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Schmickl T, Szopek M, Mondada F, Mills R, Stefanec M, Hofstadler DN, Lazic D, Barmak R, Bonnet F, Zahadat P. Social Integrating Robots Suggest Mitigation Strategies for Ecosystem Decay. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:612605. [PMID: 34109162 PMCID: PMC8181169 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.612605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
We develop here a novel hypothesis that may generate a general research framework of how autonomous robots may act as a future contingency to counteract the ongoing ecological mass extinction process. We showcase several research projects that have undertaken first steps to generate the required prerequisites for such a technology-based conservation biology approach. Our main idea is to stabilise and support broken ecosystems by introducing artificial members, robots, that are able to blend into the ecosystem's regulatory feedback loops and can modulate natural organisms' local densities through participation in those feedback loops. These robots are able to inject information that can be gathered using technology and to help the system in processing available information with technology. In order to understand the key principles of how these robots are capable of modulating the behaviour of large populations of living organisms based on interacting with just a few individuals, we develop novel mathematical models that focus on important behavioural feedback loops. These loops produce relevant group-level effects, allowing for robotic modulation of collective decision making in social organisms. A general understanding of such systems through mathematical models is necessary for designing future organism-interacting robots in an informed and structured way, which maximises the desired output from a minimum of intervention. Such models also help to unveil the commonalities and specificities of the individual implementations and allow predicting the outcomes of microscopic behavioural mechanisms on the ultimate macroscopic-level effects. We found that very similar models of interaction can be successfully used in multiple very different organism groups and behaviour types (honeybee aggregation, fish shoaling, and plant growth). Here we also report experimental data from biohybrid systems of robots and living organisms. Our mathematical models serve as building blocks for a deep understanding of these biohybrid systems. Only if the effects of autonomous robots onto the environment can be sufficiently well predicted can such robotic systems leave the safe space of the lab and can be applied in the wild to be able to unfold their ecosystem-stabilising potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schmickl
- Artificial Life Laboratory of the Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Martina Szopek
- Artificial Life Laboratory of the Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Francesco Mondada
- Mobile Robotic Systems Group, School of Engineering and School of Computer and Communication Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rob Mills
- Mobile Robotic Systems Group, School of Engineering and School of Computer and Communication Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- BioISI, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Martin Stefanec
- Artificial Life Laboratory of the Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Daniel N. Hofstadler
- Artificial Life Laboratory of the Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Dajana Lazic
- Artificial Life Laboratory of the Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Rafael Barmak
- Mobile Robotic Systems Group, School of Engineering and School of Computer and Communication Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Frank Bonnet
- Mobile Robotic Systems Group, School of Engineering and School of Computer and Communication Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Payam Zahadat
- Department of Computer Science, IT University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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152
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Vilar CC, Joyeux J. Brazil’s marine protected areas fail to meet global conservation goals. Anim Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. C. Vilar
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Oceanografia Ambiental Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo Vitória Espírito Santo Brazil
| | - J.‐C. Joyeux
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Oceanografia Ambiental Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo Vitória Espírito Santo Brazil
- Departamento de Oceanografia e Ecologia Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo Vitória Espírito Santo Brazil
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153
