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Abangan AS, Bürgi K, Méhault S, Deroiné M, Kopp D, Faillettaz R. Assessment of sustainable baits for passive fishing gears through automatic fish behavior recognition. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13110. [PMID: 38849459 PMCID: PMC11161462 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63929-5] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Low-impact fishing gear, such as fish pots, could help reduce human's impact on coastal marine ecosystems in fisheries but catch rates remain low and the harvest of resources used for baiting increases their environmental cost. Using black seabreams (Spondyliosoma cantharus) as target species in the Bay of Biscay, we developed and assessed the efficiency of biodegradable biopolymer-based baits (hereafter bio-baits) made of cockles (Cerastoderma edule) and different biopolymer concentrations. Through a suite of deep and machine learning models, we automatized both the tracking and behavior classification of seabreams based on quantitative metrics describing fish motion. The models were used to predict the interest behavior of seabream towards the bait over 127 h of video. All behavior predictions categorized as interested to the bait were validated, highlighting that bio-baits have a much weaker attractive power than natural bait yet with higher activity after 4 h once natural baits have been consumed. We also show that even with imperfect tracking models, fine behavioral information can be robustly extracted from video footage through classical machine learning methods, dramatically lifting the constraints related to monitoring fish behavior. This work therefore offers new perspectives both for the improvement of bio-baits and automatic fish behavior recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kilian Bürgi
- DECOD, L'Institut Agro, IFREMER, INRAE, 56100, Lorient, France
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, ECOSEAS, Nice, France
| | - Sonia Méhault
- DECOD, L'Institut Agro, IFREMER, INRAE, 56100, Lorient, France
| | - Morgan Deroiné
- Institut Régional des Matériaux Avancés (IRMA), Ploemeur, France
| | - Dorothée Kopp
- DECOD, L'Institut Agro, IFREMER, INRAE, 56100, Lorient, France
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2
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Baletaud F, Lecellier G, Gilbert A, Mathon L, Côme JM, Dejean T, Dumas M, Fiat S, Vigliola L. Comparing Seamounts and Coral Reefs with eDNA and BRUVS Reveals Oases and Refuges on Shallow Seamounts. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1446. [PMID: 37998045 PMCID: PMC10669620 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Seamounts are the least known ocean biome. Considered biodiversity hotspots, biomass oases, and refuges for megafauna, large gaps exist in their real diversity relative to other ecosystems like coral reefs. Using environmental DNA metabarcoding (eDNA) and baited video (BRUVS), we compared fish assemblages across five environments of different depths: coral reefs (15 m), shallow seamounts (50 m), continental slopes (150 m), intermediate seamounts (250 m), and deep seamounts (500 m). We modeled assemblages using 12 environmental variables and found depth to be the main driver of fish diversity and biomass, although other variables like human accessibility were important. Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) revealed a strong negative effect of depth on species richness, segregating coral reefs from deep-sea environments. Surprisingly, BRT showed a hump-shaped effect of depth on fish biomass, with significantly lower biomass on coral reefs than in shallowest deep-sea environments. Biomass of large predators like sharks was three times higher on shallow seamounts (50 m) than on coral reefs. The five studied environments showed quite distinct assemblages. However, species shared between coral reefs and deeper-sea environments were dominated by highly mobile large predators. Our results suggest that seamounts are no diversity hotspots for fish. However, we show that shallower seamounts form biomass oases and refuges for threatened megafauna, suggesting that priority should be given to their protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Baletaud
- ENTROPIE, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UR, UNC, IFREMER, CNRS, Centre IRD de Nouméa, 98848 Noumea, New Caledonia, France; (F.B.); (G.L.); (L.M.); (M.D.); (S.F.)
- GINGER SOPRONER, 98000 Noumea, New Caledonia, France;
- GINGER BURGEAP, 69000 Lyon, France;
- MARBEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Gaël Lecellier
- ENTROPIE, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UR, UNC, IFREMER, CNRS, Centre IRD de Nouméa, 98848 Noumea, New Caledonia, France; (F.B.); (G.L.); (L.M.); (M.D.); (S.F.)
- ISEA, University of New Caledonia, 98800 Noumea, New Caledonia, France
| | | | - Laëtitia Mathon
- ENTROPIE, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UR, UNC, IFREMER, CNRS, Centre IRD de Nouméa, 98848 Noumea, New Caledonia, France; (F.B.); (G.L.); (L.M.); (M.D.); (S.F.)
