1
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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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2
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Galligan BP, McClanahan TR. Tropical fishery nutrient production depends on biomass-based management. iScience 2024; 27:109420. [PMID: 38510133 PMCID: PMC10952041 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The need to enhance nutrient production from tropical ecosystems to feed the poor could potentially create a new framework for fisheries science and management. Early recommendations have included targeting small fishes and increasing the species richness of fish catches, which could represent a departure from more traditional approaches such as biomass-based management. To test these recommendations, we compared the outcomes of biomass-based management with hypothesized factors influencing nutrient density in nearshore artisanal fish catches in the Western Indian Ocean. We found that enhancing nutrient production depends primarily on achieving biomass-based targets. Catches dominated by low- and mid-trophic level species with smaller body sizes and faster turnover were associated with modest increases in nutrient densities, but the variability in nutrient density was small relative to human nutritional requirements. Therefore, tropical fishery management should focus on restoring biomass to achieve maximum yields and sustainability, particularly for herbivorous fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan P. Galligan
- Jesuit Justice and Ecology Network Africa, Karen, Nairobi 00502, Kenya
- Loyola University Chicago, Department of Biology, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
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3
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Robinson JPW, Darling ES, Maire E, Hamilton M, Hicks CC, Jupiter SD, Aaron MacNeil M, Mangubhai S, McClanahan T, Nand Y, Graham NAJ. Trophic distribution of nutrient production in coral reef fisheries. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231601. [PMID: 37788704 PMCID: PMC10547557 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1601] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Coral reef fisheries supply nutritious catch to tropical coastal communities, where the quality of reef seafood is determined by both the rate of biomass production and nutritional value of reef fishes. Yet our understanding of reef fisheries typically uses targets of total reef fish biomass rather than individual growth (i.e. biomass production) and nutrient content (i.e. nutritional value of reef fish), limiting the ability of management to sustain the productivity of nutritious catches. Here, we use modelled growth coefficients and nutrient concentrations to develop a new metric of nutrient productivity of coral reef fishes. We then evaluate this metric with underwater visual surveys of reef fish assemblages from four tropical countries to examine nutrient productivity of reef fish food webs. Species' growth coefficients were associated with nutrients that vary with body size (calcium, iron, selenium and zinc), but not total nutrient density. When integrated with fish abundance data, we find that herbivorous species typically dominate standing biomass, biomass turnover and nutrient production on coral reefs. Such bottom-heavy trophic distributions of nutrients were consistent across gradients of fishing pressure and benthic composition. We conclude that management restrictions that promote sustainability of herbivores and other low trophic-level species can sustain biomass and nutrient production from reef fisheries that is critical to the food security of over 500 million people in the tropics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily S. Darling
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Marine Program, Bronx, NY 10460, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eva Maire
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Mark Hamilton
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Christina C. Hicks
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Stacy D. Jupiter
- Melanesia Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, 11 Ma'afu St, Suva, Fiji
| | - M. Aaron MacNeil
- Ocean Frontier Institute, Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Canada B3H 4R2
| | - Sangeeta Mangubhai
- Melanesia Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, 11 Ma'afu St, Suva, Fiji
| | - Tim McClanahan
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Marine Program, Bronx, NY 10460, USA
| | - Yashika Nand
- Melanesia Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, 11 Ma'afu St, Suva, Fiji
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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4
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Stefanoudis PV, Fassbender N, Samimi-Namin K, Adam PA, Ebrahim A, Harlay J, Koester A, Samoilys M, Sims H, Swanborn D, Talma S, Winter S, Woodall LC. Trait-based approaches reveal that deep reef ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean are functionally distinct. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 872:162111. [PMID: 36773924 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Tropical deep reefs (>30 m) are biologically and ecologically unique ecosystems with a higher geographic reach to shallow (<30 m) reefs. Yet they are poorly understood and rarely considered in conservation practices. Here, we characterise benthic and fish communities across a depth gradient (10-350 m) in remote coral atolls in Seychelles, Western Indian Ocean. Using taxonomic and trait-based approaches we present the taxonomic and functional composition of shallow and deep reef communities, with distinct communities and traits dominating different depths. Depth-related changes in community metrics (taxa richness, abundance and biomass) and functional diversity metrics (richness, dispersion, and evenness) indicate complex relationships across different biological components (fish, benthos) that differ between shallow and deep reefs. These in turn translate into different patterns of reef resilience against disturbance or species invasions with depth. Notably, deep reefs host on average fewer and less abundant taxa but with higher functional contribution and originality scores, some of which are of conservation concern. Overall, the results highlight the unique nature of deep reefs that requires their explicit consideration in conservation and management activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paris V Stefanoudis
