1
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Cannon SE, Donner SD, Liu A, González Espinosa PC, Baird AH, Baum JK, Bauman AG, Beger M, Benkwitt CE, Birt MJ, Chancerelle Y, Cinner JE, Crane NL, Denis V, Depczynski M, Fadli N, Fenner D, Fulton CJ, Golbuu Y, Graham NAJ, Guest J, Harrison HB, Hobbs JPA, Hoey AS, Holmes TH, Houk P, Januchowski-Hartley FA, Jompa J, Kuo CY, Limmon GV, Lin YV, McClanahan TR, Muenzel D, Paddack MJ, Planes S, Pratchett MS, Radford B, Reimer JD, Richards ZT, Ross CL, Rulmal J, Sommer B, Williams GJ, Wilson SK. Macroalgae exhibit diverse responses to human disturbances on coral reefs. Glob Chang Biol 2023; 29:3318-3330. [PMID: 37020174 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Scientists and managers rely on indicator taxa such as coral and macroalgal cover to evaluate the effects of human disturbance on coral reefs, often assuming a universally positive relationship between local human disturbance and macroalgae. Despite evidence that macroalgae respond to local stressors in diverse ways, there have been few efforts to evaluate relationships between specific macroalgae taxa and local human-driven disturbance. Using genus-level monitoring data from 1205 sites in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, we assess whether macroalgae percent cover correlates with local human disturbance while accounting for factors that could obscure or confound relationships. Assessing macroalgae at genus level revealed that no genera were positively correlated with all human disturbance metrics. Instead, we found relationships between the division or genera of algae and specific human disturbances that were not detectable when pooling taxa into a single functional category, which is common to many analyses. The convention to use percent cover of macroalgae as an indication of local human disturbance therefore likely obscures signatures of local anthropogenic threats to reefs. Our limited understanding of relationships between human disturbance, macroalgae taxa, and their responses to human disturbances impedes the ability to diagnose and respond appropriately to these threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E Cannon
- Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Simon D Donner
- Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Angela Liu
- Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Pedro C González Espinosa
- Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Andrew H Baird
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Queensland, Townsville, Australia
| | - Julia K Baum
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Victoria, Canada
| | - Andrew G Bauman
- Department of Marine and Environmental Science, Nova Southeastern University, Florida, Dania Beach, USA
| | - Maria Beger
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Pattimura University, Ambon, Indonesia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland, Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | | | - Matthew J Birt
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Yannick Chancerelle
- CRIOBE, UAR 3278 CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Moorea French Polynesia and the French Center for Excellence for Coral Reefs (LabEx Corail), PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Joshua E Cinner
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Queensland, Townsville, Australia
| | - Nicole L Crane
- One People One Reef, California, Santa Cruz, USA
- Department of Biology, Cabrillo College, California, Aptos, USA
| | - Vianney Denis
- Institute of Oceanography, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Martial Depczynski
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Nur Fadli
- Faculty of Marine and Fisheries, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | | | | | | | | | - James Guest
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Hugo B Harrison
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Queensland, Townsville, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jean-Paul A Hobbs
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Andrew S Hoey
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Queensland, Townsville, Australia
| | - Thomas H Holmes
- Marine Science Program, Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, Western Australia, Kensington, Australia
| | - Peter Houk
- University of Guam Marine Laboratory, UOG Station, Mangilao, Guam
| | | | - Jamaluddin Jompa
- Department of Marine Science and Fisheries, Hasanuddin University, South Sulawesi, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Chao-Yang Kuo
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Queensland, Townsville, Australia
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Gino Valentino Limmon
- Department of Marine Biology, Pattimura University, Ambon, Indonesia
- Maritime and Marine Science Centre of Excellence, Pattimura University, Ambon, Indonesia
| | - Yuting V Lin
- Institute of Oceanography, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Dominic Muenzel
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Michelle J Paddack
- One People One Reef, California, Santa Cruz, USA
- Santa Barbara City College, California, Santa Barbara, USA
| | - Serge Planes
- CRIOBE, UAR 3278 CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Moorea French Polynesia and the French Center for Excellence for Coral Reefs (LabEx Corail), PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Morgan S Pratchett
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Queensland, Townsville, Australia
| | - Ben Radford
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - James Davis Reimer
- Department of Marine Science, Chemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
- Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Zoe T Richards
- Coral Conservation and Research Group, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Western Australia, Bently, Australia
- Collections and Research, Western Australian Museum, Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Claire L Ross
- Marine Science Program, Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, Western Australia, Kensington, Australia
- Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - John Rulmal
- One People One Reef, California, Santa Cruz, USA
- Ulithi Falalop Community Action Program, Yap, Micronesia
| | - Brigitte Sommer
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, 2007, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Shaun K Wilson
- Marine Science Program, Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, Western Australia, Kensington, Australia
- Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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2
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Tebbett SB, Crisp SK, Evans RD, Fulton CJ, Pessarrodona A, Wernberg T, Wilson SK, Bellwood DR. On the Challenges of Identifying Benthic Dominance on Anthropocene Coral Reefs. Bioscience 2023; 73:220-228. [PMID: 36936383 PMCID: PMC10020827 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biad008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of dominance is frequently used to describe changes in rapidly reconfiguring ecosystems, but the definition of dominance can vary widely among studies. Using coral reefs as a model, we use extensive benthic composition data to explore how variability in applying dominance concepts can shape perceptions. We reveal that coral dominance is sensitive to the exclusion of key algal groups and the categorization of other benthic groups, with ramifications for detecting an ecosystem phase shift. For example, ignoring algal turf inflates the dominance of hard and soft corals in the benthic habitats underpinning reef ecosystems. We need a consensus on how dominance concepts are applied so that we can build a more comprehensive understanding of ecosystem shifts across a broad range of aquatic and terrestrial settings. For reefs, we highlight the benefits of comprehensive and inclusive surveys for evaluating and managing the altered ecosystem states that are emerging in the Anthropocene.
