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Bone JR, Stafford R, Hall AE, Herbert RJH. Vertical arrays of artificial rockpools on a seawall provide refugia across tidal levels for intertidal species in the UK. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175528. [PMID: 39147048 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175528] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Eco-engineering of coastal infrastructure aims to address the insufficient intertidal habitat provided by coastal development and flood defence. There are numerous ways to enhance coastal infrastructure with habitat features, but a common method involves retrofitting artificial rockpools. Often these are 'bolt-on' units that are fixed to existing coastal infrastructure but there is a paucity of literature on how to optimise their arrangement for biodiversity. In this study, 24 artificial rockpools were installed at three levels between High Water Neaps and Mean Tide Level on a vertical concrete seawall on the south coast of the UK. The species abundance of the rockpools and adjacent seawall were surveyed at low tide for 2 years following rockpool installation and compared. Over the course of the study, sediment had begun to accumulate in some of the rockpools. At the 2-year mark, the sediment was removed and assessed for macrofauna. Algal biomass of the seawall and rockpools was estimated using previously obtained dry weight values for the dominant algae taxa. After 2 years, it was determined that artificial rockpools successfully increase species richness of seawalls, particularly at higher tidal levels where water-retaining refugia are crucial for many species. The rockpools hosted 37 sessile taxa and 9 sessile taxa were recorded on the seawall. Rockpools increased the vertical elevation for brown canopy-forming seaweeds by providing better attachment surfaces. Although the retained sediment only hosted 3 infaunal species, it was observed to provide shelter for shore crabs during surveys. As sea levels and ocean and air temperatures continue to rise, vertical eco-engineering arrangements will play a crucial role in allowing species to migrate up the tidal zone, negating habitat loss and localised extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R Bone
- Bournemouth University, Fern Barrow, Poole BH12 5BB, UK; Natural England, London, UK
| | - Rick Stafford
- Bournemouth University, Fern Barrow, Poole BH12 5BB, UK.
| | - Alice E Hall
- University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
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2
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Firth LB, Forbes A, Knights AM, O'Shaughnessy KA, Mahmood-Brown W, Struthers L, Hawcutt E, Bohn K, Sayer MDJ, Quinn J, Allen J, Dürr S, Guerra MT, Leeper A, Mieszkowska N, Reid G, Wilkinson S, Williams AE, Hawkins SJ. Ecosystem engineers enhance the multifunctionality of an urban novel ecosystem: Population persistence and ecosystem resilience since the 1980s. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 952:175675. [PMID: 39233081 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
In degraded urban habitats, nature-based solutions aim to enhance ecosystem functioning and service provision. Bivalves are increasingly reintroduced to urban environments to enhance water quality through biofiltration, yet their long-term sustainability remains uncertain. Following the restoration of the disused South Docks in Liverpool in the 1980s, natural colonization of mussels rapidly improved dock-basin water quality and supported diverse taxa, including other filter feeders. While the initial colonization phase has been well documented, there has been limited published research since the mid-1990s, despite ongoing routine water quality monitoring. Here, we assessed the long-term persistence of mussel populations, their associated biodiversity, and physico-chemical parameters of the water in Queens and Albert Docks by comparing historical (1980s to 1990s) and contemporary data from follow-up surveys (2012,2022). Following an initial period of poor water quality (high contamination and turbidity, low oxygen), the natural colonization of mussels from Albert Dock in 1988 extended throughout the South Docks. By the mid-1990s, the environment of the South Docks and its mussel populations had stabilized. The dock walls were dominated by mussels which provided important complex secondary substrate for invertebrates and macroalgae. Surveys conducted in 2012 and 2022 confirmed the continued dominance of mussels and estimates of mussel biofiltration rates confirm that mussels are continuing to contribute to maintaining water quality. A decline in salinity was observed in both docks in 2022, with evidence of recovery. While these ecosystems appear relatively stable, careful management of the hydrological regime is crucial to ensuring the persistence of mussels and resilient ecosystem service provision through biofiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise B Firth
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom; Zoology Department, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland; School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom; Current address: School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Anastasia Forbes
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
| | - Antony M Knights
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom; Current address: School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Kathryn A O'Shaughnessy
- APEM Ltd, Stockport, United Kingdom; Current address: Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL, United States of America
| | - Wahaj Mahmood-Brown
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
| | - Lewis Struthers
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, L69 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - Ellie Hawcutt
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
| | - Katrin Bohn
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom; Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, United Kingdom; Current address: Natural England, Nottingham, NG2 4LA, United Kingdom
| | - Martin D J Sayer
- NERC National Facility for Scientific Diving, Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratories, Oban PA37 1QA, United Kingdom; Current: Tritonia Scientific Ltd., Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratories, Oban PA37 1QA, United Kingdom
| | - James Quinn
- School of Geography and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
| | - Jan Allen
- Department of Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, University of Liverpool, L69 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - Simone Dürr
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, L3 3AF, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Teresa Guerra
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technologies (DiSTeBA), Lecce, Italy
| | - Alexandra Leeper
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom; Department of International Affairs, Iceland Ocean Cluster, Reykjavik 101, Iceland
| | - Nova Mieszkowska
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, L69 3BX, United Kingdom; The Marine Biological Association of the UK, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, United Kingdom
| | - Geraldine Reid
- Botany, World Museum, National Museums, Liverpool, L3 8EN, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Wilkinson
- Department of Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, University of Liverpool, L69 3BX, United Kingdom; Port Erin Marine Laboratory, University of Liverpool, Port Erin, Isle of Man, IH49 6JA; Current address: Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough, PE1 1JY, United Kingdom
| | | | - Stephen J Hawkins
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom; School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom; Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, United Kingdom; Department of Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, University of Liverpool, L69 3BX, United Kingdom; The Marine Biological Association of the UK, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, United Kingdom; Port Erin Marine Laboratory, University of Liverpool, Port Erin, Isle of Man, IH49 6JA
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3
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Bauer F, Knights AM, Griffin JN, Hanley ME, Foggo A, Brown A, Jones E, Firth LB. Scale-dependent topographic complexity underpins abundance and spatial distribution of ecosystem engineers on natural and artificial structures. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 938:173519. [PMID: 38821270 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173519] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
In response to ongoing coastal urbanization, it is critical to develop effective methods to improve the biodiversity and ecological sustainability of artificial shorelines. Enhancing the topographic complexity of coastal infrastructure through the mimicry of natural substrata may facilitate the establishment of ecosystem engineering species and associated biogenic habitat formation. However, interactions between ecosystem engineers and their substratum are likely determined by organismal size and resource needs, thus making responses to topography highly scale-dependent. Here, we assessed the topographic properties (rugosity, surface area, micro-surface orientations) that underpin the abundance and distribution of two ecosystem engineers (fucoids, limpets) across six spatial scales (1-500 mm). Furthermore, we assessed the 'biogenic' rugosity created by barnacle matrices across fine scales (1-20 mm). Field surveys and 3D scanning, conducted across natural and artificial substrata, showed major effects of rugosity and associated topographic variables on ecosystem engineer assemblages and spatial occupancy, while additional abiotic environmental factors (compass direction, wave exposure) and biotic associations only had weak influences. Natural substrata exhibited ≤67 % higher rugosity than artificial ones. Fucoid-covered patches were predominantly associated with high-rugosity substrata and horizontal micro-surfaces, while homescars of limpets (≥15 mm shell length) predominated on smoother substratum patches. Barnacle-driven rugosity homogenized substrata at scales ≤10 mm. Our findings suggest that scale-dependent rugosity is a key driver of fucoid habitat formation and limpet habitat use, with wider eco-engineering applications for mimicking ecologically impactful topography on coastal infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Bauer
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - Antony M Knights
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK; School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - John N Griffin
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Mick E Hanley
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Andy Foggo
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | | | - Emma Jones
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Louise B Firth
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK; School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Schaefer N, Bishop MJ, Bugnot AB, Foster-Thorpe C, Herbert B, Hoey AS, Mayer-Pinto M, Nakagawa S, Sherman CDH, Vozzo ML, Dafforn KA. Influence of habitat features on the colonisation of native and non-indigenous species. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 198:106498. [PMID: 38631225 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106498] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Marine artificial structures provide substrates on which organisms can settle and grow. These structures facilitate establishment and spread of non-indigenous species, in part due to their distinct physical features (substrate material, movement, orientation) compared to natural habitat analogues such as rocky shores, and because following construction, they have abundant resources (space) for species to colonise. Despite the perceived importance of these habitat features, few studies have directly compared distributions of native and non-indigenous species or considered how functional identity and associated environmental preferences drive associations. We undertook a meta-analysis to investigate whether colonisation of native and non-indigenous species varies between artificial structures with features most closely resembling natural habitats (natural substrates, fixed structures, surfaces oriented upwards) and those least resembling natural habitats (artificial materials, floating structures, downfacing or vertical surfaces), or whether functional identity is the primary driver of differences. Analyses were done at global and more local (SE Australia) scales to investigate if patterns held regardless of scale. Our results suggest that functional group (i.e., algae, ascidians. barnacles, bryozoans, polychaetes) rather than species classification (i.e., native or non-indigenous) are the main drivers of differences in communities between different types of artificial structures. Specifically, there were differences in the abundance of ascidians, barnacles, and polychaetes between (1) upfacing and downfacing/vertical surfaces, and (2) floating and fixed substrates. When differences were detected, taxa were most abundant on features least resembling natural habitats. Results varied between global and SE Australian analyses, potentially due to reduced variability across studies in the SE Australian dataset. Thus, the functional group and associated preferences of the highest threat NIS in the area should be considered in design strategies (e.g., ecological engineering) to limit their establishment on newly built infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Schaefer
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Melanie J Bishop
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Ana B Bugnot
- CSIRO Environment, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
| | | | - Brett Herbert
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australia
| | - Andrew S Hoey
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Mariana Mayer-Pinto
- School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Kensington NSW 2033, Australia
| | - Shinichi Nakagawa
- School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Kensington NSW 2033, Australia
| | - Craig D H Sherman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds VIC 3216, Australia
| | | | - Katherine A Dafforn
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde NSW 2109, Australia
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Chai YJ, Syauqi TA, Sudesh K, Ee TL, Ban CC, Kar Mun AC, Anne Strain EM, Merican F, Rahim MA, Md Salleh K, Yin CS. Effects of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)] coating on the bacterial communities of artificial structures. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300929. [PMID: 38635673 PMCID: PMC11025745 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The expanding urbanization of coastal areas has led to increased ocean sprawl, which has had both physical and chemical adverse effects on marine and coastal ecosystems. To maintain the health and functionality of these ecosystems, it is imperative to develop effective solutions. One such solution involves the use of biodegradable polymers as bioactive coatings to enhance the bioreceptivity of marine and coastal infrastructures. Our study aimed to explore two main objectives: (1) investigate PHA-degrading bacteria on polymer-coated surfaces and in surrounding seawater, and (2) comparing biofilm colonization between surfaces with and without the polymer coating. We applied poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)) coatings on concrete surfaces at concentrations of 1% and 6% w/v, with varying numbers of coating cycles (1, 3, and 6). Our findings revealed that the addition of P(3HB) indeed promoted accelerated biofilm growth on the coated surfaces, resulting in an occupied area approximately 50% to 100% larger than that observed in the negative control. This indicates a remarkable enhancement, with the biofilm expanding at a rate roughly 1.5 to 2 times faster than the untreated surfaces. We observed noteworthy distinctions in biofilm growth patterns based on varying concentration and number of coating cycles. Interestingly, treatments with low concentration and high coating cycles exhibited comparable biofilm enhancements to those with high concentrations and low coating cycles. Further investigation into the bacterial communities responsible for the degradation of P(3HB) coatings identified mostly common and widespread strains but found no relation between the concentration and coating cycles. Nevertheless, this microbial degradation process was found to be highly efficient, manifesting noticeable effects within a single month. While these initial findings are promising, it's essential to conduct tests under natural conditions to validate the applicability of this approach. Nonetheless, our study represents a novel and bio-based ecological engineering strategy for enhancing the bioreceptivity of marine and coastal structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Jean Chai
- Centre for Global Sustainability Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Taufiq Ahmad Syauqi
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Kumar Sudesh
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Tan Leng Ee
- School of Housing, Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Cheah Chee Ban
- School of Housing, Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Amanda Chong Kar Mun
- Centre for Global Sustainability Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Elisabeth Marijke Anne Strain
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
- Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Faradina Merican
