data from Orchid Island to assess the consequences of the abrupt loss of an important marine subsidy. After climate-driven beach erosion and predator exclusion efforts resulted in the abrupt loss of sea turtle eggs from the terrestrial food web, predatory snakes altered their foraging habitats. This increased predation on other reptile species in inland areas, resulting in population declines in most terrestrial reptile species. Comparisons with sea turtle-free locations where lizard populations remained stable supported these findings. Our study emphasizes the cascading effects of generalist predators and the unintended consequences of single-species conservation, highlighting the importance of understanding species interconnectedness and considering potential ripple effects in marine-dependent insular ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhan-Wei Lin
- Department of Biology, National Museum of Natural Science, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Pan Liao
- Department of Biology, National Museum of Natural Science, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chia Chou
- Department of Biology, National Museum of Natural Science, Taichung, Taiwan
- Master’s Program in Biodiversity, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Rulon W. Clark
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Hui-Yun Tseng
- Department of Biology, National Museum of Natural Science, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Ya Hsu
- Department of Biology, National Museum of Natural Science, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-San Huang
- Department of Biology, National Museum of Natural Science, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
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26
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Dunn RE, Duckworth J, Green JA. A framework to unlock marine bird energetics. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb246754. [PMID: 37990955 PMCID: PMC10753490 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Energetics can provide novel insights into the roles of animals, but employing an energetics approach has traditionally required extensive empirical physiological data on the focal species, something that can be challenging for those that inhabit marine environments. There is therefore a demand for a framework through which to estimate energy expenditure from readily available data. We present the energetic costs associated with important time- and energy-intensive behaviours across nine families of marine bird (including seabirds, ducks, divers and grebes) and nine ecological guilds. We demonstrate a worked example, calculating the year-round energetic expenditure of the great auk, Pinguinus impennis, under three migration scenarios, thereby illustrating the capacity of this approach to make predictions for data-deficient species. We provide a comprehensive framework through which to model marine bird energetics and demonstrate the power of this approach to provide novel, quantitative insights into the influence of marine birds within their ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth E. Dunn
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 4YQ, UK
- The Lyell Centre, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Lothian, EH14 4BA, UK
| | - James Duckworth
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 5DA, UK
| | - Jonathan A. Green
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 5DA, UK
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27
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Benkwitt CE, D'Angelo C, Dunn RE, Gunn RL, Healing S, Mardones ML, Wiedenmann J, Wilson SK, Graham NAJ. Seabirds boost coral reef resilience. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadj0390. [PMID: 38055814 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj0390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Global climate change threatens tropical coral reefs, yet local management can influence resilience. While increasing anthropogenic nutrients reduce coral resistance and recovery, it is unknown how the loss, or restoration, of natural nutrient flows affects reef recovery. Here, we test how natural seabird-derived nutrient subsidies, which are threatened by invasive rats, influence the mechanisms and patterns of reef recovery following an extreme marine heatwave using multiyear field experiments, repeated surveys, and Bayesian modeling. Corals transplanted from rat to seabird islands quickly assimilated seabird-derived nutrients, fully acclimating to new nutrient conditions within 3 years. Increased seabird-derived nutrients, in turn, caused a doubling of coral growth rates both within individuals and across entire reefs. Seabirds were also associated with faster recovery time of Acropora coral cover (<4 years) and more dynamic recovery trajectories of entire benthic communities. We conclude that restoring seabird populations and associated nutrient pathways may foster greater coral reef resilience through enhanced growth and recovery rates of corals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cecilia D'Angelo
- Coral Reef Laboratory, School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, Southampton SO143ZH, UK
| | - Ruth E Dunn
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
- The Lyell Centre, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Rachel L Gunn
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
- Animal Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, Auf Der Morgenstelle 28, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Samuel Healing
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - M Loreto Mardones
- Coral Reef Laboratory, School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, Southampton SO143ZH, UK
| | - Joerg Wiedenmann
- Coral Reef Laboratory, School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, Southampton SO143ZH, UK
| | - Shaun K Wilson
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- University of Western Australia, UWA Oceans Institute, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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28
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Trevail AM, Nicoll MAC, Freeman R, Le Corre M, Schwarz J, Jaeger A, Bretagnolle V, Calabrese L, Feare C, Lebarbenchon C, Norris K, Orlowski S, Pinet P, Plot V, Rocamora G, Shah N, Votier SC. Tracking seabird migration in the tropical Indian Ocean reveals basin-scale conservation need. Curr Biol 2023; 33:5247-5256.e4. [PMID: 37972589 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.10.060] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Understanding marine predator distributions is an essential component of arresting their catastrophic declines.1,2,3,4 In temperate, polar, and upwelling seas, predictable oceanographic features can aggregate migratory predators, which benefit from site-based protection.5,6,7,8 In more oligotrophic tropical waters, however, it is unclear whether environmental conditions create similar multi-species hotspots. We track the non-breeding movements and habitat preferences of a tropical seabird assemblage (n = 348 individuals, 9 species, and 10 colonies in the western Indian Ocean), which supports globally important biodiversity.9,10,11,12 We mapped species richness from tracked populations and then predicted the same diversity measure for all known Indian Ocean colonies. Most species had large non-breeding ranges, low or variable residency patterns, and specific habitat preferences. This in turn revealed that maximum species richness covered >3.9 million km2, with no focused aggregations, in stark contrast to large-scale tracking studies in all other ocean basins.5,6,7,13,14 High species richness was captured by existing marine protected areas (MPAs) in the region; however, most occurred in the unprotected high seas beyond national jurisdictions. Seabirds experience cumulative anthropogenic impacts13 and high mortality15,16 during non-breeding. Therefore, our results suggest that seabird conservation in the tropical Indian Ocean requires an ocean-wide perspective, including high seas legislation.17 As restoration actions improve the outlook for tropical seabirds on land18,19,20,21,22 and environmental change reshapes the habitats that support them at sea,15,16 appropriate marine conservation will be crucial for their long-term recovery and whole ecosystem restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice M Trevail
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn TR10 9FE, UK.