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3
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Schiettekatte NMD, Conte F, French B, Brandl SJ, Fulton CJ, Mercière A, Norin T, Villéger S, Parravicini V. Combining stereo‐video monitoring and physiological trials to estimate reef fish metabolic demands in the wild. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9084. [PMID: 35813930 PMCID: PMC9254678 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Organismal metabolic rates (MRs) are the basis of energy and nutrient fluxes through ecosystems. In the marine realm, fishes are some of the most prominent consumers. However, their metabolic demand in the wild (field MR [FMR]) is poorly documented, because it is challenging to measure directly. Here, we introduce a novel approach to estimating the component of FMR associated with voluntary activity (i.e., the field active MR [AMRfield]). Our approach combines laboratory‐based respirometry, swimming speeds, and field‐based stereo‐video systems to estimate the activity of individuals. We exemplify our approach by focusing on six coral reef fish species, for which we quantified standard MR and maximum MR (SMR and MMR, respectively) in the laboratory, and body sizes and swimming speeds in the field. Based on the relationships between MR, body size, and swimming speeds, we estimate that the activity scope (i.e., the ratio between AMRfield and SMR) varies from 1.2 to 3.2 across species and body sizes. Furthermore, we illustrate that the scaling exponent for AMRfield varies across species and can substantially exceed the widely assumed value of 0.75 for SMR. Finally, by scaling organismal AMRfield estimates to the assemblage level, we show the potential effect of this variability on community metabolic demand. Our approach may improve our ability to estimate elemental fluxes mediated by a critically important group of aquatic animals through a non‐destructive, widely applicable technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina M. D. Schiettekatte
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan Perpignan France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence “CORAIL” Perpignan France
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Hawaii USA
| | - Francesca Conte
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan Perpignan France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence “CORAIL” Perpignan France
| | - Beverly French
- Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego California USA
| | - Simon J. Brandl
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan Perpignan France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence “CORAIL” Perpignan France
- CESAB‐FRB Montpellier France
- Department of Marine Science, Marine Science Institute The University of Texas at Austin Port Aransas Texas USA
| | - Christopher J. Fulton
- Australian Institute of Marine Science Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre Crawley Western Australia Australia
| | - Alexandre Mercière
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan Perpignan France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence “CORAIL” Perpignan France
| | - Tommy Norin
- DTU Aqua: National Institute of Aquatic Resources Technical University of Denmark Kgs. Lyngby Denmark
| | | | - Valeriano Parravicini
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan Perpignan France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence “CORAIL” Perpignan France
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Svozil DP, Baumgartner LJ, Fulton CJ, Kopf RK, Watts RJ. Morphological predictors of swimming speed performance in river and reservoir populations of Australian smelt Retropinna semoni. J Fish Biol 2020; 97:1632-1643. [PMID: 32783221 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Dam construction is a major driver of ecological change in freshwater ecosystems. Fish populations have been shown to diverge in response to different flow velocity habitats, yet adaptations of fish populations to river and reservoir habitats created by dams remains poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate divergence of morphological traits and prolonged swimming speed performance between lotic and lentic populations of Australian smelt Retropinna semoni and quantify the relationship between prolonged swimming speed performance and morphology. Prolonged swimming speed performance was assessed for 15 individuals from each of three river and two reservoir populations of R. semoni using the critical swimming speed test (Ucrit ). Body shape was characterized using geometric morphometrics, which was combined with fin aspect ratios and standard length to assess morphological divergence among the five populations. Best subsets model-selection was used to identify the morphological traits that best explain Ucrit variation among individuals. Our results indicate R. semoni from river populations had significantly higher prolonged swimming speed performance (Ucrit = 46.61 ± 0.98 cm s-1 ) than reservoir conspecifics (Ucrit = 35.57 ± 0.83 cm s-1 ; F1,74 = 58.624, Z = 35.938, P < 0.001). Similarly, R. semoni sampled from river populations had significantly higher fin aspect ratios (ARcaudal = 1.71 ± 0.04 and 1.29 ± 0.02 respectively; F(1,74) = 56.247, Z = 40.107, P < 0.001; ARpectoral = 1.85 ± 0.03 and 1.33 ± 0.02 respectively; F(1,74) = 7.156, Z = 4.055, P < 0.01). Best-subset analyses revealed Ucrit was most strongly correlated with pectoral and caudal fin aspect ratios (R2 adj = 0.973, AICc = 41.54). Body shape, however, was subject to a three-way interaction among population, habitat and sex effects (F3,74 = 1.038. Z = 1.982; P < 0.05). Thus sexual dimorphism formed a significant component of unique and complex variation in body shape among populations from different habitat types. This study revealed profound effects of human-altered flow environments on locomotor morphology and its functional link to changes in swimming performance of a common freshwater fish. While past studies have indicated body shape may be an important axis for divergence between lotic and lentic populations of several freshwater fishes, fin aspect ratios were the most important predictor of swimming speed in our study. Differences in body morphology here were inconsistent between river and reservoir populations, suggesting this aspect of phenotype may be more strongly influenced by other factors such as predation and sexual dimorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Phillip Svozil
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lee J Baumgartner
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher J Fulton
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Richard Keller Kopf
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Robyn J Watts
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia
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5
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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6