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Chee Su Yin
- Centre for Global Sustainability Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia
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Mayer-Pinto M, Caley A, Knights AM, Airoldi L, Bishop MJ, Brooks P, Coutinho R, Crowe T, Mancuso P, Naval-Xavier LPD, Firth LB, Menezes R, de Messano LVR, Morris R, Ross DJ, Wong JXW, Steinberg P, Strain EMA. Complexity-functioning relationships differ across different environmental conditions. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 354:120370. [PMID: 38387353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Habitat complexity is widely considered an important determinant of biodiversity, and enhancing complexity can play a key role in restoring degraded habitats. However, the effects of habitat complexity on ecosystem functioning - as opposed to biodiversity and community structure - are relatively poorly understood for artificial habitats, which dominate many coastlines. With Greening of Grey Infrastructure (GGI) approaches, or eco-engineering, increasingly being applied around the globe, it is important to understand the effects that modifying habitat complexity has on both biodiversity and ecological functioning in these highly modified habitats. We assessed how manipulating physical (primary substrate) and/or biogenic habitat (bivalves) complexity on intertidal artificial substrata affected filtration rates, net and gross primary productivity (NPP and GPP, respectively) and community respiration (CR) - as well as abundance of filter feeders and macro-algae and habitat use by cryptobenthic fish across six locations in three continents. We manipulated both physical and biogenic complexity using 1) flat or ridged (2.5 cm or 5 cm) settlement tiles that were either 2) unseeded or seeded with oysters or mussels. Across all locations, increasing physical and biogenic complexity (5 cm seeded tiles) had a significant effect on most ecological functioning variables, increasing overall filtration rates and community respiration of the assemblages on tiles but decreasing productivity (both GPP and NPP) across all locations. There were no overall effects of increasing either type of habitat complexity on cryptobenthic fish MaxN, total time in frame or macro-algal cover. Within each location, there were marked differences in the effects of habitat complexity. In Hobart, we found higher filtration, filter feeder biomass and community respiration on 5 cm tiles compared to flat tiles. However, at this location, both macro-algae cover and GPP decreased with increasing physical complexity. Similarly in Dublin, filtration, filter feeder biomass and community respiration were higher on 5 cm tiles compared to less complex tiles. In Sydney, filtration and filter feeder biomass were higher on seeded than unseeded tiles, and fish MaxN was higher on 5 cm tiles compared to flat tiles. On unseeded tiles in Sydney, filter feeder biomass also increased with increasing physical complexity. Our findings suggest that GGI solutions via increased habitat complexity are likely to have trade-offs among potentially desired functions, such as productivity and filtration rates, and variable effects on cryptobenthic fish communities. Importantly, our results show that the effects of GGI practices can vary markedly according to the environmental context and therefore should not be blindly and uniformly applied across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Mayer-Pinto
- Centre of Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Amelia Caley
- Centre of Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Antony M Knights
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Airoldi
- Chioggia Hydrobiological Station "Umberto D'Ancona", Department of Biology, University of Padova, UO CoNISMa, Chioggia, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, 90133, Italy
| | - Melanie J Bishop
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Paul Brooks
- Earth Institute & School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Ricardo Coutinho
- Marine Biotechnology Program, Instituto de Estudos do Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira (IEAPM), Arraial do Cabo, Brazil and Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Brazil; Marine Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Estudos do Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira, Arraial do Cabo, Brazil
| | - Tasman Crowe
- Earth Institute & School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Paolo Mancuso
- Chioggia Hydrobiological Station "Umberto D'Ancona", Department of Biology, University of Padova, UO CoNISMa, Chioggia, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, 90133, Italy
| | - Lais P D Naval-Xavier
- Marine Biotechnology Program, Instituto de Estudos do Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira (IEAPM), Arraial do Cabo, Brazil and Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Brazil; Marine Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Estudos do Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira, Arraial do Cabo, Brazil
| | - Louise B Firth
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
| | - Rafael Menezes
- Marine Biotechnology Program, Instituto de Estudos do Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira (IEAPM), Arraial do Cabo, Brazil and Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Brazil; Marine Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Estudos do Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira, Arraial do Cabo, Brazil
| | - Luciana V R de Messano
- Marine Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Estudos do Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira, Arraial do Cabo, Brazil
| | - Rebecca Morris
- National Centre for Coasts and Climate, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Donald J Ross
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Science, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Joanne X W Wong
- Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali (CIRSA), Alma Mater Studiorum - Universita' di Bologna, Via S. Alberto 163, 48123, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Peter Steinberg
- Centre of Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Elisabeth M A Strain
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Science, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia; Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7053, Australia
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7
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Sempere-Valverde J, Chebaane S, Bernal-Ibáñez A, Silva R, Cacabelos E, Ramalhosa P, Jiménez J, Monteiro JG, Espinosa F, Navarro-Barranco C, Guerra-García JM, Canning-Clode J. Surface integrity could limit the potential of concrete as a bio-enhanced material in the marine environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116096. [PMID: 38340372 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Coastal sprawl is among the main drivers of global degradation of shallow marine ecosystems. Among artificial substrates, quarry rock can have faster recruitment of benthic organisms compared to traditional concrete, which is more versatile for construction. However, the factors driving these differences are poorly understood. In this context, this study was designed to compare the intertidal and subtidal benthic and epibenthic assemblages on concrete and artificial basalt boulders in six locations of Madeira Island (northeastern Atlantic, Portugal). To assess the size of the habitat, the shorelines in the study area were quantified using satellite images, resulting in >34 % of the south coast of Madeira being artificial. Benthic assemblages differed primarily between locations and secondarily substrates. Generally, assemblages differed between substrates in the subtidal, with lower biomass and abundance in concrete than basalt. We conclude that these differences are not related to chemical effects (e.g., heavy metals) but instead to a higher detachment rate of calcareous biocrusts from concrete, as surface abrasion is faster in concrete than basalt. Consequently, surface integrity emerges as a factor of ecological significance in coastal constructions. This study advances knowledge on the impact and ecology of artificial shorelines, providing a baseline for future research towards ecological criteria for coastal protection and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Sempere-Valverde
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda Reina Mercedes 6, 41012 Sevilla, Spain; MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI), Funchal, Madeira, Portugal; Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sahar Chebaane
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI), Funchal, Madeira, Portugal; Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alejandro Bernal-Ibáñez
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI), Funchal, Madeira, Portugal; Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo Silva
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI), Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
| | - Eva Cacabelos
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI), Funchal, Madeira, Portugal; Hydrosphere-Environmental Laboratory for the Study of Aquatic Ecosystems, 36331 Vigo, Spain; Institute of Marine Research (IIM-CSIC), 36208 Vigo, Spain
| | - Patrício Ramalhosa
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI), Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
| | - Jesús Jiménez
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI), Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
| | - João Gama Monteiro
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI), Funchal, Madeira, Portugal; Faculdade de Ciências da Vida, Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
| | - Free Espinosa
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda Reina Mercedes 6, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Carlos Navarro-Barranco
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda Reina Mercedes 6, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - José Manuel Guerra-García
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda Reina Mercedes 6, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - João Canning-Clode
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI), Funchal, Madeira, Portugal; Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater, MD 21037, USA
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8
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Schaefer N, Bishop MJ, Bugnot AB, Herbert B, Hoey AS, Mayer-Pinto M, Sherman CDH, Foster-Thorpe C, Vozzo ML, Dafforn KA. Variable effects of substrate colour and microtexture on sessile marine taxa in Australian estuaries. BIOFOULING 2024; 40:223-234. [PMID: 38526167 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2024.2332710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Concrete infrastructure in coastal waters is increasing. While adding complex habitat and manipulating concrete mixtures to enhance biodiversity have been studied, field investigations of sub-millimetre-scale complexity and substrate colour are lacking. Here, the interacting effects of 'colour' (white, grey, black) and 'microtexture' (smooth, 0.5 mm texture) on colonisation were assessed at three sites in Australia. In Townsville, no effects of colour or microtexture were observed. In Sydney, spirorbid polychaetes occupied more space on smooth than textured tiles, but there was no effect of microtexture on serpulid polychaetes, bryozoans and algae. In Melbourne, barnacles were more abundant on black than white tiles, while serpulid polychaetes showed opposite patterns and ascidians did not vary with treatments. These results suggest that microtexture and colour can facilitate colonisation of some taxa. The context-dependency of the results shows that inclusion of these factors into marine infrastructure designs needs to be carefully considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Schaefer
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melanie J Bishop
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ana B Bugnot
- CSIRO Environment, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brett Herbert
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Andrew S Hoey
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mariana Mayer-Pinto
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Craig D H Sherman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cian Foster-Thorpe
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | | | - Katherine A Dafforn
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
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9
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Zarcero J, Antich A, Rius M, Wangensteen OS, Turon X. A new sampling device for metabarcoding surveillance of port communities and detection of non-indigenous species. iScience 2024; 27:108588. [PMID: 38111684 PMCID: PMC10726295 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabarcoding techniques are revolutionizing studies of marine biodiversity. They can be used for monitoring non-indigenous species (NIS) in ports and harbors. However, they are often biased by inconsistent sampling methods and incomplete reference databases. Logistic constraints in ports prompt the development of simple, easy-to-deploy samplers. We tested a new device called polyamide mesh for ports organismal monitoring (POMPOM) with a high surface-to-volume ratio. POMPOMS were deployed inside a fishing and recreational port in the Mediterranean alongside conventional settlement plates. We also compiled a curated database with cytochrome oxidase (COI) sequences of Mediterranean NIS. COI metabarcoding of the communities settled in the POMPOMs captured a similar biodiversity than settlement plates, with shared molecular operational units (MOTUs) representing ca. 99% of reads. 38 NIS were detected in the port accounting for ca. 26% of reads. POMPOMs were easy to deploy and handle and provide an efficient method for NIS surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Zarcero
- Department of Marine Ecology, Centre for Advanced Studies of Blanes (CEAB), CSIC, 17300 Blanes, Catalonia, Spain
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences and Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Adrià Antich
- Department of Marine Ecology, Centre for Advanced Studies of Blanes (CEAB), CSIC, 17300 Blanes, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Marc Rius
- Department of Marine Ecology, Centre for Advanced Studies of Blanes (CEAB), CSIC, 17300 Blanes, Catalonia, Spain
- Department of Zoology, Centre for Ecological Genomics and Wildlife Conservation, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Johannesburg 2006, South Africa
| | - Owen S. Wangensteen
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences and Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Xavier Turon
- Department of Marine Ecology, Centre for Advanced Studies of Blanes (CEAB), CSIC, 17300 Blanes, Catalonia, Spain
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10
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Jackson-Bué T, Evans AJ, Lawrence PJ, Brooks PR, Ward SL, Jenkins SR, Moore PJ, Crowe TP, Neill SP, Davies AJ. Habitat structure shapes temperate reef assemblages across regional environmental gradients. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167494. [PMID: 37806568 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167494] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Intertidal artificial habitats are proliferating, but are generally simpler in structure and host lower biodiversity than natural rocky reefs. Eco-engineering aims to enhance the biodiversity of coastal infrastructure, often through physical structural modifications that mimic topographic properties of natural shores. Relationships between biotic assemblages and structural properties of natural and artificial reefs have been extensively studied at sampling scales of up to 1 m2. But evidence that quantified local structural variation has an appreciable influence on biotic assemblages, at a shore-wide scale across regional environmental gradients, is lacking. Here we addressed this knowledge gap with an observational study at 32 natural and artificial intertidal reef sites in Wales, UK. We used multivariate community analysis and permutation tests to examine associations between local physical structure, regional environmental variables and sessile biotic assemblages. A potential influence of local habitat structure on assemblage composition was evident across regional-scale environmental gradients. Compared to natural sites, artificial reefs had lower taxonomic richness, distinct and more variable assemblage composition, and different physical structure. After removing the effect of habitat (natural or artificial), canonical correspondence analysis showed that environmental variables (wave exposure, sea surface temperature and salinity variation), along with two metrics of physical structure (standard deviation in log-transformed detrended roughness and skewness of surface verticality, both at 0.5 m scale), explained 40 % of the variation in assemblage composition among sites. The two structural metrics independently explained 14.5 % of the variation. Associations identified between individual taxa and environmental variables indicated that sites with a higher proportion of horizontal surfaces hosted more canopy macroalgae, which in turn support other algae and invertebrates. Our findings provide evidence to inform scaling-up of structural eco-engineering interventions from experimental contexts to enhance the biodiversity of coastal infrastructure across regional extents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Jackson-Bué
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Askew St, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, UK.