| | - Malcolm A C Nicoll
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW14RY, UK
| | - Robin Freeman
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW14RY, UK
| | - Matthieu Le Corre
- Écologie marine tropicale des océans Pacifique et Indien, UMR ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, 15 Avenue René Cassin, BP 7151, 97715 Saint Denis, La Réunion, France
| | - Jill Schwarz
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Audrey Jaeger
- Écologie marine tropicale des océans Pacifique et Indien, UMR ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, 15 Avenue René Cassin, BP 7151, 97715 Saint Denis, La Réunion, France
| | - Vincent Bretagnolle
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC-CNRS), 79360 Beauvoir sur Niort, France
| | - Licia Calabrese
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC-CNRS), 79360 Beauvoir sur Niort, France; Island Conservation Society, Pointe Larue, Mahé P.O Box 775, Seychelles; Island Biodiversity and Conservation Centre of the University of Seychelles, Anse Royale, Mahé, Seychelles
| | - Chris Feare
- WildWings Bird Management, 2 North View Cottages, Grayswood Common, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 2DN, UK; School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of New South Wales (UNSW), NSW, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Camille Lebarbenchon
- Université de la Réunion, UMR Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical (PIMIT), INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Saint Denis, La Réunion, France
| | - Ken Norris
- Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Sabine Orlowski
- Écologie marine tropicale des océans Pacifique et Indien, UMR ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, 15 Avenue René Cassin, BP 7151, 97715 Saint Denis, La Réunion, France
| | - Patrick Pinet
- Parc national de La Réunion, Life+ Pétrels. 258 Rue de la République, 97431 Plaine des Palmistes, La Réunion, France
| | - Virginie Plot
- Écologie marine tropicale des océans Pacifique et Indien, UMR ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, 15 Avenue René Cassin, BP 7151, 97715 Saint Denis, La Réunion, France
| | - Gerard Rocamora
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC-CNRS), 79360 Beauvoir sur Niort, France; Island Biodiversity and Conservation Centre of the University of Seychelles, Anse Royale, Mahé, Seychelles
| | - Nirmal Shah
- Nature Seychelles, P.O. Box 1310, The Centre for Environment and Education, Roche Caiman, Mahé, Seychelles; The Centre for Environment and Education, Roche Caiman, Mahé, Seychelles
| | - Stephen C Votier
- The Lyell Centre, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.
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Browning TJ, Al-Hashem AA, Achterberg EP, Carvalho PC, Catry P, Matthiopoulos J, Miller JAO, Wakefield ED. The role of seabird guano in maintaining North Atlantic summertime productivity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 897:165309. [PMID: 37406699 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165309] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Nutrients supplied via seabird guano increase primary production in some coastal ecosystems. A similar process may occur in the open ocean. To investigate this directly, we first measured bulk and leachable nutrient concentrations in guano sampled in the North Atlantic. We found that guano was strongly enriched in phosphorus, which was released as phosphate in solution. Nitrogen release was dominated by reduced forms (ammonium and urea) whilst release of nitrate was relatively low. A range of trace elements, including the micronutrient iron, were released. Using in-situ bioassays, we then showed that supply of fresh guano to ambient seawater increases phytoplankton biomass and photochemical efficiencies. Based on these results, modelled seabird distributions, and known defecation rates, we estimate that on annual scales guano is a minor source of nutrients for the surface North Atlantic. However, on shorter timescales in late spring/summer it could be much more important: Estimates of upper-level depositions of phosphorus by seabirds were three orders of magnitude higher than modelled aerosol deposition and comparable to diffusion from deeper waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Browning
- Marine Biogeochemistry Division, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Kiel, Germany.
