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Rider MJ, Kirsebom OS, Gallagher AJ, Staaterman E, Ault JS, Sasso CR, Jackson T, Browder JA, Hammerschlag N. Space use patterns of sharks in relation to boat activity in an urbanized coastal waterway. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 172:105489. [PMID: 34619503 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105489] [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: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic ecosystems face numerous anthropogenic threats associated with coastal urbanization, with boat activity being among the most prevalent. The present study aimed to evaluate a potential relationship between boat activity and shark space use in Biscayne Bay, Florida (USA), a coastal waterway exposed to high levels of boating. Spatiotemporal patterns in boat density and traffic were determined from aerial surveys and underwater acoustic recorders, respectively. These data were then compared with residency patterns of bull (Carcharhinus leucas), nurse (Ginglymostoma cirratum) and great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) sharks quantified through passive acoustic telemetry. Results were mixed, with no detectable relationship between boat density and shark residency for any of the species. Hourly presence of G. cirratum decreased with increasing boat traffic, a relationship not seen in the other two species. Explanations for these results include habituation of sharks to the high levels of chronic boat activity in the study area and interspecific differences in hearing sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell J Rider
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL, 33149, USA.
| | - Oliver S Kirsebom
- Institute for Big Data Analytics, Dalhousie University, 6299 South St, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | | | | | - Jerald S Ault
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
| | - Christopher R Sasso
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 75 Virginia Beach Dr, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
| | - Tom Jackson
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 75 Virginia Beach Dr, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
| | - Joan A Browder
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 75 Virginia Beach Dr, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
| | - Neil Hammerschlag
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL, 33149, USA; Leonard & Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, University of Miami, 1365 Memorial Dr, Coral Gables, Florida, 33146, USA
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Ng D, Taira D, Heery EC, Todd PA. Antagonistic effects of seawalls and urban sedimentation on epilithic algal matrix (EAM)-feeding fishes. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113098. [PMID: 34768194 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Marine urbanisation often results in the proliferation of artificial coastal defences and heavy sedimentation, adversely impacting coral reef systems in tropical coastal cities. Knowledge of how motile organisms, such as reef fish, respond to novel human-made habitats and high sedimentation is limited. Here, we examine the role of sloping granite seawalls in supporting reef fishes that utilise the epilithic algal matrix (EAM) as a food resource. We surveyed fish assemblages and feeding activities on seawalls and reef flats, and conducted a field experiment to examine the effects of sediment on EAM feeding rates. Seawalls and reef flats supported distinct fish assemblage composition with significantly greater feeding activity on seawalls. However, reduced feeding activity on EAM with elevated sediment loads suggests that urban sedimentation may limit the utility of this novel feeding ground for nearshore communities. These findings illustrate the complexities and interactive effects of anthropogenic changes driven by coastal urbanisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillen Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Daisuke Taira
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore.
| | - Eliza C Heery
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Peter A Todd
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore.
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Puri V, Juan M, Catarina RO, Leandro S, Rubal M. Public perception of ecosystem services provided by the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis related to anthropogenic activities. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11975. [PMID: 34616593 PMCID: PMC8449534 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mussels provide many ecosystem services as habitat, food, water filtration and recreational fishing. However, mussels are vulnerable to anthropogenic pressures such as harvesting or trampling, among others. In this frame, it would be paramount to engage society in marine conservation and improving its awareness about environmental policies. The first step lies in properly assessing what is the perception and concerns of society about marine ecosystems. Our study aims to fill this gap by examining public perception of services provided by Mytilus galloprovincialis, its state of conservation and the factors (including anthropogenic activities) shaping mussel beds. Methods This study is based on a face-to-face survey consisting of seven open-ended and seven multiple-choice questions of 404 people conducted in 2019 at different shores in the North Portuguese coast. The influence of respondent profile in terms of age, education, gender and place of residence was also assessed. Results Most of the participants in our survey (74%) considered that mussels contributed to human well-being and life quality; however, only 31% considered that mussels provide us with many benefits. Regarding the perceived state of mussel services, most of the respondents asserted that mussel services (purification of seawater, habitat, food for other species) worsened in the last 10 years. In contrast, the service as human food was perceived as in an identical state and scientific and traditional knowledge was the only service perceived in a better state. Concerning the state of mussel beds, most of the participants perceived it as good (45%) but a similar percentage (41%) asserted ignoring it. When considering the influence of different factors on mussel beds, only environmental management was considered as having a positive impact by a higher percentage of respondents. The majority of the participants considered that factors included in the questionnaire contributed to worsen mussel beds, ranging between 51% for coastal erosion and 90% for pollution. Education level and age were the main socio-economic factors driving public awareness about the importance of mussel services, its state of conservation and the factors shaping mussel beds. Discussion Results showed that perception about the importance of mussels for human well-being and the quantity of delivered benefits increased with the education level. Moreover, older people perceived human food as the most important service offered by mussels. Therefore, our results suggest that mussels are mainly known as food resource; however, most of the people ignore their relevant ecological role and the many other benefits that mussels provide. Thus, it is necessary to actively engage society about importance of mussel beds. As M. galloprovincialis is a relevant economic resource, our data could improve the diffusion of knowledge among citizens, stakeholders and scientists, contributing to its sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veiga Puri
- CIIMAR Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research of the University of Porto, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Moreira Juan
- Departamento de Biología (Unidad de Zoología) & Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramos-Oliveira Catarina
- CIIMAR Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research of the University of Porto, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Sampaio Leandro
- CIIMAR Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research of the University of Porto, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Marcos Rubal
- CIIMAR Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research of the University of Porto, Matosinhos, Portugal
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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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55
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Shoreline Evolution and Environmental Changes at the NW Area of the Gulf of Gela (Sicily, Italy). LAND 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/land10101034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Coastal areas are among the most biologically productive, dynamic and valued ecosystems on Earth. They are subject to changes that greatly vary in scale, time and duration and to additional pressures resulting from anthropogenic activities. The aim of this work was to investigate the shoreline evolution and the main environmental changes of the coastal stretch between the towns of Licata and Gela (in the Gulf of Gela, Sicily, Italy). The methodology used in this work included the analysis of: (i) shoreline changes over the long- and medium-term periods (1955–2019 and 1989–2019, respectively), (ii) dune system fragmentation and (iii) the impact of coastal structures (harbours and breakwaters) on coastal evolution. The shoreline change analysis mainly showed a negative trend both over the long- and medium-term periods, with a maximum retreat of 3.87 m/year detected over the medium-term period down-drift of the Licata harbour. However, a few kilometres eastward from the harbour, significant accretion was registered where a set of breakwaters was emplaced. The Shoreline Change Envelope (SCE) showed that the main depositional phenomena occurred during the decade between 1955 and 1966, whereas progressive and constant erosion was observed between 1966 and 1989 in response to the increasing coastal armouring.
