1
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Dedman S, Moxley JH, Papastamatiou YP, Braccini M, Caselle JE, Chapman DD, Cinner JE, Dillon EM, Dulvy NK, Dunn RE, Espinoza M, Harborne AR, Harvey ES, Heupel MR, Huveneers C, Graham NAJ, Ketchum JT, Klinard NV, Kock AA, Lowe CG, MacNeil MA, Madin EMP, McCauley DJ, Meekan MG, Meier AC, Simpfendorfer CA, Tinker MT, Winton M, Wirsing AJ, Heithaus MR. Ecological roles and importance of sharks in the Anthropocene Ocean. Science 2024; 385:adl2362. [PMID: 39088608 DOI: 10.1126/science.adl2362] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
In ecosystems, sharks can be predators, competitors, facilitators, nutrient transporters, and food. However, overfishing and other threats have greatly reduced shark populations, altering their roles and effects on ecosystems. We review these changes and implications for ecosystem function and management. Macropredatory sharks are often disproportionately affected by humans but can influence prey and coastal ecosystems, including facilitating carbon sequestration. Like terrestrial predators, sharks may be crucial to ecosystem functioning under climate change. However, large ecosystem effects of sharks are not ubiquitous. Increasing human uses of oceans are changing shark roles, necessitating management consideration. Rebuilding key populations and incorporating shark ecological roles, including less obvious ones, into management efforts are critical for retaining sharks' functional value. Coupled social-ecological frameworks can facilitate these efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Dedman
- Institute of Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA
| | - Jerry H Moxley
- Institute of Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA
| | - Yannis P Papastamatiou
- Institute of Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA
| | - Matias Braccini
- Western Australian Fisheries and Marine Research Laboratories, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, North Beach, WA 6920, Australia
| | - Jennifer E Caselle
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Demian D Chapman
- Sharks and Rays Conservation Research Program, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
| | - Joshua Eli Cinner
- Thriving Oceans Research Hub, School of Geosciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Erin M Dillon
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Republic of Panama
| | - Nicholas K Dulvy
- Earth to Ocean Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Ruth Elizabeth Dunn
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
- The Lyell Centre, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4BA, UK
| | - Mario Espinoza
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, San José 2060-11501, Costa Rica
- Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, San José 2060-11501, Costa Rica
- MigraMar, Bodega Bay, CA 94923, USA
| | - Alastair R Harborne
- Institute of Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA
| | - Euan S Harvey
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, WA, Australia
| | - Michelle R Heupel
- Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD, Australia
- Integrated Marine Observing System, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Charlie Huveneers
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - James T Ketchum
- MigraMar, Bodega Bay, CA 94923, USA
- Pelagios Kakunjá, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR), La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
| | - Natalie V Klinard
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Alison A Kock
- Cape Research Centre, South African National Parks, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Makhanda (Grahamstown), South Africa
| | - Christopher G Lowe
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA 90840, USA
| | - M Aaron MacNeil
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Elizabeth M P Madin
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, USA
| | - Douglas J McCauley
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Mark G Meekan
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Amelia C Meier
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, USA
| | - Colin A Simpfendorfer
- Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - M Tim Tinker
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
- US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Megan Winton
- Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, North Chatham, MA 02650, USA
| | - Aaron J Wirsing
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Michael R Heithaus
- Institute of Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA
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2
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Webb AE, Palacio-Castro AM, Cooke K, Eaton KR, Chomitz B, Soderberg N, Chakraborty M, Zagon Z, Boyd A, Kiel PM, DeMerlis A, Perry CT, Enochs IC. Rubble persistence under ocean acidification threatened by accelerated bioerosion and lower-density coral skeletons. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17371. [PMID: 38863267 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17371] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
As the balance between erosional and constructive processes on coral reefs tilts in favor of framework loss under human-induced local and global change, many reef habitats worldwide degrade and flatten. The resultant generation of coral rubble and the beds they form can have lasting effects on reef communities and structural complexity, threatening the continuity of reef ecological functions and the services they provide. To comprehensively capture changing framework processes and predict their evolution in the context of climate change, heavily colonized rubble fragments were exposed to ocean acidification (OA) conditions for 55 days. Controlled diurnal pH oscillations were incorporated in the treatments to account for the known impact of diel carbonate chemistry fluctuations on calcification and dissolution response to OA. Scenarios included contemporary pH (8.05 ± 0.025 diel fluctuation), elevated OA (7.90 ± 0.025), and high OA (7.70 ± 0.025). We used a multifaceted approach, combining chemical flux analyses, mass alteration measurements, and computed tomography scanning images to measure total and chemical bioerosion, as well as chemically driven secondary calcification. Rates of net carbonate loss measured in the contemporary conditions (1.36 kg m-2 year-1) were high compared to literature and increased in OA scenarios (elevated: 1.84 kg m-2 year-1 and high: 1.59 kg m-2 year-1). The acceleration of these rates was driven by enhanced chemical dissolution and reduced secondary calcification. Further analysis revealed that the extent of these changes was contingent on the density of the coral skeleton, in which the micro- and macroborer communities reside. Findings indicated that increased mechanical bioerosion rates occurred in rubble with lower skeletal density, which is of note considering that corals form lower-density skeletons under OA. These direct and indirect effects of OA on chemical and mechanical framework-altering processes will influence the permanence of this crucial habitat, carrying implications for biodiversity and reef ecosystem function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice E Webb
- Geography, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystem Division, NOAA, Miami, Florida, USA
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ana M Palacio-Castro
- Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystem Division, NOAA, Miami, Florida, USA
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Kenzie Cooke
- Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystem Division, NOAA, Miami, Florida, USA
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Katherine R Eaton
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Benjamin Chomitz
- Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystem Division, NOAA, Miami, Florida, USA
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Nash Soderberg
- Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystem Division, NOAA, Miami, Florida, USA
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Morgan Chakraborty
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Zachary Zagon
- Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystem Division, NOAA, Miami, Florida, USA
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Albert Boyd
- Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystem Division, NOAA, Miami, Florida, USA
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Patrick M Kiel
- Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystem Division, NOAA, Miami, Florida, USA
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Allyson DeMerlis
- Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystem Division, NOAA, Miami, Florida, USA
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Chris T Perry
- Geography, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Ian C Enochs
- Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystem Division, NOAA, Miami, Florida, USA
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3
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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4
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Saldaña PH, Angelini C, Bertness MD, Altieri AH. Dead foundation species drive ecosystem dynamics. Trends Ecol Evol 2024; 39:294-305. [PMID: 37923644 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.10.003] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Foundation species facilitate communities, modulate energy flow, and define ecosystems, but their ecological roles after death are frequently overlooked. Here, we reveal the widespread importance of their dead structures as unique, interacting components of ecosystems that are vulnerable to global change. Key metabolic activity, mobility, and morphology traits of foundation species either change or persist after death with important consequences for ecosystem functions, biodiversity, and subsidy dynamics. Dead foundation species frequently mediate ecosystem stability, resilience, and transitions, often through feedbacks, and harnessing their structural and trophic roles can improve restoration outcomes. Enhanced recognition of dead foundation species and their incorporation into habitat monitoring, ecological theory, and ecosystem forecasting can help solve the escalating conservation challenges of the Anthropocene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick H Saldaña