- CEFE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE-PSL, IRD, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Mahé Dumas
- ENTROPIE, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UR, UNC, IFREMER, CNRS, Centre IRD de Nouméa, 98848 Noumea, New Caledonia, France; (F.B.); (G.L.); (L.M.); (M.D.); (S.F.)
| | - Sylvie Fiat
- ENTROPIE, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UR, UNC, IFREMER, CNRS, Centre IRD de Nouméa, 98848 Noumea, New Caledonia, France; (F.B.); (G.L.); (L.M.); (M.D.); (S.F.)
| | - Laurent Vigliola
- ENTROPIE, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UR, UNC, IFREMER, CNRS, Centre IRD de Nouméa, 98848 Noumea, New Caledonia, France; (F.B.); (G.L.); (L.M.); (M.D.); (S.F.)
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3
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Gold Z, Koch MQ, Schooler NK, Emery KA, Dugan JE, Miller RJ, Page HM, Schroeder DM, Hubbard DM, Madden JR, Whitaker SG, Barber PH. A comparison of biomonitoring methodologies for surf zone fish communities. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0260903. [PMID: 37314989 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Surf zones are highly dynamic marine ecosystems that are subject to increasing anthropogenic and climatic pressures, posing multiple challenges for biomonitoring. Traditional methods such as seines and hook and line surveys are often labor intensive, taxonomically biased, and can be physically hazardous. Emerging techniques, such as baited remote underwater video (BRUV) and environmental DNA (eDNA) are promising nondestructive tools for assessing marine biodiversity in surf zones of sandy beaches. Here we compare the relative performance of beach seines, BRUV, and eDNA in characterizing community composition of bony (teleost) and cartilaginous (elasmobranch) fishes of surf zones at 18 open coast sandy beaches in southern California. Seine and BRUV surveys captured overlapping, but distinct fish communities with 50% (18/36) of detected species shared. BRUV surveys more frequently detected larger species (e.g. sharks and rays) while seines more frequently detected one of the most abundant species, barred surfperch (Amphistichus argenteus). In contrast, eDNA metabarcoding captured 88.9% (32/36) of all fishes observed in seine and BRUV surveys plus 57 additional species, including 15 that frequent surf zone habitats. On average, eDNA detected over 5 times more species than BRUVs and 8 times more species than seine surveys at a given site. eDNA approaches also showed significantly higher sensitivity than seine and BRUV methods and more consistently detected 31 of the 32 (96.9%) jointly observed species across beaches. The four species detected by BRUV/seines, but not eDNA were only resolved at higher taxonomic ranks (e.g. Embiotocidae surfperches and Sygnathidae pipefishes). In frequent co-detection of species between methods limited comparisons of richness and abundance estimates, highlighting the challenge of comparing biomonitoring approaches. Despite potential for improvement, results overall demonstrate that eDNA can provide a cost-effective tool for long-term surf zone monitoring that complements data from seine and BRUV surveys, allowing more comprehensive surveys of vertebrate diversity in surf zone habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Gold
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - McKenzie Q Koch
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Nicholas K Schooler
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America
| | - Kyle A Emery
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America
| | - Jenifer E Dugan
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America
| | - Robert J Miller
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America
| | - Henry M Page
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America
| | - Donna M Schroeder
- Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Camarillo, CA, United States of America
| | - David M Hubbard
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America
| | - Jessica R Madden
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America
| | - Stephen G Whitaker
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America
- Channel Islands National Park, Ventura, CA, United States of America
| | - Paul H Barber
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
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4
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López-González LA, Cruz-Motta JJ, Rosario A, Hanke M, Appeldoorn R. Comparison of Underwater Visual Census (UVC), Underwater Remote Video (RUV), and Handline Used by Fisheries-Independent Programs to Assess Reef Fish. CARIBB J SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.18475/cjos.v52i2.a13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leysa A. López-González
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
| | - Juan J. Cruz-Motta
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
| | - Aida Rosario
- Division of Management and Investigation of Commercial Fisheries, Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Marcos Hanke
- Caribbean Fishery Management Council, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Richard Appeldoorn
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
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Rogers AD, Appeltans W, Assis J, Ballance LT, Cury P, Duarte C, Favoretto F, Hynes LA, Kumagai JA, Lovelock CE, Miloslavich P, Niamir A, Obura D, O'Leary BC, Ramirez-Llodra E, Reygondeau G, Roberts C, Sadovy Y, Steeds O, Sutton T, Tittensor DP, Velarde E, Woodall L, Aburto-Oropeza O. Discovering marine biodiversity in the 21st century. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2022; 93:23-115. [PMID: 36435592 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We review the current knowledge of the biodiversity of the ocean as well as the levels of decline and threat for species and habitats. The lack of understanding of the distribution of life in the ocean is identified as a significant barrier to restoring its biodiversity and health. We explore why the science of taxonomy has failed to deliver knowledge of what species are present in the ocean, how they are distributed and how they are responding to global and regional to local anthropogenic pressures. This failure prevents nations from meeting their international commitments to conserve marine biodiversity with the results that investment in taxonomy has declined in many countries. We explore a range of new technologies and approaches for discovery of marine species and their detection and monitoring. These include: imaging methods, molecular approaches, active and passive acoustics, the use of interconnected databases and citizen science. Whilst no one method is suitable for discovering or detecting all groups of organisms many are complementary and have been combined to give a more complete picture of biodiversity in marine ecosystems. We conclude that integrated approaches represent the best way forwards for accelerating species discovery, description and biodiversity assessment. Examples of integrated taxonomic approaches are identified from terrestrial ecosystems. Such integrated taxonomic approaches require the adoption of cybertaxonomy approaches and will be boosted by new autonomous sampling platforms and development of machine-speed exchange of digital information between databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex D Rogers