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Chee SY, Firth LB, Then AYH, Yee JC, Mujahid A, Affendi YA, Amir AA, Lau CM, Ooi JLS, Quek YA, Tan CE, Yap TK, Yeap CA, McQuatters-Gollop A. Enhancing Uptake of Nature-Based Solutions for Informing Coastal Sustainable Development Policy and Planning: A Malaysia Case Study. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.708507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) have been advocated to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits. The uptake of NbS differs regionally with some countries exhibiting greater uptake than others. The success of NbS also differs regionally with varying environmental conditions and social-ecological processes. In many regions, the body of knowledge, particularly around the efficacy of such efforts, remains fragmented. Having an “inventory” or “tool box” of regionally-trialed methods, outcomes and lessons learnt can improve the evidence base, inform adaptive management, and ultimately support the uptake of NbS. Using Malaysia as a case study, we provide a comprehensive overview of trialed and tested NbS efforts that used nature to address societal challenges in marine and coastal environments (here referring to mangroves, seagrass, coral reefs), and detailed these efforts according to their objectives, as well as their anticipated and actual outcomes. The NbS efforts were categorized according to the IUCN NbS approach typology and mapped to provide a spatial overview of IUCN NbS effort types. A total of 229 NbS efforts were collated, representing various levels of implementation success. From the assessment of these efforts, several key actions were identified as a way forward to enhance the uptake of Nature-based Solutions for informing coastal sustainable development policy and planning. These include increasing education, training, and knowledge sharing; rationalizing cooperation across jurisdictions, laws, and regulations; enhancing environmental monitoring; leveraging on existing policies; enabling collaboration and communication; and implementing sustainable finance instruments. These findings can be used to inform the improved application and uptake of NbS, globally.
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Dehm J, Singh S, Ferreira M, Piovano S, Fick J. Screening of pharmaceuticals in coastal waters of the southern coast of Viti Levu in Fiji, South Pacific. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 276:130161. [PMID: 34088082 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The global reliance on pharmaceuticals coupled with the lack of effective treatment methods has resulted in pseudo-persistence of pharmaceuticals within the environment. Globally, efforts to quantify and monitor pharmaceuticals within the environment have been well underway, however few studies have been made within small Pacific Islands. This study aims at screening for the occurrence and concentration of pharmaceutical residues within the southern coastal waters of Fiji's main island, Viti Levu. Water samples were collected from a depth of ca. 0.6 m from seven sites and were analyzed for 80 pharmaceuticals via a combination of chromatography and heated electrospray ionization. Seventy-two pharmaceuticals were quantified at least once with average concentrations ranging between 0.04 ng/L (diltiazem) and 19 ng/L (ketoconazole), and with all but two pharmaceuticals (trimethoprim and biperiden) being present in less than 50% of the samples. Findings suggest that even though the release of pharmaceuticals into the marine environment is sporadic and pharmaceuticals are diluted via turbulent mixing, there are measurable concentrations of pharmaceuticals in Fiji and these pollutants are not necessarily restricted to highly populated areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasha Dehm
- School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji.
| | - Shubha Singh
- School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji
| | - Marta Ferreira
- School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji
| | - Susanna Piovano
- School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji
| | - Jerker Fick
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, 90187, Umeå, Sweden
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Hill CEL, Lymperaki MM, Hoeksema BW. A centuries-old manmade reef in the Caribbean does not substitute natural reefs in terms of species assemblages and interspecific competition. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 169:112576. [PMID: 34119961 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
With increasing maritime activities in the proximity of coral reefs, a growing number of manmade structures are becoming available for coral colonisation. Yet, little is known about the sessile community composition of such artificial reefs in comparison with that of natural coral reefs. Here, we compared the diversity of corals and their competitors for substrate space between a centuries-old manmade structure and the nearest natural reef at St. Eustatius, eastern Caribbean. The artificial reef had a significantly lower species richness and fewer competitive interactions than the natural reef. The artificial reef was dominated by a cover of crustose coralline algae and zoantharians, instead of turf algae and fire corals on the natural reef. Significant differences in species composition were also found between exposed and sheltered sites on both reefs. Our study indicates that even a centuries-old manmade reef cannot serve as a surrogate for natural reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia E L Hill
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands; Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Myrsini M Lymperaki
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94248, 1090 GE Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bert W Hoeksema
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands; Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Hosokawa S, Momota K, Chariton AA, Naito R, Nakamura Y. The use of diversity indices for local assessment of marine sediment quality. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14991. [PMID: 34294828 PMCID: PMC8298509 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94636-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Diversity indices are commonly used to measure changes in marine benthic communities. However, the reliability (and therefore suitability) of these indices for detecting environmental change is often unclear because of small sample size and the inappropriate choice of communities for analysis. This study explored uncertainties in taxonomic density and two indices of community structure in our target region, Japan, and in two local areas within this region, and explored potential solutions. Our analysis of the Japanese regional dataset showed a decrease in family density and a dominance of a few species as sediment conditions become degraded. Local case studies showed that species density is affected by sediment degradation at sites where multiple communities coexist. However, two indices of community structure could become insensitive because of masking by community variability, and small sample size sometimes caused misleading or inaccurate estimates of these indices. We conclude that species density is a sensitive indicator of change in marine benthic communities, and emphasise that indices of community structure should only be used when the community structure of the target community is distinguishable from other coexisting communities and there is sufficient sample size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Hosokawa
- Marine Environmental Information Group, Port and Airport Research Institute, 3-1-1 Nagase, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, 239-0826, Japan.
| | - Kyosuke Momota
- Marine Environmental Information Group, Port and Airport Research Institute, 3-1-1 Nagase, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, 239-0826, Japan.,Central Laboratory, Marine Ecology Research Institute, 300 Iwawada, Onjuku, Isumi, Chiba, 299-5105, Japan
| | - Anthony A Chariton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW, 2113, Australia
| | - Ryoji Naito
- Coastal, Marine and Disaster Prevention Department, National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management, 3-1-1 Nagase, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, 239-0826, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Nakamura
- Department of Civil Engineering, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 240-8501, Japan
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Long CA, Chabot RM, El‐Khazen MN, Kelley JR, Mollet‐Saint Benoît C, Mansfield KL. Incongruent long‐term trends of a marine consumer and primary producers in a habitat affected by nutrient pollution. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan M. Chabot
- University of Central Florida Orlando Florida32816USA
- Inwater Research Group, Inc. Jensen Beach Florida34957USA
| | | | | | - Céline Mollet‐Saint Benoît
- University of Central Florida Orlando Florida32816USA
- Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District Atlanta Regional Commission Atlanta Georgia30303USA
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Ramos-Oliveira C, Sampaio L, Rubal M, Veiga P. Spatial-temporal variability of Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck 1819 populations and their accumulated sediment in northern Portugal. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11499. [PMID: 34221711 PMCID: PMC8231337 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mytilus galloprovincialis is an ecosystem engineer that provides habitat and generates environmental heterogeneity, increasing local biodiversity. Moreover, it is an economically important species representing 14% of the global production of marine bivalves. Natural drivers and the increase of anthropogenic pressures, such as sediment stress, influence its populations on rocky shores. The objective of this study was to explore the spatial-temporal patterns of different M. galloprovincialis attributes along the north of Portugal. For that purpose, six rocky shores were selected and sampled six times along the year 2019. The percentage of cover, density, spat density, condition index, clump thickness, size classes and clump sediment content were considered. Results showed the lack of seasonality in M. galloprovincialis along the north coast of Portugal. However, density, spat stage, clump thickness, condition index and size classes showed some variability among dates and shores. The percentage cover and sediment content only significantly differed among shores. Our results indicated an absence of seasonality for all the studied variables, probably because temperature was always within the optimum range for this species and the abundance of food supply in the study area independently of the season. The accumulated sediment on mussel clumps did not show any temporal variability with only significant differences among shores. The accumulated sediment was composed mainly by medium and coarse sand and it was correlated with mussel average size, condition index, but especially with the mussel clump thickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Ramos-Oliveira
- CIIMAR Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Matosinhos, Portugal.,Deparment of Biology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Leandro Sampaio
- CIIMAR Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Matosinhos, Portugal.,Deparment of Biology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marcos Rubal
- CIIMAR Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Matosinhos, Portugal.,Deparment of Biology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Puri Veiga
- CIIMAR Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Matosinhos, Portugal.,Deparment of Biology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that coral reefs exposed to elevated turbidity may be more resilient to climate change impacts and serve as an important conservation hotspot. However, logistical difficulties in studying turbid environments have led to poor representation of these reef types within the scientific literature, with studies using different methods and definitions to characterize turbid reefs. Here we review the geological origins and growth histories of turbid reefs from the Holocene (past), their current ecological and environmental states (present), and their potential responses and resilience to increasing local and global pressures (future). We classify turbid reefs using new descriptors based on their turbidity regime (persistent, fluctuating, transitional) and sources of sediment input (natural versus anthropogenic). Further, by comparing the composition, function and resilience of two of the most studied turbid reefs, Paluma Shoals Reef Complex, Australia (natural turbidity) and Singapore reefs (anthropogenic turbidity), we found them to be two distinct types of turbid reefs with different conservation status. As the geographic range of turbid reefs is expected to increase due to local and global stressors, improving our understanding of their responses to environmental change will be central to global coral reef conservation efforts.