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Wood BM, Millar RS, Wright N, Baumgartner J, Holmquist H, Kiffner C. Hunter-Gatherers in context: Mammal community composition in a northern Tanzania landscape used by Hadza foragers and Datoga pastoralists. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251076. [PMID: 33989291 PMCID: PMC8121365 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In many regions of sub Saharan Africa large mammals occur in human-dominated areas, yet their community composition and abundance have rarely been described in areas occupied by traditional hunter-gatherers and pastoralists. Surveys of mammal populations in such areas provide important measures of biodiversity and provide ecological context for understanding hunting practices. Using a sampling grid centered on a Hadza hunter-gatherer camp and covering 36 km2 of semi-arid savannah in northern Tanzania, we assessed mammals using camera traps (n = 19 stations) for c. 5 months (2,182 trap nights). In the study area (Tli’ika in the Hadza language), we recorded 36 wild mammal species. Rarefaction curves suggest that sampling effort was sufficient to capture mammal species richness, yet some species known to occur at low densities in the wider area (e.g. African lions, wildebeest) were not detected. Relative abundance indices of wildlife species varied by c. three orders of magnitude, from a mean of 0.04 (African wild dog) to 20.34 capture events per 100 trap-nights (Kirk’s dik dik). To contextualize the relative abundance of wildlife in the study area, we compared our study’s data to comparable camera trap data collected in a fully protected area of northern Tanzania with similar rainfall (Lake Manyara National Park). Raw data and negative binomial regression analyses show that wild herbivores and wild carnivores were generally detected in the national park at higher rates than in the Hadza-occupied region. Livestock were notably absent from the national park, but were detected at high levels in Tli’ika, and cattle was the second most frequently detected species in the Hadza-used area. We discuss how these data inform current conservation efforts, studies of Hadza hunting, and models of hunter-gatherer foraging ecology and diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M. Wood
- Department of Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail: (BMW); (CK)
| | | | | | | | | | - Christian Kiffner
- Department of Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
- Center For Wildlife Management Studies, The School For Field Studies, Karatu, Tanzania
- * E-mail: (BMW); (CK)
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154
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Omeyer LCM, Stokes KL, Beton D, Çiçek BA, Davey S, Fuller WJ, Godley BJ, Sherley RB, Snape RTE, Broderick AC. Investigating differences in population recovery rates of two sympatrically nesting sea turtle species. Anim Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- L. C. M. Omeyer
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Penryn UK
| | - K. L. Stokes
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Penryn UK
- Department of Biosciences Swansea University Singleton Park Swansea UK
| | - D. Beton
- Society for the Protection of Turtles Gönyeli North Cyprus
| | - B. A. Çiçek
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences Eastern Mediterranean University Famagusta North Cyprus
| | - S. Davey
- Society for the Protection of Turtles Gönyeli North Cyprus
| | - W. J. Fuller
- Society for the Protection of Turtles Gönyeli North Cyprus
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Near East University Nicosia North Cyprus
| | - B. J. Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Penryn UK
| | - R. B. Sherley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Penryn UK
| | - R. T. E. Snape
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Penryn UK
- Society for the Protection of Turtles Gönyeli North Cyprus
| | - A. C. Broderick
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Penryn UK
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155
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Smart WA, Collier N, Rolland V. Non-native rats detected on uninhabited southern Grenadine islands with seabird colonies. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:4172-4181. [PMID: 33976801 PMCID: PMC8093698 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Seabirds are among the most endangered avian groups, with populations declining worldwide because of various threats, including invasive nest predators. Similar decreasing trends are occurring in the Southern Grenadines; however, the causes of decline remain uncertain, although non-native rats have been suspected. Therefore, our objective was to determine whether non-native rats are present on five Southern Grenadine islands that harbor seabird colonies, during May-July 2014-2017, using four methods (chew cards, tunnels, cameras, and questionnaires). Les Tantes East and Lee Rocks were the only two islands where cameras detected black rats (Rattus rattus). Although rat occupancy was low (0.125 ± 0.061) and the number of individuals and nesting attempts increased (except in 2017) for most species, the low detection probability and small number of nests prevented any inference about rat impact on seabirds. Rats might have affected seabird colonies, but other factors, such as seabird harvest, prey availability, or climatic fluctuations, could have also driven previous seabird population declines in the Southern Grenadines. However, non-native rats are present and future research should focus on estimating their density and distribution on these and other islands of the region before an appropriate rat eradication program can be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne A. Smart