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Bellwood DR, Tebbett SB, Bellwood O, Mihalitsis M, Morais RA, Streit RP, Fulton CJ. The role of the reef flat in coral reef trophodynamics: Past, present, and future. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:4108-4119. [PMID: 29721284 PMCID: PMC5916286 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The reef flat is one of the largest and most distinctive habitats on coral reefs, yet its role in reef trophodynamics is poorly understood. Evolutionary evidence suggests that reef flat colonization by grazing fishes was a major innovation that permitted the exploitation of new space and trophic resources. However, the reef flat is hydrodynamically challenging, subject to high predation risks and covered with sediments that inhibit feeding by grazers. To explore these opposing influences, we examine the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) as a model system. We focus on grazing herbivores that directly access algal primary productivity in the epilithic algal matrix (EAM). By assessing abundance, biomass, and potential fish productivity, we explore the potential of the reef flat to support key ecosystem processes and its ability to maintain fisheries yields. On the GBR, the reef flat is, by far, the most important habitat for turf-grazing fishes, supporting an estimated 79% of individuals and 58% of the total biomass of grazing surgeonfishes, parrotfishes, and rabbitfishes. Approximately 59% of all (reef-wide) turf algal productivity is removed by reef flat grazers. The flat also supports approximately 75% of all grazer biomass growth. Our results highlight the evolutionary and ecological benefits of occupying shallow-water habitats (permitting a ninefold population increase). The acquisition of key locomotor and feeding traits has enabled fishes to access the trophic benefits of the reef flat, outweighing the costs imposed by water movement, predation, and sediments. Benthic assemblages on reefs in the future may increasingly resemble those seen on reef flats today, with low coral cover, limited topographic complexity, and extensive EAM. Reef flat grazing fishes may therefore play an increasingly important role in key ecosystem processes and in sustaining future fisheries yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Bellwood
- 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
| | - Sterling B Tebbett
- 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
| | - Orpha Bellwood
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Michalis Mihalitsis
- 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
| | - Renato A Morais
- 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
| | - Robert P Streit
- 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
| | - Christopher J Fulton
- Research School of Biology The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
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7
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Wilson SK, Depcyznski M, Fisher R, Holmes TH, Noble MM, Radford BT, Rule M, Shedrawi G, Tinkler P, Fulton CJ. Climatic forcing and larval dispersal capabilities shape the replenishment of fishes and their habitat-forming biota on a tropical coral reef. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:1918-1928. [PMID: 29435264 PMCID: PMC5792527 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluctuations in marine populations often relate to the supply of recruits by oceanic currents. Variation in these currents is typically driven by large-scale changes in climate, in particular ENSO (El Nino Southern Oscillation). The dependence on large-scale climatic changes may, however, be modified by early life history traits of marine taxa. Based on eight years of annual surveys, along 150 km of coastline, we examined how ENSO influenced abundance of juvenile fish, coral spat, and canopy-forming macroalgae. We then investigated what traits make populations of some fish families more reliant on the ENSO relationship than others. Abundance of juvenile fish and coral recruits was generally positively correlated with the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), higher densities recorded during La Niña years, when the ENSO-influenced Leeuwin Current is stronger and sea surface temperature higher. The relationship is typically positive and stronger among fish families with shorter pelagic larval durations and stronger swimming abilities. The relationship is also stronger at sites on the coral back reef, although the strongest of all relationships were among the lethrinids (r = .9), siganids (r = .9), and mullids (r = .8), which recruit to macroalgal meadows in the lagoon. ENSO effects on habitat seem to moderate SOI-juvenile abundance relationship. Macroalgal canopies are higher during La Niña years, providing more favorable habitat for juvenile fish and strengthening the SOI effect on juvenile abundance. Conversely, loss of coral following a La Niña-related heat wave may have compromised postsettlement survival of coral dependent species, weakening the influence of SOI on their abundance. This assessment of ENSO effects on tropical fish and habitat-forming biota and how it is mediated by functional ecology improves our ability to predict and manage changes in the replenishment of marine populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun K. Wilson
- Marine Science ProgramDepartment of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsKensingtonWAAustralia
- Oceans InstituteUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Martial Depcyznski
- Oceans InstituteUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Rebecca Fisher
- Oceans InstituteUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Thomas H. Holmes
- Marine Science ProgramDepartment of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsKensingtonWAAustralia
- Oceans InstituteUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Mae M. Noble
- Research School of BiologyThe Australian National UniversityCanberraACTAustralia
| | - Ben T. Radford
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Michael Rule
- Marine Science ProgramDepartment of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsKensingtonWAAustralia
- Oceans InstituteUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - George Shedrawi
- Marine Science ProgramDepartment of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsKensingtonWAAustralia
| | - Paul Tinkler
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceCrawleyWAAustralia
- Deakin UniversitySchool of Life and Environmental SciencesWarrnamboolVic.Australia
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8
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Ord TJ, Summers TC, Noble MM, Fulton CJ. Ecological Release from Aquatic Predation Is Associated with the Emergence of Marine Blenny Fishes onto Land. Am Nat 2017; 189:570-579. [PMID: 28410030 DOI: 10.1086/691155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
An ecological release from competition or predation is a frequent adaptive explanation for the colonization of novel environments, but empirical data are limited. On the island of Rarotonga, several blenny fish species appear to be in the process of colonizing land. Anecdotal observations have implied that aquatic predation is an important factor in prompting such amphibious fish behavior. We provide evidence supporting this hypothesis by demonstrating that amphibious blennies shift their abundance up and down the shoreline to remain above predatory fishes that periodically move into intertidal areas during high tide. A predation experiment using blenny mimics confirmed a high risk of aquatic predation for blennies, significantly higher than predation experienced on land. These data suggest that predation has played an active role in promoting terrestrial activity in amphibious blennies and provide a rare example of how ecological release from predation could drive the colonization of a novel environment.