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63
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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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Ng CSL, Chan YKS, Nguyen NTH, Kikuzawa YP, Sam SQ, Toh TC, Mock AYJ, Chou LM, Huang D. Coral community composition and carbonate production in an urbanized seascape. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 168:105322. [PMID: 33857701 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Coastal urbanization causes environmental modifications that directly and indirectly influence the distribution and functioning of coral reefs. However, the capacity of urban infrastructure to support corals and vertically accrete is less understood. Here, we investigated if coral communities on reefs and seawalls in Singapore are distinct, and examined the environmental variables influencing coral carbonate production. Surveys at 22 sites yielded 134 coral species, with richness significantly higher on reefs. Coral cover and Shannon index did not differ between habitat types. Community composition was distinct between habitat types, with seawalls supporting a higher proportion of massive and thick-plating species. 'Distance from mainland' was the single most important variable influencing normalized carbonate production rates (a function of species-specific linear extension rate and skeletal bulk density and site coral cover), which were higher further from the mainland where human activity and development pressures were greater. Our results indicate that environmental filtering strongly shapes coral communities and may influence ecosystem functioning in Singapore's urbanized reef system. The findings will guide the management of reefs on increasingly urbanized coastlines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin Soon Lionel Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore; Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 14 Kent Ridge Road, 119223, Singapore.
| | - Yong Kit Samuel Chan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore
| | - Nhung Thi Hong Nguyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore
| | - Yuichi Preslie Kikuzawa
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 14 Kent Ridge Road, 119223, Singapore
| | - Shu Qin Sam
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 14 Kent Ridge Road, 119223, Singapore
| | - Tai Chong Toh
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 14 Kent Ridge Road, 119223, Singapore; College of Alice and Peter Tan, National University of Singapore, 8 College Avenue East, 138615, Singapore
| | - Aidan Yong Jie Mock
- Yale-NUS College, Environmental Studies, National University of Singapore, 16 College Avenue West, 138527, Singapore
| | - Loke Ming Chou
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore; Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 14 Kent Ridge Road, 119223, Singapore
| | - Danwei Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore; Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 14 Kent Ridge Road, 119223, Singapore; Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore
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Codello A, McLellan SL, Steinberg P, Potts J, Scanes P, Ferguson A, Hose GC, Griffith M, Roguet A, Lydon KA, Maher WA, Krikowa F, Chariton A. A weight-of-evidence approach for identifying potential sources of untreated sewage inputs into a complex urbanized catchment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 275:116575. [PMID: 33582627 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116575] [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: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Hawkesbury-Nepean River (HNR) is the largest catchment in the Sydney region and is undergoing unprecedented population growth. The HNR system receives a mix of anthropogenic inputs such as treated sewage, stormwater and agricultural runoff. Combined, these can diminish the ecological system health and pose potential concerns to human health. Of particular concern are inputs of untreated sewage, that can occur due to a range of different reasons including illegal point source discharges, failure of the sewerage network, and overloading of wastewater treatment plants during storm events. Here, we present findings of an intensive assessment across the HNR catchment where we used a weight-of-evidence (WOE) approach to identify untreated sewage contamination in surface waters against the background of treated effluent and diffuse inputs during post high flow conditions. Total nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations were used to assess treated effluent and diffuse inputs, and microbial analysis, including both culture-based traditional methods for E. coli and enterococci and qPCR analysis of Bacteroides and Lachnospiraceae, were used to assess raw sewage contamination. Despite a background of diffuse inputs from recent high flow events and the influence of treated wastewater, we found no gradient of faecal contamination along the HNR system or its tributaries. We observed two sites with evidence of untreated sewage contamination, where the human markers Bacteroides and Lachnospiraceae qPCR copy numbers were high. The biological and chemical approaches suggested these latter two hotspots originate from an industrial runoff source and possibly from a dry weather sewage leak. Our findings demonstrate the potential of a WOE approach in the assessment of human faecal signal in an urban river that can also pinpoint small sources of contamination as a strategy that can reshape the way monitoring is performed and the chemical end-points chosen to provide pertinent information on the potential risks to aquatic system health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annachiara Codello
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2113, Australia.