- REV Ocean, Lysaker, Norway; Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Ward Appeltans
- Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, Oostende, Belgium
| | - Jorge Assis
- Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Lisa T Ballance
- Marine Mammal Institute, Oregon State University, Newport, OR, United States
| | | | - Carlos Duarte
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center (RSRC) and Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Fabio Favoretto
- Autonomous University of Baja California Sur, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
| | - Lisa A Hynes
- Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Joy A Kumagai
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Institute, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Catherine E Lovelock
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Patricia Miloslavich
- Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR), College of Earth, Ocean and Environment, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States; Departamento de Estudios Ambientales, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Venezuela & Scientific Committee for Oceanic Research (SCOR), Newark, DE, United States
| | - Aidin Niamir
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Institute, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Bethan C O'Leary
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, United Kingdom; Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Eva Ramirez-Llodra
- REV Ocean, Lysaker, Norway; Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriel Reygondeau
- Yale Center for Biodiversity Movement and Global Change, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States; Nippon Foundation-Nereus Program, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Callum Roberts
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, United Kingdom
| | - Yvonne Sadovy
- School of Biological Sciences, Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Oliver Steeds
- Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tracey Sutton
- Nova Southeastern University, Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Dania Beach, FL, United States
| | | | - Enriqueta Velarde
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Pesquerías, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Lucy Woodall
- Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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6
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Sigler K, Warren D, Tracy B, Forrestel E, Hogue G, Dornburg A. Assessing temporal biases across aggregated historical spatial data: a case study of North Carolina’s freshwater fishes. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kyra Sigler
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Raleigh North Carolina 27601 USA
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering North Carolina State University Raleigh North Carolina 27695 USA
| | - Dan Warren
- Biodiversity and Biocomplexity Unit Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Okinawa Japan
| | - Bryn Tracy
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Raleigh North Carolina 27601 USA
| | - Elisabeth Forrestel
- Department of Viticulture and Enology University of California Davis California 95616 USA
| | - Gabriela Hogue
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Raleigh North Carolina 27601 USA
| | - Alex Dornburg
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics University of North Carolina Charlotte Charlotte North Carolina 28223 USA
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7
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Cheal AJ, Emslie MJ, Currey-Randall LM, Heupel MR. Comparability and complementarity of reef fish measures from underwater visual census (UVC) and baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS). JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 289:112375. [PMID: 33813301 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The much-publicized threats to coral reef systems necessitate a considered management response based on comprehensive ecological data. However, data from large reef systems commonly originate from multiple monitoring programs that use different methods, each with distinct biases that limit united assessments of ecological status. The effective integration of data from different monitoring methods would allow better assessment of system status and hence, more informed management. Here we examine the scope for comparability and complementarity of fish data from two different methods used on Australia's Great Barrier Reef (GBR): underwater visual census (UVC) and baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS). We compared commonly reported reef fish measures from UVC and BRUVS on similar reef slope habitats of three central GBR reefs. Both methods recorded similar estimates of total species richness, although ~30% of recorded species were not common to both methods. There were marked differences between methods in sub-group species richness, frequency of species occurrences, relative abundances of taxa and assemblage structure. The magnitude and orientation of inter-method differences were often inconsistent among taxa. However, each method better categorized certain components of fish communities: BRUVS sampled more predatory species in higher numbers while UVC was similarly better at sampling damselfishes (Pomacentridae). Our results suggest limited scope for direct or adjusted comparisons of data from UVC and BRUVS. Conversely, complementary aspects of the two methods confirm that their integration in monitoring programs will provide a more complete and extensive assessment of reef fish status for managers than from either method alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair J Cheal
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia.