| | - Ally J Evans
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Peter J Lawrence
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Cumbria, Ambleside LA22 9BB, UK
| | - Paul R Brooks
- Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sophie L Ward
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Askew St, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Stuart R Jenkins
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Askew St, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Pippa J Moore
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; Dove Marine Laboratory, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Tasman P Crowe
- Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Simon P Neill
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Askew St, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Andrew J Davies
- University of Rhode Island, Department of Biological Sciences, 120 Flagg Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA; University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Oceanography, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
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11
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Farrugia Drakard V, Evans AJ, Crowe TP, Moore PJ, Coughlan J, Brooks PR. The influence of environmental context on community composition in artificial rockpools associated with seawalls. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 193:106308. [PMID: 38104418 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Artificial structures have become widespread features of coastal marine environments, and will likely proliferate further over the coming decades. These constitute new hard substrata in the marine environment which provide a fundamentally different habitat than natural shores. Eco-engineering solutions aim to ameliorate these differences by combining ecological knowledge and engineering criteria in the construction and modification of artificial substrata. Vertipools™ are artificial bolt-on rockpools intended for deployment on seawalls, where they have been shown to provide biodiversity benefits. In this study, a total of 32 Vertipools were retrofitted on eight seawalls in different environmental contexts (estuarine vs marine and urban vs rural) along the Irish Sea coastline, and were exposed to the environment for a period of two years. After two years, there were no differences in species richness, species-abundance distributions, diversity, or community composition between the specific environmental contexts examined here. Site-level variation was significant, and communities on Vertipools deployed in marine contexts were more variable in general than those in estuarine contexts. Community composition differed significantly between structural sections of the Vertipools, indicating that different sections provide specific microhabitats for colonisation. This study indicates that Vertipools provide biodiversity benefits in a variety of environmental contexts, and therefore are broadly viable as an eco-engineering solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Farrugia Drakard
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Ally J Evans
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom; Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Tasman P Crowe
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Pippa J Moore
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, United Kingdom; Dove Marine Laboratory, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Coughlan
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Paul R Brooks
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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12
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Marchetti OC, Titotto S, Dias GM. The impact of habitat complexity on the structure of marine sessile communities and larvae supply. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 193:106255. [PMID: 37976842 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106255] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Coastal infrastructure replaces complex and heterogeneous natural habitats with flat, two-dimensional concrete walls, reducing refuges against predation, which modifies the composition and identity of the dominant species in sessile communities. This modification in the community structure can also change the reproductive propagules available in plankton, affecting the recruitment dynamics in communities from natural habitats nearby. Here, we tested the combined effects of the habitat type (simple vs. complex with holes) and predation on the diversity, larval production, and structure of sessile communities from a recreational marina. Complex substrates showed a larger biomass and a greater abundance of solitary organisms, mainly ascidians and bivalves, that benefited from refuges. Barnacles and calcified encrusting bryozoans dominated simple, flat substrates. The difference in dominance affected the pool of larvae produced by the communities. After eight months, communities growing on flat substrates produced more barnacle larvae than those from complex substrates, where larvae of ascidians were more abundant. However, this difference disappeared after 18 months of community development. The difference in the pool of larvae between simple and complex substrates did not affect the structure of the community on flat substrates nearby, which was determined by the predation regime. In the studied region, communities in artificial environments are under intense predation control, suppressing eventual recruitment differences in communities developing in flat substrates. Large interventions that modify habitat topography, creating refuges in the subtidal zone, can change the dynamic of the sessile communities in artificial habitats and, consequently, the larval supply in the vicinities. However, differences in larval supply will only translate in distinct sessile communities when the scale of intervention encompasses large areas, and other processes do not buffer the differences in recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otávio C Marchetti
- Grupo de Ecologia Experimental Marinha, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Alameda da Universidade s/n - Anchieta, CEP: 09606-045, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil
| | - Silvia Titotto
- 4D Printing and Biomimetics (4DB) Research Group, Centro de Engenharia, Modelagem e Ciências Sociais Aplicadas, Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Av. dos Estados, 5001 - Bairro Bangu, CEP: 09280-560, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Gustavo M Dias
- Grupo de Ecologia Experimental Marinha, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), Alameda da Universidade s/n - Anchieta, CEP: 09606-045, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil.
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13
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O'Shaughnessy KA, Knights AM, Hawkins SJ, Hanley ME, Lunt P, Thompson RC, Firth LB. Metrics matter: Multiple diversity metrics at different spatial scales are needed to understand species diversity in urban environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:164958. [PMID: 37331387 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164958] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, natural habitats are being replaced by artificial structures due to urbanisation. Planning of such modifications should strive for environmental net gain that benefits biodiversity and ecosystems. Alpha (α) and gamma (γ) diversity are often used to assess 'impact' but are insensitive metrics. We test several diversity measures across two spatial scales to compare species diversity in natural and artificial habitats. We show γ-diversity indicates equivalency in biodiversity between natural and artificial habitats, but natural habitats support greater taxon (α) and functional richness. Within-site β-diversity was also greater in natural habitats, but among-site β-diversity was greater in artificial habitats, contradicting the commonly held view that urban ecosystems are more biologically homogenous than natural ecosystems. This study suggests artificial habitats may in fact provide novel habitat for biodiversity, challenges the applicability of the urban homogenisation concept and highlights a significant limitation of using just α-diversity (i.e., multiple metrics are needed and recommended) for assessing environmental net gain and attaining biodiversity conservation goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A O'Shaughnessy
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom; APEM Ltd, Heaton Mersey, Stockport, United Kingdom.
| | - Antony M Knights
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom.
| | - Stephen J Hawkins
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom; School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; The Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, United Kingdom.
| | - Mick E Hanley
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom.
| | - Paul Lunt
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom.
| | - Richard C Thompson
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom.
| | - Louise B Firth
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom.
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14
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Joubert E, Gauff RPM, de Vogüé B, Chavanon F, Ravel C, Bouchoucha M. Artificial fish nurseries can restore certain nursery characteristics in marine urban habitats. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 190:106108. [PMID: 37506652 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Port areas are subjected to multiple anthropic pressures that directly impact residing marine communities and deprive them of most of their essential ecological functions. Several global projects aim to rehabilitate certain ecosystem functions in port areas, such as a fish nursery function, by installing artificial fish nurseries (AFN). In theory, AFNs increase fish biodiversity and juvenile fish abundance in port areas, but studies on this subject remain scarce. Thus, the present study aimed to examine whether the use of such AFNs could restore part of the nursery function of natural habitats by increasing fish and juvenile abundance, and by decreasing predation intensity compared to bare docks. Two years of monitoring on AFNs showed they hosted 2.1 times more fish than on control docks and up to 2.4 more fish juveniles. Fish community structures were influenced by both treatment (AFN and Control) and year of monitoring. In general, AFNs hosted a greater taxonomic diversity of fish than controls. The predation intensity around these structures was significantly lower in the AFNs than in controls. Part of the definition of a fish nursery was thus verified, indicating that AFNs might be an effective restoration tool. However, we also noted that total fish abundance and Young of the Year (YOY) abundance decreased in controls, possibly due to a concentration effect. Further detailed monitoring is necessary to distinguish between these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Joubert
- Ifremer, Lab Environm Ressources Provence Azur Corse, CS 20330, F-83507 La Seyne Sur Mer, France.
| | - Robin P M Gauff
- Chioggia Hydrobiological Station "Umberto D'Ancona", Department of Biology, University of Padova, Chioggia, Italy
| | - Benoist de Vogüé
- Ifremer, Lab Environm Ressources Provence Azur Corse, CS 20330, F-83507 La Seyne Sur Mer, France
| | - Fabienne Chavanon
- Ifremer, Lab Environm Ressources Provence Azur Corse, CS 20330, F-83507 La Seyne Sur Mer, France
| | - Christophe Ravel
- Ifremer, Lab Environm Ressources Provence Azur Corse, CS 20330, F-83507 La Seyne Sur Mer, France
| | - Marc Bouchoucha
- Ifremer, Lab Environm Ressources Provence Azur Corse, CS 20330, F-83507 La Seyne Sur Mer, France
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15
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Thompson B, Brooks PR, Farrugia Drakard V, Kubin F, Earp HS, Alvarez-Cienfuegos I, Moore PJ, Crowe TP. Population structure and reproductive states of the dogwhelk Nucella lapillus differ between artificial structures and natural rocky shores. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 189:106059. [PMID: 37321022 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Artificial structures are an increasingly common feature of coastal marine environments. These structures are poor surrogates of natural rocky shores, and generally support less diverse communities and reduced population sizes. Little is known about sub-lethal effects of such structures in terms of demographic properties and reproductive potential, both of which may influence the dynamics and long-term viability of populations. This study examines the population structure, reproductive states and embryo production of Nucella lapillus populations on artificial structures and natural shores in Ireland and Wales. Population density was measured twice at six natural shores and six artificial structures: once in winter and once in spring. At each sampling, the shell height of 100 individuals from each site was measured. Monthly collections of adult specimens and egg capsules were made at each site from November-January and from March-May, in order to determine sex ratios, reproductive states, and embryo abundances. Artificial structures supported larger individuals and very few juveniles compared to natural shores. Between December and January, natural shores experienced a distinctive pulse in spawning activity followed by a decline in the proportion of females in a reproductive state, whereas on artificial structures the proportion of reproductive females remained relatively stable. Differences observed may be due to a lack of microhabitats on artificial structures, along with subtle variations in structure slope. Eco-engineering interventions, including the addition of refugia such as cracks and crevices, may allow N. lapillus populations on artificial structures to approximate those on natural shores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Thompson
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Paul R Brooks
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Veronica Farrugia Drakard
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Juneau, AK, United States.
| | - Fiona Kubin
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Hannah S Earp
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK; School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Ignacio Alvarez-Cienfuegos
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK; Marine Biology and Ecology Research Group, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Pippa J Moore
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK; School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Tasman P Crowe
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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16
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Baxter T, Coombes M, Viles H. Intertidal biodiversity and physical habitat complexity on historic masonry walls: A comparison with modern concrete infrastructure and natural rocky cliffs. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114617. [PMID: 36701972 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Maritime built heritage (e.g., historic seawalls) represents an important component of coastal infrastructure around the world. Despite this, the ecological communities supported by these structures are poorly understood. At seven locations across the UK, we compared the biodiversity and physical habitat characteristics of (1) historic (pre-1900s) masonry walls, (2) concrete walls, and (3) natural rocky cliffs. Historic masonry walls were found to support significantly more species than concrete walls, and in some locations, more diverse communities than nearby rocky cliffs. Nevertheless, community composition remained distinct between the three habitat types at each location. We also found that historic masonry walls provided substantially more cryptic space (i.e., crevices) than both concrete walls and rocky cliffs, and this is positively associated with the ecological value of these structures. Overall, our results suggest that the unique physical properties of historic masonry walls make them an important component of habitat diversity along developed coastlines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Baxter
- Oxford Resilient Buildings and Landscapes Lab (OxRBL), School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Martin Coombes
- Oxford Resilient Buildings and Landscapes Lab (OxRBL), School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Heather Viles
- Oxford Resilient Buildings and Landscapes Lab (OxRBL), School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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17
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Gauff RPM, Joubert E, Curd A, Carlier A, Chavanon F, Ravel C, Bouchoucha M. The elephant in the room: Introduced species also profit from refuge creation by artificial fish habitats. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 185:105859. [PMID: 36680811 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105859] [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: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Increasingly, ecological rehabilitation is envisioned to mitigate and revert impacts of ocean sprawl on coastal marine biodiversity. While in the past studies have demonstrated the positive effects of artificial fish habitats in port areas on fish abundance and diversity, benthic colonization of these structures has not yet been taken into consideration. This could be problematic as they may provide suitable habitat for Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) and hence facilitate their spreading. The present study aimed to examine communities developing on artificial fish habitats and to observe if the number of NIS was higher than in surrounding equivalent habitats. The structures were colonized by communities that were significantly different compared to those surrounding the control habitat, and they were home to a greater number of NIS. As NIS can cause severe ecological and economical damages, our results imply that in conjunction with the ecosystem services provided by artificial fish habitats, an ecosystem disservice in the form of facilitated NIS colonization may be present. These effects have not been shown before and need to be considered to effectively decide in which situations artificial structures may be used for fish rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin P M Gauff
- Ifremer, DYNECO, Laboratory of Coastal Benthic Ecology, F-29280, Plouzané, France; Ifremer, Lab Environm Ressources Provence Azur Corse, CS 20330, F-83507, La Seyne Sur Mer, France.