| | - Ali A Al-Hashem
- Marine Biogeochemistry Division, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Kiel, Germany
| | - Eric P Achterberg
- Marine Biogeochemistry Division, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Kiel, Germany
| | - Paloma C Carvalho
- Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada
| | - Paulo Catry
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE) / Aquatic Research Network (ARNET), ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Rua Jardim do Tabaco 34, 1149-041 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jason Matthiopoulos
- School of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Julie A O Miller
- School of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ewan D Wakefield
- School of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Geography, Durham University, Lower Mountjoy, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
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30
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Herrera K, Maldonado-Ruiz R, Camacho-Morales A, de la Garza AL, Castro H. Maternal methyl donor supplementation regulates the effects of cafeteria diet on behavioral changes and nutritional status in male offspring. Food Nutr Res 2023; 67:9828. [PMID: 37920679 PMCID: PMC10619398 DOI: 10.29219/fnr.v67.9828] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nutritional status and maternal feeding during the perinatal and postnatal periods can program the offspring to develop long-term health alterations. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated an association between maternal obesity and intellectual disability/cognitive deficits like autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in offspring. Experimental findings have consistently been indicating that maternal supplementation with methyl donors, attenuated the social alterations and repetitive behavior in offspring. Objective This study aims to analyze the effect of maternal cafeteria diet and methyl donor-supplemented diets on social, anxiety-like, and repetitive behavior in male offspring, besides evaluating weight gain and food intake in both dams and male offspring. Design C57BL/6 female mice were randomized into four dietary formulas: control Chow (CT), cafeteria (CAF), control + methyl donor (CT+M), and cafeteria + methyl donor (CAF+M) during the pre-gestational, gestational, and lactation period. Behavioral phenotyping in the offspring was performed by 2-month-old using Three-Chamber Test, Open Field Test, and Marble Burying Test. Results We found that offspring prenatally exposed to CAF diet displayed less social interaction index when compared with subjects exposed to Chow diet (CT group). Notably, offspring exposed to CAF+M diet recovered social interaction when compared to the CAF group. Discussion These findings suggest that maternal CAF diet is efficient in promoting reduced social interaction in murine models. In our study, we hypothesized that a maternal methyl donor supplementation could improve the behavioral alterations expected in maternal CAF diet offspring. Conclusions The CAF diet also contributed to a social deficit and anxiety-like behavior in the offspring. On the other hand, a maternal methyl donor-supplemented CAF diet normalized the social interaction in the offspring although it led to an increase in anxiety-like behaviors. These findings suggest that a methyl donor supplementation could protect against aberrant social behavior probably targeting key genes related to neurotransmitter pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katya Herrera
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Salud Pública y Nutrición, Centro de Investigación en Nutrición y Salud Pública. Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
| | - Roger Maldonado-Ruiz
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Unidad de Neurometabolismo, Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias de la Salud. Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
| | - Alberto Camacho-Morales
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Unidad de Neurometabolismo, Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias de la Salud. Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica. Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
| | - Ana Laura de la Garza
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Unidad de Nutrición, Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias de la Salud. Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
| | - Heriberto Castro
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Salud Pública y Nutrición, Centro de Investigación en Nutrición y Salud Pública. Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Unidad de Nutrición, Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias de la Salud. Monterrey, Nuevo León, México
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31
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Wiedenmann J, D'Angelo C, Mardones ML, Moore S, Benkwitt CE, Graham NAJ, Hambach B, Wilson PA, Vanstone J, Eyal G, Ben-Zvi O, Loya Y, Genin A. Reef-building corals farm and feed on their photosynthetic symbionts. Nature 2023; 620:1018-1024. [PMID: 37612503 PMCID: PMC10468396 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06442-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs are highly diverse ecosystems that thrive in nutrient-poor waters, a phenomenon frequently referred to as the Darwin paradox1. The energy demand of coral animal hosts can often be fully met by the excess production of carbon-rich photosynthates by their algal symbionts2,3. However, the understanding of mechanisms that enable corals to acquire the vital nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus from their symbionts is incomplete4-9. Here we show, through a series of long-term experiments, that the uptake of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus by the symbionts alone is sufficient to sustain rapid coral growth. Next, considering the nitrogen and phosphorus budgets of host and symbionts, we identify that these nutrients are gathered through symbiont 'farming' and are translocated to the host by digestion of excess symbiont cells. Finally, we use a large-scale natural experiment in which seabirds fertilize some reefs but not others, to show that the efficient utilization of dissolved inorganic nutrients by symbiotic corals established in our laboratory experiments has the potential to enhance coral growth in the wild at the ecosystem level. Feeding on symbionts enables coral animals to tap into an important nutrient pool and helps to explain the evolutionary and ecological success of symbiotic corals in nutrient-limited waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Wiedenmann
- The Coral Reef Laboratory, Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
| | - Cecilia D'Angelo
- The Coral Reef Laboratory, Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - M Loreto Mardones
- The Coral Reef Laboratory, Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Shona Moore
- The Coral Reef Laboratory, Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | | | - Bastian Hambach
- Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Paul A Wilson
- Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - James Vanstone
- The Coral Reef Laboratory, Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Gal Eyal
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Marine Palaeoecology Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Or Ben-Zvi
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yossi Loya
- School of Zoology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Amatzia Genin
- Department of Ecology, Evolution & Behavior, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences, Eilat, Israel
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Philippe-Lesaffre M, Thibault M, Caut S, Bourgeois K, Berr T, Ravache A, Vidal E, Courchamp F, Bonnaud E. Recovery of insular seabird populations years after rodent eradication. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2023; 37:e14042. [PMID: 36661083 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Seabirds have been particularly affected by invasive non-native species, which has led to the implementation of numerous eradication campaigns for the conservation of these keystone and highly vulnerable species. Although the benefits of eradication of invasive non-native species for seabird conservation have been demonstrated, the recovery kinetics of different seabird populations on islands after eradication remains poorly evaluated. We conducted long-term monitoring of the number of breeding pairs of seven seabird species on a small atoll, Surprise Island, New Caledonia (southwestern tropical Pacific). Marine avifauna of the island were surveyed yearly 4 years before to 4 years after rodent eradication (conducted in 2005), and we conducted multiple one-time surveys from ∼10 years before and ∼15 years after eradication. We sought to determine how different seabird species responded to the eradication of invasive rodents in an insular environment. Three species responded positively (two- to 10-fold increase in population size) to eradication with differences in lag time and sensitivity. The number of breeding pairs increased (effect sizes = 0.49-0.95 and 0.35-0.52) for two species over 4 years post-eradication due to immigration. One species had a longer (at least 5 years) response time than all others; breeding pairs increased for over 10 years after eradication. Long-term sampling was necessary to observe the responses of the seabird populations on the island because of the delayed response of a species to eradication not visible in the first years after eradication. Our results confirmed the positive effects of eradication of invasive non-native species on seabirds and emphasize the importance of mid- and long-term pre- and posteradication surveys to decipher the mechanisms of seabird recovery and confirm the benefits of eradication for conservation purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Philippe-Lesaffre