- Department of Biological SciencesArkansas State UniversityState UniversityJonesboroARUSA
| | - Natalia Collier
- Environmental Protection in the CaribbeanGreen Cove SpringsFLUSA
| | - Virginie Rolland
- Department of Biological SciencesArkansas State UniversityState UniversityJonesboroARUSA
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156
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Savoca MS, McInturf AG, Hazen EL. Plastic ingestion by marine fish is widespread and increasing. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:2188-2199. [PMID: 33561314 PMCID: PMC8247990 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has pervaded almost every facet of the biosphere, yet we lack an understanding of consumption risk by marine species at the global scale. To address this, we compile data from research documenting plastic debris ingestion by marine fish, totaling 171,774 individuals of 555 species. Overall, 386 marine fish species have ingested plastic debris including 210 species of commercial importance. However, 148 species studied had no records of plastic consumption, suggesting that while this evolutionary trap is widespread, it is not yet universal. Across all studies that accounted for microplastics, the incidence rate of plastic ingested by fish was 26%. Over the last decade this incidence has doubled, increasing by 2.4 ± 0.4% per year. This is driven both by increasing detection of smaller sized particles as a result of improved methodologies, as well as an increase in fish consuming plastic. Further, we investigated the role of geographic, ecological, and behavioral factors in the ingestion of plastic across species. These analyses revealed that the abundance of plastic in surface waters was positively correlated to plastic ingestion. Demersal species are more likely to ingest plastic in shallow waters; in contrast, pelagic species were most likely to consume plastic below the mixed layer. Mobile predatory species had the highest likelihood to ingest plastic; similarly, we found a positive relationship between trophic level and plastic ingestion. We also find evidence that surface ingestion-deep sea egestion of microplastics by mesopelagic myctophids is likely a key mechanism for the export of microplastics from the surface ocean to the seafloor, a sink for marine debris. These results elucidate the role of ecology and biogeography underlying plastic ingestion by marine fish and point toward species and regions in urgent need of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S. Savoca
- Hopkins Marine StationDepartment of BiologyStanford UniversityPacific GroveCAUSA
| | - Alexandra G. McInturf
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCAUSA
- Animal Behavior Graduate GroupUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCAUSA
| | - Elliott L. Hazen
- Hopkins Marine StationDepartment of BiologyStanford UniversityPacific GroveCAUSA
- Environmental Research DivisionSouthwest Fisheries Science CenterNational Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationMontereyCAUSA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaSanta CruzCAUSA
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157
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McCay SD, Lacher TE. National level use of International Union for Conservation of Nature knowledge products in American National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans and National Reports to the Convention on Biological Diversity. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shelby D. McCay
- Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
| | - Thomas E. Lacher
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
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158
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Bernhardt JR, O'Connor MI. Aquatic biodiversity enhances multiple nutritional benefits to humans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e1917487118. [PMID: 33876740 PMCID: PMC8053940 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1917487118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Humanity depends on biodiversity for health, well-being, and a stable environment. As biodiversity change accelerates, we are still discovering the full range of consequences for human health and well-being. Here, we test the hypothesis-derived from biodiversity-ecosystem functioning theory-that species richness and ecological functional diversity allow seafood diets to fulfill multiple nutritional requirements, a condition necessary for human health. We analyzed a newly synthesized dataset of 7,245 observations of nutrient and contaminant concentrations in 801 aquatic animal taxa and found that species with different ecological traits have distinct and complementary micronutrient profiles but little difference in protein content. The same complementarity mechanisms that generate positive biodiversity effects on ecosystem functioning in terrestrial ecosystems also operate in seafood assemblages, allowing more diverse diets to yield increased nutritional benefits independent of total biomass consumed. Notably, nutritional metrics that capture multiple micronutrients and fatty acids essential for human well-being depend more strongly on biodiversity than common ecological measures of function such as productivity, typically reported for grasslands and forests. Furthermore, we found that increasing species richness did not increase the amount of protein in seafood diets and also increased concentrations of toxic metal contaminants in the diet. Seafood-derived micronutrients and fatty acids are important for human health and are a pillar of global food and nutrition security. By drawing upon biodiversity-ecosystem functioning theory, we demonstrate that ecological concepts of biodiversity can deepen our understanding of nature's benefits to people and unite sustainability goals for biodiversity and human well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joey R Bernhardt