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| | - Christine Angelini
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Mark D Bertness
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Andrew H Altieri
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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5
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Letessier TB, Mouillot D, Mannocci L, Jabour Christ H, Elamin EM, Elamin SM, Friedlander AM, Hearn A, Juhel JB, Kleiven AR, Moland E, Mouquet N, Nillos-Kleiven PJ, Sala E, Thompson CDH, Velez L, Vigliola L, Meeuwig JJ. Divergent responses of pelagic and benthic fish body-size structure to remoteness and protection from humans. Science 2024; 383:976-982. [PMID: 38422147 DOI: 10.1126/science.adi7562] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Animal body-size variation influences multiple processes in marine ecosystems, but habitat heterogeneity has prevented a comprehensive assessment of size across pelagic (midwater) and benthic (seabed) systems along anthropic gradients. In this work, we derive fish size indicators from 17,411 stereo baited-video deployments to test for differences between pelagic and benthic responses to remoteness from human pressures and effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs). From records of 823,849 individual fish, we report divergent responses between systems, with pelagic size structure more profoundly eroded near human markets than benthic size structure, signifying greater vulnerability of pelagic systems to human pressure. Effective protection of benthic size structure can be achieved through MPAs placed near markets, thereby contributing to benthic habitat restoration and the recovery of associated fishes. By contrast, recovery of the world's largest and most endangered fishes in pelagic systems requires the creation of highly protected areas in remote locations, including on the High Seas, where protection efforts lag.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom B Letessier
- CESAB - FRB, Montpellier, France
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, UK
- Marine Futures Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - David Mouillot
- MARBEC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Laura Mannocci
- CESAB - FRB, Montpellier, France
- MARBEC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Hanna Jabour Christ
- Marine Futures Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | - Sheikheldin Mohamed Elamin
- Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Red Sea State University, P.O. Box 24, Port Sudan, Red Sea State, Sudan
| | - Alan M Friedlander
- National Geographic Society, Washington, DC 20036, USA
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i, Kāne'ohe, Hawai'i, USA
| | - Alex Hearn
- Galapagos Science Center, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
- MigraMar, Olema, CA, USA
| | - Jean-Baptiste Juhel
- ENTROPIE, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, IRD-UR-UNC-IFREMER-CNRS, Centre IRD de Nouméa, Nouméa Cedex, New-Caledonia, France
| | - Alf Ring Kleiven
- Institute of Marine Research, Nye Flødevigveien 20, 4817 His, Norway
| | - Even Moland
- Institute of Marine Research, Nye Flødevigveien 20, 4817 His, Norway
- Centre for Coastal Research (CCR), Department of Natural Sciences, University of Agder, P.O. Box 422, N-4604 Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Nicolas Mouquet
- CESAB - FRB, Montpellier, France
- MARBEC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Enric Sala
- National Geographic Society, Washington, DC 20036, USA
| | - Christopher D H Thompson
- Marine Futures Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Laure Velez
- MARBEC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Laurent Vigliola
- ENTROPIE, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, IRD-UR-UNC-IFREMER-CNRS, Centre IRD de Nouméa, Nouméa Cedex, New-Caledonia, France
| | - Jessica J Meeuwig
- Marine Futures Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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6
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Luongo SM, Schneider EVC, Harborne AR, Kessel ST, Papastamatiou YP. Habitat-specific impacts of climate change on the trophic demand of a marine predator. Ecology 2024; 105:e4222. [PMID: 38032348 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic ecology predicts that ectotherm metabolic rates, and thus consumption rates, will increase with body size and temperature. Predicted climatic increases in temperature are likely to increase the consumption rates of ectothermic predators; however, the ecological impact of these increases will partly depend on whether prey productivity changes with temperature at a similar rate. Furthermore, total predator consumption and prey productivity will depend on species abundances that vary across habitat types. Here we combine energetics and biotelemetry to measure consumption rates in a critically endangered coral reef predator, the Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus), in The Bahamas. We estimate that, at present, the Nassau grouper needs to consume 2.2% ± 1.0% body weight day-1 , but this could increase up to 24% with a predicted 3.1°C increase in ocean temperature by the end of the century. We then used surveys of prey communities in two major reef habitat types (Orbicella reef and Gorgonian plain), to predict the proportion of prey productivity consumed by grouper and how this varied by habitat with changing climates. We found that at present, the predicted proportion of prey productivity consumed by Nassau grouper decreased with increasing prey productivity and averaged 1.2% across all habitats, with a greater proportion of prey productivity consumed (maximum of 5%) in Gorgonian plain habitats. However, because temperature increases consumption rates faster than prey productivity, the proportion of prey productivity consumed in a Gorgonian plain habitat could increase up to 24% under future climate change scenarios. Our results suggest that increasing ocean temperatures will lead to significant energetic challenges for the Nassau grouper because of differential impacts within reef food webs, but the magnitude of these impacts will probably vary across prey productivity gradients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Luongo
- Institute of Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Eric V C Schneider
- Exuma Sound Ecosystem Research Project, Cape Eleuthera Institute, Rock Sound, The Bahamas
| | - Alastair R Harborne
- Institute of Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Steven T Kessel
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Yannis P Papastamatiou
- Institute of Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, Florida, USA
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7
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Rovellini A, Mortimer CL, Dunn MR, Fulton EA, Jompa J, Haris A, Bell JJ. Reduced small-scale structural complexity on sponge-dominated areas of Indo-Pacific coral reefs. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 193:106254. [PMID: 37979404 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106254] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Corals provide a complex 3D framework that offers habitat to diverse coral reef fauna. However, future reefs are likely to experience reduced coral abundance. Sponges have been proposed as one potential winner on future coral reefs, but little is known of how they contribute to reef 3D structure. Given the ecological importance of structural complexity, it is critical to understand how changes in the abundance of structure-building organisms will affect the three-dimensional properties of coral reefs. To investigate the potentially important functional role of coral reef sponges as providers of structural complexity, we compared the structural complexity of coral- and sponge-dominated areas of an Indonesian coral reef, using 3D photogrammetry at a 4 m2 spatial scale. Structural complexity of 31 4 m2 quadrats was expressed as rugosity indicating reef contour complexity (R), vector dispersion indicating heterogeneity of angles between reef surfaces (1/k), and fractal dimension indicating geometrical complexity at five different spatial scales between 1 and 120 cm (D1-5). Quadrats were identified as high- or low-complexity using hierarchical clustering based on the complexity metrics. At high structural complexity, coral- and sponge-dominated quadrats were similar in terms of R and 1/k. However, smallest-scale refuge spaces (1-5 cm) were more abundant in coral-dominated quadrats, whereas larger scale refuge spaces (30-60 cm) were more abundant in sponge-dominated quadrats. Branching and massive corals contributed the most to structural complexity in coral-dominated quadrats, and barrel sponges in sponge-dominated quadrats. We show that smaller-scale refugia (1-5 cm) are reduced on sponge-dominated reefs at the spatial scale considered here (4 m2), with potential negative implications for smaller reef fauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Rovellini
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Charlotte L Mortimer
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Matthew R Dunn
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), Wellington, New Zealand.
| | | | - Jamaluddin Jompa
- Universitas Hasanuddin, Department of Marine Science, Makassar, Indonesia.
| | - Abdul Haris
- Universitas Hasanuddin, Department of Marine Science, Makassar, Indonesia.