| | - Etienne Joubert
- Ifremer, Lab Environm Ressources Provence Azur Corse, CS 20330, F-83507, La Seyne Sur Mer, France
| | - Amelia Curd
- Ifremer, DYNECO, Laboratory of Coastal Benthic Ecology, F-29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Antoine Carlier
- Ifremer, DYNECO, Laboratory of Coastal Benthic Ecology, F-29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Fabienne Chavanon
- Ifremer, Lab Environm Ressources Provence Azur Corse, CS 20330, F-83507, La Seyne Sur Mer, France
| | - Christophe Ravel
- Ifremer, Lab Environm Ressources Provence Azur Corse, CS 20330, F-83507, La Seyne Sur Mer, France
| | - Marc Bouchoucha
- Ifremer, Lab Environm Ressources Provence Azur Corse, CS 20330, F-83507, La Seyne Sur Mer, France
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18
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Earp HS, George R, Brooks PR, Farrugia Drakard V, Thompson BJ, Fisher B, Hayden R, Crowe TP, Moore PJ. The population structure, sex ratio and reproductive potential of limpets (Patella spp.) on natural shores and artificial structures in the Irish Sea. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 184:105853. [PMID: 36584493 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Artificial structures often support depauperate communities compared to natural rocky shores. Understanding variation in ecological success across shore types, particularly regarding habitat-forming species or those with structuring roles, is important to determine how artificial structure proliferation may influence ecosystem functioning and services. We investigated the population structure, sex ratio and reproductive potential of limpets on natural shores and artificial structures on Irish Sea coasts. Limpets were generally less abundant and Patella vulgata populations were often male dominated on artificial structures compared to natural shores, suggesting that shore type may influence these factors. P. vulgata length varied across sites within the Irish Sea (nested in coast and shore type) in autumn/winter, as well as temporally across sites along the Welsh coast. There was no difference in the proportion of P. vulgata in advanced stages of gonad development across shore types. The results suggest that rip-rap artificial structures may provide a habitat comparable to natural shores, however, the addition of ecological engineering interventions on artificial structures may allow limpet populations to better approximate those on natural shores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah S Earp
- Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK; The Dove Marine Laboratory, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK.
| | - Ruby George
- Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Paul R Brooks
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Veronica Farrugia Drakard
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Bryan J Thompson
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Benjamin Fisher
- Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Róisín Hayden
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; The Swire Institute of Marine Science, University of Hong Kong, Cape D'Aguilar, Hong Kong
| | - Tasman P Crowe
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Pippa J Moore
- Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK; The Dove Marine Laboratory, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
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19
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Schaefer N, Sedano F, Bishop MJ, Dunn K, Haeusler MH, Yu KD, Zavoleas Y, Dafforn KA. Facilitation of non-indigenous ascidian by marine eco-engineering interventions at an urban site. BIOFOULING 2023; 39:80-93. [PMID: 36912169 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2023.2186785] [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: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Marine artificial structures often support lower native species diversity and more non-indigenous species (NIS), but adding complex habitat and using bioreceptive materials have the potential to mitigate these impacts. Here, the interacting effects of structural complexity (flat, complex with pits) and concrete mixture (standard, or with oyster shell or vermiculite aggregate) on recruitment were assessed at two intertidal levels at an urban site. Complex tiles had less green algal cover, oyster shell mixtures had less brown (Ralfsia sp.) algal cover. At a low tidal elevation, the non-indigenous ascidian Styela plicata dominated complex tiles. Additionally, mixtures with oyster shell supported higher total cover of sessile species, and a higher cover of S. plicata. There were no effects of complexity or mixture on biofilm communities and native and NIS richness. Overall, these results suggest that habitat complexity and some bioreceptive materials may facilitate colonisation by a dominant invertebrate invader on artificial structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Schaefer
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Francisco Sedano
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Zoología, Universidad de Sevilla, Facultad de Biología, Sevilla, España
| | - Melanie J Bishop
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kate Dunn
- Computational Design, School of Built Environment, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M Hank Haeusler
- Computational Design, School of Built Environment, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - K Daniel Yu
- Computational Design, School of Built Environment, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yannis Zavoleas
- Computational Design, School of Built Environment, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Architecture, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Katherine A Dafforn
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
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20
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Suedel BC, Calabria J, Bilskie MV, Byers JE, Broich K, McKay SK, Tritinger AS, Woodson CB, Dolatowski E. Engineering coastal structures to centrally embrace biodiversity. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 323:116138. [PMID: 36113289 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Global environmental factors (e.g., extreme weather, climate action failure, natural disasters, human environmental damage) increasingly threaten coastal communities. Shorelines are often hardened (seawalls, bulkheads) to prevent flooding and erosion and protect coastal communities. However, hardened shorelines lead to environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. Developmental pressures that are growing in scale, scope, and complexity necessitate the development of sustainable solutions to work with, rather than against, nature. Such nature-based solutions (NBS) provide protection and improve environmental quality and enhance biodiversity. To further this pressing need into action, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) began the Engineering With Nature (EWN) initiative to balance economic, environmental, and social benefits through collaboration with partners and stakeholders. This work shows how engineering practice can be advanced through structured decision-making and landscape architecture renderings that include ecological sciences and NBS into an integrated approach for enhancing biodiversity in coastal marine environments. This integrated approach can be applied when designing new infrastructure projects or modifying or repairing existing infrastructure. To help communicate designs incorporating NBS, drawings, and renderings showcasing EWN concepts can aid decision-making. Our experiences with implementing EWN in practice have revealed that involving landscape architects can play a crucial role in successful collaboration and lead to solutions that protect coastal communities while preserving or enhancing biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burton C Suedel
- Engineer Research and Development Center, US Army Corps of Engineers, 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, MS, USA; The Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Jon Calabria
- College Environment and Design, University of Georgia, 152 Jackson Street Building, Athens, GA, USA; The Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Matthew V Bilskie
- College of Engineering, University of Georgia, 0712C Boyd Graduate Research Building, 200 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA, USA; The Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - James E Byers
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Ecology Building, Rm. 194B, 140 E Green St, Athens, GA, USA; The Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Kelsey Broich
- Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia, 201 North Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA, USA; The Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - S Kyle McKay
- Engineer Research and Development Center, US Army Corps of Engineers, 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY, 10278, USA; The Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Amanda S Tritinger
- Engineer Research and Development Center, US Army Corps of Engineers, 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, MS, USA; The Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - C Brock Woodson
- College of Engineering, University of Georgia, 708C Boyd Graduate Research Center 200 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA, USA; The Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Emily Dolatowski
- College Environment and Design, University of Georgia, 152 Jackson Street Building, Athens, GA, USA; The Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS), University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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21
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Bulleri F, Pretti C, Bertolino M, Magri M, Pittaluga GB, Sicurelli D, Tardelli F, Manzini C, Vannini C, Verani M, Federigi I, Zampieri G, De Marchi L. Adding functions to marine infrastructure: Pollutant accumulation, physiological and microbiome changes in sponges attached to floating pontoons inside marinas. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 848:157773. [PMID: 35926598 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157773] [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] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The rate of introduction of man-made habitats in coastal environments is growing at an unprecedented pace, as a consequence of the expansion of urban areas. Floating installations, due to their unique hydrodynamic features, are able to provide great opportunities for enhancing water detoxification through the use of sessile, filtering organisms. We assessed whether the application of sponges to floating pontoons could function as a tool for biomonitoring organic and inorganic pollutants and for improving water quality inside a moderately contaminated marina in the NW Mediterranean. Fragments of two common Mediterranean sponges (Petrosia (Petrosia) ficiformis and Ircinia oros) were fixed to either suspended natural fibre nets beneath a floating pontoon or to metal frames deployed on the sea bottom. We assessed the accumulation of organic and inorganic contaminants in sponge fragments and, in order to provide an insight into their health status, we examined changes in their metabolic and oxidative stress responses and associated microbiomes. Fragments of both sponge species filtered out pollutants from seawater on both support types, but generally showed a better physiological and metabolic status when fixed to nets underneath the pontoon than to bottom frames. P. (P) ficiformis maintained a more efficient metabolism and exhibited a lower physiological stress levels and higher stability of the associated microbiome in comparison with I. oros. Our study suggests that the application of sponges to floating pontoon represents a promising nature-based solution to improve the ecological value of urban environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Bulleri
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlo Pretti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Consorzio per il Centro Interuniversitario di Biologia Marina ed Ecologia Applicata "G. Bacci" (CIBM), Livorno, Italy
| | - Marco Bertolino
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Gianluca Bontà Pittaluga
- Consorzio per il Centro Interuniversitario di Biologia Marina ed Ecologia Applicata "G. Bacci" (CIBM), Livorno, Italy
| | | | - Federica Tardelli
- Consorzio per il Centro Interuniversitario di Biologia Marina ed Ecologia Applicata "G. Bacci" (CIBM), Livorno, Italy
| | - Chiara Manzini
- Consorzio per il Centro Interuniversitario di Biologia Marina ed Ecologia Applicata "G. Bacci" (CIBM), Livorno, Italy
| | | | - Marco Verani
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Lucia De Marchi
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Consorzio per il Centro Interuniversitario di Biologia Marina ed Ecologia Applicata "G. Bacci" (CIBM), Livorno, Italy.
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22
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Bishop MJ, Vozzo ML, Mayer-Pinto M, Dafforn KA. Complexity-biodiversity relationships on marine urban structures: reintroducing habitat heterogeneity through eco-engineering. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210393. [PMID: 35757880 PMCID: PMC9234820 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Urbanization is leading to biodiversity loss through habitat homogenization. The smooth, featureless surfaces of many marine urban structures support ecological communities, often of lower biodiversity, distinct from the complex natural habitats they replace. Eco-engineering (design for ecological co-benefits) seeks to enhance biodiversity and ecological functions on urban structures. We assessed the benefits to biodiversity of retrofitting four types of complex habitat panels to an intertidal seawall at patch (versus flat control panels) and site (versus unmodified control seawalls and reference rocky shores) scales. Two years after installation, patch-scale effects of complex panels on biodiversity ranged from neutral to positive, depending on the protective features they provided, though all but one design (honeycomb) supported unique species. Water-retaining features (rockpools) and crevices, which provided moisture retention and cooling, increased biodiversity and supported algae and invertebrates otherwise absent. At the site scale, biodiversity benefits ranged from neutral at the high- and mid-intertidal to positive at the low-intertidal elevation. The results highlight the importance of matching eco-engineering interventions to the niche of target species, and environmental conditions. While species richness was greatest on rockpool and crevice panels, the unique species supported by other panel designs highlights that to maximize biodiversity, habitat heterogeneity is essential. This article is part of the theme issue 'Ecological complexity and the biosphere: the next 30 years'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie J. Bishop
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Maria L. Vozzo
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia
| | - Mariana Mayer-Pinto
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Katherine A. Dafforn
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia
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23
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Solé R, Levin S. Ecological complexity and the biosphere: the next 30 years. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210376. [PMID: 35757877 PMCID: PMC9234814 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Global warming, habitat loss and overexploitation of limited resources are leading to alarming biodiversity declines. Ecosystems are complex adaptive systems that display multiple alternative states and can shift from one to another in abrupt ways. Some of these tipping points have been identified and predicted by mathematical and computational models. Moreover, multiple scales are involved and potential mitigation or intervention scenarios are tied to particular levels of complexity, from cells to human–environment coupled systems. In dealing with a biosphere where humans are part of a complex, endangered ecological network, novel theoretical and engineering approaches need to be considered. At the centre of most research efforts is biodiversity, which is essential to maintain community resilience and ecosystem services. What can be done to mitigate, counterbalance or prevent tipping points? Using a 30-year window, we explore recent approaches to sense, preserve and restore ecosystem resilience as well as a number of proposed interventions (from afforestation to bioengineering) directed to mitigate or reverse ecosystem collapse. The year 2050 is taken as a representative future horizon that combines a time scale where deep ecological changes will occur and proposed solutions might be effective. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Ecological complexity and the biosphere: the next 30 years’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricard Solé
- ICREA-Complex Systems Lab, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Dr Aiguader 80, Barcelona 08003, Spain.,Institut de Biologia Evolutiva, CSIC-UPF, Pg Maritim de la Barceloneta 37, Barcelona 08003, Spain.,Santa Fe Institute, 1399 Hyde Park Road, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
| | - Simon Levin
- Santa Fe Institute, 1399 Hyde Park Road, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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24
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Komyakova V, Jaffrés JBD, Strain EMA, Cullen-Knox C, Fudge M, Langhamer O, Bender A, Yaakub SM, Wilson E, Allan BJM, Sella I, Haward M. Conceptualisation of multiple impacts interacting in the marine environment using marine infrastructure as an example. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 830:154748. [PMID: 35337877 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The human population is increasingly reliant on the marine environment for food, trade, tourism, transport, communication and other vital ecosystem services. These services require extensive marine infrastructure, all of which have direct or indirect ecological impacts on marine environments. The rise in global marine infrastructure has led to light, noise and chemical pollution, as well as facilitation of biological invasions. As a result, marine systems and associated species are under increased pressure from habitat loss and degradation, formation of ecological traps and increased mortality, all of which can lead to reduced resilience and consequently increased invasive species establishment. Whereas the cumulative bearings of collective human impacts on marine populations have previously been demonstrated, the multiple impacts associated with marine infrastructure have not been well explored. Here, building on ecological literature, we explore the impacts that are associated with marine infrastructure, conceptualising the notion of correlative, interactive and cumulative effects of anthropogenic activities on the marine environment. By reviewing the range of mitigation approaches that are currently available, we consider the role that eco-engineering, marine spatial planning and agent-based modelling plays in complementing the design and placement of marine structures to incorporate the existing connectivity pathways, ecological principles and complexity of the environment. Because the effect of human-induced, rapid environmental change is predicted to increase in response to the growth of the human population, this study demonstrates that the development and implementation of legislative framework, innovative technologies and nature-informed solutions are vital, preventative measures to mitigate the multiple impacts associated with marine infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeriya Komyakova
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia; Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7053, Australia.