| | - Sandra L McLellan
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Peter Steinberg
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, 19 Chowder Bay Rd, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia; School of BEES, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, 20152, Australia
| | - Jaimie Potts
- NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, EES Laboratories, 480 Weeroona Road, Lidcombe, NSW, 2141, Australia
| | - Peter Scanes
- NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, EES Laboratories, 480 Weeroona Road, Lidcombe, NSW, 2141, Australia
| | - Angus Ferguson
- NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, EES Laboratories, 480 Weeroona Road, Lidcombe, NSW, 2141, Australia
| | - Grant C Hose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2113, Australia
| | | | - Adelaide Roguet
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Keri A Lydon
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - William A Maher
- Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia, 2601
| | - Frank Krikowa
- Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia, 2601
| | - Anthony Chariton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2113, Australia
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66
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Nuñez JD, Sbragaglia V, Spivak ED, Chiaradia NM, Luppi TA. The magnitude of behavioural responses to artificial light at night depends on the ecological context in a coastal marine ecosystem engineer. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 165:105238. [PMID: 33486259 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is one of the most extensive human geographic disturbances to wildlife. ALAN can have ecological and evolutionary effects on individual organisms, which in turn can affect populations, communities and ecosystems. Although understanding of the effects of ALAN on the ecology and biology of organisms has increased in recent years, most of these advances are in terrestrial environments, but scarce in marine habitats, especially in ecologically important transition areas such as saltmarshes. Here, we study the effects of ALAN on the behavioural budget (i.e. the proportion of time spent performing feeding, burrow maintenance and concealment) of the South American intertidal crab Neohelice granulata, which is an ecosystem engineer of coastal salt marshes. Moreover, we compared the impact of a gradient of ALAN between two different saltmarshes with contrasting environmental characteristics. Our results showed a relationship between ALAN and the behavioural budget. In particular, we showed that an increase in ALAN drove an increase in time spent maintaining burrows at the expense of time spent concealed in the burrow or feeding outside it. Such effects showed slightly different patterns in the two saltmarshes, possibly related to the reproductive value of burrows for mating and to predation risk. Considering the ecosystem role of N. granulata, we argue that the different effect of ALAN on its behavioural budget could have ecosystem effects that differ between the two saltmarshes studied here.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Nuñez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), FCEyN, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata-CONICET, CC1260, 7600, Mar del Plata, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - V Sbragaglia
- Department of Marine Renewable Resources, Institute of Marine Sciences, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - E D Spivak
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), FCEyN, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata-CONICET, CC1260, 7600, Mar del Plata, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - N M Chiaradia
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), FCEyN, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata-CONICET, CC1260, 7600, Mar del Plata, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - T A Luppi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), FCEyN, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata-CONICET, CC1260, 7600, Mar del Plata, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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67
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Momota K, Hosokawa S. Potential impacts of marine urbanization on benthic macrofaunal diversity. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4028. [PMID: 33597611 PMCID: PMC7889940 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83597-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Urbanization and associated human activities have caused numerous changes to natural environments, including the loss of natural habitats and replacement with artificial structures. How these changes impact coastal marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning is not well known. In this study, we examined the potential impacts of habitat changes by comparing species commonality and community structure (i.e., species richness, abundance, and functional composition) among artificial (a breakwater wall) and natural habitats (eelgrass bed, intertidal flat, and subtidal bottom) within a semi-enclosed coastal sea impacted by marine urbanization. We found considerable species overlap (i.e., high species sharing) among the eelgrass bed, intertidal flat, and subtidal bottom habitats. By contrast, the breakwater wall was a distinctive habitat with little overlap in species and functional groups with the other habitats, and was therefore a poor substitute for natural habitats. Our study suggests that marine urbanization degrades redundancy and inhibits the maintenance of biodiversity in coastal marine zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyosuke Momota
- Central Laboratory, Marine Ecology Research Institute, 300 Iwawada, Onjuku, Isumi, Chiba, 299-5105, Japan. .,Port and Airport Research Institute, 3-1-1 Nagase, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, 239-0826, Japan.
| | - Shinya Hosokawa
- Port and Airport Research Institute, 3-1-1 Nagase, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, 239-0826, Japan
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68
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Pardal A, Martinez AS, Christofoletti RA, Karythis S, Jenkins SR. Impacts of copper contamination on a rocky intertidal predator-prey interaction. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 162:111902. [PMID: 33341076 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111902] [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: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Metal contamination can change ecological interactions with potential effects on community dynamics. However, understanding real effects of metals on biota relies on studies undertaken in natural conditions. Through a field experiment, we investigated the effects of copper contamination on the responses of a barnacle prey and its predator, the dogwhelk, and explicitly their interaction. Contamination increased barnacle mortality and reduced predation with no effects on interaction strength. This was because the higher mortality of the prey compensated for the lower consumption of the predator. Despite not affecting the interaction strength, these results suggest a decrease in energy flow in the trophic chain that may lead to important changes in community structure and ecosystem functioning. This study shows the importance of manipulative experiments designed to provide mechanistic insights into ecological interactions to better clarify the effect of stressors on the structure and dynamic of communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Pardal
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC (CCNH/UFABC), Rua Santa Adélia, 166, Santo André, SP 09210-170, Brazil; Institute of Marine Science, Federal University of São Paulo (IMar/UNIFESP), Rua Dr Carvalho de Mendonça 144, Santos, SP 11070-100, Brazil; School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5AB, United Kingdom.
| | - Aline S Martinez
- Institute of Marine Science, Federal University of São Paulo (IMar/UNIFESP), Rua Dr Carvalho de Mendonça 144, Santos, SP 11070-100, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo A Christofoletti
- Institute of Marine Science, Federal University of São Paulo (IMar/UNIFESP), Rua Dr Carvalho de Mendonça 144, Santos, SP 11070-100, Brazil
| | - Simon Karythis
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5AB, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart R Jenkins
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5AB, United Kingdom
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69
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Janiak DS, Branson D. Impacts of habitat and predation on epifaunal communities from seagrass beds and artificial structures. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 163:105225. [PMID: 33302152 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Within the coastal marine environment, the increased presence of artificial habitat can have negative impacts on the functioning of marine communities. Artificial structures provide a novel, hard surface for the colonization and growth of a variety of marine species and disproportionally favor introduced species. With the global rise in hardened shorelines, it is imperative to examine the ecological processes that occur within these habitats to those occurring in natural habitats. Here, we compared habitat differences in fouling community composition of different successional ages as well as the impact of predation on those communities. Specifically, we investigated how communities differed with respect to natural (seagrass beds) and artificial (docks) habitats and then exposed previously caged communities to predators to examine prey-specific effects within each habitat and on different aged communities. We found that habitat was a good predictor of community structure including both total species richness and introduced species richness higher in artificial habitats. We expected predators to increase available space allowing increased species co-existence, however, this was not the case. Predators in both habitats reduced richness despite having a strong impact on the percent cover of dominant groups. Predators also reduced introduced species richness, particularly in artificial habitats. Artificial structures are an important pathway of success for introduced species and results here show the importance of biotic resistance within these habitats, potentially limiting the spread of introduced species into natural habitat. Overall, species found within the different habitats could be predicted based on life history traits and predators did not increase the similarity of communities between habitats though still acted in a comparable way, reducing the dominant groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean S Janiak
- Smithsonian Marine Station, Ft. Pierce, Florida, 34949, USA.
| | - David Branson
- Smithsonian Marine Station, Ft. Pierce, Florida, 34949, USA
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70
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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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71
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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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72
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Leclerc JC, Brante A, Viard F. Rapid recovery of native habitat-builders following physical disturbance on pier pilings offsets colonization of cryptogenic and non-indigenous species in a Chilean port. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 163:105231. [PMID: 33302154 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105231] [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: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Examining the effects of disturbances within marine urban communities can shed light on their assembly rules and invasion processes. The effects of physical disturbance, through the removal of dominant native habitat-builders, were investigated in the recolonization of disturbed patches and colonization of plates on pier pilings, in a Chilean port. On pilings, disturbance substantially affected community structure after 3 months, although it slowly converged across treatments after 10 months. On plates, cryptogenic and non-indigenous species richness increased with removal severity, which was not observed in natives. Opportunistic taxa took advantage of colonizing at an early successional stage, illustrating a competition-colonization trade-off, although indirect effects might be at play (e.g. trophic competition or selective predation). Recovery of the habitat-builders then occurred at the expense of cryptogenic and non-indigenous taxa. Whether natives could continue winning against increasing propagule and colonization pressures in marine urban habitats deserves further attention. The interactions between disturbance and biological invasions herein experimentally shown in situ contribute to our understanding of multiple changes imposed by marine urbanization in a growing propagule transport network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Charles Leclerc
- Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Ambientes Sustentables (CIBAS), Casilla 297, Concepción, Chile; Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 7144 AD2M, Station Biologique de Roscoff, Place Georges Teissier, 29680, Roscoff, France.