| | - James J Bell
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
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8
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Olán-González M, Briones-Fourzán P, Lozano-Álvarez E, Acosta-González G, Alvarez-Filip L. Similar functional composition of fish assemblages despite contrasting levels of habitat degradation on shallow Caribbean coral reefs. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295238. [PMID: 38150437 PMCID: PMC10752542 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295238] [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: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional trait-based approaches provide an opportunity to assess how changes in habitat affect the structure of associated communities. Global analyses have found a similarity in the composition of reef fish functional traits despite differences in species richness, environmental regimes, and habitat components. These large-scale patterns raised the question of whether this same stability can be observed at smaller spatial scales. Here, we compared the fish trait composition and their functional diversity in two Caribbean shallow coral reefs with contrasting levels of habitat degradation: Limones (>30% cover), constituted mainly by colonies of Acropora palmata and Bonanza, a reef with extensive areas of dead Acropora structures, dominated by algae. To characterize the functional structure of fishes on each reef, we calculated the community-weighted mean trait values (CWM), functional richness, functional evenness, functional dispersion, and functional originality. Despite the differences in habitat quality, reefs exhibited a similar proportion and common structure on fish functional traits. Functional richness and functional evenness differed significantly, but functional dispersion and functional originality did not show differences between reefs. The greater niche complexity driven by the high availability of microhabitats provided by A. palmata may explain the higher functional richness in Limones, whereas the reef degradation in Bonanza may contribute to a higher functional evenness because of a similar distribution of abundance per fish trait combinations. Our results suggest that widespread degradation on Caribbean reefs has limited the type, variety, and range of traits, which could lead to a functional homogenization of fish communities even at local scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Olán-González
- Posgrado en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, México
- Biodiversity and Reef Conservation Laboratory. Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, México
| | - Patricia Briones-Fourzán
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Crustáceos. Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, México
| | - Enrique Lozano-Álvarez
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Crustáceos. Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, México
| | - Gilberto Acosta-González
- Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán A.C. Unidad de Ciencias del Agua, Cancún, Quintana Roo, México
| | - Lorenzo Alvarez-Filip
- Biodiversity and Reef Conservation Laboratory. Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, México
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9
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Shakya AW, Allgeier JE. Water column contributions to coral reef productivity: overcoming challenges of context dependence. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1812-1828. [PMID: 37315947 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12984] [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: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs are declining at an unprecedented rate. Effective management and conservation initiatives necessitate improved understanding of the drivers of production because the high rates found in these ecosystems are the foundation of the many services they provide. The water column is the nexus of coral reef ecosystem dynamics, and functions as the interface through which essentially all energy and nutrients are transferred to fuel both new and recycled production. Substantial research has described many aspects of water column dynamics, often focusing on specific components because water column dynamics are highly spatially and temporally context dependent. Although necessary, a cost of this approach is that these dynamics are often not well linked to the broader ecosystem or across systems. To help overcome the challenge of context dependence, we provide a comprehensive review of this literature, and synthesise it through the perspective of ecosystem ecology. Specifically, we provide a framework to organise the drivers of temporal and spatial variation in production dynamics, structured around five primary state factors. These state factors are used to deconstruct the environmental contexts in which three water column sub-food webs mediate 'new' and 'recycled' production. We then highlight critical pathways by which global change drivers are altering coral reefs via the water column. We end by discussing four key knowledge gaps hindering understanding of the role of the water column for mediating coral reef production, and how overcoming these could improve conservation and management strategies. Throughout, we identify areas of extensive research and those where studies remain lacking and provide a database of 84 published studies. Improved integration of water column dynamics into models of coral reef ecosystem function is imperative to achieve the understanding of ecosystem production necessary to develop effective conservation and management strategies needed to stem global coral loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali W Shakya
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 1105 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jacob E Allgeier
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 1105 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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10
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Wolfe K, Desbiens AA, Mumby PJ. Emigration patterns of motile cryptofauna and their implications for trophic functioning in coral reefs. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e9960. [PMID: 37006892 PMCID: PMC10049886 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Patterns of movement of marine species can reflect strategies of reproduction and dispersal, species' interactions, trophodynamics, and susceptibility to change, and thus critically inform how we manage populations and ecosystems. On coral reefs, the density and diversity of metazoan taxa are greatest in dead coral and rubble, which are suggested to fuel food webs from the bottom up. Yet, biomass and secondary productivity in rubble is predominantly available in some of the smallest individuals, limiting how accessible this energy is to higher trophic levels. We address the bioavailability of motile coral reef cryptofauna based on small-scale patterns of emigration in rubble. We deployed modified RUbble Biodiversity Samplers (RUBS) and emergence traps in a shallow rubble patch at Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef, to detect community-level differences in the directional influx of motile cryptofauna under five habitat accessibility regimes. The mean density (0.13-4.5 ind cm-3) and biomass (0.14-5.2 mg cm-3) of cryptofauna were high and varied depending on microhabitat accessibility. Emergent zooplankton represented a distinct community (dominated by the Appendicularia and Calanoida) with the lowest density and biomass, indicating constraints on nocturnal resource availability. Mean cryptofauna density and biomass were greatest when interstitial access within rubble was blocked, driven by the rapid proliferation of small harpacticoid copepods from the rubble surface, leading to trophic simplification. Individuals with high biomass (e.g., decapods, gobies, and echinoderms) were greatest when interstitial access within rubble was unrestricted. Treatments with a closed rubble surface did not differ from those completely open, suggesting that top-down predation does not diminish rubble-derived resources. Our results show that conspecific cues and species' interactions (e.g., competition and predation) within rubble are most critical in shaping ecological outcomes within the cryptobiome. These findings have implications for prey accessibility through trophic and community size structuring in rubble, which may become increasingly relevant as benthic reef complexity shifts in the Anthropocene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennedy Wolfe
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef StudiesUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQueensland4072Australia
| | - Amelia A. Desbiens
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef StudiesUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQueensland4072Australia
| | - Peter J. Mumby
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef StudiesUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQueensland4072Australia
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11
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Chang CC, Todd PA. Reduced predation pressure as a potential driver of prey diversity and abundance in complex habitats. NPJ BIODIVERSITY 2023; 2:1. [PMID: 39242650 PMCID: PMC11332019 DOI: 10.1038/s44185-022-00007-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Habitat complexity is positively associated with biodiversity and abundance and is often a focus of habitat restoration programmes, however, the mechanisms underlying these relationships are not yet resolved. In this Perspective, we postulate that reduced predation pressure in complex habitats could contribute to increased prey diversity and abundance. Based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental studies, reduced predation pressure in complex habitats is consistent across freshwater and marine ecosystems, field and laboratory experiments, different hunting modes of predators, and different numbers of prey species. However, the effects are less clear in terrestrial ecosystems. Easing predation pressure, in conjunction with increased resources for prey, could help explain the high biodiversity and abundance found in complex habitats. This knowledge can be used in restoration and ecological engineering projects to maximise species diversity and abundance gains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Chen Chang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117558, Singapore.
| | - Peter A Todd
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117558, Singapore.
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12
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Liu H, Peng D, Yang HJ, Mu Y, Zhu Y. Exploring the evolution of sustainable fisheries development: Focusing on ecological, environmental and management issues. ECOL INFORM 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2023.102004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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13
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Mellin C, Hicks CC, Fordham DA, Golden CD, Kjellevold M, MacNeil MA, Maire E, Mangubhai S, Mouillot D, Nash KL, Omukoto JO, Robinson JPW, Stuart-Smith RD, Zamborain-Mason J, Edgar GJ, Graham NAJ. Safeguarding nutrients from coral reefs under climate change. Nat Ecol Evol 2022; 6:1808-1817. [PMID: 36192542 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-022-01878-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The sustainability of coral reef fisheries is jeopardized by complex and interacting socio-ecological stressors that undermine their contribution to food and nutrition security. Climate change has emerged as one of the key stressors threatening coral reefs and their fish-associated services. How fish nutrient concentrations respond to warming oceans remains unclear but these responses are probably affected by both direct (metabolism and trophodynamics) and indirect (habitat and species range shifts) effects. Climate-driven coral habitat loss can cause changes in fish abundance and biomass, revealing potential winners and losers among major fisheries targets that can be predicted using ecological indicators and biological traits. A critical next step is to extend research focused on the quantity of available food (fish biomass) to also consider its nutritional quality, which is relevant to progress in the fields of food security and malnutrition. Biological traits are robust predictors of fish nutrient content and thus potentially indicate how climate-driven changes are expected to impact nutrient availability within future food webs on coral reefs. Here, we outline future research priorities and an anticipatory framework towards sustainable reef fisheries contributing to nutrition-sensitive food systems in a warming ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Mellin