| | - Jasmine B D Jaffrés
- C&R Consulting, Townsville, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Elisabeth M A Strain
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia; Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7053, Australia
| | - Coco Cullen-Knox
- Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7053, Australia
| | - Maree Fudge
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia; Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7053, Australia; College of Business and Economics, University of Tasmania, Australia
| | - Olivia Langhamer
- Division of Electricity, Department of Electrical Engineering, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Anke Bender
- Division of Electricity, Department of Electrical Engineering, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Siti M Yaakub
- Sustainability & Climate Solutions Department, DHI Water & Environment (S), Singapore
| | - Eloise Wilson
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia; Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7053, Australia
| | - Bridie J M Allan
- Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | | | - Marcus Haward
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia; Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7053, Australia; Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre, PO Box 897, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia
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25
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Pereira P, Baró F. Greening the city: Thriving for biodiversity and sustainability. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 817:153032. [PMID: 35007590 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153032] [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: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Urban population and urbanisation are increasing rapidly, mainly in developing countries, usually at the expense of green and blue areas. This trend will decrease the ecosystems' capacity to supply ecosystem services (ES) and threaten human wellbeing. Therefore, it is key to establish greening policies in urbanising areas, which are essential to improve the liveability of cities. Restoring and developing green and blue infrastructures using nature-based solutions is vital to improving urban biodiversity and urban ecosystems. Healthy urban ecosystems have a high capacity to supply regulating (e.g., air, noise, climate and water regulation), provisioning (e.g., food, medicinal plants, biomass) and cultural (e.g., recreation, landscape aesthetics, social cohesion) ES. This multifunctionality can provide diverse environmental, social and economic benefits to urban residents, hence contributing to the sustainability of urban areas. However, urban green and blue areas are also associated with ecosystem disservices (e.g., plant allergies or poisoning, emission of biogenic volatile organic compounds, unpleasant smells), tradeoffs (e.g., increased water consumption, wildfire risk, associated management costs) and implementation barriers (e.g., political motivation, lack of knowledge, time and workload). Overall, the SI published 8 articles from different parts of the world, such as China, the USA, Italy or Spain, focused on important aspects of greening the city (e.g., green roofs, green walls, green infrastructures, sustainable mobility).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Pereira
- Environmental Management Center, Mykolas Romeris University, Ateities street, 20, Vilnius 08303, Lithuania.
| | - Francesc Baró
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Geography Department, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium; Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Sociology Department, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium; Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Edifici Z (ICTA-ICP), Carrer de les Columnes s/n, Campus de la UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
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26
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Dodds KC, Schaefer N, Bishop MJ, Nakagawa S, Brooks PR, Knights AM, Strain EMA. Material type influences the abundance but not richness of colonising organisms on marine structures. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 307:114549. [PMID: 35092888 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Urbanisation of coastal areas and growth in the blue economy drive the proliferation of artificial structures in marine environments. These structures support distinct ecological communities compared to natural hard substrates, potentially reflecting differences in the materials from which they are constructed. We undertook a meta-analysis of 46 studies to compare the effects of different material types (natural or eco-friendly vs. artificial) on the colonising biota on built structures. Neither the abundance nor richness of colonists displayed consistent patterns of difference between artificial and natural substrates or between eco-friendly and standard concrete. Instead, there were differences in the abundance of organisms (but not richness) between artificial and natural materials, that varied according to material type and by functional group. When compared to biogenic materials and rock, polymer and metal supported significantly lower abundances of total benthic species (in studies assessing sessile and mobile species together), sessile invertebrates and corals (in studies assessing these groups individually). In contrast, non-indigenous species were significantly more abundant on wood than metal. Concrete supported greater abundances of the general community, including habitat-forming species, compared to wood. Our results suggest that the ecological requirements of the biological community, alongside economic, logistic and engineering factors should be considered in material selection for multifunctional marine structures that deliver both engineering and ecological (enhanced abundance and diversity) benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate C Dodds
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, 2109, Australia.
| | - Nina Schaefer
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Building 19 Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, New South Wales, 2088, Australia; Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| | - Melanie J Bishop
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| | - Shinichi Nakagawa
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - Paul R Brooks
- Earth Institute & School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Antony M Knights
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
| | - Elisabeth M A Strain
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 7001, Australia; Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7053, Australia
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27
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Jones AR, Alleway HK, McAfee D, Reis-Santos P, Theuerkauf SJ, Jones RC. Climate-Friendly Seafood: The Potential for Emissions Reduction and Carbon Capture in Marine Aquaculture. Bioscience 2022; 72:123-143. [PMID: 35145350 PMCID: PMC8824708 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biab126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaculture is a critical food source for the world's growing population, producing 52% of the aquatic animal products consumed. Marine aquaculture (mariculture) generates 37.5% of this production and 97% of the world's seaweed harvest. Mariculture products may offer a climate-friendly, high-protein food source, because they often have lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emission footprints than do the equivalent products farmed on land. However, sustainable intensification of low-emissions mariculture is key to maintaining a low GHG footprint as production scales up to meet future demand. We examine the major GHG sources and carbon sinks associated with fed finfish, macroalgae and bivalve mariculture, and the factors influencing variability across sectors. We highlight knowledge gaps and provide recommendations for GHG emissions reductions and carbon storage, including accounting for interactions between mariculture operations and surrounding marine ecosystems. By linking the provision of maricultured products to GHG abatement opportunities, we can advance climate-friendly practices that generate sustainable environmental, social, and economic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice R Jones
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Heidi K Alleway
- Nature Conservancy's Aquaculture Program, Arlington, Virginia, United States
| | - Dominic McAfee
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Seth J Theuerkauf
- NOAA National Marine Fisheries Office of Aquaculture, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
| | - Robert C Jones
- Nature Conservancy's Aquaculture Program, Arlington, Virginia, United States
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28
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McAfee D, Bishop MJ, Williams GA. Temperature-buffering by oyster habitat provides temporal stability for rocky shore communities. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 173:105536. [PMID: 34864513 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Intertidal rocky shores are considered among the most thermally stressful marine ecosystems, where many species live close to their upper thermal limit and depend on access to cool microclimates to persist through heat events. In such environments, the provision of cool microclimates by habitat-forming species enables persistence of associated species during high temperature events. We assessed whether, by maintaining cool microclimates through heat events, habitat formed by rock oysters (Saccostrea cucullata) provides temporal stability to associated invertebrate communities over periods of extreme temperatures. On three tropical rocky shores of Hong Kong, which experiences a monsoonal climate, we compared changes in microclimates and invertebrate communities associated with oyster and bare rock habitats between the cool and hot seasons. Oyster habitats were, across both seasons, consistently characterised by lower maximum temperatures and greater thermal stability than bare rock habitats. Invertebrate communities in the bare rock habitat were less diverse and abundant in the hot than the cool season, but communities in the cooler habitats provided by oysters did not display temporal change. These results demonstrate that microclimates formed by oysters provide temporal stability to associated communities across periods of temperature change and are key determinants of species distributions in thermally stressful environments. The conservation and restoration of oyster habitats may, therefore, build resilience in associated ecological communities subject to ongoing environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic McAfee
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia; The Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.