| | - Michael J Emslie
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia
| | | | - Michelle R Heupel
- Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS), Hobart, Tasmania, 7004, Australia
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8
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Non-native regal demoiselle, Neopomacentrus cyanomos, presence, abundance, and habitat factors in the North-Central Gulf of Mexico. Biol Invasions 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-020-02424-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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9
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Kilfoil JP, Campbell MD, Heithaus MR, Zhang Y. The influence of shark behavior and environmental conditions on baited remote underwater video survey results. Ecol Modell 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2021.109507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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10
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Schramm KD, Marnane MJ, Elsdon TS, Jones C, Saunders BJ, Goetze JS, Driessen D, Fullwood LAF, Harvey ES. A comparison of stereo-BRUVs and stereo-ROV techniques for sampling shallow water fish communities on and off pipelines. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 162:105198. [PMID: 33130445 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105198] [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: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We compared and contrasted fish assemblage data sampled by baited remote underwater stereo-video systems (stereo-BRUVs) and stereo-video remotely operated vehicles (stereo-ROVs) from subsea pipelines, reef and soft sediment habitats. Stereo-BRUVs sampled greater fish diversity across all three habitats, with the stereo-ROV sampling ~46% of the same species on pipeline and reef habitats. Larger differences existed in soft sediment habitats, with stereo-BRUVs recording ~65% more species than the stereo-ROV, the majority of which were generalist carnivores. These differences were likely due to the bait used with stereo-BRUVs attracting fish from a large and unknown area. Fish may have also avoided the moving stereo-ROV, an effect possibly magnified in open soft sediment habitats. As a result of these biases, we recommend stereo-ROVs for assessing fish communities on pipelines due to their ability to capture fish in-situ and within a defined sampling area, but caution is needed over soft sediment habitats for ecological comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl D Schramm
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, 6102, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Michael J Marnane
- Chevron Technical Center, 250 St Georges Tce, Perth, 6000, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Travis S Elsdon
- Chevron Technical Center, 250 St Georges Tce, Perth, 6000, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Christopher Jones
- Chevron Australia Pty Ltd, 250 St Georges Tce, Perth, 6000, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Saunders
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, 6102, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jordan S Goetze
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, 6102, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Marine Science Program, 17 Dick Perry Ave., Kensington 6151, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Damon Driessen
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, 6102, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Laura A F Fullwood
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, 6102, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Euan S Harvey
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, 6102, Western Australia, Australia.
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Abstract
Mesophotic ecosystems (MEs) are characterized by the presence of light-dependent organisms, found at depths ranging from ~30 to 150 m in temperate, subtropical and tropical regions. These communities occasionally create massive reef structures with diverse but characteristic morphologies, which serve as the framework builders of those ecosystems. In many localities, MEs are physically linked with shallow and deep-sea habitats, and while taxa from both environments share this space, a unique and endemic biodiversity is also found. The main MEs studied to date are the mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) and the temperate mesophotic ecosystems (TMEs), which have received increased attention during the last decade. As shallow coral reef ecosystems are among the most threatened habitats on Earth, the potential of MEs to act as refugia and contribute to the resilience of the whole ecosystem has been a subject of scrutiny. New technologies and methods have become more available to study these deeper parts of the reef ecosystems, yielding many new discoveries. However, basic gaps in knowledge remain in our scientific understanding of the global diversity of MEs, limiting our ability to recognize biogeographic patterns and to make educated decisions for the management and conservation of these ecosystems.