- The Environment Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | | | - Damien A Fordham
- The Environment Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Christopher D Golden
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - M Aaron MacNeil
- Ocean Frontier Institute, Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Eva Maire
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | | | - David Mouillot
- MARBEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, MARBEC, Montpellier, France
| | - Kirsty L Nash
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Johnstone O Omukoto
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Mombasa, Kenya
| | | | - Rick D Stuart-Smith
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jessica Zamborain-Mason
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Graham J Edgar
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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14
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Bosch NE, Pessarrodona A, Filbee-Dexter K, Tuya F, Mulders Y, Bell S, Langlois T, Wernberg T. Habitat configurations shape the trophic and energetic dynamics of reef fishes in a tropical-temperate transition zone: implications under a warming future. Oecologia 2022; 200:455-470. [PMID: 36344837 PMCID: PMC9675646 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-022-05278-6] [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: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the extent to which species' traits mediate patterns of community assembly is key to predict the effect of natural and anthropogenic disturbances on ecosystem functioning. Here, we apply a trait-based community assembly framework to understand how four different habitat configurations (kelp forests, Sargassum spp. beds, hard corals, and turfs) shape the trophic and energetic dynamics of reef fish assemblages in a tropical-temperate transition zone. Specifically, we tested (i) the degree of trait divergence and convergence in each habitat, (ii) which traits explained variation in species' abundances, and (iii) differences in standing biomass (kg ha-1), secondary productivity (kg ha-1 day-1) and turnover (% day-1). Fish assemblages in coral and kelp habitats displayed greater evidence of trait convergence, while turf and Sargassum spp. habitats displayed a higher degree of trait divergence, a pattern that was mostly driven by traits related to resource use and thermal affinity. This filtering effect had an imprint on the trophic and energetic dynamics of reef fishes, with turf habitats supporting higher fish biomass and productivity. However, these gains were strongly dependent on trophic guild, with herbivores/detritivores disproportionately contributing to among-habitat differences. Despite these perceived overall gains, turnover was decoupled for fishes that act as conduit of energy to higher trophic levels (i.e. microinvertivores), with coral habitats displaying higher rates of fish biomass replenishment than turf despite their lower productivity. This has important implications for biodiversity conservation and fisheries management, questioning the long-term sustainability of ecological processes and fisheries yields in increasingly altered marine habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nestor E Bosch
- School of Biological Sciences, The UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - Albert Pessarrodona
- School of Biological Sciences, The UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Karen Filbee-Dexter
- School of Biological Sciences, The UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
- Institute of Marine Research, Nye Flødevigveien 20, 4817, His, Norway
| | - Fernando Tuya
- Grupo en Biodiversidad y Conservación, IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Crta. Taliarte S/N, 35214, Telde, Spain
| | - Yannick Mulders
- School of Biological Sciences, The UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Sahira Bell
- School of Biological Sciences, The UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Tim Langlois
- School of Biological Sciences, The UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Thomas Wernberg
- School of Biological Sciences, The UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
- Institute of Marine Research, Nye Flødevigveien 20, 4817, His, Norway
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
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15
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Sievers M, Brown CJ, Buelow CA, Hale R, Ostrowski A, Saunders MI, Silliman BR, Swearer SE, Turschwell MP, Valdez SR, Connolly RM. Greater Consideration of Animals Will Enhance Coastal Restoration Outcomes. Bioscience 2022; 72:1088-1098. [PMID: 36325106 PMCID: PMC9618274 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biac088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
As efforts to restore coastal habitats accelerate, it is critical that investments are targeted to most effectively mitigate and reverse habitat loss and its impacts on biodiversity. One likely but largely overlooked impediment to effective restoration of habitat-forming organisms is failing to explicitly consider non-habitat-forming animals in restoration planning, implementation, and monitoring. These animals can greatly enhance or degrade ecosystem function, persistence, and resilience. Bivalves, for instance, can reduce sulfide stress in seagrass habitats and increase drought tolerance of saltmarsh vegetation, whereas megaherbivores can detrimentally overgraze seagrass or improve seagrass seed germination, depending on the context. Therefore, understanding when, why, and how to directly manipulate or support animals can enhance coastal restoration outcomes. In support of this expanded restoration approach, we provide a conceptual framework, incorporating lessons from structured decision-making, and describe potential actions that could lead to better restoration outcomes using case studies to illustrate practical approaches.
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16
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Millington RC, Rogers A, Cox P, Bozec Y, Mumby PJ. Combined direct and indirect impacts of warming on the productivity of coral reef fishes. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C. Millington
- College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Science University of Exeter Exeter UK
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Alice Rogers
- School of Biological Sciences Victoria University of Wellington Wellington New Zealand
| | - Peter Cox
- College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Science University of Exeter Exeter UK
| | - Yves‐Marie Bozec
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Peter J. Mumby
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
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17
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Combining Passive Acoustics and Environmental Data for Scaling Up Ecosystem Monitoring: A Test on Coral Reef Fishes. REMOTE SENSING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/rs14102394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Ecological surveys of coral reefs mostly rely on visual data collected by human observers. Although new monitoring tools are emerging, their specific advantages should be identified to optimise their simultaneous use. Based on the goodness-of-fit of linear models, we compared the potential of passive acoustics and environmental data for predicting the structure of coral reef fish assemblages in different environmental and biogeographic settings. Both data types complemented each other. Globally, the acoustic data showed relatively low added value in predicting fish assemblage structures. The predictions were best for the distribution of fish abundance among functional entities (i.e., proxies for fish functional groups, grouping species that share similar eco-morphological traits), for the simplest functional entities (i.e., combining two eco-morphological traits), and when considering diet and the level in the water column of the species. Our study demonstrates that Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) improves fish assemblage assessment when used in tandem with environmental data compared to using environmental data alone. Such combinations can help with responding to the current conservation challenge by improving our surveying capacities at increased spatial and temporal scales, facilitating the identification and monitoring of priority management areas.
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18
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Climate-induced increases in micronutrient availability for coral reef fisheries. ONE EARTH (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2022; 5:98-108. [PMID: 35128392 PMCID: PMC8791602 DOI: 10.1016/j.oneear.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Climate change is transforming coral reefs, threatening supply of essential dietary micronutrients from small-scale fisheries to tropical coastal communities. Yet the nutritional value of reef fisheries and climate impacts on micronutrient availability remain unclear, hindering efforts to sustain food and nutrition security. Here, we measure nutrient content in coral reef fishes in Seychelles and show that reef fish are important sources of selenium and zinc and contain levels of calcium, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids comparable with other animal-source foods. Using experimental fishing, we demonstrate that iron and zinc are enriched in fishes caught on regime-shifted macroalgal habitats, whereas selenium and omega-3 varied among species. We find substantial increases in nutrients available to fisheries over two decades following coral bleaching, particularly for iron and zinc after macroalgal regime shifts. Our findings indicate that, if managed sustainably, coral reef fisheries could remain important micronutrient sources along tropical coastlines despite escalating climate impacts. Coral reef fishes are important sources of essential dietary nutrients Nutrients available to fisheries increased after mass coral bleaching Iron and zinc were higher in reef fishes caught on macroalgal habitats Coral reefs can remain key sources of nutritious food despite climate impacts
Tropical small-scale fisheries supply nutritious and affordable seafood to hundreds of millions of people, including catches from coral reefs that are vulnerable to marine heatwaves. Climate changes therefore threaten seafood supply in places where food insecurity is most prevalent, but what is the nutrient value of climate-impacted coral reefs? We analyzed nutrient content of 43 tropical reef fish species in Seychelles and found that coral reef fish contain similar levels of iron, selenium, and zinc as chicken, pork, and beef and higher levels of calcium and omega-3 fatty acids. By integrating nutrient data with fish surveys collected before and after mass coral bleaching, we show that high post-bleaching fish biomass led to greater nutrient supply for fisheries, particularly for iron and zinc. Sustainable management of reef fisheries can therefore continue to support tropical food and nutrition security, despite climate impacts to reef ecosystems.
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19
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Fish Composition and Diversity of Four Coral Reefs in the South China Sea Based on Hand-Line Catch. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse10010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
To improve the overall understanding of the fish diversity and spatial patterns of major coral reefs in the South China Sea, fish assemblage composition, dominant species, biodiversity indices, and multivariate analysis of community structure were reported for four major coral reefs based on hand-line survey data in May and September 2018. A total of five orders, 21 families, 45 genera and 121 species of fish were recorded with Perciformes (78.5%) being the most diverse. The highest number (5) of dominant species was found near Chenhang Island while the lowest (2) number was detected at Zhubi Reef. The highest abundance index (7.21) occurred at Zhubi Reef, while the Shannon–Wiener diversity (4.80), Pielou’s evenness (0.81), and Simpson’s dominance (0.95) indexes were all highest at Qiliangyu Island. Based on cluster analysis and non-metric multi-dimensional scaling (NMDS), fish communities varied more spatially than seasonally. Our results led us to hypothesize that the habitat complexity and level of anthropogenic disturbance were the main factors affecting the composition of reef-dwelling fish on each coral reef. Topography was likely responsible for most variation in the spatial pattern of fish diversity.