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nekton Foundation, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Kaveh Samimi-Namin
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nekton Foundation, Oxford, United Kingdom; Taxonomy and Systematics Group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, Netherlands; Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Jerome Harlay
- Blue Economy Research Institute, University of Seychelles, Mahé, Seychelles
| | - Anna Koester
- Seychelles Islands Foundation, Victoria, Seychelles
| | - Melita Samoilys
- CORDIO East Africa, Mombasa, Kenya; Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Helena Sims
- The Nature Conservancy, Victoria, Seychelles
| | - Denise Swanborn
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nekton Foundation, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Lucy C Woodall
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nekton Foundation, Oxford, United Kingdom
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5
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Ghilardi M, Salter MA, Parravicini V, Ferse SCA, Rixen T, Wild C, Birkicht M, Perry CT, Berry A, Wilson RW, Mouillot D, Bejarano S. Temperature, species identity and morphological traits predict carbonate excretion and mineralogy in tropical reef fishes. Nat Commun 2023; 14:985. [PMID: 36813767 PMCID: PMC9947118 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36617-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic pressures are restructuring coral reefs globally. Sound predictions of the expected changes in key reef functions require adequate knowledge of their drivers. Here we investigate the determinants of a poorly-studied yet relevant biogeochemical function sustained by marine bony fishes: the excretion of intestinal carbonates. Compiling carbonate excretion rates and mineralogical composition from 382 individual coral reef fishes (85 species and 35 families), we identify the environmental factors and fish traits that predict them. We find that body mass and relative intestinal length (RIL) are the strongest predictors of carbonate excretion. Larger fishes and those with longer intestines excrete disproportionately less carbonate per unit mass than smaller fishes and those with shorter intestines. The mineralogical composition of excreted carbonates is highly conserved within families, but also controlled by RIL and temperature. These results fundamentally advance our understanding of the role of fishes in inorganic carbon cycling and how this contribution will change as community composition shifts under increasing anthropogenic pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Ghilardi
- Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Fahrenheitstraße 6, 28359, Bremen, Germany. .,Department of Marine Ecology, Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Leobener Straße UFT, 28359, Bremen, Germany.
| | | | - Valeriano Parravicini
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR3278 CRIOBE, University of Perpignan, 66860, Perpignan, France.,Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | - Sebastian C A Ferse
- Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Fahrenheitstraße 6, 28359, Bremen, Germany.,Department of Marine Ecology, Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Leobener Straße UFT, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Tim Rixen
- Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Fahrenheitstraße 6, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Christian Wild
- Department of Marine Ecology, Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Leobener Straße UFT, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Matthias Birkicht
- Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Fahrenheitstraße 6, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Chris T Perry
- Geography, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4RJ, UK
| | - Alex Berry
- Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Rod W Wilson
- Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - David Mouillot
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.,MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, 34095, Montpellier, France
| | - Sonia Bejarano
- Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Fahrenheitstraße 6, 28359, Bremen, Germany
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6