- Department of Zoology, Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada;
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Mary I O'Connor
- Department of Zoology, Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
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159
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Sequeira AMM, O'Toole M, Keates TR, McDonnell LH, Braun CD, Hoenner X, Jaine FRA, Jonsen ID, Newman P, Pye J, Bograd SJ, Hays GC, Hazen EL, Holland M, Tsontos VM, Blight C, Cagnacci F, Davidson SC, Dettki H, Duarte CM, Dunn DC, Eguíluz VM, Fedak M, Gleiss AC, Hammerschlag N, Hindell MA, Holland K, Janekovic I, McKinzie MK, Muelbert MMC, Pattiaratchi C, Rutz C, Sims DW, Simmons SE, Townsend B, Whoriskey F, Woodward B, Costa DP, Heupel MR, McMahon CR, Harcourt R, Weise M. A standardisation framework for bio‐logging data to advance ecological research and conservation. Methods Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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160
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Orben RA, Adams J, Hester M, Shaffer SA, Suryan RM, Deguchi T, Ozaki K, Sato F, Young LC, Clatterbuck C, Conners MG, Kroodsma DA, Torres LG. Across borders: External factors and prior behaviour influence North Pacific albatross associations with fishing vessels. J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachael A. Orben
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Oregon State UniversityHatfield Marine Science Center Newport OR USA
| | - Josh Adams
- U.S. Geological Survey Western Ecological Research Center Santa Cruz Field Station Santa Cruz CA USA
| | | | - Scott A. Shaffer
- Department of Biological Sciences San Jose State UniversityOne Washington Square San Jose CA USA
| | - Robert M. Suryan
- Alaska Fisheries Science Center Auk Bay Laboratories Ted Steven's Marine Research InstituteNOAA Fisheries Juneau AK USA
| | - Tomohiro Deguchi
- Division of Avian Conservation Yamashina Institute for Ornithology Abiko Chiba Japan
- Graduate School of Regional Resource Management University of Hyogo Toyooka Hyogo Japan
| | - Kiyoaki Ozaki
- Division of Avian Conservation Yamashina Institute for Ornithology Abiko Chiba Japan
| | - Fumio Sato
- Division of Avian Conservation Yamashina Institute for Ornithology Abiko Chiba Japan
| | | | | | - Melinda G. Conners
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Stony Brook University Stony Brook NY USA
| | | | - Leigh G. Torres
- Marine Mammal Institute Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Oregon State University Newport OR USA
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161
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Fayet AL, Clucas GV, Anker-Nilssen T, Syposz M, Hansen ES. Local prey shortages drive foraging costs and breeding success in a declining seabird, the Atlantic puffin. J Anim Ecol 2021; 90:1152-1164. [PMID: 33748966 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
As more and more species face anthropogenic threats, understanding the causes of population declines in vulnerable taxa is essential. However, long-term datasets, ideal to identify lasting or indirect effects on fitness measures such as those caused by environmental factors, are not always available. Here we use a single year but multi-population approach on populations with contrasting demographic trends to identify possible drivers and mechanisms of seabird population changes in the north-east Atlantic, using the Atlantic puffin, a declining species, as a model system. We combine miniature GPS trackers with camera traps and DNA metabarcoding techniques on four populations across the puffins' main breeding range to provide the most comprehensive study of the species' foraging ecology to date. We find that puffins use a dual foraging tactic combining short and long foraging trips in all four populations, but declining populations in southern Iceland and north-west Norway have much greater foraging ranges, which require more (costly) flight, as well as lower chick-provisioning frequencies, and a more diverse but likely less energy-dense diet, than stable populations in northern Iceland and Wales. Together, our findings suggest that the poor productivity of declining puffin populations in the north-east Atlantic is driven by breeding adults being forced to forage far from the colony, presumably because of low prey availability near colonies, possibly amplified by intraspecific competition. Our results provide valuable information for the conservation of this and other important North-Atlantic species and highlight the potential of multi-population approaches to answer important questions about the ecological drivers of population trends.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Erpur S Hansen