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20
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Flower J, Estep A, James K, Ramdeen R, Runge CA, Thomas L, Lester SE. An experimental evaluation of the effect of escape gaps on the quantity, diversity, and size of fish caught in traps in Montserrat. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261119. [PMID: 34890426 PMCID: PMC8664196 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral reef fisheries are vital to the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide but are challenging to manage due to the high diversity of fish species that are harvested and the multiple types of fishing gear that are used. Fish traps are a commonly used gear in reef fisheries in the Caribbean and other regions, but they have poor selectivity and frequently capture juvenile fish, impacting the sustainability of the fishery. One option for managing trap fisheries is the addition of escape gaps, which allow small fish to escape. We compared catches of traps with and without two 2.5 cm (1 inch) escape gaps on the Caribbean island of Montserrat. No significant differences were found in the mean fish length, total fish biomass, number of fish, fish species richness, and Shannon diversity index between hauls of the two trap designs, though traps with escape gaps did catch larger proportions of wider-bodied fish and smaller proportions of narrow-bodied fish. Furthermore, traps with gaps caught a smaller proportion of small-sized fish and fewer immature fish (though differences were not statistically significant). Linear mixed effect models predict that soak time (the length of time between trap hauls) increases the mean catch length, total catch biomass and total number of species in the catch. The relatively modest evidence for the effect of the gaps on catch may be explained by the long soak times used, which could have allowed most smaller-sized fish to escape or be consumed by larger individuals before hauling in both traps with and without escape gaps. Despite the small differences detected in this study, escape gaps may still offer one of the best options for improving sustainability of catches from fish traps, but larger escape gaps should be tested with varying soak times to determine optimum escape gap size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Flower
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America
- Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America
- Environmental Market Solutions Lab, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Andy Estep
- Waitt Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Keinan James
- Youth Apprenticeship Program, Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs & Sports, Brades, Montserrat
| | - Robin Ramdeen
- Waitt Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Claire A. Runge
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Lennon Thomas
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America
- Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America
- Environmental Market Solutions Lab, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America
| | - Sarah E. Lester
- Department of Geography, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States of America
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21
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Capitani L, de Araujo JN, Vieira EA, Angelini R, Longo GO. Ocean Warming Will Reduce Standing Biomass in a Tropical Western Atlantic Reef Ecosystem. Ecosystems 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10021-021-00691-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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22
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Carvalho PG, Setiawan F, Fahlevy K, Subhan B, Madduppa H, Zhu G, Humphries AT. Fishing and habitat condition differentially affect size spectra slopes of coral reef fishes. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2021; 31:e02345. [PMID: 33817898 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2345] [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: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Marine food webs are structured through a combination of top-down and bottom-up processes. In coral reef ecosystems, fish size is related to life-history characteristics and size-based indicators can represent the distribution and flow of energy through the food web. Thus, size spectra can be a useful tool for investigating the impacts of both fishing and habitat condition on the health and productivity of coral reef fisheries. In addition, coral reef fisheries are often data-limited and size spectra analysis can be a relatively cost-effective and simple method for assessing fish populations. Abundance size spectra are widely used and quantify the relationship between organism size and relative abundance. Previous studies that have investigated the impacts of fishing and habitat condition together on the size distribution of coral reef fishes, however, have aggregated all fishes regardless of taxonomic identity. This leads to a poor understanding of how fishes with different feeding strategies, body size-abundance relationships, or catchability might be influenced by top-down and bottom-up drivers. To address this gap, we quantified size spectra slopes of carnivorous and herbivorous coral reef fishes across three regions of Indonesia representing a gradient in fishing pressure and habitat conditions. We show that fishing pressure was the dominant driver of size spectra slopes such that they became steeper as fishing pressure increased, which was due to the removal of large-bodied fishes. When considering fish functional groups separately, however, carnivore size spectra slopes were more heavily impacted by fishing than herbivores. Also, structural complexity, which can mediate predator-prey interactions and provisioning of resources, was a relatively important driver of herbivore size spectra slopes such that slopes were shallower in more complex habitats. Our results show that size spectra slopes can be used as indicators of fishing pressure on coral reef fishes, but aggregating fish regardless of trophic identity or functional role overlooks differential impacts of fishing pressure and habitat condition on carnivore and herbivore size distributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul G Carvalho
- Department of Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Rhode Island, 9 East Alumni Avenue, Kingston, Rhode Island, 02881, USA
| | - Fakhrizal Setiawan
- Department of Marine Science and Technology, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB), Jalan Rasamala, Bogor, Darmaga, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Karizma Fahlevy
- Department of Marine Science and Technology, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB), Jalan Rasamala, Bogor, Darmaga, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Beginer Subhan
- Department of Marine Science and Technology, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB), Jalan Rasamala, Bogor, Darmaga, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Hawis Madduppa
- Department of Marine Science and Technology, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB), Jalan Rasamala, Bogor, Darmaga, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Guangyu Zhu
- Department of Computer Science and Statistics, University of Rhode Island, 9 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, Rhode Island, 02881, USA
| | - Austin T Humphries
- Department of Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Rhode Island, 9 East Alumni Avenue, Kingston, Rhode Island, 02881, USA
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, 215 South Ferry Road, Narragansett, Rhode Island, 02882, USA
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23
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Tebbett SB, Bellwood DR. Algal turf productivity on coral reefs: A meta-analysis. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 168:105311. [PMID: 33798994 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Algal turfs are an abundant and highly productive component of coral reef ecosystems. However, our understanding of the drivers that shape algal turf productivity across studies and among reefs is limited. Based on published studies we considered how different factors may shape turf productivity and turnover rates. Of the factors considered, depth was the primary driver of turf productivity rates, while turnover was predominantly related to turf biomass. We also highlight shortcomings in the available data collected on turf productivity to-date; most data were collected prior to global coral bleaching events, within a limited geographic range, and were largely from experimental substrata. Despite the fact turfs are a widespread benthic covering on most coral reefs, and one of the major sources of benthic productivity, our understanding of their productivity is constrained by both a paucity of data and methodological limitations. We offer a potential way forward to address these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sterling B Tebbett
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.