| | - Melanie J Bishop
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| | - Gray A Williams
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, SAR, China
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Lee HS, Arestis P, Chong SC, Yap S, Sia BK. The heterogeneous effects of urbanisation and institutional quality on greenhouse gas emissions in Belt and Road Initiative countries. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:1087-1105. [PMID: 34341929 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15699-0] [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] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The rise of urbanisation in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries that contribute to the disruption of the ecosystem, which would affect global sustainability, is a pressing concern. This study provides new evidence of the impact of urbanisation and institutional quality on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the selected 48 BRI countries from the years 1984 to 2017. The models of this study are inferred by using panel regression model and panel quantile regression model to meet the objectives of our study as it contemplates unobserved country heterogeneity. From the panel regression model, the findings indicate that although urbanisation in BRI supports the 'life effect' hypothesis that could dampen the environment quality, this effect could be reduced through better institutional quality. Using the quantile regression method, this study concludes that one-size-fits-all strategies to reduce GHG emissions in countries with different GHG emissions levels are improbable to achieve success for all. Hence, GHG emissions control procedures should be adjusted differently across high-emission, middle-emission and low-emission countries. Based on these results, this study provides novel intuitions for policymakers to wisely plan the urbanisation blueprints to eradicate unplanned urbanisation and improve institutional quality in meeting pollution mitigation goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Shan Lee
- Faculty of Accountancy and Management, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Bandar Sungai Long, 43000, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Philip Arestis
- Cambridge Centre for Economic and Public Policy, Department of Land Economy, University of Cambridge, 19 Silver Street, Cambridge, CB3 9EP, UK
| | - Shyue Chuan Chong
- Faculty of Accountancy, Finance and Business, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, Jalan Genting Kelang, Setapak, 53300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shen Yap
- Faculty of Accountancy and Management, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Bandar Sungai Long, 43000, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Bik Kai Sia
- Faculty of Accountancy and Management, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Bandar Sungai Long, 43000, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
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30
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Sella I, Hadary T, Rella AJ, Riegl B, Swack D, Perkol-Finkel S. Design, production, and validation of the biological and structural performance of an ecologically engineered concrete block mattress: A Nature-Inclusive Design for shoreline and offshore construction. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2022; 18:148-162. [PMID: 34546640 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, the scientific community has studied, experimented, and published a notable body of literature on the ecological enhancement of coastal and marine infrastructure (CMI). The Nature-Inclusive Design (NID) approach refers to methods and technologies that can be integrated into the design and construction of CMI to create a suitable habitat for native species (or communities) whose natural habitat has been degraded or reduced. To examine the compliance of new environmentally sensitive technologies with structural requirements and fiscal restraints, while providing ecosystem and habitat value, this paper presents the findings of a structural-economical-biological analysis of ecologically engineered Articulated Concrete Block Mattresses (ACBMs). To evaluate the structural and biological performance of the Ecological Articulated Concrete Block Mattresses, a pilot project was deployed in April 2017 at Port Everglades, Florida, USA, and evaluated against controls of adjacent artificial structures and smooth-surface concrete blocks and monitored over a period of two years. The elements of ecological enhancement implemented in the fabrication and design of the ecologically enhanced ACBMs were comprised of bio-enhancing concrete additives and science-based designs. Based on the results of this study, these design alterations have increased the richness and diversity of sessile assemblages compared to control blocks and adjacent artificial structures and supported a higher abundance of mobile species. This ecological improvement was achieved within the operational limitations of conventional manufacturing and installation technologies, while complying with strict structural requirements for standard concrete marine construction. The results supported the working hypothesis and demonstrated that modifications of concrete composition, surface texture, and macro-design have the potential to increase the ecological value of concrete-based CMI and promote a more sustainable and adaptive approach to coastal and marine development in an era of climate resilience-building. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:148-162. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tomer Hadary
- SeArc Ecological Marine Consulting, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Bernhard Riegl
- Nova Southeastern University, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Dania Beach, Florida, USA
| | - Denise Swack
- Nova Southeastern University, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Dania Beach, Florida, USA
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Holmes R, Burkholder S, Holzman J, King J, Suedel B. Integrating Engineering With Nature® strategies and landscape architecture techniques into the Sabine-to-Galveston Coastal Storm Risk Management Project. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2022; 18:63-73. [PMID: 33913615 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4434] [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: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Damaging storm events frequently impact the Texas coast. In response, the US Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District (SWG) has undertaken the Sabine-to-Galveston (S2G) Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Project. This approximately $3.9B project includes numerous measures across several counties of the upper Texas coast, including levees, floodwalls, and pump stations. In June 2019, SWG leadership enlisted a team including the paper authors to integrate Engineering With Nature (EWN) strategies into this infrastructure project. EWN strategies intentionally align natural and engineering processes to efficiently and sustainably deliver economic, environmental, and social benefits through collaboration. The first step in this process was to develop potentially relevant EWN strategies. A collaborative workshop included visits to project sites and working sessions where the project team reviewed challenges associated with each site, generated an array of EWN strategies, and began to test design concepts based on those strategies through collaborative drawing sessions. Afterward, prioritized ideas were refined and evaluated in terms of property acquisition, estimated cost, logistics, stakeholder and sponsor interest, constructability, aesthetics, recreational opportunities, and ecological benefit. Design concepts considered feasible for integration into the broader S2G project included horizontal levees, inland floodwater storage areas that double as wildlife habitat, and strategic placement of sediment berms to reduce storm impacts and provide marsh substrate. All these concepts should achieve intended CSRM outcomes while enhancing environmental and social benefits. This assimilation of EWN strategies and landscape architecture techniques into a large CSRM study illustrates a method for expanding overall project value and producing infrastructure that benefits coastal communities. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:63-73. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jeffrey King
- US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, US Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Burton Suedel
- US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA
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32
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Gargan LM, Brooks PR, Vye SR, Ironside JE, Jenkins SR, Crowe TP, Carlsson J. The use of environmental DNA metabarcoding and quantitative PCR for molecular detection of marine invasive non-native species associated with artificial structures. Biol Invasions 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-021-02672-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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33
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Figueroa NN, Brante A, Viard F, Leclerc JC. Greater functional similarity in mobile compared to sessile assemblages colonizing artificial coastal habitats. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 172:112844. [PMID: 34399279 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Among anthropogenic habitats built in the marine environment, floating and non-floating structures can be colonized by distinct assemblages. However, there is little knowledge whether these differences are also reflected in the functional structure. This study compared the functional diversity of sessile and mobile invertebrate assemblages that settle over three months on floating vs. non-floating artificial habitats, in two Chilean ports. Using morphological, trophic, behavioral, and life history traits, we found differences between mobile and sessile assemblages regarding the effect of the type of habitat on the functional diversity. Compared to sessile assemblages, a greater functional similarity was observed for mobile assemblages, which suggests that their dispersal capacity enables them to balance the reduced connectivity between settlement structures. No traits, prevailing or selected in one or the other habitat type, was however clearly identified; a result warranting for further studies focusing on more advanced stages of community development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naily Nashira Figueroa
- Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Concepción, Chile
| | - Antonio Brante
- Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Concepción, Chile; Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Ambientes Sustentables (CIBAS), Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Frédérique Viard
- ISEM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Charles Leclerc
- Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Concepción, Chile; Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Ambientes Sustentables (CIBAS), Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile; Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 7144 AD2M, Station Biologique de Roscoff, Place Georges Teissier, 29680 Roscoff, France.
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34
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Chee SY, Yee JC, Cheah CB, Evans AJ, Firth LB, Hawkins SJ, Strain EMA. Habitat Complexity Affects the Structure but Not the Diversity of Sessile Communities on Tropical Coastal Infrastructure. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.673227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing human population, urbanisation, and climate change have resulted in the proliferation of hard coastal infrastructure such as seawalls and breakwaters. There is increasing impetus to create multifunctional coastal defence structures with the primary function of protecting people and property in addition to providing habitat for marine organisms through eco-engineering - a nature-based solutions approach. In this study, the independent and synergistic effects of physical complexity and seeding with native oysters in promoting diversity and abundances of sessile organisms were assessed at two locations on Penang Island, Malaysia. Concrete tiles with varying physical and biological complexity (flat, 2.5 cm ridges and crevices, and 5 cm ridges and crevices that were seeded or unseeded with oysters) were deployed and monitored over 12 months. The survival of the seeded oysters was not correlated with physical complexity. The addition of physical and biological complexity interacted to promote distinct community assemblages, but did not consistently increase the richness, diversity, or abundances of sessile organisms through time. These results indicate that complexity, whether physical or biological, is only one of many influences on biodiversity on coastal infrastructure. Eco-engineering interventions that have been reported to be effective in other regions may not work as effectively in others due to the highly dynamic conditions in coastal environment. Thus, it is important that other factors such as the local species pools, environmental setting (e.g., wave action), biological factors (e.g., predators), and anthropogenic stressors (e.g., pollution) should also be considered when designing habitat enhancements. Such factors acting individually or synergistically could potentially affect the outcomes of any planned eco-engineering interventions.
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O’Shaughnessy KA, Perkol-Finkel S, Strain EMA, Bishop MJ, Hawkins SJ, Hanley ME, Lunt P, Thompson RC, Hadary T, Shirazi R, Yunnie ALE, Amstutz A, Milliet L, Yong CLX, Firth LB. Spatially Variable Effects of Artificially-Created Physical Complexity on Subtidal Benthos. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.690413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to the environmental damage caused by urbanization, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are being implemented to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem processes with mutual benefits for society and nature. Although the field of NbS is flourishing, experiments in different geographic locations and environmental contexts have produced variable results, with knowledge particularly lacking for the subtidal zone. This study tested the effects of physical complexity on colonizing communities in subtidal habitats in two urban locations: (1) Plymouth, United Kingdom (northeast Atlantic) and (2) Tel Aviv, Israel (eastern Mediterranean) for 15- and 12-months, respectively. At each location, physical complexity was manipulated using experimental tiles that were either flat or had 2.5 or 5.0 cm ridges. In Plymouth, biological complexity was also manipulated through seeding tiles with habitat-forming mussels. The effects of the manipulations on taxon and functional richness, and community composition were assessed at both locations, and in Plymouth the survival and size of seeded mussels and abundance and size of recruited mussels were also assessed. Effects of physical complexity differed between locations. Physical complexity did not influence richness or community composition in Plymouth, while in Tel Aviv, there were effects of complexity on community composition. In Plymouth, effects of biological complexity were found with mussel seeding reducing taxon richness, supporting larger recruited mussels, and influencing community composition. Our results suggest that outcomes of NbS experiments are context-dependent and highlight the risk of extrapolating the findings outside of the context in which they were tested.
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36
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Adams LW, Morris RL, Hull RB, Dempster T, Strain EMA. Making marinas bivalve friendly for enhanced biodiversity outcomes. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 169:112464. [PMID: 34087666 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112464] [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: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Natural coastlines are being replaced by artificial structures (pilings, pontoons, breakwaters), with negative environmental impacts, particularly in marinas. Ropes seeded with mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) were added to artificial structures in a marina, using aquaculture techniques, to reduce the colonisation of invasive taxa. After 6-months, droplines beneath pontoons had the highest seeded mussel survival and growth, richness of native and invasive taxa, and proportion of invasive to native taxa, compared with the other interventions. Mussel ropes on the intertidal structures (pilings and breakwaters) supported higher biomass of native taxa, whereas mussel ropes on subtidal structures (pontoons and breakwaters) had reduced biomass of invasive taxa, relative to the unseeded ropes. Droplines had the greater biomass of mussels, while mussel ropes placed under pontoons, and in subtidal gabion baskets limited the biomass but not the diversity of invasive species. Further study is required to determine whether these interventions can be upscaled to improve both the native biodiversity and functioning of marinas.
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Affiliation(s)
- L W Adams
- National Centre for Coasts and Climate, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - R L Morris
- National Centre for Coasts and Climate, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - R B Hull
- National Centre for Coasts and Climate, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - T Dempster
- National Centre for Coasts and Climate, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - E M A Strain
- National Centre for Coasts and Climate, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Institute for Marine and Antarctic Science, University Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
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37
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Cowan MA, Callan MN, Watson MJ, Watson DM, Doherty TS, Michael DR, Dunlop JA, Turner JM, Moore HA, Watchorn DJ, Nimmo DG. Artificial refuges for wildlife conservation: what is the state of the science? Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:2735-2754. [PMID: 34269510 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Artificial refuges are human-made structures that aim to create safe places for animals to breed, hibernate, or take shelter in lieu of natural refuges. Artificial refuges are used across the globe to mitigate the impacts of a variety of threats on wildlife, such as habitat loss and degradation. However, there is little understanding of the science underpinning artificial refuges, and what comprises best practice for artificial refuge design and implementation for wildlife conservation. We address this gap by undertaking a systematic review of the current state of artificial refuge research for the conservation of wildlife. We identified 224 studies of artificial refuges being implemented in the field to conserve wildlife species. The current literature on artificial refuges is dominated by studies of arboreal species, primarily birds and bats. Threatening processes addressed by artificial refuges were biological resource use (26%), invasive or problematic species (20%), and agriculture (15%), yet few studies examined artificial refuges specifically for threatened (Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered) species (7%). Studies often reported the characteristics of artificial refuges (i.e. refuge size, construction materials; 87%) and surrounding vegetation (35%), but fewer studies measured the thermal properties of artificial refuges (18%), predator activity (17%), or food availability (3%). Almost all studies measured occupancy of the artificial refuges by target species (98%), and over half measured breeding activity (54%), whereas fewer included more detailed measures of fitness, such as breeding productivity (34%) or animal body condition (4%). Evaluating the benefits and impacts of artificial refuges requires sound experimental design, but only 39% of studies compared artificial refuges to experimental controls, and only 10% of studies used a before-after-control-impact (BACI) design. As a consequence, few studies of artificial refuges can determine their overall effect on individuals or populations. We outline a series of key steps in the design, implementation, and monitoring of artificial refuges that are required to avoid perverse outcomes and maximise the chances of achieving conservation objectives. This review highlights a clear need for increased rigour in studies of artificial refuges if they are to play an important role in wildlife conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell A Cowan
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, 386 Elizabeth Mitchell Dr, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia
| | - Michael N Callan
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, 386 Elizabeth Mitchell Dr, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia.,Habitech, 2/86 Russell Street, Bathurst, NSW, 2795, Australia
| | - Maggie J Watson
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, 386 Elizabeth Mitchell Dr, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia
| | - David M Watson
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, 386 Elizabeth Mitchell Dr, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia
| | - Tim S Doherty
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.,Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Damian R Michael
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, 386 Elizabeth Mitchell Dr, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia
| | - Judy A Dunlop
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, 386 Elizabeth Mitchell Dr, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia.,Western Australian Feral Cat Working Group, 58 Sutton St, Mandurah, Mandurah, WA, 6210, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, 6009, Western Australia, Australia
| | - James M Turner
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, 386 Elizabeth Mitchell Dr, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia
| | - Harry A Moore
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, 386 Elizabeth Mitchell Dr, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia
| | - Darcy J Watchorn
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Dale G Nimmo
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, 386 Elizabeth Mitchell Dr, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia
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38
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Pang HE, Poquita-Du RC, Jain SS, Huang D, Todd PA. Among-genotype responses of the coral Pocillopora acuta to emersion: implications for the ecological engineering of artificial coastal defences. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 168:105312. [PMID: 33848694 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105312] [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: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Stony corals are promising transplant candidates for the ecological engineering of artificial coastal defences such as seawalls as they attract and host numerous other organisms. However, seawalls are exposed to a wide range of environmental stressors associated with periods of emersion during low tide such as desiccation and changes in salinity, temperature, and solar irradiance. All of these variables have known deleterious effects on coral physiology, growth, and fitness. In this study, we performed parallel experiments (in situ and ex situ) to examine among-genotype responses of Pocillopora acuta to emersion by quantifying growth, photophysiological metrics (Fv/Fm, non-photochemical quenching [NPQ], endosymbiont density, and chlorophyll [chl] a concentration) and survival, following different emersion periods. Results showed that coral fragments emersed for longer durations (>2 h) exhibited reduced growth and survival. Endosymbiont density and NPQ, but not Fv/Fm and chl a concentration, varied significantly among genotypes across different durations of emersion. Overall, the ability of P. acuta to tolerate emersion for up to 2 h suggests its potential to serve as a 'starter species' for transplantation efforts on seawalls. Further, careful characterisation and selection of genotypes with a high capacity to withstand emersion can help maximise the efficacy of ecological engineering using coral transplants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui En Pang
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore
| | - Rosa Celia Poquita-Du
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore.
| | - Sudhanshi Sanjeev Jain
- Reef Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore
| | - Danwei Huang
- Reef Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore
| | - Peter A Todd
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore.