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9
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Fulton CJ, Wainwright PC, Hoey AS, Bellwood DR. Global ecological success of Thalassoma fishes in extreme coral reef habitats. Ecol Evol 2016; 7:466-472. [PMID: 28070307 PMCID: PMC5214093 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic adaptations can allow organisms to relax abiotic selection and facilitate their ecological success in challenging habitats, yet we have relatively little data for the prevalence of this phenomenon at macroecological scales. Using data on the relative abundance of coral reef wrasses and parrotfishes (f. Labridae) spread across three ocean basins and the Red Sea, we reveal the consistent global dominance of extreme wave‐swept habitats by fishes in the genus Thalassoma, with abundances up to 15 times higher than any other labrid. A key locomotor modification—a winged pectoral fin that facilitates efficient underwater flight in high‐flow environments—is likely to have underpinned this global success, as numerical dominance by Thalassoma was contingent upon the presence of high‐intensity wave energy. The ecological success of the most abundant species also varied with species richness and the presence of congeneric competitors. While several fish taxa have independently evolved winged pectoral fins, Thalassoma appears to have combined efficient high‐speed swimming (to relax abiotic selection) with trophic versatility (to maximize exploitation of rich resources) to exploit and dominate extreme coral reef habitats around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Fulton
- Research School of Biology The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | | | - Andrew S Hoey
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies College of Marine & Environmental Sciences James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia; Red Sea Research Center Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Thuwal Saudi Arabia
| | - David R Bellwood
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies College of Marine & Environmental Sciences James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia
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10
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Wilson SK, Depczynski M, Fulton CJ, Holmes TH, Radford BT, Tinkler P. Influence of nursery microhabitats on the future abundance of a coral reef fish. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 283:20160903. [PMID: 27534954 PMCID: PMC5013763 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.0903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Species habitat associations are often complex, making it difficult to assess their influence on populations. Among coral reef fishes, habitat requirements vary among species and with ontogeny, but the relative importance of nursery and adult-preferred habitats on future abundances remain unclear. Moreover, adult populations may be influenced by recruitment of juveniles and assessments of habitat importance should consider relative effects of juvenile abundance. We conducted surveys across 16 sites and 200 km of reef to identify the microhabitat preferences of juveniles, sub-adults and adults of the damselfish Pomacentrus moluccensis Microhabitat preferences at different life-history stages were then combined with 6 years of juvenile abundance and microhabitat availability data to show that the availability of preferred juvenile microhabitat (corymbose corals) at the time of settlement was a strong predictor of future sub-adult and adult abundance. However, the influence of nursery microhabitats on future population size differed spatially and at some locations abundance of juveniles and adult microhabitat (branching corals) were better predictors of local populations. Our results demonstrate that while juvenile microhabitats are important nurseries, the abundance of coral-dependent fishes is not solely dependent on these microhabitats, especially when microhabitats are readily available or following large influxes of juveniles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun K Wilson
- Department of Parks and Wildlife, Marine Science Program, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Martial Depczynski
- Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia Australian Institute of Marine Science, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Christopher J Fulton
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Thomas H Holmes
- Department of Parks and Wildlife, Marine Science Program, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ben T Radford
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Paul Tinkler
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia
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11
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Wernberg T, Bennett S, Babcock RC, de Bettignies T, Cure K, Depczynski M, Dufois F, Fromont J, Fulton CJ, Hovey RK, Harvey ES, Holmes TH, Kendrick GA, Radford B, Santana-Garcon J, Saunders BJ, Smale DA, Thomsen MS, Tuckett CA, Tuya F, Vanderklift MA, Wilson S. Climate-driven regime shift of a temperate marine ecosystem. Science 2016; 353:169-72. [PMID: 27387951 DOI: 10.1126/science.aad8745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 435] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Ecosystem reconfigurations arising from climate-driven changes in species distributions are expected to have profound ecological, social, and economic implications. Here we reveal a rapid climate-driven regime shift of Australian temperate reef communities, which lost their defining kelp forests and became dominated by persistent seaweed turfs. After decades of ocean warming, extreme marine heat waves forced a 100-kilometer range contraction of extensive kelp forests and saw temperate species replaced by seaweeds, invertebrates, corals, and fishes characteristic of subtropical and tropical waters. This community-wide tropicalization fundamentally altered key ecological processes, suppressing the recovery of kelp forests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Wernberg
- School of Plant Biology and Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 39 Fairway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia.