| | - David R Bellwood
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
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Boulanger E, Loiseau N, Valentini A, Arnal V, Boissery P, Dejean T, Deter J, Guellati N, Holon F, Juhel JB, Lenfant P, Manel S, Mouillot D. Environmental DNA metabarcoding reveals and unpacks a biodiversity conservation paradox in Mediterranean marine reserves. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20210112. [PMID: 33906403 PMCID: PMC8080007 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although we are currently experiencing worldwide biodiversity loss, local species richness does not always decline under anthropogenic pressure. This conservation paradox may also apply in protected areas but has not yet received conclusive evidence in marine ecosystems. Here, we survey fish assemblages in six Mediterranean no-take reserves and their adjacent fishing grounds using environmental DNA (eDNA) while controlling for environmental conditions. We detect less fish species in marine reserves than in nearby fished areas. The paradoxical gradient in species richness is accompanied by a marked change in fish species composition under different managements. This dissimilarity is mainly driven by species that are often overlooked by classical visual surveys but detected with eDNA: cryptobenthic, pelagic, and rare fishes. These results do not negate the importance of reserves in protecting biodiversity but shed new light on how under-represented species groups can positively react to fishing pressure and how conservation efforts can shape regional biodiversity patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Boulanger
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE-PSL University, IRD, Montpellier, France
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Loiseau
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Véronique Arnal
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE-PSL University, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Pierre Boissery
- Agence de l'Eau Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse, Délégation de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | | | | | - Nacim Guellati
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | | | - Stéphanie Manel
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE-PSL University, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - David Mouillot
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
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25
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Brown CJ, Mellin C, Edgar GJ, Campbell MD, Stuart-Smith RD. Direct and indirect effects of heatwaves on a coral reef fishery. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:1214-1225. [PMID: 33340216 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Marine heatwaves are increasing in frequency and intensity, and indirectly impacting coral reef fisheries through bleaching-induced degradation of live coral habitats. Marine heatwaves also affect fish metabolism and catchability, but such direct effects of elevated temperatures on reef fisheries are largely unknown. We investigated direct and indirect effects of the devastating 2016 marine heatwave on the largest reef fishery operating along the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). We used a combination of fishery-independent underwater census data on coral trout biomass (Plectropomus and Variola spp.) and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data from the commercial fishery to evaluate changes in the fishery resulting from the 2016 heatwave. The heatwave caused widespread, yet locally patchy, declines in coral cover, but we observed little effect of local coral loss on coral trout biomass. Instead, a pattern of decreasing biomass at northern sites and stable or increasing biomass at southern sites suggested a direct response of populations to the heatwave. Analysis of the fishery-independent data and CPUE found that in-water coral trout biomass estimates were positively related to CPUE, and that coral trout catch rates increased with warmer temperatures. Temperature effects on catch rates were consistent with the thermal affinities of the multiple species contributing to this fishery. Scaling-up the effect of temperature on coral trout catch rates across the region suggests that GBR-wide catches were 18% higher for a given level of effort during the heatwave year relative to catch rates under the mean temperatures in the preceding 6 years. These results highlight a potentially large effect of heatwaves on catch rates of reef fishes, independent of changes in reef habitats, that can add substantial uncertainty to estimates of stock trends inferred from fishery-dependent (CPUE) data. Overestimation of CPUE could initiate declines in reef fisheries that are currently fully exploited, and threaten sustainable management of reef stocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Brown
- Australian Rivers Institute - Coasts and Estuaries, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Qld, Australia
| | - Camille Mellin
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tas., Australia
- The Environment Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Graham J Edgar
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tas., Australia
| | - Max D Campbell
- Australian Rivers Institute - Coasts and Estuaries, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Qld, Australia
| | - Rick D Stuart-Smith
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tas., Australia
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26
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Canty SWJ, Fox G, Rowntree JK, Preziosi RF. Genetic structure of a remnant Acropora cervicornis population. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3523. [PMID: 33568733 PMCID: PMC7876111 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83112-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Amongst the global decline of coral reefs, hope spots such as Cordelia Bank in Honduras, have been identified. This site contains dense, remnant thickets of the endangered species Acropora cervicornis, which local managers and conservation organizations view as a potential source population for coral restoration projects. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic diversity of colonies across three banks within the protected area. We identified low genetic diversity (FST = 0.02) across the three banks, and genetic similarity of colonies ranged from 91.3 to 95.8% between the banks. Clonality rates were approximately 30% across the three banks, however, each genotype identified was unique to each bank. Despite the low genetic diversity, subtle genetic differences within and among banks were demonstrated, and these dense thickets were shown not to be comprised of a single or a few genotypes. The presence of multiple genotypes suggests A. cervicornis colonies from these banks could be used to maintain and enhance genetic diversity in restoration projects. Management of hope spots, such as Cordelia Bank, and the incorporation of genetic information into restoration projects to ensure genetic diversity within out-planted populations, will be critical in the ongoing challenge of conserving and preserving coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven W. J. Canty
- grid.1214.60000 0000 8716 3312Working Land and Seascapes, Conservation Commons, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20013 USA ,grid.452909.30000 0001 0479 0204Smithsonian Marine Station, 701 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34949 USA ,grid.25627.340000 0001 0790 5329Department of Natural Sciences, Ecology and Environment Research Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD UK ,Centro de Estudios Marinos, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Graeme Fox
- grid.25627.340000 0001 0790 5329Department of Natural Sciences, Ecology and Environment Research Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD UK
| | - Jennifer K. Rowntree
- grid.25627.340000 0001 0790 5329Department of Natural Sciences, Ecology and Environment Research Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD UK
| | - Richard F. Preziosi
- grid.25627.340000 0001 0790 5329Department of Natural Sciences, Ecology and Environment Research Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD UK
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27
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Lennon O, Wittmer HU, Nelson NJ. Modelling three‐dimensional space to design prey refuges using video game software. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ox Lennon
- School of Biological Sciences Victoria University of Wellington PO Box 600 Wellington 6140 New Zealand
| | - Heiko U. Wittmer
- School of Biological Sciences Victoria University of Wellington PO Box 600 Wellington 6140 New Zealand
| | - Nicola J. Nelson
- School of Biological Sciences Victoria University of Wellington PO Box 600 Wellington 6140 New Zealand
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28
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Fraser KM, Lefcheck JS, Ling SD, Mellin C, Stuart-Smith RD, Edgar GJ. Production of mobile invertebrate communities on shallow reefs from temperate to tropical seas. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201798. [PMID: 33352078 PMCID: PMC7779515 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary productivity of marine ecosystems is largely driven by broad gradients in environmental and ecological properties. By contrast, secondary productivity tends to be more variable, influenced by bottom-up (resource-driven) and top-down (predatory) processes, other environmental drivers, and mediation by the physical structure of habitats. Here, we use a continental-scale dataset on small mobile invertebrates (epifauna), common on surfaces in all marine ecosystems, to test influences of potential drivers of temperature-standardized secondary production across a large biogeographic range. We found epifaunal production to be remarkably consistent along a temperate to tropical Australian latitudinal gradient of 28.6°, spanning kelp forests to coral reefs (approx. 3500 km). Using a model selection procedure, epifaunal production was primarily related to biogenic habitat group, which explained up to 45% of total variability. Production was otherwise invariant to predictors capturing primary productivity, the local biomass of fishes (proxy for predation pressure), and environmental, geographical, and human impacts. Highly predictable levels of epifaunal productivity associated with distinct habitat groups across continental scales should allow accurate modelling of the contributions of these ubiquitous invertebrates to coastal food webs, thus improving understanding of likely changes to food web structure with ocean warming and other anthropogenic impacts on marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. M. Fraser
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, Tasmania 7053, Australia
| | - J. S. Lefcheck
- Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network, MarineGEO, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater, MD 21037, USA
| | - S. D. Ling
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, Tasmania 7053, Australia
| | - C. Mellin
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, Tasmania 7053, Australia
- The Environment Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - R. D. Stuart-Smith
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, Tasmania 7053, Australia
| | - G. J. Edgar
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, Tasmania 7053, Australia
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29
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Pancrazi I, Ahmed H, Cerrano C, Montefalcone M. Synergic effect of global thermal anomalies and local dredging activities on coral reefs of the Maldives. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 160:111585. [PMID: 32911112 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We investigated possible synergic effects on coral reefs of the local land reclamation activities in the Himmafushi Island (North Malè atoll, Maldives) and the global bleaching event that affected the Maldives in 2016. A BACI (Before-After Control-Impact) sampling design was adopted to contrast effects of dredging activities before and after the occurrence of both dredging and bleaching. The Reef Check protocol, a standardised and worldwide survey method, was applied to collect data through underwater visual surveys on corals, macro-zoobenthos, and fish communities. The bleaching in 2016 hit all the reefs investigated, but only in the reefs around Himmafushi (i.e., the impact sites) the live hard coral reduced significantly its cover and the sand deposited on reefs showed a fourfold increase. Substrate indicators (i.e., coral community and abiotic components) turned out to be more effective than macro-zoobenthos and fish in this short-term environmental impact study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Pancrazi
- DiSTAV, Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Hassan Ahmed
- Save the Beach Maldives, address Boakeyo Goalhi, K. Villingili, Maldives
| | - Carlo Cerrano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona 60131, Italy
| | - Monica Montefalcone
- DiSTAV, Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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30
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Brown CJ, Taylor W, Wabnitz CCC, Connolly RM. Dependency of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef's tropical fisheries on reef-associated fish. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17801. [PMID: 33082460 PMCID: PMC7576786 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74652-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs have been subject to mass coral bleaching, potentially causing rapid and widespread degradation of ecosystem services that depend on live coral cover, such as fisheries catch. Fisheries species in tropical waters associate with a wide range of habitats, so assessing the dependency of fisheries on coral reefs is important for guiding fishery responses to coral reef degradation. This study aimed to determine how fisheries catches associate with coral reefs in Queensland, Australia. Queensland’s largest fisheries did not target fish associated with reefs, but specific sectors, particularly aquarium fisheries and commercial fisheries in the mid to northern region had a high dependence on species that use coral reefs. Regions that had a greater relative area of coral reefs had higher catches of species that depend on live coral, suggesting that coral area could be used to predict the sensitivity of a jurisdiction’s fisheries to bleaching. Dynamic analysis of stock trends found that coral trout and red throat emperor, the two largest species by catch for the reef line fishery, were at risk of overfishing if habitat loss caused declines in stock productivity. Management of fisheries that are highly dependent on reefs may need to adapt to declining productivity, but further research to support ongoing reforms in Queensland’s fisheries is needed to quantitatively link reef degradation to stock production parameters is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Brown
- Australian Rivers Institute - Coast and Estuaries, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, 4111, Australia.