- South Iceland Nature Research Centre, Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland
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162
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Marques V, Milhau T, Albouy C, Dejean T, Manel S, Mouillot D, Juhel J. GAPeDNA: Assessing and mapping global species gaps in genetic databases for eDNA metabarcoding. DIVERS DISTRIB 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Marques
- MARBEC Univ Montpellier CNRS Ifremer IRD Montpellier France
- CEFE EPHE CNRS UM UPV IRD PSL Research University Montpellier France
| | | | - Camille Albouy
- IFREMER Unité Ecologie et Modèles pour l’Halieutique Nantes cedex 3 Nantes France
| | | | - Stéphanie Manel
- CEFE EPHE CNRS UM UPV IRD PSL Research University Montpellier France
| | - David Mouillot
- MARBEC Univ Montpellier CNRS Ifremer IRD Montpellier France
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia
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163
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Hosseini H, Saadaoui I, Moheimani N, Al Saidi M, Al Jamali F, Al Jabri H, Hamadou RB. Marine health of the Arabian Gulf: Drivers of pollution and assessment approaches focusing on desalination activities. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 164:112085. [PMID: 33549923 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The Arabian Gulf is one of the most adversely affected marine environments worldwide, which results from combined pollution drivers including climate change, oil and gas activities, and coastal anthropogenic disturbances. Desalination activities are one of the major marine pollution drivers regionally and internationally. Arabian Gulf countries represent a hotspot of desalination activities as they are responsible for nearly 50% of the global desalination capacity. Building desalination plants, up-taking seawater, and discharging untreated brine back into the sea adversely affects the biodiversity of the marine ecosystems. The present review attempted to reveal the potential negative effects of desalination plants on the Gulf's marine environments. We emphasised different conventional and innovative assessment tools used to assess the health of marine environments and evaluate the damage exerted by desalination activity in the Gulf. Finally, we suggested effective management approaches to tackle the issue including the significance of national regulations and regional cooperation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda Hosseini
- Algal Technologies Program, Centre for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Imen Saadaoui
- Algal Technologies Program, Centre for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Navid Moheimani
- Algae R&D Centre, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Mohammad Al Saidi
- Algal Technologies Program, Centre for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fahad Al Jamali
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hareb Al Jabri
- Algal Technologies Program, Centre for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
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164
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Madigan DJ, Snodgrass OE, Hyde JR, Dewar H. Stable isotope turnover rates and fractionation in captive California yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis): insights for application to field studies. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4466. [PMID: 33627705 PMCID: PMC7904776 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83880-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Stable isotope analysis (SIA) measurements from long-term captivity studies provide required parameters for interpretation of consumer SIA data. We raised young-of-the-year (14–19 cm) California yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis) on a low δ15N and δ13C diet (pellet aquaculture feed) for 525 days, then switched to a high δ15N and δ13C diet (mackerel and squid) for 753 days. Yellowtail muscle was sequentially sampled from each individual after the diet switch (0 to 753 days) and analyzed for δ15N and δ13C, allowing for calculation of diet-tissue discrimination factors (DTDFs) from two isotopically different diets (low δ15N and δ13C: pellets; high δ15N and δ13C: fish/squid) and turnover rates of 15N and 13C. DTDFs were diet dependent: Δ15N = 5.1‰, Δ13C = 3.6‰ for pellets and Δ15N = 2.6‰, Δ13C = 1.3‰ for fish/squid. Half-life estimates from 15N and 13C turnover rates for pooled yellowtail were 181 days and 341 days, respectively, but varied considerably by individual (15N: 99–239 d; 13C: 158–899 d). Quantifying DTDFs supports isotopic approaches to field data that assume isotopic steady-state conditions (e.g., mixing models for diet reconstruction). Characterizing and quantifying turnover rates allow for estimates of diet/habitat shifts and “isotopic clock” approaches, and observed inter-individual variability suggests the need for large datasets in field studies. We provide diet-dependent DTDFs and growth effects on turnover rates, and associated error around these parameters, for application to field-collected SIA data from other large teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Madigan
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA. .,Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada.