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Gif-sur-Yvette, France., Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Martin Thibault
- IRD, Université de La Réunion, CNRS, Université de La Nouvelle-Calédonie, Ifremer, UMR ENTROPIE, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Stephane Caut
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Gif-sur-Yvette, France., Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Karen Bourgeois
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Avignon Université, Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d'Ecologie marine et continentale, Bât. Villemin, Technopôle Arbois-Méditerranée, UMR IMBE, Aix-en-Provence, France
| | - Tristan Berr
- IRD, Université de La Réunion, CNRS, Université de La Nouvelle-Calédonie, Ifremer, UMR ENTROPIE, Nouméa, New Caledonia
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Avignon Université, Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d'Ecologie marine et continentale, Bât. Villemin, Technopôle Arbois-Méditerranée, UMR IMBE, Aix-en-Provence, France
| | - Andreas Ravache
- IRD, Université de La Réunion, CNRS, Université de La Nouvelle-Calédonie, Ifremer, UMR ENTROPIE, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Eric Vidal
- IRD, Université de La Réunion, CNRS, Université de La Nouvelle-Calédonie, Ifremer, UMR ENTROPIE, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Franck Courchamp
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Gif-sur-Yvette, France., Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Elsa Bonnaud
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Gif-sur-Yvette, France., Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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Gewin V. Invasive palms and WWII damaged an island paradise. Could fungi help to restore it? Nature 2023; 618:662-665. [PMID: 37344652 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-01932-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
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Spatz DR, Young LC, Holmes ND, Jones HP, VanderWerf EA, Lyons DE, Kress S, Miskelly CM, Taylor GA. Tracking the global application of conservation translocation and social attraction to reverse seabird declines. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2214574120. [PMID: 37036988 PMCID: PMC10120044 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2214574120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The global loss of biodiversity has inspired actions to restore nature across the planet. Translocation and social attraction actions deliberately move or lure a target species to a restoration site to reintroduce or augment populations and enhance biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Given limited conservation funding and rapidly accelerating extinction trajectories, tracking progress of these interventions can inform best practices and advance management outcomes. Seabirds are globally threatened and commonly targeted for translocation and social attraction ("active seabird restoration"), yet no framework exists for tracking these efforts nor informing best practices. This study addresses this gap for conservation decision makers responsible for seabirds and coastal management. We systematically reviewed active seabird restoration projects worldwide and collated results into a publicly accessible Seabird Restoration Database. We describe global restoration trends, apply a systematic process to measure success rates and response times since implementation, and examine global factors influencing outcomes. The database contains 851 active restoration events in 551 locations targeting 138 seabird species; 16% of events targeted globally threatened taxa. Visitation occurred in 80% of events and breeding occurred in 76%, on average 2 y after implementation began (SD = 3.2 y). Outcomes varied by taxonomy, with the highest and quickest breeding response rates for Charadriiformes (terns, gulls, and auks), primarily with social attraction. Given delayed and variable response times to active restoration, 5 y is appropriate before evaluating outcomes. The database and results serve as a model for tracking and evaluating restoration outcomes, and is applicable to measuring conservation interventions for additional threatened taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Holly P. Jones
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL60115
- Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability, and Energy, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL60115
| | | | - Donald E. Lyons
- National Audubon Society, Seabird Institute, Bremen, ME04551
| | - Stephen Kress
- National Audubon Society, Seabird Institute, Bremen, ME04551
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY14850
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Bodey TW, Angulo E, Bang A, Bellard C, Fantle-Lepczyk J, Lenzner B, Turbelin A, Watari Y, Courchamp F. Economic costs of protecting islands from invasive alien species. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2023; 37:e14034. [PMID: 36349474 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Biological invasions represent a key threat to insular systems and have pronounced impacts across environments and economies. The ecological impacts have received substantial focus, but the socioeconomic impacts are poorly synthesized across spatial and temporal scales. We used the InvaCost database, the most comprehensive assessment of published economic costs of invasive species, to assess economic impacts on islands worldwide. We analyzed socioeconomic costs across differing expenditure types and examined temporal trends across islands that differ in their political geography-island nation states, overseas territories, and islands of continental countries. Over US$36 billion in total costs (including damages and management) has occurred on islands from 1965 to 2020 due to invasive species' impacts. Nation states incurred the greatest total and management costs, and islands of continental countries incurred costs of similar magnitude, both far higher than those in overseas territories. Damage-loss costs were significantly lower, but with qualitatively similar patterns across differing political geographies. The predominance of management spending differs from the pattern found for most countries examined and suggests important knowledge gaps in the extent of many damage-related socioeconomic impacts. Nation states spent the greatest proportion of their gross domestic products countering these costs, at least 1 order of magnitude higher than other locations. Most costs were borne by authorities and stakeholders, demonstrating the key role of governmental and nongovernmental bodies in addressing island invasions. Temporal trends revealed cost increases across all island types, potentially reflecting efforts to tackle invasive species at larger, more socially complex scales. Nevertheless, the already high total economic costs of island invasions substantiate the role of biosecurity in reducing and preventing invasive species arrivals to reduce strains on limited financial resources and avoid threats to sustainable development goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Bodey
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, King's College, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Elena Angulo
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Orsay, France
| | - Alok Bang
- Society for Ecology Evolution and Development, Wardha, India
- School of Arts and Sciences, Azim Premji University, Bangalore, India
| | - Céline Bellard
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Orsay, France
| | - Jean Fantle-Lepczyk
- School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Bernd Lenzner
- Bioinvasions, Macroecology, Global Change Group, Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Turbelin
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Orsay, France
| | - Yuya Watari
- Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Franck Courchamp
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Orsay, France
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36
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Seabird and reef conservation must include coral islands. Trends Ecol Evol 2023; 38:490-494. [PMID: 36925406 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Tropical seabirds exert key roles in reef ecosystems but face growing threats from climate change, especially on coral reef islands (CRIs). Therefore, we advocate for a more comprehensive, global data exchange on CRIs and CRI-dependent seabirds and outline steps for improving their study and conservation.