| | - William Taylor
- Australian Rivers Institute - Coast and Estuaries, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Colette C C Wabnitz
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, The University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T1Z4, Canada.,Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford University, 473 Via Ortega, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Rod M Connolly
- Australian Rivers Institute - Coast and Estuaries, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia
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31
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Payet SD, Lowe JR, Mapstone BD, Pratchett MS, Sinclair-Taylor TH, Taylor BM, Waldie PA, Harrison HB. Comparative demography of commercially important species of coral grouper, Plectropomus leopardus and P. laevis, from Australia's great barrier reef and Coral Sea marine parks. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2020; 97:1165-1176. [PMID: 32785930 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the spatial and environmental variation in demographic processes of fisheries target species, such as coral grouper (Genus: Plectropomus), is important for establishing effective management and conservation strategies. Herein we compare the demography of Plectropomus leopardus and P. laevis between Australia's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP), which has been subject to sustained and extensive fishing pressure, and the oceanic atolls of Australia's Coral Sea Marine Park (CSMP), where there is very limited fishing for reef fishes. Coral grouper length-at-age data from contemporary and historical otolith collections across 9.4 degrees of latitude showed little difference in lifetime growth between GBRMP and CSMP regions. Plectropomus laevis populations in GBRMP reefs had significantly higher rates of total mortality than populations in the CSMP. Mean maximum lengths and mean maximum ages of P. laevis were also smaller in the GBRMP than in the CSMP, even when considering populations sampled within GBRMP no-take marine reserves (NTMRs). Plectropomus leopardus, individuals were on average smaller on fished reefs than NTMRs in the GBRMP, but all other aspects of demography were broadly similar between regions despite the negligible levels of fishing pressure in the CSMP. Similarities between regions in growth profiles and length-at-age comparisons of P. laevis and P. leopardus suggest that the environmental differences between the CSMP and the GBRMP may not have significant impacts on lifetime growth. Our results show that fishing may have influenced the demography of coral grouper on the GBR, particularly for the slower growing and longer lived species, P. laevis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D Payet
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jake R Lowe
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Morgan S Pratchett
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Brett M Taylor
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, The University of Western Australia (M096), Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter A Waldie
- The Nature Conservancy Asia Pacific Resource Centre, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hugo B Harrison
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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32
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Morais RA, Depczynski M, Fulton C, Marnane M, Narvaez P, Huertas V, Brandl SJ, Bellwood DR. Severe coral loss shifts energetic dynamics on a coral reef. Funct Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Renato A. Morais
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia
| | - Martial Depczynski
- Australian Institute of Marine Science Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre University of Western Australia, Crawley WA Australia
- Oceans Institute University of Western Australia, Crawley WA Australia
| | - Christopher Fulton
- Research School of Biology The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | | | - Pauline Narvaez
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia
| | - Victor Huertas
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia
| | - Simon J. Brandl
- Department of Biological Sciences Simon Fraser University Burnaby BC Canada
- PSL Université Paris: CNRS‐EPHE‐UPVD USR3278 CRIOBE Université de Perpignan Perpignan France
| | - David R. Bellwood
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia
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33
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Fontoura L, Zawada KJA, D'agata S, Álvarez-Noriega M, Baird AH, Boutros N, Dornelas M, Luiz OJ, Madin JS, Maina JM, Pizarro O, Torres-Pulliza D, Woods RM, Madin EMP. Climate-driven shift in coral morphological structure predicts decline of juvenile reef fishes. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2020; 26:557-567. [PMID: 31697006 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Rapid intensification of environmental disturbances has sparked widespread decline and compositional shifts in foundation species in ecosystems worldwide. Now, an emergent challenge is to understand the consequences of shifts and losses in such habitat-forming species for associated communities and ecosystem processes. Recently, consecutive coral bleaching events shifted the morphological makeup of habitat-forming coral assemblages on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Considering the disparity of coral morphological growth forms in shelter provision for reef fishes, we investigated how shifts in the morphological structure of coral assemblages affect the abundance of juvenile and adult reef fishes. We used a temporal dataset from shallow reefs in the northern GBR to estimate coral convexity (a fine-scale quantitative morphological trait) and two widely used coral habitat descriptors (coral cover and reef rugosity) for disentangling the effects of coral morphology on reef fish assemblages. Changes in coral convexity, rather than live coral cover or reef rugosity, disproportionately affected juvenile reef fishes when compared to adults, and explained more than 20% of juvenile decline. The magnitude of this effect varied by fish body size with juveniles of small-bodied species showing higher vulnerability to changes in coral morphology. Our findings suggest that continued large-scale shifts in the relative abundance of morphological groups within coral assemblages are likely to affect population replenishment and dynamics of future reef fish communities. The different responses of juvenile and adult fishes according to habitat descriptors indicate that focusing on coarse-scale metrics alone may mask fine-scale ecological responses that are key to understand ecosystem functioning and resilience. Nonetheless, quantifying coral morphological traits may contribute to forecasting the structure of reef fish communities on novel reef ecosystems shaped by climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Fontoura
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i, Kāne'ohe, HI, USA
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University - Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kyle J A Zawada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University - Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Biological Diversity, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, UK
| | - Stephanie D'agata
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University - Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Marine Programs, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Mariana Álvarez-Noriega
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld., Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld., Australia
| | - Andrew H Baird
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld., Australia
| | - Nader Boutros
- Australian Centre for Field Robotics, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maria Dornelas
- Centre for Biological Diversity, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, UK
| | - Osmar J Luiz
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Joshua S Madin
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i, Kāne'ohe, HI, USA
| | - Joseph M Maina
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University - Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Oscar Pizarro
- Australian Centre for Field Robotics, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Damaris Torres-Pulliza
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i, Kāne'ohe, HI, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University - Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rachael M Woods
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University - Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth M P Madin
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i, Kāne'ohe, HI, USA
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34
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Rogers A, Mumby PJ. Mangroves reduce the vulnerability of coral reef fisheries to habitat degradation. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000510. [PMID: 31714938 PMCID: PMC6850520 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite general and wide-ranging negative effects of coral reef degradation on reef communities, hope might exist for reef-associated predators that use nursery habitats. When reef structural complexity is lost, refuge density declines and prey vulnerability increases. Here, we explore whether the presence of nursery habitats can promote high predator productivity on degraded reefs by mitigating the costs of increased vulnerability in early life, whilst allowing for the benefits of increased food availability in adulthood. We apply size-based ecosystem models of coral reefs with high and low structural complexity to predict fish biomass and productivity in the presence and absence of mangrove nurseries. Our scenarios allow us to elucidate the interacting effects of refuge availability and ontogenetic habitat shifts for fisheries productivity. We find that low complexity, degraded reefs with nurseries can support fisheries productivity that is equal to or greater than that in complex reefs that lack nurseries. We compare and validate model predictions with field data from Belize. Our results should inform reef fisheries management strategies and protected areas now and into the future. Despite wide-ranging negative effects of coral reef degradation on reef communities, hope might exist for reef-associated predators that use nursery habitats. This study uses size-based ecosystem models of coral reefs to assess the effects of the presence and absence of mangrove nurseries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Rogers
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- * E-mail:
| | - Peter J. Mumby
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab and Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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35
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Abstract
Based on historical and lived experience, people expect certain conditions to prevail in the ecosystems they depend upon. Climate change is now introducing strong trends that push conditions beyond historic levels. Using ocean ecosystems as a case study, we show that the frequency of surprising temperatures is increasing faster than expected. We then use these events as motivation to develop a theory for how temperature trends and events will impact natural and human communities. The theory suggests that strong trends will decrease the abundance and productivity of natural communities. Increasing trends will also challenge how people make decisions, and our theory identifies the conditions under which there is a significant payoff for people to bet on the trend. The community of species, human institutions, and human activities at a given location have been shaped by historical conditions (both mean and variability) at that location. Anthropogenic climate change is now adding strong trends on top of existing natural variability. These trends elevate the frequency of “surprises”—conditions that are unexpected based on recent history. Here, we show that the frequency of surprising ocean temperatures has increased even faster than expected based on recent temperature trends. Using a simple model of human adaptation, we show that these surprises will increasingly challenge natural modes of adaptation that rely on historical experience. We also show that warming rates are likely to shift natural communities toward generalist species, reducing their productivity and diversity. Our work demonstrates increasing benefits for individuals and institutions from betting that trends will continue, but this strategy represents a radical shift that will be difficult for many to make.