| | - Scott Bennett
- School of Plant Biology and Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 39 Fairway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia. Department of Environment and Agriculture, School of Science, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia. Department of Global Change Research, Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats (Universitat de les Illes Balears - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Esporles, Spain
| | - Russell C Babcock
- School of Plant Biology and Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 39 Fairway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Oceans and Atmosphere, General Post Office Box 2583, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Thibaut de Bettignies
- School of Plant Biology and Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 39 Fairway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia. Service du Patrimoine Naturel, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 36 Rue Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire CP41, Paris 75005, France
| | - Katherine Cure
- School of Plant Biology and Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 39 Fairway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia. Australian Institute of Marine Science, 39 Fairway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Martial Depczynski
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, 39 Fairway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Francois Dufois
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere Flagship, Private Bag 5, Wembley, Western Australia 6913, Australia
| | - Jane Fromont
- Western Australian Museum, Locked Bag 49, Welshpool DC, Western Australia 6986, Australia
| | - Christopher J Fulton
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Renae K Hovey
- School of Plant Biology and Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 39 Fairway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Euan S Harvey
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, School of Science, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Thomas H Holmes
- School of Plant Biology and Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 39 Fairway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia. Marine Science Program, Science Division, Department of Parks and Wildlife, Kensington, Western Australia 6151, Australia
| | - Gary A Kendrick
- School of Plant Biology and Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 39 Fairway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Ben Radford
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, 39 Fairway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia. School of Geography and Environmental Science, The University of Western Australia, 39 Fairway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Julia Santana-Garcon
- School of Plant Biology and Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 39 Fairway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia. Department of Environment and Agriculture, School of Science, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia. Department of Global Change Research, Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats (Universitat de les Illes Balears - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Esporles, Spain
| | - Benjamin J Saunders
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, School of Science, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Dan A Smale
- School of Plant Biology and Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 39 Fairway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia. School of Geography and Environmental Science, The University of Western Australia, 39 Fairway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Mads S Thomsen
- School of Plant Biology and Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 39 Fairway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia. Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth PL1 2PB, UK
| | - Chenae A Tuckett
- School of Plant Biology and Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 39 Fairway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Fernando Tuya
- Marine Ecology Group, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Mathew A Vanderklift
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere Flagship, Private Bag 5, Wembley, Western Australia 6913, Australia
| | - Shaun Wilson
- School of Plant Biology and Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 39 Fairway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia. Marine Science Program, Science Division, Department of Parks and Wildlife, Kensington, Western Australia 6151, Australia
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12
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Lim IE, Wilson SK, Holmes TH, Noble MM, Fulton CJ. Specialization within a shifting habitat mosaic underpins the seasonal abundance of a tropical fish. Ecosphere 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Isis E. Lim
- Research School of Biology Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
| | - Shaun K. Wilson
- Marine Science Program Science and Conservation Division Department of Parks and Wildlife Kensington Western Australia 6151 Australia
- Oceans Institute University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
| | - Thomas H. Holmes
- Marine Science Program Science and Conservation Division Department of Parks and Wildlife Kensington Western Australia 6151 Australia
| | - Mae M. Noble
- Research School of Biology Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
| | - Christopher J. Fulton
- Research School of Biology Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
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13
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Starrs D, Ebner BC, Fulton CJ. Ceasefire: minimal aggression among Murray River crayfish feeding upon patches of allochthonous material. AUST J ZOOL 2015. [DOI: 10.1071/zo14081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Transport and processing of allochthonous material is crucial for trophic pathways in headwater streams. Freshwater crayfish are known to affect and exploit the break-down of in-stream terrestrial plant material into detritus. We recorded Euastacus armatus (Murray River crayfish) individuals feeding on discrete patches of allochthonous material within an unregulated section of the Goodradigbee River, an upland stream in temperate Australia. Despite suggestions of aggressive territoriality, E. armatus were observed by remote and manual underwater filming to feed in non-aggressive aggregations on these piles of fine woody debris and leaf litter. On the basis of observations of 25 individuals found in the vicinity of the allochthonous patches, this population comprised mostly female individuals at smaller sizes of maturity than has been recorded for lowland populations of E. armatus. Our study confirms the importance of concentrated allochthonous food patches for detritivores, and points to the important trophic linkage between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems via a widespread and iconic freshwater invertebrate. Moreover, these non-aggressive feeding aggregations of E. armatus challenge notions of aggression in this species that have been developed in small-scale aquarium studies.