| | - Antonio Brante
- Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Ambientes Sustentables (CIBAS), Casilla 297, Concepción, Chile
| | - Frédérique Viard
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 7144 AD2M, Station Biologique de Roscoff, Place Georges Teissier, 29680, Roscoff, France; ISEM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
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73
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McDonnell LH, Jackson TL, Burgess GH, Phenix L, Gallagher AJ, Albertson H, Hammerschlag N, Browder JA. Saws and the city: smalltooth sawfish Pristis pectinata encounters, recovery potential, and research priorities in urbanized coastal waters off Miami, Florida, USA. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2020. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
As coastal urbanization increases globally, the subsequent effects on marine animals, especially endangered species, inhabiting nearshore waters have become a research priority. The smalltooth sawfish Pristis pectinata, once abundant in US waters, now only persists in a few parts of its former range, including South Florida. Many areas utilized by smalltooth sawfish are estuarine systems or other shallow coastal habitats, making this species particularly vulnerable to threats associated with coastal development. To date, P. pectinata has been understudied in the waters in and around Biscayne Bay, Florida, a coastal waterway subjected to the urbanization of adjacent Miami-Dade County. Here, we summarize data from reported smalltooth sawfish encounters dating as far back as 1895 (N = 90) and detail opportune recordings (incidental catches, acoustic detections, and baited remote underwater videos) of sub-adults and adults (N = 14 individuals) in Biscayne Bay and the adjacent reef tract. These data demonstrate historical and increased contemporary use of the study area by this imperiled species, suggesting potential local and regional recovery. Most documented sawfish occurrences were near the urban center, indicating a need to understand the effects of coastal urbanization on sawfish and on the species' recovery potential. We suggest priorities for future research on P. pectinata in the study area that will assist in addressing regional management goals and contribute to understanding the ecology of smalltooth sawfish under environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- LH McDonnell
- Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33149, USA
| | - TL Jackson
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Miami, Florida 33149, USA
| | - GH Burgess
- University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA
| | - L Phenix
- Beneath the Waves, Inc., PO Box 126, Herndon, Virginia 20172, USA
- Three Seas Program, Northeastern University, 430 Nahant Road Nahant, Massachusetts 01908, USA
| | - AJ Gallagher
- Beneath the Waves, Inc., PO Box 126, Herndon, Virginia 20172, USA
- Department of Marine Science, Northeastern University, 430 Nahant Road Nahant, Massachusetts 01908, USA
| | - H Albertson
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Miami, Florida 33149, USA
| | - N Hammerschlag
- Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33149, USA
| | - JA Browder
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Miami, Florida 33149, USA
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74
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Li Y, Xiang Z, Chen K, Wang X. An improved spatial subsidy approach for ecological compensation in coastal seascapes for resilient land-sea management. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 276:111305. [PMID: 32916548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Human activities are considered a critical impact factor for decision-making in coupled human-nature systems, such as conservation of coastal systems. Identifying key human activities that cause significant habitat degradation for coastal species remains challenging. We improved the spatial subsidy approach to identify and prioritize control strategies for human-caused distribution shifts of marine species. We applied this method to a threatened Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) in Xiamen Bay, China. Our results indicate that (1) a significant distribution shift for humpback dolphins from existing nature reserves to peripheral waters occurred from 2011 to 2014; (2) coastal tourism and industrial and urban construction had more significant negative impacts on humpback dolphins than maritime transportation and reclamation; and (3) proactive management should be implemented for maritime transportation and reclamation, while reactive management should be implemented for coastal tourism and industrial and urban construction. Human impact analysis, combined with spatially explicit modeling, contributes to determining the spatial alternatives for conservation planning. In response to possible ecological damage caused by human activities, the improved spatial subsidy results help provide knowledge and platforms for ecological compensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangfan Li
- Key Laboratory of Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems (Ministry of Education), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
| | - Zhiyuan Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems (Ministry of Education), Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
| | - Keliang Chen
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China.
| | - Xianyan Wang
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Xiamen, 361005, China.
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Knapp S, Aronson MFJ, Carpenter E, Herrera-Montes A, Jung K, Kotze DJ, La Sorte FA, Lepczyk CA, MacGregor-Fors I, MacIvor JS, Moretti M, Nilon CH, Piana MR, Rega-Brodsky CC, Salisbury A, Threlfall CG, Trisos C, Williams NSG, Hahs AK. A Research Agenda for Urban Biodiversity in the Global Extinction Crisis. Bioscience 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biaa141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Rapid urbanization and the global loss of biodiversity necessitate the development of a research agenda that addresses knowledge gaps in urban ecology that will inform policy, management, and conservation. To advance this goal, we present six topics to pursue in urban biodiversity research: the socioeconomic and social–ecological drivers of biodiversity loss versus gain of biodiversity; the response of biodiversity to technological change; biodiversity–ecosystem service relationships; urban areas as refugia for biodiversity; spatiotemporal dynamics of species, community changes, and underlying processes; and ecological networks. We discuss overarching considerations and offer a set of questions to inspire and support urban biodiversity research. In parallel, we advocate for communication and collaboration across many fields and disciplines in order to build capacity for urban biodiversity research, education, and practice. Taken together we note that urban areas will play an important role in addressing the global extinction crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Knapp
- Department of Community Ecology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research—UFZ and formerly with the Institute of Ecology, Technische Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - Myla F J Aronson
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, Rutgers University, Brunswick, New Jersey
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ian MacGregor-Fors
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme in Lahti, Finland
| | - J Scott MacIvor
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marco Moretti
- Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | | | - Max R Piana
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts—Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts and the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources at Rutgers University, in Brunswick, New Jersey
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Amy K Hahs
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Landrigan PJ, Stegeman JJ, Fleming LE, Allemand D, Anderson DM, Backer LC, Brucker-Davis F, Chevalier N, Corra L, Czerucka D, Bottein MYD, Demeneix B, Depledge M, Deheyn DD, Dorman CJ, Fénichel P, Fisher S, Gaill F, Galgani F, Gaze WH, Giuliano L, Grandjean P, Hahn ME, Hamdoun A, Hess P, Judson B, Laborde A, McGlade J, Mu J, Mustapha A, Neira M, Noble RT, Pedrotti ML, Reddy C, Rocklöv J, Scharler UM, Shanmugam H, Taghian G, van de Water JA, Vezzulli L, Weihe P, Zeka A, Raps H, Rampal P. Human Health and Ocean Pollution. Ann Glob Health 2020; 86:151. [PMID: 33354517 PMCID: PMC7731724 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.2831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pollution - unwanted waste released to air, water, and land by human activity - is the largest environmental cause of disease in the world today. It is responsible for an estimated nine million premature deaths per year, enormous economic losses, erosion of human capital, and degradation of ecosystems. Ocean pollution is an important, but insufficiently recognized and inadequately controlled component of global pollution. It poses serious threats to human health and well-being. The nature and magnitude of these impacts are only beginning to be understood. Goals (1) Broadly examine the known and potential impacts of ocean pollution on human health. (2) Inform policy makers, government leaders, international organizations, civil society, and the global public of these threats. (3) Propose priorities for interventions to control and prevent pollution of the seas and safeguard human health. Methods Topic-focused reviews that examine the effects of ocean pollution on human health, identify gaps in knowledge, project future trends, and offer evidence-based guidance for effective intervention. Environmental Findings Pollution of the oceans is widespread, worsening, and in most countries poorly controlled. It is a complex mixture of toxic metals, plastics, manufactured chemicals, petroleum, urban