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Collins WP, Bellwood DR, Morais RA. The role of nocturnal fishes on coral reefs: A quantitative functional evaluation. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9249. [PMID: 36052298 PMCID: PMC9412246 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The ecological functions of nocturnal coral reef fishes are poorly known. Yet, nocturnal resources for coral reef consumers are theoretically as abundant and productive, if not more so, than their diurnal counterparts. In this study, we quantify and contrast the energetic dynamics of nocturnal and diurnal fishes in a model coral reef ecosystem, evaluating whether they attain similar levels of biomass production. We integrated a detailed dataset of coral reef fish counts, comprising diurnal and nocturnal species, in sites sheltered and exposed to wave action. We combined somatic growth and mortality models to estimate rates of consumer biomass production, a key ecosystem function. We found that diurnal fish assemblages have a higher biomass than nocturnal fishes: 104% more in sheltered sites and 271% more in exposed sites. Differences in productivity were even more pronounced, with diurnal fishes contributing 163% more productivity in sheltered locations, and 558% more in exposed locations. Apogonidae dominated biomass production within the nocturnal fish assemblage, comprising 54% of total nocturnal fish productivity, which is proportionally more than any diurnal fish family. The substantially lower contributions of nocturnal fishes to biomass and biomass production likely indicate constraints on resource accessibility. Taxa that overcome these constraints may thrive, as evidenced by apogonids. This study highlights the importance of nocturnal fishes in underpinning the flow of energy and nutrients from nocturnal resources to reef communities; a process driven mainly by small, cryptic fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- William P. Collins
- 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 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 Australia
| | - Renato A. Morais
- 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 Australia
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7
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Baynes J, Neale A, Hultgren T. Improving intelligent dasymetric mapping population density estimates at 30 m resolution for the conterminous United States by excluding uninhabited areas. EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE DATA 2022; 14:2833-2849. [PMID: 36213148 PMCID: PMC9534036 DOI: 10.5194/essd-14-2833-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Population change impacts almost every aspect of global change from land use, to greenhouse gas emissions, to biodiversity conservation, to the spread of disease. Data on spatial patterns of population density help us understand patterns and drivers of human settlement and can help us quantify the exposure we face to natural disasters, pollution, and infectious disease. Human populations are typically recorded by national or regional units that can vary in shape and size. Using these irregularly sized units and ancillary data related to population dynamics, we can produce high-resolution gridded estimates of population density through intelligent dasymetric mapping (IDM). The gridded population density provides a more detailed estimate of how the population is distributed within larger units. Furthermore, we can refine our estimates of population density by specifying uninhabited areas which have impacts on the analysis of population density such as our estimates of human exposure. In this study, we used various geospatial datasets to expand the existing specification of uninhabited areas within the United States (US) Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) EnviroAtlas Dasymetric Population Map for the conterminous United States (CONUS). When compared to the existing definition of uninhabited areas for the EnviroAtlas dasymetric population map, we found that IDM's population estimates for the US Census Bureau blocks improved across all states in the CONUS. We found that IDM performed better in states with larger urban areas than in states that are sparsely populated. We also updated the existing EnviroAtlas Intelligent Dasymetric Mapping toolbox and expanded its capabilities to accept uninhabited areas. The updated 30 m population density for the CONUS is available via the EPA's Environmental Dataset Gateway (Baynes et al., 2021, https://doi.org/10.23719/1522948) and the EPA's EnviroAtlas https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas, last access: 15 June 2022; Pickard et al., 2015).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Baynes
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Anne Neale
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Torrin Hultgren
- EPA National Geospatial Support Team, ITS-EPA III Infrastructure Support and Application Hosting Contract, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
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8
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Biological trade-offs underpin coral reef ecosystem functioning. Nat Ecol Evol 2022; 6:701-708. [PMID: 35379939 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-022-01710-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Human impact increasingly alters global ecosystems, often reducing biodiversity and disrupting the provision of essential ecosystem services to humanity. Therefore, preserving ecosystem functioning is a critical challenge of the twenty-first century. Coral reefs are declining worldwide due to the pervasive effects of climate change and intensive fishing, and although research on coral reef ecosystem functioning has gained momentum, most studies rely on simplified proxies, such as fish biomass. This lack of quantitative assessments of multiple process-based ecosystem functions hinders local and regional conservation efforts. Here we combine global coral reef fish community surveys and bioenergetic models to quantify five key ecosystem functions mediated by coral reef fishes. We show that functions exhibit critical trade-offs driven by varying community structures, such that no community can maximize all functions. Furthermore, functions are locally dominated by few species, but the identity of dominant species substantially varies at the global scale. In fact, half of the 1,110 species in our dataset are functionally dominant in at least one location. Our results reinforce the need for a nuanced, locally tailored approach to coral reef conservation that considers multiple ecological functions beyond the effect of standing stock biomass.