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37
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Dunne AF, Tietbohl MD, Nuber C, Berumen M, Jones BH. Fish-mediated nutrient flows from macroalgae habitats to coral reefs in the Red Sea. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 185:105884. [PMID: 36701826 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.105884] [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: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Macroalgae canopies are common in tropical coastlines, and can be feeding grounds for coral reef fishes. We investigated whether fish transfer algal material from Sargassum-dominated macroalgae habitats to coral reefs by collecting gut contents of two herbivorous fish species (Naso elegans and N. unicornis) from coral reefs in the central Red Sea. On inshore reefs close to macroalgae canopies, Sargassum accounted for up to 41% of these species' gut contents while almost no Sargassum was found in the stomachs of fish on offshore reefs farther from macroalgae canopies. Using consumption and excretion rates from literature, we estimate that these fish consume up to 6.0 mmol C/m2 reef/day and excrete up to 10.8 μmol N/m2 reef/day and 1.0 μmol P/m2 reef/day across inshore reefs as a result of Sargassum consumption. Examining fish-mediated connections between habitats illuminates the role of fish as a vector of nutrition to nutrient-poor coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aislinn F Dunne
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Red Sea Research Center, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Matthew D Tietbohl
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Red Sea Research Center, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Clara Nuber
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Red Sea Research Center, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Wilhelmshaven, Germany.
| | - Michael Berumen
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Red Sea Research Center, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Burton H Jones
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Red Sea Research Center, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
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38
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Linhares BDA, Bugoni L. Seabirds subsidize terrestrial food webs and coral reefs in a tropical rat-invaded archipelago. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 33:e2733. [PMID: 36057541 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Allochthonous resource fluxes mediated by organisms crossing ecosystem boundaries may be essential for supporting the structure and function of resource-limited environments, such as tropical islands and surrounding coral reefs. However, invasive species, such as black rats, thrive on tropical islands and disrupt the natural pathways of nutrient subsidies by reducing seabird colonies. Here, we used stable isotopes of nitrogen and carbon to examine the role of seabirds in subsidizing the terrestrial food webs and adjacent coral reefs in the Abrolhos Archipelago, Southwest Atlantic Ocean. By sampling invasive rats and multiple ecosystem compartments (soil, plants, grasshoppers, tarantulas, and lizards) within and outside seabird colonies, we showed that seabird subsidies led to an overall enrichment in 15 N across the food web on islands. However, contrary to other studies, δ15 N values were consistently lower within the seabird colonies, suggesting that a higher seabird presence might produce a localized depletion in 15 N in small islands influenced by seabirds. In contrast, the nitrogen content (%N) in plants and soils was higher inside the colonies, corresponding to a higher effect of seabirds at the base of the trophic web. Among consumers, lizards and invasive rats seemed to obtain allochthonous resources from subsidized terrestrial organisms outside the colony. Inside the colony, however, they showed a more direct consumption of marine matter, suggesting that subsidies benefit these native and invasive animals both directly and indirectly. Nonetheless, in coral reefs, scleractinian corals assimilated seabird-derived nitrogen only around the two smaller and lower-elevation islands, as demonstrated by the substantially higher δ15 N values in relation to the reference areas. This provides evidence that island morphology may influence the incorporation of seabird nutrients in coral reefs around rat-invaded islands, likely because guano lixiviation toward seawater is facilitated in small and low-elevation terrains. Overall, these results showed that seabirds affected small islands across all trophic levels within and outside colonies and that these effects spread outward to coral reefs, evidencing resiliency of seabird subsidies even within a rat-invaded archipelago. Because rats are consumers of seabird chicks and eggs, however, rat eradication could potentially benefit the terrestrial and nearshore ecosystems through increased subsides carried by seabirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno de Andrade Linhares
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica, Rio Grande, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Laboratório de Aves Aquáticas e Tartarugas Marinhas (LAATM), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - Leandro Bugoni
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Laboratório de Aves Aquáticas e Tartarugas Marinhas (LAATM), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Rio Grande, Brazil
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39
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Nalley EM, Tuttle LJ, Conklin EE, Barkman AL, Wulstein DM, Schmidbauer MC, Donahue MJ. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the direct effects of nutrients on corals. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 856:159093. [PMID: 36183766 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Chronic exposure of coral reefs to elevated nutrient conditions can modify the performance of the coral holobiont and shift the competitive interactions of reef organisms. Many studies have now quantified the links between nutrients and coral performance, but few have translated these studies to directly address coastal water quality standards. To address this management need, we conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed studies, public reports, and gray literature that examined the impacts of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN: nitrate, nitrite, and ammonium) and dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP: phosphate) on scleractinian corals. The systematic review resulted in 47 studies with comparable data on coral holobiont responses to nutrients: symbiont density, chlorophyll a (chl-a) concentration, photosynthesis, photosynthetic efficiency, growth, calcification, adult survival, juvenile survival, and fertilization. Mixed-effects meta-regression meta-analyses were used to determine the magnitude of the positive or negative effects of DIN and DIP on coral responses. Zooxanthellae density (DIN & DIP), chl-a concentration (DIN), photosynthetic rate (DIN), and growth (DIP) all exhibited positive responses to nutrient addition; maximum quantum yield (DIP), growth (DIN), larval survival (DIN), and fertilization (DIN) exhibited negative responses. In lieu of developing specific thresholds for the management of nutrients as a stressor on coral reefs, we highlight important inflection points in the magnitude and direction of the effects of inorganic nutrients and identify trends among coral responses. The responses of corals to nutrients are complex, warranting conservative guidelines for elevated nutrient concentrations on coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen M Nalley
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 46-007 Lilipuna Road, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, USA.