and industrial wastes, pesticides, fertilizers, pharmaceutical chemicals, agricultural runoff, and sewage. More than 80% arises from land-based sources. It reaches the oceans through rivers, runoff, atmospheric deposition and direct discharges. It is often heaviest near the coasts and most highly concentrated along the coasts of low- and middle-income countries. Plastic is a rapidly increasing and highly visible component of ocean pollution, and an estimated 10 million metric tons of plastic waste enter the seas each year. Mercury is the metal pollutant of greatest concern in the oceans; it is released from two main sources - coal combustion and small-scale gold mining. Global spread of industrialized agriculture with increasing use of chemical fertilizer leads to extension of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) to previously unaffected regions. Chemical pollutants are ubiquitous and contaminate seas and marine organisms from the high Arctic to the abyssal depths. Ecosystem Findings Ocean pollution has multiple negative impacts on marine ecosystems, and these impacts are exacerbated by global climate change. Petroleum-based pollutants reduce photosynthesis in marine microorganisms that generate oxygen. Increasing absorption of carbon dioxide into the seas causes ocean acidification, which destroys coral reefs, impairs shellfish development, dissolves calcium-containing microorganisms at the base of the marine food web, and increases the toxicity of some pollutants. Plastic pollution threatens marine mammals, fish, and seabirds and accumulates in large mid-ocean gyres. It breaks down into microplastic and nanoplastic particles containing multiple manufactured chemicals that can enter the tissues of marine organisms, including species consumed by humans. Industrial releases, runoff, and sewage increase frequency and severity of HABs, bacterial pollution, and anti-microbial resistance. Pollution and sea surface warming are triggering poleward migration of dangerous pathogens such as the Vibrio species. Industrial discharges, pharmaceutical wastes, pesticides, and sewage contribute to global declines in fish stocks. Human Health Findings Methylmercury and PCBs are the ocean pollutants whose human health effects are best understood. Exposures of infants in utero to these pollutants through maternal consumption of contaminated seafood can damage developing brains, reduce IQ and increase children's risks for autism, ADHD and learning disorders. Adult exposures to methylmercury increase risks for cardiovascular disease and dementia. Manufactured chemicals - phthalates, bisphenol A, flame retardants, and perfluorinated chemicals, many of them released into the seas from plastic waste - can disrupt endocrine signaling, reduce male fertility, damage the nervous system, and increase risk of cancer. HABs produce potent toxins that accumulate in fish and shellfish. When ingested, these toxins can cause severe neurological impairment and rapid death. HAB toxins can also become airborne and cause respiratory disease. Pathogenic marine bacteria cause gastrointestinal diseases and deep wound infections. With climate change and increasing pollution, risk is high that Vibrio infections, including cholera, will increase in frequency and extend to new areas. All of the health impacts of ocean pollution fall disproportionately on vulnerable populations in the Global South - environmental injustice on a planetary scale. Conclusions Ocean pollution is a global problem. It arises from multiple sources and crosses national boundaries. It is the consequence of reckless, shortsighted, and unsustainable exploitation of the earth's resources. It endangers marine ecosystems. It impedes the production of atmospheric oxygen. Its threats to human health are great and growing, but still incompletely understood. Its economic costs are only beginning to be counted.Ocean pollution can be prevented. Like all forms of pollution, ocean pollution can be controlled by deploying data-driven strategies based on law, policy, technology, and enforcement that target priority pollution sources. Many countries have used these tools to control air and water pollution and are now applying them to ocean pollution. Successes achieved to date demonstrate that broader control is feasible. Heavily polluted harbors have been cleaned, estuaries rejuvenated, and coral reefs restored.Prevention of ocean pollution creates many benefits. It boosts economies, increases tourism, helps restore fisheries, and improves human health and well-being. It advances the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). These benefits will last for centuries. Recommendations World leaders who recognize the gravity of ocean pollution, acknowledge its growing dangers, engage civil society and the global public, and take bold, evidence-based action to stop pollution at source will be critical to preventing ocean pollution and safeguarding human health.Prevention of pollution from land-based sources is key. Eliminating coal combustion and banning all uses of mercury will reduce mercury pollution. Bans on single-use plastic and better management of plastic waste reduce plastic pollution. Bans on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have reduced pollution by PCBs and DDT. Control of industrial discharges, treatment of sewage, and reduced applications of fertilizers have mitigated coastal pollution and are reducing frequency of HABs. National, regional and international marine pollution control programs that are adequately funded and backed by strong enforcement have been shown to be effective. Robust monitoring is essential to track progress.Further interventions that hold great promise include wide-scale transition to renewable fuels; transition to a circular economy that creates little waste and focuses on equity rather than on endless growth; embracing the principles of green chemistry; and building scientific capacity in all countries.Designation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) will safeguard critical ecosystems, protect vulnerable fish stocks, and enhance human health and well-being. Creation of MPAs is an important manifestation of national and international commitment to protecting the health of the seas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John J. Stegeman
- Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | - Lora E. Fleming
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, GB
- University of Exeter Medical School, GB
| | | | - Donald M. Anderson
- Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | | | | | - Nicolas Chevalier
- Université Côte d’Azur, FR
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Inserm, C3M, FR
| | - Lilian Corra
- International Society of Doctors for the Environment (ISDE), CH
- Health and Environment of the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP), AR
| | | | - Marie-Yasmine Dechraoui Bottein
- Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, FR
- IOC Science and Communication Centre on Harmful Algae, University of Copenhagen, DK
- Ecotoxicologie et développement durable expertise ECODD, Valbonne, FR
| | - Barbara Demeneix
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, FR
- Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, FR
| | | | - Dimitri D. Deheyn
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, US
| | | | - Patrick Fénichel
- Université Côte d’Azur, FR
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Inserm, C3M, FR
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mark E. Hahn
- Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | | | - Philipp Hess
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l’Exploitation des Mers, FR
| | | | | | - Jacqueline McGlade
- Institute for Global Prosperity, University College London, GB
- Strathmore University Business School, Nairobi, KE
| | | | - Adetoun Mustapha
- Nigerian Institute for Medical Research, Lagos, NG
- Imperial College London, GB
| | | | | | | | - Christopher Reddy
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | - Joacim Rocklöv
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health, Umeå University, Umeå, SE
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Pál Weihe
- University of the Faroe Islands and Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, FO
| | | | - Hervé Raps
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, MC
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Health and Sustainable Development, MC
| | - Patrick Rampal
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, MC
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Health and Sustainable Development, MC
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Arina N, Raynusha C, Hidayah N, Zainee NFA, Prathep A, Rozaimi M. Coralline macroalgae contribution to ecological services of carbon storage in a disturbed seagrass meadow. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 162:105156. [PMID: 33032080 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Coralline macroalgae are globally distributed rhodopyhtes that remove carbon from their immediate environment and transform it into carbonate sediments through the senescence of their calcified tissues. In this study, the calcium carbonate (CaCO3) stocks in the tissue of Jania adhaerens and sediments in Tanjung Adang Shoal, Johor were quantified for a 13-month study period. The detailed maps of the geographical distribution based on the spatial and temporal variations of biomass and CaCO3 were also assessed. The highest amount of biomass, CaCO3 and organic carbon (OC) stocks in the tissues showed the highest in May 2018 and May 2019. The biomass values ranged from 65 to 143 g DW m-2, which contained 53-147 g CaCO3 m-2 and 3-11 g OC m-2. These findings provided insights into the biogeochemical cycling of these inputs, which can be used to estimate the overall carbon budget of the macrophyte meadow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Arina
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chandran Raynusha
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nur Hidayah
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nur Farah Ain Zainee