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9
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Anderson L, Houk P, Miller MGR, Cuetos-Bueno J, Graham C, Kanemoto K, Terk E, McLeod E, Beger M. Trait groups as management entities in a complex, multispecies reef fishery. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2022; 36:e13866. [PMID: 34811801 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13866] [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: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Localized stressors compound the ongoing climate-driven decline of coral reefs, requiring natural resource managers to work with rapidly shifting paradigms. Trait-based adaptive management (TBAM) is a new framework to help address changing conditions by choosing and implementing management actions specific to species groups that share key traits, vulnerabilities, and management responses. In TBAM maintenance of functioning ecosystems is balanced with provisioning for human subsistence and livelihoods. We first identified trait-based groups of food fish in a Pacific coral reef with hierarchical clustering. Positing that trait-based groups performing comparable functions respond similarly to both stressors and management actions, we ascertained biophysical and socioeconomic drivers of trait-group biomass and evaluated their vulnerabilities with generalized additive models. Clustering identified 7 trait groups from 131 species. Groups responded to different drivers and displayed divergent vulnerabilities; human activities emerged as important predictors of community structuring. Biomass of small, solitary reef-associated species increased with distance from key fishing ports, and large, solitary piscivores exhibited a decline in biomass with distance from a port. Group biomass also varied in response to different habitat types, the presence or absence of reported dynamite fishing activity, and exposure to wave energy. The differential vulnerabilities of trait groups revealed how the community structure of food fishes is driven by different aspects of resource use and habitat. This inherent variability in the responses of trait-based groups presents opportunities to apply selective TBAM strategies for complex, multispecies fisheries. This approach can be widely adjusted to suit local contexts and priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Anderson
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Peter Houk
- Marine Laboratory, University of Guam, Mangilao, Guam
| | - Mark G R Miller
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Javier Cuetos-Bueno
- Marine Laboratory, University of Guam, Mangilao, Guam
- The Nature Conservancy, Mangilao, Guam
| | - Curtis Graham
- Department of Marine Resources, Weno, Federated States of Micronesia
| | - Kriskitina Kanemoto
- FSM Ridge to Reef Program, Department of Marine Resources, Weno, Federated States of Micronesia
| | - Elizabeth Terk
- The Nature Conservancy, Kolonia, Federated States of Micronesia
| | | | - Maria Beger
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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10
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Carlot J, Rouzé H, Barneche DR, Mercière A, Espiau B, Cardini U, Brandl SJ, Casey JM, Pérez‐Rosales G, Adjeroud M, Hédouin L, Parravicini V. Scaling up calcification, respiration, and photosynthesis rates of six prominent coral taxa. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8613. [PMID: 35342609 PMCID: PMC8933251 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Carlot
- PSL Université Paris USR 3278 CRIOBE ‐ EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS Perpignan France
- Laboratoire d’Excellence “CORAIL” Paris France
- CESAB ‐ FRB Montpellier France
| | - Héloïse Rouzé
- PSL Université Paris USR 3278 CRIOBE ‐ EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS Perpignan France
- Laboratoire d’Excellence “CORAIL” Paris France
| | - Diego R. Barneche
- Australian Institute of Marine Science Crawley Western Australia Australia
- Oceans Institute The University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia Australia
| | - Alexandre Mercière
- Laboratoire d’Excellence “CORAIL” Paris France
- PSL Université ‐ EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE Papetoai French Polynesia
| | - Benoit Espiau
- Laboratoire d’Excellence “CORAIL” Paris France
- PSL Université ‐ EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE Papetoai French Polynesia
| | - Ulisse Cardini
- Integrative Marine Ecology Department Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn National Institute of Marine Biology, Ecology and Biotechnology Napoli Italy
- Marine Research Institute University of Klaipeda Klaipeda Lithuania
| | - Simon J. Brandl
- PSL Université Paris USR 3278 CRIOBE ‐ EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS Perpignan France
- Laboratoire d’Excellence “CORAIL” Paris France
- CESAB ‐ FRB Montpellier France
- Department of Marine Science The University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute Port Aransas Texas USA
| | - Jordan M. Casey
- PSL Université Paris USR 3278 CRIOBE ‐ EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS Perpignan France
- Laboratoire d’Excellence “CORAIL” Paris France
- Department of Marine Science The University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute Port Aransas Texas USA
| | - Gonzalo Pérez‐Rosales