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39
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Sousa R, Halabowski D, Labecka AM, Douda K, Aksenova O, Bespalaya Y, Bolotov I, Geist J, Jones HA, Konopleva E, Klunzinger MW, Lasso CA, Lewin I, Liu X, Lopes-Lima M, Mageroy J, Mlambo M, Nakamura K, Nakano M, Österling M, Pfeiffer J, Prié V, Paschoal LRP, Riccardi N, Santos R, Shumka S, Smith AK, Son MO, Teixeira A, Thielen F, Torres S, Varandas S, Vikhrev IV, Wu X, Zieritz A, Nogueira JG. The role of anthropogenic habitats in freshwater mussel conservation. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:2298-2314. [PMID: 33739622 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic freshwater habitats may provide undervalued prospects for long-term conservation as part of species conservation planning. This fundamental, but overlooked, issue requires attention considering the pace that humans have been altering natural freshwater ecosystems and the accelerated levels of biodiversity decline in recent decades. We compiled 709 records of freshwater mussels (Bivalvia, Unionida) inhabiting a broad variety of anthropogenic habitat types (from small ponds to large reservoirs and canals) and reviewed their importance as refuges for this faunal group. Most records came from Europe and North America, with a clear dominance of canals and reservoirs. The dataset covered 228 species, including 34 threatened species on the IUCN Red List. We discuss the conservation importance and provide guidance on how these anthropogenic habitats could be managed to provide optimal conservation value to freshwater mussels. This review also shows that some of these habitats may function as ecological traps owing to conflicting management practices or because they act as a sink for some populations. Therefore, anthropogenic habitats should not be seen as a panacea to resolve conservation problems. More information is necessary to better understand the trade-offs between human use and the conservation of freshwater mussels (and other biota) within anthropogenic habitats, given the low number of quantitative studies and the strong biogeographic knowledge bias that persists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronaldo Sousa
- CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Dariusz Halabowski
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Anna M Labecka
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Karel Douda
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Olga Aksenova
- N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research, Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Arkhangelsk, Russian Federation
| | - Yulia Bespalaya
- N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research, Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Arkhangelsk, Russian Federation
| | - Ivan Bolotov
- N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research, Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Arkhangelsk, Russian Federation
| | - Juergen Geist
- Aquatic Systems Biology Unit, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Hugh A Jones
- Environment, Energy and Science, NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Parramatta, NSW, Australia
| | - Ekaterina Konopleva
- N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research, Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Arkhangelsk, Russian Federation
| | - Michael W Klunzinger
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Qld, Australia
- Department of Aquatic Zoology, Western Australian Museum, Welshpool, WA, Australia
| | - Carlos A Lasso
- Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt, Programa Ciencias Biodiversidad, Línea Gestión de Recursos Hidrobiológicos, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Iga Lewin
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Xiongjun Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Manuel Lopes-Lima
- CIBIO/InBIO - Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Jon Mageroy
- Norwegian Institute of Nature Research, Oslo, Norway
| | - Musa Mlambo
- Department of Freshwater Invertebrates, Albany Museum, Makhanda (Grahamstow), South Africa
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Makhanda (Grahamstown), South Africa
| | - Keiko Nakamura
- Environmental Service Department, Sociedad Aragonesa de Gestión Agroambiental (SARGA), Zaragoza, Spain
- "Cavanilles" Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mitsunori Nakano
- Department of Environmental Horticulture, Minami Kyushu University, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Martin Österling
- Department of Environmental and Life Sciences - Biology, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
| | - John Pfeiffer
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Vincent Prié
- Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité ISYEB - Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Rogério Santos
- EcoBiv - Ecology and Conservation of Freshwater Mussel Group, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Brazil
| | - Spase Shumka
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Allan K Smith
- Pacific Northwest Native Freshwater Mussel Workgroup, Hillsboro, OR, USA
| | - Mikhail O Son
- Institute of Marine Biology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Odessa, Ukraine
| | - Amílcar Teixeira
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Bragança, Portugal
| | - Frankie Thielen
- natur and ëmwelt/Fondation Hëllef fir d'Natur, Heinerscheid, Luxembourg
| | - Santiago Torres
- Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia (CONICET, UNPA, UTN), Unidad Académica San Julián, Santa Cruz, Argentina
| | - Simone Varandas
- CITAB-UTAD - Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environment and Biological Sciences, Forestry Department, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ilya V Vikhrev
- N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research, Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Arkhangelsk, Russian Federation
| | - Xiaoping Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | | | - Joana G Nogueira
- CIBIO/InBIO - Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto, Vairão, Portugal
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Lawrence PJ, Evans AJ, Jackson-Bué T, Brooks PR, Crowe TP, Dozier AE, Jenkins SR, Moore PJ, Williams GJ, Davies AJ. Artificial shorelines lack natural structural complexity across scales. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20210329. [PMID: 34004129 PMCID: PMC8131119 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.0329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
From microbes to humans, habitat structural complexity plays a direct role in the provision of physical living space, and increased complexity supports higher biodiversity and ecosystem functioning across biomes. Coastal development and the construction of artificial shorelines are altering natural landscapes as humans seek socio-economic benefits and protection from coastal storms, flooding and erosion. In this study, we evaluate how much structural complexity is missing on artificial coastal structures compared to natural rocky shorelines, across a range of spatial scales from 1 mm to 10 s of m, using three remote sensing platforms (handheld camera, terrestrial laser scanner and uncrewed aerial vehicles). Natural shorelines were typically more structurally complex than artificial ones and offered greater variation between locations. However, our results varied depending on the type of artificial structure and the scale at which complexity was measured. Seawalls were deficient at all scales (approx. 20–40% less complex than natural shores), whereas rock armour was deficient at the smallest and largest scales (approx. 20–50%). Our findings reinforce concerns that hardening shorelines with artificial structures simplifies coastlines at organism-relevant scales. Furthermore, we offer much-needed insight into how structures might be modified to more closely capture the complexity of natural rocky shores that support biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Lawrence
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Ally J Evans
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Tim Jackson-Bué
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Paul R Brooks
- Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tasman P Crowe
- Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Amy E Dozier
- MaREI, the SFI Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Ringaskiddy, Ireland
| | - Stuart R Jenkins
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Pippa J Moore
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Gareth J Williams
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Andrew J Davies
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, UK
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Stachew E, Houette T, Gruber P. Root Systems Research for Bioinspired Resilient Design: A Concept Framework for Foundation and Coastal Engineering. Front Robot AI 2021; 8:548444. [PMID: 33981727 PMCID: PMC8107439 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2021.548444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The continuous increase in population and human migration to urban and coastal areas leads to the expansion of built environments over natural habitats. Current infrastructure suffers from environmental changes and their impact on ecosystem services. Foundations are static anchoring structures dependent on soil compaction, which reduces water infiltration and increases flooding. Coastal infrastructure reduces wave action and landward erosion but alters natural habitat and sediment transport. On the other hand, root systems are multifunctional, resilient, biological structures that offer promising strategies for the design of civil and coastal infrastructure, such as adaptivity, multifunctionality, self-healing, mechanical and chemical soil attachment. Therefore, the biomimetic methodology is employed to abstract root strategies of interest for the design of building foundations and coastal infrastructures that prevent soil erosion, anchor structures, penetrate soils, and provide natural habitat. The strategies are described in a literature review on root biology, then these principles are abstracted from their biological context to show their potential for engineering transfer. After a review of current and developing technologies in both application fields, the abstracted strategies are translated into conceptual designs for foundation and coastal engineering. In addition to presenting the potential of root-inspired designs for both fields, this paper also showcases the main steps of the biomimetic methodology from the study of a biological system to the development of conceptual technical designs. In this way the paper also contributes to the development of a more strategic intersection between biology and engineering and provides a framework for further research and development projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Stachew
- Biomimicry Research and Innovation Center BRIC, Department of Biology, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, United States
| | - Thibaut Houette
- Biomimicry Research and Innovation Center BRIC, Department of Biology, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, United States
| | - Petra Gruber
- Biomimicry Research and Innovation Center BRIC, Myers School of Art and Department of Biology, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, United States
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Abstract
Interest is growing in designing resilient and ecologically rich urban environments that provide social and ecological benefits. Regenerative and biocentric designs fostering urban ecological habitats including food webs that provide ecosystem services for people and wildlife increasingly are being sought. However, the intentional design of urban landscapes for food webs remains in an early stage with few precedents and many challenges. In this paper, we explore the potential to design (for) urban food webs through collaborations between designers and ecologists. We start by examining the ecology and management of Jamaica Bay in New York City as a case study of an anthropogenic landscape where ecosystems are degraded and the integrity of extant food webs are intertwined with human agency. A subsequent design competition focusing on ecological design and management of this large-scale landscape for animal habitat and ecosystem services for people illustrates how designers approach this anthropogenic landscape. This case study reveals that both designing urban landscapes for food webs and directly designing and manipulating urban food webs are complicated and challenging to achieve and maintain, but they have the potential to increase ecological health of, and enhance ecosystem services in, urban environments. We identify opportunities to capitalize on species interactions across trophic structures and to introduce managed niches in biologically engineered urban systems. The design competition reveals an opportunity to approach urban landscapes and ecological systems creatively through a proactive design process that includes a carefully crafted collaborative approach to constructing ecologically functioning landscapes that can integrate societal demands. As designers increasingly seek to build, adapt, and manage urban environments effectively, it will be critical to resolve the contradictions and challenges associated with human needs, ecosystem dynamics, and interacting assemblages of species. Ecologists and designers are still discovering and experimenting with designing (for) urban food webs and fostering species interactions within them. We recommend generating prototypes of urban food webs through a learning-by-doing approach in urban development projects. Design and implementation of urban food webs also can lead to research opportunities involving monitoring and experiments that identify and solve challenges of food-web construction while supporting and encouraging ongoing management.