| | - Lillian J Tuttle
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 46-007 Lilipuna Road, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, USA; U.S. Geological Survey, Hawai'i Cooperative Fishery Unit, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
| | - Emily E Conklin
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 46-007 Lilipuna Road, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, USA
| | - Alexandria L Barkman
- Kewalo Marine Laboratory, Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 41 Ahui Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Devynn M Wulstein
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 46-007 Lilipuna Road, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, USA
| | - Madeline C Schmidbauer
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 46-007 Lilipuna Road, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, USA
| | - Megan J Donahue
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 46-007 Lilipuna Road, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, USA
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40
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Cumming GS, Adamska M, Barnes ML, Barnett J, Bellwood DR, Cinner JE, Cohen PJ, Donelson JM, Fabricius K, Grafton RQ, Grech A, Gurney GG, Hoegh-Guldberg O, Hoey AS, Hoogenboom MO, Lau J, Lovelock CE, Lowe R, Miller DJ, Morrison TH, Mumby PJ, Nakata M, Pandolfi JM, Peterson GD, Pratchett MS, Ravasi T, Riginos C, Rummer JL, Schaffelke B, Wernberg T, Wilson SK. Research priorities for the sustainability of coral-rich western Pacific seascapes. REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE 2023; 23:66. [PMID: 37125023 PMCID: PMC10119535 DOI: 10.1007/s10113-023-02051-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Nearly a billion people depend on tropical seascapes. The need to ensure sustainable use of these vital areas is recognised, as one of 17 policy commitments made by world leaders, in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 ('Life below Water') of the United Nations. SDG 14 seeks to secure marine sustainability by 2030. In a time of increasing social-ecological unpredictability and risk, scientists and policymakers working towards SDG 14 in the Asia-Pacific region need to know: (1) How are seascapes changing? (2) What can global society do about these changes? and (3) How can science and society together achieve sustainable seascape futures? Through a horizon scan, we identified nine emerging research priorities that clarify potential research contributions to marine sustainability in locations with high coral reef abundance. They include research on seascape geological and biological evolution and adaptation; elucidating drivers and mechanisms of change; understanding how seascape functions and services are produced, and how people depend on them; costs, benefits, and trade-offs to people in changing seascapes; improving seascape technologies and practices; learning to govern and manage seascapes for all; sustainable use, justice, and human well-being; bridging communities and epistemologies for innovative, equitable, and scale-crossing solutions; and informing resilient seascape futures through modelling and synthesis. Researchers can contribute to the sustainability of tropical seascapes by co-developing transdisciplinary understandings of people and ecosystems, emphasising the importance of equity and justice, and improving knowledge of key cross-scale and cross-level processes, feedbacks, and thresholds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme S. Cumming
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Maja Adamska
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Michele L. Barnes
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Jon Barnett
- School of Geography, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David R. Bellwood
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Joshua E. Cinner
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | | | - Jennifer M. Donelson
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | | | - R. Quentin Grafton
- Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Alana Grech
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Georgina G. Gurney
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Ove Hoegh-Guldberg
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Andrew S. Hoey
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Mia O. Hoogenboom
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Lau
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
- WorldFish, Penang, Malaysia
| | | | - Ryan Lowe
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - David J. Miller
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
- College of Public Health, Medical & Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, 4811 Australia
| | - Tiffany H. Morrison
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Peter J. Mumby
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Martin Nakata
- Indigenous Education and Research Centre, James Cook University, Townsville, 4811 Australia
| | - John M. Pandolfi
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Garry D. Peterson
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Morgan S. Pratchett
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Timothy Ravasi
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
- Marine Climate Change Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-Son, Okinawa Japan
| | - Cynthia Riginos
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jodie L. Rummer
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | | | - Thomas Wernberg
- Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Institute of Marine Research, Floedevigen Research Station, Nis, Norway
| | - Shaun K. Wilson
- Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Western Australia Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Perth, Australia
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41
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Gunn RL, Benkwitt CE, Graham NAJ, Hartley IR, Algar AC, Keith SA. Terrestrial invasive species alter marine vertebrate behaviour. Nat Ecol Evol 2023; 7:82-91. [PMID: 36604551 PMCID: PMC9834043 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-022-01931-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Human-induced environmental changes, such as the introduction of invasive species, are driving declines in the movement of nutrients across ecosystems with negative consequences for ecosystem function. Declines in nutrient inputs could thus have knock-on effects at higher trophic levels and broader ecological scales, yet these interconnections remain relatively unknown. Here we show that a terrestrial invasive species (black rats, Rattus rattus) disrupts a nutrient pathway provided by seabirds, ultimately altering the territorial behaviour of coral reef fish. In a replicated ecosystem-scale natural experiment, we found that reef fish territories were larger and the time invested in aggression lower on reefs adjacent to rat-infested islands compared with rat-free islands. This response reflected changes in the economic defendability of lower-quality resources, with reef fish obtaining less nutritional gain per unit foraging effort adjacent to rat-infested islands with low seabird populations. These results provide a novel insight into how the disruption of nutrient flows by invasive species can affect variation in territorial behaviour. Rat eradication as a conservation strategy therefore has the potential to restore species interactions via territoriality, which can scale up to influence populations and communities at higher ecological levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Gunn
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
| | | | | | - Ian R Hartley
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Adam C Algar
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sally A Keith
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
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42
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The foraging ecology of invasive black rats (Rattus rattus) differs in two nearby islands in a dry tropical archipelago in Brazil. Biol Invasions 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-022-02975-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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43