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14
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Starrs D, Ebner BC, Fulton CJ. All in the ears: unlocking the early life history biology and spatial ecology of fishes. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2014; 91:86-105. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2014] [Revised: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Danswell Starrs
- Evolution, Ecology and Genetics; Research School of Biology, Australian National University; Canberra Australian Capital Territory 0200 Australia
| | - Brendan C. Ebner
- CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences; Atherton Queensland 4883 Australia
- TropWATER, James Cook University; Townsville Queensland 4811 Australia
| | - Christopher J. Fulton
- Evolution, Ecology and Genetics; Research School of Biology, Australian National University; Canberra Australian Capital Territory 0200 Australia
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15
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Pratchett MS, Hoey AS, Cvitanovic C, Hobbs JPA, Fulton CJ. Abundance, diversity, and feeding behavior of coral reef butterflyfishes at Lord Howe Island. Ecol Evol 2014; 4:3612-25. [PMID: 25478152 PMCID: PMC4224535 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Endemic species are assumed to have a high risk of extinction because their restricted geographic range is often associated with low abundance and high ecological specialization. This study examines the abundance of Chaetodon butterflyfishes at Lord Howe Island in the south-west Pacific, and compares interspecific differences in local abundance to the feeding behavior and geographic range of these species. Contrary to expected correlations between abundance and geographic range, the single most abundant species of butterflyfish was Chaetodon tricinctus, which is endemic to Lord Howe Island and adjacent reefs; densities of C. tricinctus (14.1 ± 2.1 SE fish per 200m2) were >3 times higher than the next most abundant butterflyfish (Chaetodon melannotus), and even more abundant than many other geographically widespread species. Dietary breadth for the five dominant butterflyfishes at Lord Howe Island was weakly and generally negative correlated with abundance. The endemic C. tricinctus was a distinct outlier in this relationship, though our extensive feeding observations suggest some issues with the measurements of dietary breadth for this species. Field observations revealed that all bites taken on benthic substrates by C. tricinctus were from scleractinian corals, but adults rarely, if ever, took bites from the benthos, suggesting that they may be feeding nocturnally and/or using mid-water prey, such as plankton. Alternatively, the energetic demands of C. tricinctus may be fundamentally different to other coral-feeding butterflyfishes. Neither dietary specialization nor geographic range accounts for interspecific variation in abundance of coral reef butterflyfishes at Lord Howe Island, while much more work on the foraging behavior and population dynamics of C. tricinctus will be required to understand its’ abundance at this location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan S Pratchett
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Andrew S Hoey
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Christopher Cvitanovic
- Oceans and Atmosphere Flagship, CSIRO Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia ; ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Research School of Biology, Australian National University Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, 0200, Australia
| | - Jean-Paul A Hobbs
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia
| | - Christopher J Fulton
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Research School of Biology, Australian National University Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, 0200, Australia
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16
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Walker JA, Alfaro ME, Noble MM, Fulton CJ. Body fineness ratio as a predictor of maximum prolonged-swimming speed in coral reef fishes. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75422. [PMID: 24204575 PMCID: PMC3799785 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to sustain high swimming speeds is believed to be an important factor affecting resource acquisition in fishes. While we have gained insights into how fin morphology and motion influences swimming performance in coral reef fishes, the role of other traits, such as body shape, remains poorly understood. We explore the ability of two mechanistic models of the causal relationship between body fineness ratio and endurance swimming-performance to predict maximum prolonged-swimming speed (Umax ) among 84 fish species from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. A drag model, based on semi-empirical data on the drag of rigid, submerged bodies of revolution, was applied to species that employ pectoral-fin propulsion with a rigid body at U max. An alternative model, based on the results of computer simulations of optimal shape in self-propelled undulating bodies, was applied to the species that swim by body-caudal-fin propulsion at Umax . For pectoral-fin swimmers, Umax increased with fineness, and the rate of increase decreased with fineness, as predicted by the drag model. While the mechanistic and statistical models of the relationship between fineness and Umax were very similar, the mechanistic (and statistical) model explained only a small fraction of the variance in Umax . For body-caudal-fin swimmers, we found a non-linear relationship between fineness and Umax , which was largely negative over most of the range of fineness. This pattern fails to support either predictions from the computational models or standard functional interpretations of body shape variation in fishes. Our results suggest that the widespread hypothesis that a more optimal fineness increases endurance-swimming performance via reduced drag should be limited to fishes that swim with rigid bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A. Walker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern Maine, Portland, Maine, United States of America
| | - Michael E. Alfaro
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Mae M. Noble
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Christopher J. Fulton
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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17
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Binning SA, Roche DG, Fulton CJ. Localised intraspecific variation in the swimming phenotype of a coral reef fish across different wave exposures. Oecologia 2013; 174:623-30. [PMID: 24132502 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-013-2794-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Wave-driven water flow is a major force structuring marine communities. Species distributions are partly determined by the ability to cope with variation in water flow, such as differences in the assemblage of fish species found in a given water flow environment being linked to swimming ability (based on fin shape and mode of locomotion). It remains unclear, however, whether similar assembly rules apply within a species. Here we show phenotypic variation among sites in traits functionally linked to swimming ability in the damselfish Acanthochromis polyacanthus. These sites differ in wave energy and the observed patterns of phenotypic differences within A. polyacanthus closely mirrored those seen at the interspecific level. Fish from high-exposure sites had more tapered fins and higher maximum metabolic rates than conspecifics from sheltered sites. This translates to a 36% larger aerobic scope and 33% faster critical swimming speed for fish from exposed sites. Our results suggest that functional relationships among swimming phenotypes and water flow not only structure species assemblages, but can also shape patterns of phenotypic divergence within species. Close links between locomotor phenotype and local water flow conditions appear to be important for species distributions as well as phenotypic divergence across environmental gradients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra A Binning