| | - Owyn E Snodgrass
- Fisheries Resources Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - John R Hyde
- Fisheries Resources Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Heidi Dewar
- Fisheries Resources Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
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165
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Biddanda B, Dila D, Weinke A, Mancuso J, Villar-Argaiz M, Medina-Sánchez JM, González-Olalla JM, Carrillo P. Housekeeping in the Hydrosphere: Microbial Cooking, Cleaning, and Control under Stress. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:152. [PMID: 33671121 PMCID: PMC7922117 DOI: 10.3390/life11020152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Who's cooking, who's cleaning, and who's got the remote control within the waters blanketing Earth? Anatomically tiny, numerically dominant microbes are the crucial "homemakers" of the watery household. Phytoplankton's culinary abilities enable them to create food by absorbing sunlight to fix carbon and release oxygen, making microbial autotrophs top-chefs in the aquatic kitchen. However, they are not the only bioengineers that balance this complex household. Ubiquitous heterotrophic microbes including prokaryotic bacteria and archaea (both "bacteria" henceforth), eukaryotic protists, and viruses, recycle organic matter and make inorganic nutrients available to primary producers. Grazing protists compete with viruses for bacterial biomass, whereas mixotrophic protists produce new organic matter as well as consume microbial biomass. When viruses press remote-control buttons, by modifying host genomes or lysing them, the outcome can reverberate throughout the microbial community and beyond. Despite recognition of the vital role of microbes in biosphere housekeeping, impacts of anthropogenic stressors and climate change on their biodiversity, evolution, and ecological function remain poorly understood. How trillions of the smallest organisms in Earth's largest ecosystem respond will be hugely consequential. By making the study of ecology personal, the "housekeeping" perspective can provide better insights into changing ecosystem structure and function at all scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bopaiah Biddanda
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, Muskegon, MI 49441, USA; (A.W.); (J.M.)
| | - Deborah Dila
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA;
| | - Anthony Weinke
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, Muskegon, MI 49441, USA; (A.W.); (J.M.)
| | - Jasmine Mancuso
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, Muskegon, MI 49441, USA; (A.W.); (J.M.)
| | - Manuel Villar-Argaiz
- Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (M.V.-A.); (J.M.M.-S.)
| | - Juan Manuel Medina-Sánchez
- Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (M.V.-A.); (J.M.M.-S.)
| | - Juan Manuel González-Olalla
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación del Agua, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (J.M.G.-O.); (P.C.)
| | - Presentación Carrillo
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación del Agua, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (J.M.G.-O.); (P.C.)