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Invasive rodent eradication on islands: assessment and mitigation of human exposure to rodenticides. Biol Invasions 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-022-02940-1] [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]
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44
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Population trends of seabirds in Mexican Islands at the California Current System. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0258632. [PMID: 36206266 PMCID: PMC9543960 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The Baja California Pacific Islands (BCPI) is a seabird hotspot in the southern California Current System supporting 129 seabird breeding populations of 23 species and over one million birds annually. These islands had a history of environmental degradation because of invasive alien species, human disturbance, and contaminants that caused the extirpation of 27 seabird populations. Most of the invasive mammals have been eradicated and colonies have been restored with social attraction techniques. We have recorded the number of breeding pairs annually for most of the colonies since 2008. To assess population trends, we analyzed these data and show results for 19 seabird species on ten island groups. The maximum number of breeding pairs for each nesting season was used to estimate the population growth rate (λ) for each species at every island colony. We performed a moving block bootstrap analysis to assess whether seabird breeding populations are increasing or decreasing. San Benito, Natividad, and San Jerónimo are the top three islands in terms of abundance of breeding pairs. The most widespread species is Cassin’s Auklet (Ptychoramphus aleuticus) with 14 colonies. Thirty-one populations of 14 species are significantly increasing while eleven populations of seven species are decreasing. We did not find statistical significance for 19 populations, however, 15 have λ>1 which suggest they are growing. Twelve of the 18 species for which we estimated a regional population trend are significantly increasing, including seven surface-nesting species: Brandt’s Cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus), Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia), Double-crested Cormorant (P. auritus), Elegant Tern (Thalasseus elegans), Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) and Western Gull (Larus occidentalis), and five burrow-nesting species: Ainley’s (Hydrobates cheimomnestes), Ashy (H. homochroa) and Townsend’s (H. socorroensis) Storm-Petrels, and Craveri’s (Synthliboramphus craveri) and Guadalupe (S. hypoleucus) Murrelets. The BCPI support between 400,000 and 1.4 million breeding individuals annually. Our results suggest that these islands support healthy and growing populations of seabirds that have shown to be resilient to extreme environmental conditions such as the “Blob”, and that such resilience has been strengthen from conservation and restoration actions such as the eradication of invasive mammals, social attraction techniques and island biosecurity.
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45
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Detection parameters for managing invasive rats in urban environments. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16520. [PMID: 36192476 PMCID: PMC9530159 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20677-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective mitigation of the impacts of invasive ship rats (Rattus rattus) requires a good understanding of their ecology, but this knowledge is very sparse for urban and peri-urban areas. We radiomarked ship rats in Wellington, New Zealand, to estimate detection parameters (σ, ε0, θ, and g0) that describe the process of an animal encountering a device (bait stations, chew cards and WaxTags) from a distance, and then approaching it and deciding whether to interact with it. We used this information in simulation models to estimate optimal device spacing for eradicating ship rats from Wellington, and for confirming eradication. Mean σ was 25.37 m (SD = 11.63), which equates to a circular home range of 1.21 ha. The mean nightly probability of an individual encountering a device at its home range center (ε0) was 0.38 (SD = 0.11), whereas the probability of interacting with the encountered device (θ) was 0.34 (SD = 0.12). The derived mean nightly probability of an individual interacting with a device at its home range center (g0) was 0.13 (SD = 0.08). Importantly, σ and g0 are intrinsically linked through a negative relationship, thus g0 should be derived from σ using a predictive model including individual variability. Simulations using this approach showed that bait stations deployed for about 500 days using a 25 m × 25 m grid consistently achieved eradication, and that a surveillance network of 3.25 chew cards ha−1 or 3.75 WaxTags ha−1 active for 14 nights would be required to confidently declare eradication. This density could be halved if the surveillance network was deployed for 28 nights or if the prior confidence in eradication was high (0.85). These recommendations take no account of differences in detection parameters between habitats. Therefore, if surveillance suggests that individuals are not encountering devices in certain habitats, device density should be adaptively revised. This approach applies to initiatives globally that aim to optimise eradication with limited funding.
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46
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Barkman AL, Richmond RH. The effects of brodifacoum cereal bait pellets on early life stages of the rice coral Montipora capitata. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13877. [PMID: 35990912 PMCID: PMC9390324 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Midway Atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is home to ground nesting birds that are threatened by invasive mice. Planned rodent eradication efforts for the island involve aerial application of cereal bait pellets containing the chemical rodenticide brodifacoum. Given the nature of the application method, drift of cereal bait pellets into the coastal waters surrounding Midway Atoll is unavoidable. To understand whether cereal bait pellets impact marine invertebrates, gametes and larvae of the reef-building coral Montipora capitata were exposed to brodifacoum, cereal bait pellets containing brodifacoum, and inert cereal bait pellets without the rodenticide. Fertilization success and larval survival were assessed at nominal brodifacoum concentrations of 1, 10, and 100 ppb. Fertilization success decreased by 15% after exposure to 100 ppb brodifacoum solutions. Larval survival was not reduced by exposure to brodifacoum solutions. Cereal bait pellets containing brodifacoum reduced fertilization success at 10 ppb brodifacoum in 0.4 g per L pellet solutions by 34.84%, and inhibited fertilization at 100 ppb brodifacoum in 4 g of pellet per L solution. Inert cereal bait pellets had similar effects, reducing fertilization success at 0.4 g of pellet per L by 40.50%, and inhibiting fertilization at 4 g per L pellet solutions. Larval survival was reduced by >43% after prolonged exposure to 4 g per L pellet solutions. The highest concentration used in this study was meant to represent an extreme and unlikely condition resulting from an accidental spill. Our findings indicate large amounts of cereal bait pellets entering the coastal environment of Midway Atoll, if occurring during a coral spawning event, would reduce coral reproduction by decreasing fertilization success. It is difficult to know the ecologically relevant concentrations of cereal bait pellets in coastal environments due to unavoidable bait drift after land applications, but results indicate small amounts of pellet drifting into coastal environments would not severely reduce coral reproductive capacity. Best management practices should consider known coral reproductive periods when scheduling applications of pellets on tropical islands to reduce the risk of negative impacts of large-scale accidents on corals.