- PSL Université Paris USR 3278 CRIOBE ‐ EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS Perpignan France
- Laboratoire d’Excellence “CORAIL” Paris France
- PSL Université ‐ EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE Papetoai French Polynesia
| | - Mehdi Adjeroud
- Laboratoire d’Excellence “CORAIL” Paris France
- CESAB ‐ FRB Montpellier France
- ENTROPIE, IRD Université de la Réunion, Université de la Nouvelle‐Calédonie CNRS, Ifremer Perpignan France
| | - Laetitia Hédouin
- Laboratoire d’Excellence “CORAIL” Paris France
- PSL Université ‐ EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE Papetoai French Polynesia
| | - Valeriano Parravicini
- PSL Université Paris USR 3278 CRIOBE ‐ EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS Perpignan France
- Laboratoire d’Excellence “CORAIL” Paris France
- CESAB ‐ FRB Montpellier France
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11
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A Risk Screening of Potential Invasiveness of Alien and Neonative Marine Fishes in the Mediterranean Sea: Implications for Sustainable Management. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su132413765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Biological invasions have posed a major threat to global and regional biodiversity. The Mediterranean Sea, one of the major biodiversity hotspots in the world, has long suffered multiple and frequent invasion events. This paper represents the screening results of the potential invasiveness of 23 introduced marine fish species, which are classified as neonative and alien. To predict the invasiveness potential of species under current and predicted climate conditions, the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS-ISK) is applied. Thresholds have been constituted to classify low, medium and high-risk species by receiver operative characteristic curve analysis (ROC). The calibrated basic and climate-change threshold assessment scores used to classify species from low, to medium to high risk were computed between 27.5 and 33.0 respectively. Based on these thresholds, under current climatic conditions, 15 species were high risk, while the remaining species were medium risk, and the Chaetodipterus faber and the Holocentrus adscensionis switched from the medium-risk to the high-risk group under future climatic conditions. The highest score belonged to Fistularia petimba, followed by Siganus fuscescens, Abudefduf spp., Acanthurus monroviae and Lutjanus argentimaculatus. This study focused on the species that have not been assessed for their invasiveness potential, and the results can provide important insights into their sustainable management in the future.
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12
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Morais RA, Siqueira AC, Smallhorn-West PF, Bellwood DR. Spatial subsidies drive sweet spots of tropical marine biomass production. PLoS Biol 2021; 19:e3001435. [PMID: 34727097 PMCID: PMC8562822 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatial subsidies increase local productivity and boost consumer abundance beyond the limits imposed by local resources. In marine ecosystems, deeper water and open ocean subsidies promote animal aggregations and enhance biomass that is critical for human harvesting. However, the scale of this phenomenon in tropical marine systems remains unknown. Here, we integrate a detailed assessment of biomass production in 3 key locations, spanning a major biodiversity and abundance gradient, with an ocean-scale dataset of fish counts to predict the extent and magnitude of plankton subsidies to fishes on coral reefs. We show that planktivorous fish-mediated spatial subsidies are widespread across the Indian and Pacific oceans and drive local spikes in biomass production that can lead to extreme productivity, up to 30 kg ha-1 day-1. Plankton subsidies form the basis of productivity "sweet spots" where planktivores provide more than 50% of the total fish production, more than all other trophic groups combined. These sweet spots operate at regional, site, and smaller local scales. By harvesting oceanic productivity, planktivores bypass spatial constraints imposed by local primary productivity, creating "oases" of tropical fish biomass that are accessible to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato A. Morais
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Alexandre C. Siqueira
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Patrick F. Smallhorn-West
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- WorldFish, Bayan Lepas, Malaysia
| | - David R. Bellwood
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
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13