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Robinson JPW, Wilson SK, Jennings S, Graham NAJ. Thermal stress induces persistently altered coral reef fish assemblages. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2019; 25:2739-2750. [PMID: 31210001 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Ecological communities are reorganizing in response to warming temperatures. For continuous ocean habitats this reorganization is characterized by large-scale species redistribution, but for tropical discontinuous habitats such as coral reefs, spatial isolation coupled with strong habitat dependence of fish species imply that turnover and local extinctions are more significant mechanisms. In these systems, transient marine heatwaves are causing coral bleaching and profoundly altering habitat structure, yet despite severe bleaching events becoming more frequent and projections indicating annual severe bleaching by the 2050s at most reefs, long-term effects on the diversity and structure of fish assemblages remain unclear. Using a 23-year time series spanning a thermal stress event, we describe and model structural changes and recovery trajectories of fish communities after mass bleaching. Communities changed fundamentally, with the new emergent communities dominated by herbivores and persisting for >15 years, a period exceeding realized and projected intervals between thermal stress events on coral reefs. Reefs which shifted to macroalgal states had the lowest species richness and highest compositional dissimilarity, whereas reefs where live coral recovered exceeded prebleaching fish richness, but remained dissimilar to prebleaching compositions. Given realized and projected frequencies of bleaching events, our results show that fish communities historically associated with coral reefs will not re-establish, requiring substantial adaptation by managers and resource users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shaun K Wilson
- Marine Science Program, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, WA, Australia
- Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Simon Jennings
- International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, Copenhagen V, Denmark
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Artisanal fish fences pose broad and unexpected threats to the tropical coastal seascape. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2100. [PMID: 31113956 PMCID: PMC6529422 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10051-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Gear restrictions are an important management tool in small-scale tropical fisheries, improving sustainability and building resilience to climate change. Yet to identify the management challenges and complete footprint of individual gears, a broader systems approach is required that integrates ecological, economic and social sciences. Here we apply this approach to artisanal fish fences, intensively used across three oceans, to identify a previously underrecognized gear requiring urgent management attention. A longitudinal case study shows increased effort matched with large declines in catch success and corresponding reef fish abundance. We find fish fences to disrupt vital ecological connectivity, exploit > 500 species with high juvenile removal, and directly damage seagrass ecosystems with cascading impacts on connected coral reefs and mangroves. As semi-permanent structures in otherwise open-access fisheries, they create social conflict by assuming unofficial and unregulated property rights, while their unique high-investment-low-effort nature removes traditional economic and social barriers to overfishing.
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38
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Woodhead AJ, Hicks CC, Norström AV, Williams GJ, Graham NAJ. Coral reef ecosystem services in the Anthropocene. Funct Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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39
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Fulton CJ, Abesamis RA, Berkström C, Depczynski M, Graham NAJ, Holmes TH, Kulbicki M, Noble MM, Radford BT, Tano S, Tinkler P, Wernberg T, Wilson SK. Form and function of tropical macroalgal reefs in the Anthropocene. Funct Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Fulton
- Research School of Biology; Australian National University; Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Rene A. Abesamis
- SU-Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management; Silliman University; Dumaguete Philippines
| | - Charlotte Berkström
- Department of Ecology, Environment & Plant Sciences; Stockholm University; Stockholm Sweden
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Coastal Research; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Öregrund Sweden
| | - Martial Depczynski
- Australian Institute of Marine Science; Crawley Western Australia Australia
- Oceans Institute; University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
| | | | - Thomas H. Holmes
- Oceans Institute; University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
- Marine Science Program, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions; Government of Western Australia; Kensington Western Australia Australia
| | - Michel Kulbicki
- UMR “Entropie”, Labex Corail, IRD; University of Perpignan; Perpignan France
| | - Mae M. Noble
- Fenner School of Environment & Society; Australian National University; Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Ben T. Radford
- Australian Institute of Marine Science; Crawley Western Australia Australia
- Oceans Institute; University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
| | - Stina Tano
- Department of Ecology, Environment & Plant Sciences; Stockholm University; Stockholm Sweden
| | - Paul Tinkler
- School of Life & Environmental Sciences; Deakin University; Warrnambool Victoria Australia
| | - Thomas Wernberg
- Oceans Institute; University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
| | - Shaun K. Wilson
- Oceans Institute; University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
- Marine Science Program, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions; Government of Western Australia; Kensington Western Australia Australia
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40
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Productive instability of coral reef fisheries after climate-driven regime shifts. Nat Ecol Evol 2018; 3:183-190. [DOI: 10.1038/s41559-018-0715-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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41
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Villon S, Mouillot D, Chaumont M, Darling ES, Subsol G, Claverie T, Villéger S. A Deep learning method for accurate and fast identification of coral reef fishes in underwater images. ECOL INFORM 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2018.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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42
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43
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González-Gómez R, Briones-Fourzán P, Álvarez-Filip L, Lozano-Álvarez E. Diversity and abundance of conspicuous macrocrustaceans on coral reefs differing in level of degradation. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4922. [PMID: 29910975 PMCID: PMC6001826 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs sustain abundant and diverse macrocrustaceans that perform multiple ecological roles, but coral reefs are undergoing massive degradation that may be driving changes in the species composition and abundance of reef-associated macrocrustaceans. To provide insight into this issue, we used non-destructive visual census techniques to compare the diversity and abundance of conspicuous macrocrustaceans (i.e., those >1 cm and visible without disturbance) between two shallow Caribbean coral reefs similar in size (∼1.5 km in length) and close to each other, but one (“Limones”) characterized by extensive stands of the branching coral Acropora palmata, and the other (“Bonanza”) dominated by macroalgae and relic coral skeletons and rubble (i.e., degraded). We also assessed the structural complexity of each reef and the percent cover of various benthic community components. Given the type of growth of A. palmata, we expected to find a greater structural complexity, a higher cover of live coral, and a lower cover of macroalgae on Limones, and hence a more diverse and abundant macrocrustacean community on this reef compared with Bonanza. Overall, we identified 63 macrocrustacean species (61 Decapoda and two Stomatopoda). Contrary to our expectations, structural complexity did not differ significantly between the back-reef zones of these reefs but varied more broadly on Limones, and the diversity and abundance of macrocrustaceans were higher on Bonanza than on Limones despite live coral cover being higher on Limones and macroalgal cover higher on Bonanza. However, the use of various types of microhabitats by macrocrustaceans differed substantially between reefs. On both reefs, the dominant species were the clinging crab Mithraculus coryphe and the hermit crab Calcinus tibicen, but the former was more abundant on Bonanza and the latter on Limones. M. coryphe occupied a diverse array of microhabitats but mostly coral rubble and relic skeletons, whereas C. tibicen was often, but not always, found associated with colonies of Millepora spp. A small commensal crab of A. palmata, Domecia acanthophora, was far more abundant on Limones, emerging as the main discriminant species between reefs. Our results suggest that local diversity and abundance of reef-associated macrocrustaceans are partially modulated by habitat degradation, the diversity of microhabitat types, and the establishment of different commensal associations rather than by structural complexity alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto González-Gómez
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico.,Posgrado en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Patricia Briones-Fourzán
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Lorenzo Álvarez-Filip
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Enrique Lozano-Álvarez
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico
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