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12
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Deep-Reef Fish Communities of the Great Barrier Reef Shelf-Break: Trophic Structure and Habitat Associations. DIVERSITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/d11020026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The ecology of habitats along the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) shelf-break has rarely been investigated. Thus, there is little understanding of how associated fishes interact with deeper environments. We examined relationships between deep-reef fish communities and benthic habitat structure. We sampled 48 sites over a large depth gradient (54–260 m) in the central GBR using Baited Remote Underwater Video Stations and multibeam sonar. Fish community composition differed both among multiple shelf-break reefs and habitats within reefs. Epibenthic cover decreased with depth. Deep epibenthic cover included sponges, corals, and macro-algae, with macro-algae present to 194 m. Structural complexity decreased with depth, with more calcified reef, boulders, and bedrock in shallower depths. Deeper sites were flatter and more homogeneous with softer substratum. Habitats were variable within depth strata and were reflected in different fish assemblages among sites and among locations. Overall, fish trophic groups changed with depth and included generalist and benthic carnivores, piscivores, and planktivores while herbivores were rare below 50 m. While depth influenced where trophic groups occurred, site orientation and habitat morphology determined the composition of trophic groups within depths. Future conservation strategies will need to consider the vulnerability of taxa with narrow distributions and habitat requirements in unique shelf-break environments.
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14
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Lesser MP, Slattery M, Mobley CD. Biodiversity and Functional Ecology of Mesophotic Coral Reefs. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ECOLOGY EVOLUTION AND SYSTEMATICS 2018. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-110617-062423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Mesophotic coral reefs, currently defined as deep reefs between 30 and 150 m, are linked physically and biologically to their shallow water counterparts, have the potential to be refuges for shallow coral reef taxa such as coral and sponges, and might be a source of larvae that could contribute to the resiliency of shallow water reefs. Mesophotic coral reefs are found worldwide, but most are undescribed and understudied. Here, we review our current knowledge of mesophotic coral reefs and their functional ecology as it relates to their geomorphology, changes in the abiotic environment along depth gradients, trophic ecology, their reproduction, and their connectivity to shallow depths. Understanding the ecology of mesophotic coral reefs, and the connectivity between them and their shallow water counterparts, is now a primary focus for many reef studies as the worldwide degradation of shallow coral reefs, and the ecosystem services they provide, continues unabated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P. Lesser
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, and School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, USA
| | - Marc Slattery
- Department of BioMolecular Science, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi 38677, USA
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15
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Gress E, Arroyo-Gerez MJ, Wright G, Andradi-Brown DA. Assessing mesophotic coral ecosystems inside and outside a Caribbean marine protected area. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:180835. [PMID: 30473832 PMCID: PMC6227970 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.180835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Widespread shallow coral reef loss has led to calls for more holistic approaches to coral reef management, requiring inclusion of ecosystems interacting with shallow coral reefs in management plans. Yet, almost all current reef management is biased towards shallow reefs, and overlooks that coral reefs extend beyond shallow waters to mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs; 30-150 m). We present the first detailed quantitative characterization of MCEs off Cozumel, Mexico, on the northern Mesoamerican Reef in the Mexican Caribbean, and provide insights into their general state. We documented MCE biodiversity, and assessed whether MCEs adjacent to a major town and port, where coastal development has caused shallow reef damage, have similar benthic and fish communities to MCEs within a National Park. Our results show that overall MCE communities are similar regardless of protection, though some taxa-specific differences exist in benthic communities between sites within the MPA and areas outside. Regardless of protection and location, and in contrast to shallow reefs, all observed Cozumel MCEs were continuous reefs with the main structural habitat complexity provided by calcareous macroalgae, sponges, gorgonians and black corals. Hard corals were present on MCEs, although at low abundance. We found that 42.5% of fish species recorded on Cozumel could be found on both shallow reefs and MCEs, including 39.6% of commercially valuable fish species. These results suggest that MCEs could play an important role in supporting fish populations. However, regardless of protection and depth, we found few large-body fishes (greater than 500 mm), which were nearly absent at all studied sites. Cozumel MCEs contain diverse benthic and fish assemblages, including commercially valuable fisheries species and ecosystem engineers, such as black corals. Because of their inherent biodiversity and identified threats, MCEs should be incorporated into shallow-reef-focused Cozumel National Park management plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Gress