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Anchana Prathep
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, 90110, Thailand
| | - Mohammad Rozaimi
- Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
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78
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Cartolano MC, Berenshtein I, Heuer RM, Pasparakis C, Rider M, Hammerschlag N, Paris CB, Grosell M, McDonald MD. Impacts of a local music festival on fish stress hormone levels and the adjacent underwater soundscape. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:114925. [PMID: 32563142 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
An understudied consequence of coastal urbanization on marine environments is sound pollution. While underwater anthropogenic sounds are recognized as a threat to aquatic organisms, little is known about the effects of above-surface coastal sound pollution on adjacent underwater soundscapes and the organisms inhabiting them. Here, the impact of noise from the 2019 Ultra Music Festival® in Miami, FL, USA was assessed at the University of Miami Experimental Hatchery (UMEH) located directly adjacent to the music festival and on underwater sound levels in Bear Cut, a nearby water channel. In addition, stress hormone levels in fish held at UMEH were measured before and during the festival. Air sound levels recorded at UMEH during the Ultra Music Festival did not exceed 72 dBA and 98 dBC. The subsurface sound intensity levels in the low frequency band increased by 2-3 dB re 1 μPa in the adjacent waterway, Bear Cut, and by 7-9 dB re 1 μPa in the fish tanks at UMEH. Gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta) housed in the UMEH tanks experienced a 4-5 fold increase in plasma cortisol, their main stress hormone, during the first night of the Ultra Music Festival compared to two baseline samples taken 3 weeks and 4 days before Ultra. While this study offers preliminary insights into this type of sound pollution, more research is needed to conclude if Ultra caused a stress response in wild organisms and to fully understand the implications of this type of sound pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Cartolano
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Igal Berenshtein
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rachael M Heuer
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Christina Pasparakis
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mitchell Rider
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Neil Hammerschlag
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Claire B Paris
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Martin Grosell
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - M Danielle McDonald
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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Wainwright BJ, Zahn GL, Afiq-Rosli L, Tanzil JTI, Huang D. Host age is not a consistent predictor of microbial diversity in the coral Porites lutea. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14376. [PMID: 32873814 PMCID: PMC7463248 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71117-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Corals harbour diverse microbial communities that can change in composition as the host grows in age and size. Larger and older colonies have been shown to host a higher diversity of microbial taxa and this has been suggested to be a consequence of their more numerous, complex and varied micro-niches available. However, the effects of host age on community structure and diversity of microbial associates remain equivocal in the few studies performed to date. To test this relationship more robustly, we use established techniques to accurately determine coral host age by quantifying annual skeletal banding patterns, and utilise high-throughput sequencing to comprehensively characterise the microbiome of the common reef-building coral, Porites lutea. Our results indicate no clear link between coral age and microbial diversity or richness. Different sites display distinct age-dependent diversity patterns, with more anthropogenically impacted reefs appearing to show a winnowing of microbial diversity with host age, possibly a consequence of corals adapting to degraded environments. Less impacted sites do not show a signature of winnowing, and we observe increases in microbial richness and diversity as the host ages. Furthermore, we demonstrate that corals of a similar age from the same reef can show very different microbial richness and diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Geoffrey L Zahn
- Biology Department, Utah Valley University, 800 W. University Parkway, Orem, UT, 84058, USA
| | - Lutfi Afiq-Rosli
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119227, Singapore
| | - Jani T I Tanzil
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119227, Singapore
| | - Danwei Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117558, Singapore
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119227, Singapore
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80
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Establishing Ecological Security Patterns Based on Reconstructed Ecosystem Services Value in Rapidly Urbanizing Areas: A Case Study in Zhuhai City, China. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12166629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Rapid urbanization has caused a reduction in green lands, negatively affecting the functions of ecosystem services (ESs). The 11th goal and other goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have highlighted the importance of the balanced development of cities and the environment. ESs are essential for human well-being, so their application in sustainable development study is indispensable. The ecological security pattern (ESP) provides an integrated strategy for maintaining a balance between a sustainable supply of ESs and urbanization. However, establishing an ESP with the goal of satisfying human requirements for ESs in a rapidly urbanizing area has not been well studied. Thus, it is necessary to build an ESP based on ecosystem service value (ESV) reconstruction to manage urban ecosystems sustainably. Based on land use data and field data, this study approached the research gap by related analyses. The first analysis involved dynamic reconstruction of ESVs using the static ESV and importance indices of ESs from 1999–2013. The second analysis involved using hot spot analysis (Getis-Ord Gi * statistics) to distinguish heterogeneous units of the dynamic ESV to identify ecological sources. The third analysis involved establishing the ESP in Zhuhai city, using the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model. The results indicated that the ESV of Zhuhai city displayed an upward trend. The functions of water conservation and waste treatment contributed most to the total ESV, while grain production and raw material contributed least in the study area. In the restructuring of ESVs in 2005, 2009, and 2013, the per unit area of the ESV decreased slightly. The areas with high ESVs continued to shrink, while the areas with low ESVs gradually expanded. The ESP of Zhuhai city exhibits great connectivity and strong plasticity, which specifically provides a reliable and visual way to build sustainable cities from a quantitative perspective, generally consistent with the urban ecological planning of Zhuhai city. This study provides an important reference for the application of ESs to achieve SDGs in coastal, rapidly urbanizing regions.
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81
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Heery EC, Oh RKE, Taira D, Ng D, Chim CK, Hartanto RS, Hsiung AR, Chai TMF, Loke LHL, Yeo HHJ, Todd PA. Human-engineered hydrodynamic regimes as a driver of cryptic microinvertebrate assemblages on urban artificial shorelines. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 725:138348. [PMID: 32302835 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138348] [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: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Urban shorelines undergo substantial hydrodynamic changes as a result of coastal engineering and shoreline armouring that can alter sedimentation, turbidity, and other factors. These changes often coincide with major shifts in the composition and distribution of marine biota, however, rarely are hydrodynamic-mediated factors confirmed experimentally as the mechanism underpinning these shifts. This study first characterized hydrodynamic-related distribution patterns among epilithic and epiphytic microinvertebrates on urban seawalls in Singapore. We found reduced microinvertebrate abundances and distinct microinvertebrate community structure within benthic turf algae in areas where coastal defences had reduced wave energy and increased sediment deposition, among other hydrodynamic-related abiotic changes. Low-exposure areas also had reduced densities of macroinvertebrate grazers and less dense turf algae (lower mass per cm2) than adjacent high-exposure areas. Using harpacticoid copepods as a model taxon, we performed a reciprocal transplant experiment to discern between the effects of exposure-related conditions and grazing. Results from the experiment indicate that conditions associated with restricted wave energy from shoreline engineering limit harpacticoid population densities, as transplantation to low-exposure areas led to rapid reductions in abundance. At the same time, we found no effect from grazer exclusion cages, suggesting harpacticoids are minimally impacted by exposure-related gradients in gastropod macrograzer densities over short time scales. Given the key role of intertidal microinvertebrates, particularly harpacticoids, in nearshore food webs, we postulate that human-engineered hydrodynamic regimes are an important factor shaping marine ecosystem functioning in urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza C Heery
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3, Singapore 117558, Singapore.