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Vozzo ML, Mayer-Pinto M, Bishop MJ, Cumbo VR, Bugnot AB, Dafforn KA, Johnston EL, Steinberg PD, Strain EMA. Making seawalls multifunctional: The positive effects of seeded bivalves and habitat structure on species diversity and filtration rates. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 165:105243. [PMID: 33476978 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The marine environment is being increasingly modified by the construction of artificial structures, the impacts of which may be mitigated through eco-engineering. To date, eco-engineering has predominantly aimed to increase biodiversity, but enhancing other ecological functions is arguably of equal importance for artificial structures. Here, we manipulated complexity through habitat structure (flat, and 2.5 cm, 5 cm deep vertical and 5 cm deep horizontal crevices) and seeding with the native oyster (Saccostrea glomerata, unseeded and seeded) on concrete tiles (0.25 m × 0.25 m) affixed to seawalls to investigate whether complexity (both orientation and depth of crevices) influences particle removal rates by suspension feeders and colonisation by different functional groups, and whether there are any ecological trade-offs between these functions. After 12 months, complex seeded tiles generally supported a greater abundance of suspension feeding taxa and had higher particle removal rates than flat tiles or unseeded tiles. The richness and diversity of taxa also increased with complexity. The effect of seeding was, however, generally weaker on tiles with complex habitat structure. However, the orientation of habitat complexity and the depth of the crevices did not influence particle removal rates or colonising taxa. Colonisation by non-native taxa was low compared to total taxa richness. We did not detect negative ecological trade-offs between increased particle removal rates and diversity and abundance of key functional groups. Our results suggest that the addition of complexity to marine artificial structures could potentially be used to enhance both biodiversity and particle removal rates. Consequently, complexity should be incorporated into future eco-engineering projects to provide a range of ecological functions in urbanised estuaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Vozzo
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Building 19 Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, New South Wales, 2088, Australia; Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, 2109, Australia.
| | - M Mayer-Pinto
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Building 19 Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, New South Wales, 2088, Australia; School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, 2052, Australia.
| | - M J Bishop
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Building 19 Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, New South Wales, 2088, Australia; Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| | - V R Cumbo
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Building 19 Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, New South Wales, 2088, Australia; Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| | - A B Bugnot
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Building 19 Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, New South Wales, 2088, Australia; School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, 2006, Australia
| | - K A Dafforn
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Building 19 Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, New South Wales, 2088, Australia; Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| | - E L Johnston
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - P D Steinberg
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Building 19 Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, New South Wales, 2088, Australia; School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - E M A Strain
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Building 19 Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, New South Wales, 2088, Australia; Institute for Marine and Antarctic Science, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
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Assessment of the Performance of an Artificial Reef Made of Modular Elements through Small Scale Experiments. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse9020130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Artificial reefs have proven to be an optimal and effective solution in stabilizing coastlines around the world. They are submerged structures that imitate the protection service provided by natural reefs accomplishing the functions of dissipating wave energy and protecting beach morphology, but also being an ecological solution. In this paper, 2D small-scale experiments were performed to analyze the hydrodynamic, morphological, and ecological behavior of an artificial reef constructed of modular elements. Two typical beach-dune profiles were constructed in a wave flume over which two locations of an artificial reef were tested. From these tests, transmission coefficients were obtained as well as the beach profile response to the presence of the artificial reef. These results are used to discuss about the hydrodynamic, morphological, and ecological performance of the artificial reef. The proposed artificial reef showed good morphological performance while its hydrodynamic function had limited success. In turn, the ecologic performance was theoretically addressed.
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Airoldi L, Beck MW, Firth LB, Bugnot AB, Steinberg PD, Dafforn KA. Emerging Solutions to Return Nature to the Urban Ocean. ANNUAL REVIEW OF MARINE SCIENCE 2021; 13:445-477. [PMID: 32867567 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-marine-032020-020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Urban and periurban ocean developments impact 1.5% of the global exclusive economic zones, and the demand for ocean space and resources is increasing. As we strive for a more sustainable future, it is imperative that we better design, manage, and conserve urban ocean spaces for both humans and nature. We identify three key objectives for more sustainable urban oceans: reduction of urban pressures, protection and restoration of ocean ecosystems, and support of critical ecosystem services. We describe an array of emerging evidence-based approaches, including greening grayinfrastructure, restoring habitats, and developing biotechnologies. We then explore new economic instruments and incentives for supporting these new approaches and evaluate their feasibility in delivering these objectives. Several of these tools have the potential to help bring nature back to the urban ocean while also addressing some of the critical needs of urban societies, such as climate adaptation, seafood production, clean water, and recreation, providing both human and environmental benefits in some of our most impacted ocean spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Airoldi
- Department of Biology, Chioggia Hydrobiological Station Umberto D'Ancona, University of Padova, 30015 Chioggia, Italy;
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences and Interdepartmental Research Center for Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, UO CoNISMa, 48123 Ravenna, Italy
| | - Michael W Beck
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95060, USA;
| | - Louise B Firth
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, United Kingdom;
| | - Ana B Bugnot
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia;
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales 2088, Australia
| | - Peter D Steinberg
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales 2088, Australia
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation and School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia;
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551
| | - Katherine A Dafforn
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia;
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Elizabeth Alter S, Tariq L, Creed JK, Megafu E. Evolutionary responses of marine organisms to urbanized seascapes. Evol Appl 2021; 14:210-232. [PMID: 33519966 PMCID: PMC7819572 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many of the world's major cities are located in coastal zones, resulting in urban and industrial impacts on adjacent marine ecosystems. These pressures, which include pollutants, sewage, runoff and debris, temperature increases, hardened shorelines/structures, and light and acoustic pollution, have resulted in new evolutionary landscapes for coastal marine organisms. Marine environmental changes influenced by urbanization may create new selective regimes or may influence neutral evolution via impacts on gene flow or partitioning of genetic diversity across seascapes. While some urban selective pressures, such as hardened surfaces, are similar to those experienced by terrestrial species, others, such as oxidative stress, are specific to aquatic environments. Moreover, spatial and temporal scales of evolutionary responses may differ in the ocean due to the spatial extent of selective pressures and greater capacity for dispersal/gene flow. Here, we present a conceptual framework and synthesis of current research on evolutionary responses of marine organisms to urban pressures. We review urban impacts on genetic diversity and gene flow and examine evidence that marine species are adapting, or are predicted to adapt, to urbanization over rapid evolutionary time frames. Our findings indicate that in the majority of studies, urban stressors are correlated with reduced genetic diversity. Genetic structure is often increased in urbanized settings, but artificial structures can also act as stepping stones for some hard-surface specialists, promoting range expansion. Most evidence for rapid adaptation to urban stressors comes from studies of heritable tolerance to pollutants in a relatively small number of species; however, the majority of marine ecotoxicology studies do not test directly for heritability. Finally, we highlight current gaps in our understanding of evolutionary processes in marine urban environments and present a framework for future research to address these gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Elizabeth Alter
- Department of Biology & ChemistryCalifornia State University, Monterey BayChapman Academic Science CenterSeasideCAUSA
- Department of BiologyYork CollegeCity University of New YorkJamaicaNYUSA
- Department of IchthyologyAmerican Museum of Natural HistoryNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Laraib Tariq
- Department of BiologyYork CollegeCity University of New YorkJamaicaNYUSA
| | - James Keanu Creed
- Department of BiologyYork CollegeCity University of New YorkJamaicaNYUSA
- Department of IchthyologyAmerican Museum of Natural HistoryNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Emmanuel Megafu
- Department of BiologyYork CollegeCity University of New YorkJamaicaNYUSA
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Aguilera MA, Tapia J, Gallardo C, Núñez P, Varas-Belemmi K. Loss of coastal ecosystem spatial connectivity and services by urbanization: Natural-to-urban integration for bay management. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 276:111297. [PMID: 32882519 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Urbanization has negative consequences for the integrity of ecosystems and services they provide, by reducing their extent and quality in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Few studies have explored how urban infrastructure expansion affects the spatial connectivity of coastal ecosystems by provoking their fragmentation and loss. Here we explore changes in the spatial connectivity of coastal ecosystems due to urbanization, analyzing ecosystem extent and concatenation with urban infrastructures (shared perimeter) in four bays of the Coquimbo region of northern Chile (from 29°S to 32°S) as model systems. Increase in natural-to-urban concatenation patterns were observed in most urbanized bays; sandy beaches and wetlands were the habitats most connected with urban infrastructures like roads and coastal artificial defenses. Availability of ecosystem services is compromised by progressive loss of natural connectivity and poor governance structure, which seems to confer high vulnerability to urbanized bays with future urban expansion. Complementary actions are proposed to reduce the vulnerability of coastal urban systems, considering 1) investment in nature-based infrastructures for coastal defenses, 2) restoration-rehabilitation of natural (remnant) urban ecosystems and eco-engineering of current artificial infrastructures, focusing on reestablishment of biodiversity patterns and habitat connectivity, and 3) limitation of coastal town and village expansion. Management strategies can improve coastal adaptation to natural hazards, stabilizing changes in the natural-urban concatenation mosaic present in coastal urban systems like bays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisés A Aguilera
- Departamento de Biología Marina, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo, 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Larrondo, 1281, Coquimbo, Chile.
| | - Jan Tapia
- Magíster en Ciencias del Mar, Mención Recursos Costeros, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo, 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Millennium Nucleus for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Camila Gallardo
- Magíster en Ciencias del Mar, Mención Recursos Costeros, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo, 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Millennium Nucleus for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Pamela Núñez
- Magíster en Ciencias del Mar, Mención Recursos Costeros, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo, 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Millennium Nucleus for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Katerina Varas-Belemmi
- Magíster en Ciencias del Mar, Mención Recursos Costeros, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo, 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Millennium Nucleus for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile
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Bradford TE, Astudillo JC, Lau ETC, Perkins MJ, Lo CC, Li TCH, Lam CS, Ng TPT, Strain EMA, Steinberg PD, Leung KMY. Provision of refugia and seeding with native bivalves can enhance biodiversity on vertical seawalls. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 160:111578. [PMID: 32911113 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that increasing habitat complexity of artificial seawalls by modifying surface heterogeneity could enhance exploitable habitat and therefore species richness and abundance. We tested the effects of adding complex tiles (with crevices/ledges) of different heterogeneity (i.e., flat tiles resembling the seawall vs. tiles with crevices of 2.5 cm or 5.0 cm depth) and seeding with native rock oysters, Saccostrea cuccullata (unseeded vs. seeded) on species richness and abundances of intertidal marine organisms on two vertical seawalls in Hong Kong. Tiles were affixed to the mid-intertidal zone of the seawalls for 12 months. The results showed that the tiles with crevices had greater species richness and cover of sessile epifauna than flat tiles. Seeding tiles with S. cuccullata also facilitated natural recruitment of the same species. Our results support the hypothesis that using eco-engineering to increase habitat complexity can enhance the biodiversity of intertidal marine organisms on seawalls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thea E Bradford
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Juan C Astudillo
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Edward T C Lau
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Matthew J Perkins
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China; Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
| | - Chi C Lo
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tom C H Li
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chung S Lam
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Terence P T Ng
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Elisabeth M A Strain
- Institute for Antarctic and Marine Science, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Peter D Steinberg
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia; Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales 2088, Australia; Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 637551, Singapore
| | - Kenneth M Y Leung
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong, China; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
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MacArthur M, Naylor LA, Hansom JD, Burrows MT. Ecological enhancement of coastal engineering structures: Passive enhancement techniques. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 740:139981. [PMID: 32927565 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The rock type used in coastal engineering structures impacts biodiversity, but its effect has been understudied to date. We report here on whether different combinations of rock material and rock mass properties can improve habitat suitability and early phase ecological outcomes on coastal engineering structures. We examine two coastal engineering schemes that used different granites during construction. At site one, Shap granite boulders with a high number of cm-dm2 surface features (e.g. ledges) were deliberately positioned during construction (called passive enhancement), to a) maximise the provision of cm-dm scale intertidal habitat and b) determine which scale of habitat is best for ecological enhancement. At site two, Norwegian granite boulders were installed without passive enhancement, allowing for a direct comparison. Passive positioning of Shap granite boulders led to an increase in limpet (Patella vulgata, Linnaeus, 1758) abundance within two years but few limpets were recorded on the non-enhanced Norwegian granite. Positioning of boulder thus exerts a strong control on the mm and mm-dm scale geomorphic features present, with clear ecological benefits when suitable features are selected for and optimally positioned (i.e. passive enhancement) to maximise habitat features. An EcoRock scoring matrix was developed to aid in the selection of the most ecologically suitable rock materials for coastal engineering worldwide; this can help improve habitat provision on engineered structures in a rapidly warming world.
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50
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Mamo LT, Porter AG, Tagliafico A, Coleman MA, Smith SDA, Figueira WF, Kelaher BP. Upgrades of coastal protective infrastructure affect benthic communities. J Appl Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lea T. Mamo
- National Marine Science Centre and Marine Ecology Research Centre Southern Cross University Coffs Harbour NSW Australia
| | - Augustine G. Porter
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science Mosman NSW Australia
| | - Alejandro Tagliafico
- National Marine Science Centre and Marine Ecology Research Centre Southern Cross University Coffs Harbour NSW Australia
| | - Melinda A. Coleman
- Department of Primary Industries National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour NSW Australia
| | - Stephen D. A. Smith
- National Marine Science Centre and Marine Ecology Research Centre Southern Cross University Coffs Harbour NSW Australia
| | - Will F. Figueira
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science Mosman NSW Australia
| | - Brendan P. Kelaher
- National Marine Science Centre and Marine Ecology Research Centre Southern Cross University Coffs Harbour NSW Australia
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