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166
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Shipley ON, Kelly JB, Bizzarro JJ, Olin JA, Cerrato RM, Power M, Frisk MG. Evolution of realized Eltonian niches across
Rajidae
species. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver N. Shipley
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Stony Brook University Stony Brook New York11794USA
| | - Joseph B. Kelly
- Department for Ecology and Evolution Stony Brook University Stony Brook New York11794USA
| | - Joseph J. Bizzarro
- Moss Landing Marine Laboratories California State University 8272 Moss Landing Road Moss Landing California95039USA
- Cooperative Institute for Marine Ecosystems and Climate University of California, Santa Cruz 110 McAllister Way Santa Cruz California95060USA
| | - Jill A. Olin
- Great Lakes Research Center Michigan Technological University Houghton Michigan49931USA
| | - Robert M. Cerrato
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Stony Brook University Stony Brook New York11794USA
| | - Michael Power
- Department of Biology University of Waterloo 200 University Avenue West Waterloo OntarioN2L 3G1Canada
| | - Michael G. Frisk
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Stony Brook University Stony Brook New York11794USA
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167
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Thompson MSA, Couce E, Webb TJ, Grace M, Cooper KM, Schratzberger M. What's hot and what's not: Making sense of biodiversity 'hotspots'. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:521-535. [PMID: 33159828 PMCID: PMC7839497 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Conserving biogeographic regions with especially high biodiversity, known as biodiversity 'hotspots', is intuitive because finite resources can be focussed towards manageable units. Yet, biodiversity, environmental conditions and their relationship are more complex with multidimensional properties. Assessments which ignore this risk failing to detect change, identify its direction or gauge the scale of appropriate intervention. Conflicting concepts which assume assemblages as either sharply delineated communities or loosely collected species have also hampered progress in the way we assess and conserve biodiversity. We focus on the marine benthos where delineating manageable areas for conservation is an attractive prospect because it holds most marine species and constitutes the largest single ecosystem on earth by area. Using two large UK marine benthic faunal datasets, we present a spatially gridded data sampling design to account for survey effects which would otherwise be the principal drivers of diversity estimates. We then assess γ-diversity (regional richness) with diversity partitioned between α (local richness) and β (dissimilarity), and their change in relation to covariates to test whether defining and conserving biodiversity hotspots is an effective conservation strategy in light of the prevailing forces structuring those assemblages. α-, β- and γ-diversity hotspots were largely inconsistent with each metric relating uniquely to the covariates, and loosely collected species generally prevailed with relatively few distinct assemblages. Hotspots could therefore be an unreliable means to direct conservation efforts if based on only a component part of diversity. When assessed alongside environmental gradients, α-, β- and γ-diversity provide a multidimensional but still intuitive perspective of biodiversity change that can direct conservation towards key drivers and the appropriate scale for intervention. Our study also highlights possible temporal declines in species richness over 30 years and thus the need for future integrated monitoring to reveal the causal drivers of biodiversity change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray S. A. Thompson
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Lowestoft LaboratoryLowestoftSuffolkUK
| | - Elena Couce
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Lowestoft LaboratoryLowestoftSuffolkUK
| | - Thomas J. Webb
- Department of Animal & Plant SciencesUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Miriam Grace
- Department of Animal & Plant SciencesUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Keith M. Cooper
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Lowestoft LaboratoryLowestoftSuffolkUK
| | - Michaela Schratzberger
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Lowestoft LaboratoryLowestoftSuffolkUK
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168
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Pacoureau N, Rigby CL, Kyne PM, Sherley RB, Winker H, Carlson JK, Fordham SV, Barreto R, Fernando D, Francis MP, Jabado RW, Herman KB, Liu KM, Marshall AD, Pollom RA, Romanov EV, Simpfendorfer CA, Yin JS, Kindsvater HK, Dulvy NK. Half a century of global decline in oceanic sharks and rays. Nature 2021; 589:567-571. [PMID: 33505035 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-03173-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Overfishing is the primary cause of marine defaunation, yet declines in and increasing extinction risks of individual species are difficult to measure, particularly for the largest predators found in the high seas1-3. Here we calculate two well-established indicators to track progress towards Aichi Biodiversity Targets and Sustainable Development Goals4,5: the Living Planet Index (a measure of changes in abundance aggregated from 57 abundance time-series datasets for 18 oceanic shark and ray species) and the Red List Index (a measure of change in extinction risk calculated for all 31 oceanic species of sharks and rays). We find that, since 1970, the global abundance of oceanic sharks and rays has declined by 71% owing to an 18-fold increase in relative fishing pressure. This depletion has increased the global extinction risk to the point at which three-quarters of the species comprising this functionally important assemblage are threatened with extinction. Strict prohibitions and precautionary science-based catch limits are urgently needed to avert population collapse6,7, avoid the disruption of ecological functions and promote species recovery8,9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Pacoureau
- Department of Biological Sciences, Earth to Ocean Research Group, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Cassandra L Rigby
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter M Kyne
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Richard B Sherley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, UK.