| | - Rachel K E Oh
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Daisuke Taira
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Dillen Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - C K Chim
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3, Singapore 117558, Singapore; Keppel-NUS Corporate Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Block E1A, #03-03, 1 Engineering Drive 2, Singapore 117576, Singapore; St. John's Island National Marine Laboratory, Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119227, Singapore
| | - Rania S Hartanto
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Amanda R Hsiung
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Tiffany M F Chai
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3, Singapore 117558, Singapore; School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
| | - Lynette H L Loke
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Hannah H J Yeo
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Peter A Todd
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Block S3, Singapore 117558, Singapore
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Dehm J, Singh S, Ferreira M, Piovano S. Microplastics in subsurface coastal waters along the southern coast of Viti Levu in Fiji, South Pacific. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 156:111239. [PMID: 32510383 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) remain largely understudied in Small Island Developing States. This study is aimed at comparing the abundance and characteristics of MPs in rural and urban marine coastal sites located along the southern coast of Fiji's main inhabited island, Viti Levu. Collection of subsurface waters (at depth of ca. 0.6 m) was performed at seven sites via Niskin bottle. Samples were filtered over a membrane filter to extract MPs and to allow visual analysis and polymer identification by using attenuated total reflectance in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Findings from this study depict widespread presence of MPs in both urban and rural sites, and show no significant differences in the four parameters studied, i.e. abundance of MP pieces (2.0 vs 1.6 MP/L, respectively), form types (dominance of fibers), size (0.5-0.9 and 1.0-1.4 mm totaling 48% of the samples), and color (blue contributing 30%, and red and black contributing 25% each). These findings challenge the common expectation of a higher MPs pollution in urban areas compared to rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasha Dehm
- School of Marine Studies, Faculty of Science Technology and Environment, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji
| | - Shubha Singh
- School of Marine Studies, Faculty of Science Technology and Environment, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji
| | - Marta Ferreira
- School of Marine Studies, Faculty of Science Technology and Environment, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji
| | - Susanna Piovano
- School of Marine Studies, Faculty of Science Technology and Environment, The University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay Road, Suva, Fiji.
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83
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Low Diversity of Intertidal Canopy-Forming Macroalgae at Urbanized Areas along the North Portuguese Coast. DIVERSITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/d12060211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Canopy-forming macroalgae are the main component in some of the most diverse and productive coastal habitats around the world. However, canopy-forming macroalgae are very sensitive to anthropogenic disturbances. In coastal urban areas, intertidal organisms are exposed to the interactive effect of several anthropogenic disturbances that can modify the community’s structure and diversity. Along the North-East Atlantic shores, many studies explored the effect of anthropogenic disturbances on canopy-forming macroalgae, but mainly focused on kelps and fucoids. However, along the intertidal rocky shores of the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula, the most abundant and frequent canopy-forming macroalgae belong to the family Sargassaceae. To explore the effect of urbanization on these intertidal canopy-forming species the diversity and assemblage structure of canopy species were compared between four urban and four non-urban shores in the north of Portugal. Intertidal canopy assemblages on urban shores were dominated by the non-indigenous Sargassum muticum that was the only canopy-forming species on three of the four studied urban shores. Canopy assemblages on all non-urban shores were more diverse. Moreover, stands of canopy-forming species on urban shores were always monospecific, while at non-urban shores multi-specific stands were common. Therefore, results suggest that urbanization reduces canopy´s biodiversity.
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84
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Veiga P, Ramos-Oliveira C, Sampaio L, Rubal M. The role of urbanisation in affecting Mytilus galloprovincialis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232797. [PMID: 32384115 PMCID: PMC7209287 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Urbanisation is considered as one of the most critical and widespread threats to coastal marine ecosystems. The aim of this study was to compare the density, percentage cover, thickness of clumps, condition index and size-frequency distribution of Mytilus galloprovincialis between urban and non-urban shores, at nested spatial scales, in the Northern Portuguese coast. M. galloprovincialis was selected as model because it is economically and ecologically relevant. Moreover, the relationship between mussel size and the other variables (i.e. density, percentage cover, thickness and condition index) were investigated. Mussels on urban shores showed a smaller density and a greater frequency of larger individuals. A significant negative correlation between mussel length with density and with thickness of clumps was also found. Our results seem to indicate that recruitment has declined on urban shores and, as a result, intraspecific competition is also smaller, leading to more resources being available for a fewer individuals which can reach larger sizes. As mussel beds support a great biodiversity of invertebrates and provide many ecosystem services, urbanisation may have indirect effects on communities associated with mussels. Understanding the vulnerability of mussel beds to urbanisation could inform management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puri Veiga
- CIIMAR Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research of the University of Porto, Novo Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, Matosinhos, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- * E-mail:
| | - Catarina Ramos-Oliveira
- CIIMAR Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research of the University of Porto, Novo Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, Matosinhos, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Leandro Sampaio
- CIIMAR Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research of the University of Porto, Novo Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, Matosinhos, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marcos Rubal
- CIIMAR Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research of the University of Porto, Novo Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, Matosinhos, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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O’Shaughnessy KA, Hawkins SJ, Evans AJ, Hanley ME, Lunt P, Thompson RC, Francis RA, Hoggart SPG, Moore PJ, Iglesias G, Simmonds D, Ducker J, Firth LB. Design catalogue for eco-engineering of coastal artificial structures: a multifunctional approach for stakeholders and end-users. Urban Ecosyst 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-019-00924-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AbstractCoastal urbanisation, energy extraction, food production, shipping and transportation have led to the global proliferation of artificial structures within the coastal and marine environments (sensu “ocean sprawl”), with subsequent loss of natural habitats and biodiversity. To mitigate and compensate impacts of ocean sprawl, the practice of eco-engineering of artificial structures has been developed over the past decade. Eco-engineering aims to create sustainable ecosystems that integrate human society with the natural environment for the benefit of both. The science of eco-engineering has grown markedly, yet synthesis of research into a user-friendly and practitioner-focused format is lacking. Feedback from stakeholders has repeatedly stated that a “photo user guide” or “manual” covering the range of eco-engineering options available for artificial structures would be beneficial. However, a detailed and structured “user guide” for eco-engineering in coastal and marine environments is not yet possible; therefore we present an accessible review and catalogue of trialled eco-engineering options and a summary of guidance for a range of different structures tailored for stakeholders and end-users as the first step towards a structured manual. This work can thus serve as a potential template for future eco-engineering guides. Here we provide suggestions for potential eco-engineering designs to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem functioning and services of coastal artificial structures with the following structures covered: (1) rock revetment, breakwaters and groynes composed of armour stones or concrete units; (2) vertical and sloping seawalls; (3) over-water structures (i.e., piers) and associated support structures; and (4) tidal river walls.
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