- Conservation Leadership Programme, David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK
- Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Begbroke Hill, Woodstock Road, Begbroke, Oxfordshire OX5 1PF, UK
| | - Maria J. Arroyo-Gerez
- Conservation Leadership Programme, David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK
| | - Georgina Wright
- Operation Wallacea, Wallace House, Old Bolingbroke, Spilsby, Lincolnshire PE23 4EX, United Kingdom
| | - Dominic A. Andradi-Brown
- Conservation Leadership Programme, David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK
- Ocean Conservation, World Wildlife Fund - US, 1250 24th St NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
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Andradi-Brown DA, Grey R, Hendrix A, Hitchner D, Hunt CL, Gress E, Madej K, Parry RL, Régnier-McKellar C, Jones OP, Arteaga M, Izaguirre AP, Rogers AD, Exton DA. Depth-dependent effects of culling-do mesophotic lionfish populations undermine current management? ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2017; 4:170027. [PMID: 28573007 PMCID: PMC5451808 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.170027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans and P. miles) have spread widely across the western Atlantic and are recognized as a major threat to native marine biodiversity. Although lionfish inhabit both shallow reefs and mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs; reefs from 30 to 150 m depth), the primary management response implemented by many countries has been diver-led culling limited to reefs less than 30 m. However, many reef fish undergo ontogenetic migrations, with the largest and therefore most fecund individuals found at greatest depths. Here, we study lionfish density, body size, maturity and dietary patterns across the depth gradient from the surface down to 85 m on heavily culled reefs around Utila, Honduras. We found lionfish at increased densities, body size and weight on MCEs compared with shallow reefs, with MCEs also containing the greatest proportion of actively spawning females, while shallow reefs contained the greatest proportion of immature lionfish. We then compared lionfish behaviour in response to divers on shallow culled and mesophotic unculled Utilan reefs, and on shallow unculled reefs in Tela Bay, on the Honduran mainland. We found that mesophotic lionfish exhibited high alert distances, consistent with individuals previously exposed to culling despite being below the depth limits of removal. In addition, when examining stomach content, we found that fish were the major component of lionfish diets across the depth gradient. Importantly, our results suggest that despite adjacent shallow culling, MCEs retain substantial lionfish populations that may be disproportionately contributing towards continued lionfish recruitment onto the shallow reefs of Utila, potentially undermining current culling-based management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic A. Andradi-Brown
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Tinbergen Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK
- Operation Wallacea, Wallace House, Old Bolingbroke, Spilsby, Lincolnshire PE23 4EX, UK
- Author for correspondence: Dominic A. Andradi-Brown e-mail:
| | - Rachel Grey
- Operation Wallacea, Wallace House, Old Bolingbroke, Spilsby, Lincolnshire PE23 4EX, UK
- College of Charleston, 205 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Alicia Hendrix
- Operation Wallacea, Wallace House, Old Bolingbroke, Spilsby, Lincolnshire PE23 4EX, UK
| | - Drew Hitchner
- Operation Wallacea, Wallace House, Old Bolingbroke, Spilsby, Lincolnshire PE23 4EX, UK
| | - Christina L. Hunt
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Tinbergen Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK
- Operation Wallacea, Wallace House, Old Bolingbroke, Spilsby, Lincolnshire PE23 4EX, UK
| | - Erika Gress
- Operation Wallacea, Wallace House, Old Bolingbroke, Spilsby, Lincolnshire PE23 4EX, UK
| | - Konrad Madej
- Whaleshark and Oceanic Research Center, Main Street, Utila, Bay Islands 34201, Honduras
| | - Rachel L. Parry
- Whaleshark and Oceanic Research Center, Main Street, Utila, Bay Islands 34201, Honduras
| | | | - Owen P. Jones
- Whaleshark and Oceanic Research Center, Main Street, Utila, Bay Islands 34201, Honduras
| | - María Arteaga
- Bay Islands Conservation Association—Utila Chapter, Airport Road, Utila, Bay Islands 34201, Honduras
| | - Andrea P. Izaguirre
- Bay Islands Conservation Association—Utila Chapter, Airport Road, Utila, Bay Islands 34201, Honduras
| | - Alex D. Rogers
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Tinbergen Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK
| | - Dan A. Exton
- Operation Wallacea, Wallace House, Old Bolingbroke, Spilsby, Lincolnshire PE23 4EX, UK
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