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47
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Roche RC, Heenan A, Taylor BM, Schwarz JN, Fox MD, Southworth LK, Williams GJ, Turner JR. Linking variation in planktonic primary production to coral reef fish growth and condition. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:201012. [PMID: 36061523 DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6156452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Within low-nutrient tropical oceans, islands and atolls with higher primary production support higher fish biomass and reef organism abundance. External energy subsidies can be delivered onto reefs via a range of physical mechanisms. However, the influence of spatial variation in primary production on reef fish growth and condition is largely unknown. It is not yet clear how energy subsidies interact with reef depth and slope. Here we test the hypothesis that with increased proximity to deep-water oceanic nutrient sources, or at sites with shallower reef slopes, parameters of fish growth and condition will be higher. Contrary to expectations, we found no association between fish growth rate and sites with higher mean chlorophyll-a values. There were no differences in fish δ 15N or δ 13C values between depths. The relationship between fish condition and primary production was influenced by depth, driven by increased fish condition at shallow depths within a primary production 'hotspot' site. Carbon δ 13C was depleted with increasing primary production, and interacted with reef slope. Our results indicate that variable primary production did not influence growth rates in planktivorous Chromis fieldi within 10-17.5 m depth, but show site-specific variation in reef physical characteristics influencing fish carbon isotopic composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronan C Roche
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Adel Heenan
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
| | | | - Jill N Schwarz
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Michael D Fox
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
- Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lucy K Southworth
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
- Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Douglas, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Gareth J Williams
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
| | - John R Turner
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
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48
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Roche RC, Heenan A, Taylor BM, Schwarz JN, Fox MD, Southworth LK, Williams GJ, Turner JR. Linking variation in planktonic primary production to coral reef fish growth and condition. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:201012. [PMID: 36061523 PMCID: PMC9428543 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.201012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Within low-nutrient tropical oceans, islands and atolls with higher primary production support higher fish biomass and reef organism abundance. External energy subsidies can be delivered onto reefs via a range of physical mechanisms. However, the influence of spatial variation in primary production on reef fish growth and condition is largely unknown. It is not yet clear how energy subsidies interact with reef depth and slope. Here we test the hypothesis that with increased proximity to deep-water oceanic nutrient sources, or at sites with shallower reef slopes, parameters of fish growth and condition will be higher. Contrary to expectations, we found no association between fish growth rate and sites with higher mean chlorophyll-a values. There were no differences in fish δ 15N or δ 13C values between depths. The relationship between fish condition and primary production was influenced by depth, driven by increased fish condition at shallow depths within a primary production 'hotspot' site. Carbon δ 13C was depleted with increasing primary production, and interacted with reef slope. Our results indicate that variable primary production did not influence growth rates in planktivorous Chromis fieldi within 10-17.5 m depth, but show site-specific variation in reef physical characteristics influencing fish carbon isotopic composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronan C. Roche
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Adel Heenan
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
| | | | - Jill N. Schwarz
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Michael D. Fox
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
- Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lucy K. Southworth
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
- Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Douglas, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Gareth J. Williams
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
| | - John R. Turner
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
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49
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Abraham AJ, Roman J, Doughty CE. The sixth R: Revitalizing the natural phosphorus pump. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 832:155023. [PMID: 35390369 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155023] [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: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) is essential for all life on Earth and sustains food production. Yet, the easily accessible deposits of phosphate-rich rock, which underpin the green revolution are becoming rarer. Here we propose a mechanism to help alleviate the problem of "peak phosphorus". In the past, wild animals played a large role in returning P from ocean depths back to the continental interiors. In doing so, they collectively retained and redistributed P within the biosphere, supporting a more fertile planet. However, species extinctions and population reductions have reduced animal-mediated P transport >90% over the past 12,000 years. Recently a 5R strategy was developed to Realign P inputs, Reduce P losses, Recycle P in bio-resources, Recover P in wastes, and Redefine P in food systems. Here, we suggest a sixth R, to Revitalize the Natural Phosphorus Pump (RNPP). Countries are starting to mandate P recycling and we propose a P-trading scheme based on REDD+, where a country could partially achieve its recycling goals by restoring past animal-mediated P pathways. Accrued money from this scheme could be used to restore or conserve wild animal populations, while increasing natural P recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Abraham
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA.
| | - Joe Roman
- Gund Institute for Environment, Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05445, USA
| | - Christopher E Doughty
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
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50
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Letessier TB, Johnston J, Delarue J, Martin B, Anderson RC. Spinner dolphin residency in tropical atoll lagoons: Diurnal presence, seasonal variability and implications for nutrient dynamics. J Zool (1987) 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.13000] [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]
Affiliation(s)
- T. B. Letessier
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London Regent's Park London UK
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Perth SA Australia
| | - J. Johnston
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London Regent's Park London UK
- University College London London UK
| | - J. Delarue
- JASCO Applied Sciences The Roundel, St Clair's Farm Droxford UK
| | - B. Martin
- JASCO Applied Sciences The Roundel, St Clair's Farm Droxford UK
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