- Division of Evolution, Ecology and Genetics, ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 0200, Australia,
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18
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Starrs D, Ebner BC, Fulton CJ. Can backcalculation models unravel complex larval growth histories in a tropical freshwater fish? J Fish Biol 2013; 83:96-110. [PMID: 23808694 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This experimental study compared the precision and accuracy of the biological intercept (BI), modified fry (MF) and time-varying growth (TVG) backcalculation models in estimating the early growth of the tropical freshwater purple-spotted gudgeon Mogurnda adspersa. Larvae were reared up to 41 days post hatching under two temperatures and four different feeding regimes. Food and temperature treatments induced complex growth profiles among fish, and although total length (LT ) and otolith radius were related under all conditions, some uncoupling was evident in the otolith-somatic-growth (OSG) relationship of fish subjected to periods of changing food availability. Furthermore, otolith growth was found to be significantly influenced by temperature, but not by food availability. Analysis of backcalculation residuals by linear mixed effects modelling revealed that BI and TVG were equally precise in predicting somatic growth, with the highest accuracy provided by TVG. The performance of all the three models declined as the OSG relationship weakened under low-food conditions, with maximum errors estimated to be 39, 60 and 36% of observed LT for the BI, MF and TVG models, respectively. The need for careful validation of backcalculation models is emphasized when examining fishes subjected to variable environmental conditions, and when exploring the differential influence of temperature and food on fish LT and otolith growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Starrs
- Evolution, Ecology and Genetics, Research School of Biology, Building 44, Daley Road, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
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19
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Noble MM, van Laake G, Berumen ML, Fulton CJ. Community change within a Caribbean coral reef Marine Protected Area following two decades of local management. PLoS One 2013; 8:e54069. [PMID: 23342078 PMCID: PMC3544719 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Accepted: 12/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural change in both the habitat and reef-associated fish assemblages within spatially managed coral reefs can provide key insights into the benefits and limitations of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). While MPA zoning effects on particular target species are well reported, we are yet to fully resolve the various affects of spatial management on the structure of coral reef communities over decadal time scales. Here, we document mixed affects of MPA zoning on fish density, biomass and species richness over the 21 years since establishment of the Saba Marine Park (SMP). Although we found significantly greater biomass and species richness of reef-associated fishes within shallow habitats (5 meters depth) closed to fishing, this did not hold for deeper (15 m) habitats, and there was a widespread decline (38% decrease) in live hard coral cover and a 68% loss of carnivorous reef fishes across all zones of the SMP from the 1990s to 2008. Given the importance of live coral for the maintenance and replenishment of reef fishes, and the likely role of chronic disturbance in driving coral decline across the region, we explore how local spatial management can help protect coral reef ecosystems within the context of large-scale environmental pressures and disturbances outside the purview of local MPA management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mae M Noble
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
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20
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Cvitanovic C, Wilson SK, Fulton CJ, Almany GR, Anderson P, Babcock RC, Ban NC, Beeden RJ, Beger M, Cinner J, Dobbs K, Evans LS, Farnham A, Friedman KJ, Gale K, Gladstone W, Grafton Q, Graham NAJ, Gudge S, Harrison PL, Holmes TH, Johnstone N, Jones GP, Jordan A, Kendrick AJ, Klein CJ, Little LR, Malcolm HA, Morris D, Possingham HP, Prescott J, Pressey RL, Skilleter GA, Simpson C, Waples K, Wilson D, Williamson DH. Critical research needs for managing coral reef marine protected areas: perspectives of academics and managers. J Environ Manage 2013; 114:84-91. [PMID: 23220604 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2012.10.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2011] [Revised: 03/22/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a primary policy instrument for managing and protecting coral reefs. Successful MPAs ultimately depend on knowledge-based decision making, where scientific research is integrated into management actions. Fourteen coral reef MPA managers and sixteen academics from eleven research, state and federal government institutions each outlined at least five pertinent research needs for improving the management of MPAs situated in Australian coral reefs. From this list of 173 key questions, we asked members of each group to rank questions in order of urgency, redundancy and importance, which allowed us to explore the extent of perceptional mismatch and overlap among the two groups. Our results suggest the mismatch among MPA managers and academics is small, with no significant difference among the groups in terms of their respective research interests, or the type of questions they pose. However, managers prioritised spatial management and monitoring as research themes, whilst academics identified climate change, resilience, spatial management, fishing and connectivity as the most important topics. Ranking of the posed questions by the two groups was also similar, although managers were less confident about the achievability of the posed research questions and whether questions represented a knowledge gap. We conclude that improved collaboration and knowledge transfer among management and academic groups can be used to achieve similar objectives and enhance the knowledge-based management of MPAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Cvitanovic
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
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21
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Abstract