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Chee SY, Firth LB, Then AYH, Yee JC, Mujahid A, Affendi YA, Amir AA, Lau CM, Ooi JLS, Quek YA, Tan CE, Yap TK, Yeap CA, McQuatters-Gollop A. Enhancing Uptake of Nature-Based Solutions for Informing Coastal Sustainable Development Policy and Planning: A Malaysia Case Study. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.708507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) have been advocated to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits. The uptake of NbS differs regionally with some countries exhibiting greater uptake than others. The success of NbS also differs regionally with varying environmental conditions and social-ecological processes. In many regions, the body of knowledge, particularly around the efficacy of such efforts, remains fragmented. Having an “inventory” or “tool box” of regionally-trialed methods, outcomes and lessons learnt can improve the evidence base, inform adaptive management, and ultimately support the uptake of NbS. Using Malaysia as a case study, we provide a comprehensive overview of trialed and tested NbS efforts that used nature to address societal challenges in marine and coastal environments (here referring to mangroves, seagrass, coral reefs), and detailed these efforts according to their objectives, as well as their anticipated and actual outcomes. The NbS efforts were categorized according to the IUCN NbS approach typology and mapped to provide a spatial overview of IUCN NbS effort types. A total of 229 NbS efforts were collated, representing various levels of implementation success. From the assessment of these efforts, several key actions were identified as a way forward to enhance the uptake of Nature-based Solutions for informing coastal sustainable development policy and planning. These include increasing education, training, and knowledge sharing; rationalizing cooperation across jurisdictions, laws, and regulations; enhancing environmental monitoring; leveraging on existing policies; enabling collaboration and communication; and implementing sustainable finance instruments. These findings can be used to inform the improved application and uptake of NbS, globally.
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14
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Tebbett SB, Morais RA, Goatley CHR, Bellwood DR. Collapsing ecosystem functions on an inshore coral reef. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 289:112471. [PMID: 33812145 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Ecosystem functions underpin productivity and key services to humans, such as food provision. However, as the severity of environmental stressors intensifies, it is becoming increasingly unclear if, and to what extent, critical functions and services can be sustained. This issue is epitomised on coral reefs, an ecosystem at the forefront of environmental transitions. We provide a functional profile of a coral reef ecosystem, linking time-series data to quantified processes. The data reveal a prolonged collapse of ecosystem functions in this previously resilient system. The results suggest that sediment accumulation in algal turfs has led to a decline in resource yields to herbivorous fishes and a decrease in fish-based ecosystem functions, including a collapse of both fish biomass and productivity. Unfortunately, at present, algal turf sediment accumulation is rarely monitored nor managed in coral reef systems. Our examination of functions through time highlights the value of directly assessing functions, their potential vulnerability, and the capacity of algal turf sediments to overwhelm productive high-diversity coral reef ecosystems.
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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.
| | - Renato A Morais
- 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
| | - Christopher H R Goatley
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Lab and Palaeoscience Research Centre, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, 2351, Australia; Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, 1 William Street, Sydney, New South Wales, 2010, 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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15
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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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16
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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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17
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Heather FJ, Blanchard JL, Edgar GJ, Trebilco R, Stuart‐Smith RD. Globally consistent reef size spectra integrating fishes and invertebrates. Ecol Lett 2020; 24:572-579. [DOI: 10.1111/ele.13661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Freddie J. Heather
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies University of Tasmania 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point Hobart TAS7004Australia
| | - Julia L. Blanchard
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies University of Tasmania 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point Hobart TAS7004Australia
| | - Graham J. Edgar
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies University of Tasmania 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point Hobart TAS7004Australia
| | - Rowan Trebilco
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies University of Tasmania 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point Hobart TAS7004Australia
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere Battery Point Hobart TAS7004Australia
| | - Rick D. Stuart‐Smith
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies University of Tasmania 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point Hobart TAS7004Australia
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18
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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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