Underwater locomotion is challenging due to the high friction and resistance imposed on a body moving through water and energy lost in the wake during undulatory propulsion. While aquatic organisms have evolved streamlined shapes to overcome such resistance, underwater locomotion has long been considered a costly exercise. Recent evidence for a range of swimming vertebrates, however, has suggested that flapping paired appendages around a rigid body may be an extremely efficient means of aquatic locomotion. Using intermittent flow-through respirometry, we found exceptional energetic performance in the Bluelined wrasse Stethojulis bandanensis, which maintains tuna-like optimum cruising speeds (up to 1 metre s(-1)) while using 40% less energy than expected for their body size. Displaying an exceptional aerobic scope (22-fold above resting), streamlined rigid-body posture, and wing-like fins that generate lift-based thrust, S. bandanensis literally flies underwater to efficiently maintain high optimum swimming speeds. Extreme energetic performance may be key to the colonization of highly variable environments, such as the wave-swept habitats where S. bandanensis and other wing-finned species tend to occur. Challenging preconceived notions of how best to power aquatic locomotion, biomimicry of such lift-based fin movements could yield dramatic reductions in the power needed to propel underwater vehicles at high speed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Fulton
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
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22
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Fulton CJ, Starrs D, Ruibal MP, Ebner BC. Counting crayfish: active searching and baited cameras trump conventional hoop netting in detecting Euastacus armatus. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2012. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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23
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Abstract
This study describes a novel method for measuring pectoral fin aspect ratio (AR) on live coral-reef fishes and tests the method against traditional measurements taken from a dissected fin. No significant differences were detected among repeated fin measurements, which validates the accuracy (intact v. dissected) and precision (repeatability over several days) of fin AR measurements on live fishes. One exception highlighted issues that may arise when working with species prone to fin damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Binning
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Evolution, Ecology and Genetics, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra ACT 0200 Australia.
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24
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Depczynski M, Fulton CJ, Marnane MJ, Bellwood DR. Life history patterns shape energy allocation among fishes on coral reefs. Oecologia 2007; 153:111-20. [PMID: 17436023 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-007-0714-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2006] [Accepted: 02/28/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Although critically important, the link between animal life histories and ecosystem energetics is seldom explored. In the pursuit of ecological simplification, ecosystem properties are typically described by models based on static counts, where organisms are aggregated into trophic- or size-based groups. Consequently, output is often based on an assumption that larger group biomass equals greater energetic contribution. Here, we modelled the individual growth of over 58,000 fishes from 74 genera within a coral reef ecosystem to investigate the role and importance of taxon-specific life histories to the division, spatial distribution and relative contribution of biomass production within 14 coral reef fish families. Rank changes among families in standing biomass to biomass production indicated that small cryptic families (e.g. Gobiidae and Blenniidae) exhibit collective growth potentials equal to or exceeding those of many other common families composed of individuals with body-sizes 1-3 orders of magnitude larger. Remaining at high risk of predation throughout their lives as a consequence of their small size, these cryptic fishes also provide a constant food resource and supply of reproductive energy to coral reefs throughout the year. Enhanced further by the strength and diversity of their trophic relationships within food webs, the highly productive nature of these small cryptic fishes suggests they make a substantial contribution to the flow of energy in coral reef ecosystems via predatory pathways. It appears that life histories leave a strong imprint on ecosystem energy fluxes and illustrate the importance of incorporating taxon-specific features when assigning values to key ecosystem processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martial Depczynski
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, School of Marine Biology, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia.
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25
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Abstract
We explore the role of specialization in supporting species coexistence in high-diversity ecosystems. Using a novel ordination-based method to quantify specialist and generalist feeding structures and diets we examined the relationship between morphology and diet in 120 wrasses and parrotfishes from the Great Barrier Reef. We find that wrasses, despite their morphological diversity, exhibit weak links between morphology and diet and that specialist morphologies do not necessarily equate to specialized diets. The dominant pattern shows extensive overlap in morphology (functional morphospace occupation) among trophic groups; fish with a given morphology may have a number of feeding modes. Such trophic versatility may lay the foundation for both the origins and maintenance of high biodiversity on coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Bellwood
- Department of Marine Biology, Centre for Coral Reef Biodiversity, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia.
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26
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Abstract
Physical factors often have an overriding influence on the distribution patterns of organisms, and can ultimately shape the long-term structure of communities. Although distribution patterns in sessile marine organisms have frequently been attributed to functional characteristics interacting with wave-induced water motion, similar evidence for mobile organisms is lacking. Links between fin morphology and swimming performance were examined in three diverse coral reef fish families from two major evolutionary lineages. Among-habitat variation in morphology and performance was directly compared with quantitative values of wave-induced water motion from seven coral reef habitats of different depth and wave exposure on the Great Barrier Reef. Fin morphology was strongly correlated with both field and experimental swimming speeds in all three families. The range of observed swimming speeds coincided closely with the magnitude of water velocities commonly found on coral reefs. Distribution patterns in all three families displayed highly congruent relationships between fin morphology and wave-induced water motion. Our findings indicate a general functional relationship between fin morphology and swimming performance in labriform-swimming fishes, and provide quantitative evidence that wave energy may directly influence the assemblage structure of coral reef fishes through interactions with morphology and swimming performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Fulton
- Centre for Coral Reef Biodiversity, Department of Marine Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
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