| | - Henning Winker
- Joint Research Centre (JRC), European Commission, Ispra, Italy.,Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - John K Carlson
- NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Panama City Laboratory, Panama City, FL, USA
| | - Sonja V Fordham
- Shark Advocates International, The Ocean Foundation, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rodrigo Barreto
- Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação da Biodiversidade Marinha do Sudeste e Sul do Brasil (CEPSUL), Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade (ICMBio), Itajaí, Brazil
| | | | - Malcolm P Francis
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Kwang-Ming Liu
- Institute of Marine Affairs and Resource Management, George Chen Shark Research Center, National Taiwan Ocean University, Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | | | - Riley A Pollom
- Department of Biological Sciences, Earth to Ocean Research Group, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Colin A Simpfendorfer
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jamie S Yin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Earth to Ocean Research Group, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Holly K Kindsvater
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Nicholas K Dulvy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Earth to Ocean Research Group, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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169
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Sims
- Marine Biological Association of the UK, Plymouth PL1 2PB, UK .,University of Southampton, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Gonzalo Mucientes
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas-Spanish Research Council (IIM-CSIC), 36208 Vigo, Spain.,Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos/Rede de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Biologia Evolutiva, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Nuno Queiroz
- Marine Biological Association of the UK, Plymouth PL1 2PB, UK.,Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos/Rede de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Biologia Evolutiva, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
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170
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Alteration of coastal productivity and artisanal fisheries interact to affect a marine food web. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1765. [PMID: 33469119 PMCID: PMC7815714 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81392-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Top-down and bottom-up forces determine ecosystem function and dynamics. Fisheries as a top-down force can shorten and destabilize food webs, while effects driven by climate change can alter the bottom-up forces of primary productivity. We assessed the response of a highly-resolved intertidal food web to these two global change drivers, using network analysis and bioenergetic modelling. We quantified the relative importance of artisanal fisheries as another predator species, and evaluated the independent and combined effects of fisheries and changes in plankton productivity on food web dynamics. The food web was robust to the loss of all harvested species but sensitive to the decline in plankton productivity. Interestingly, fisheries dampened the negative impacts of decreasing plankton productivity on non-harvested species by reducing the predation pressure of harvested consumers on non-harvested resources, and reducing the interspecific competition between harvested and non-harvested basal species. In contrast, the decline in plankton productivity increased the sensitivity of harvested species to fishing by reducing the total productivity of the food web. Our results show that strategies for new scenarios caused by climate change are needed to protect marine ecosystems and the wellbeing of local communities dependent on their resources.
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171
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Castro ÍB, Machado FB, de Sousa GT, Paz-Villarraga C, Fillmann G. How protected are marine protected areas: A case study of tributyltin in Latin America. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 278:111543. [PMID: 33157467 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Protected areas (PAs) are dedicated and managed to achieve long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values. However, few studies have assessed contamination/pollution, one of the top five biodiversity threats, within these areas. In fact, more than 100,000 molecules used in consumer goods are potentially affecting over 250,000 protected areas distributed worldwide. As a result, chemical appraisal within PAs require specific approaches to be feasible. Herein, an approach for assessment of contamination in marine protected areas (MPAs) spread over large continental and/or global areas was proposed and tested using, as a case study, the impact of tributyltin (TBT) within Latin America. This approach included area delimitation, bibliographic survey, construction of attribute tables, data insertion in a Geographic Information System, overlapping with worldwide shapefiles of PAs, identification of affected PAs and evaluation of impacts using the outcomes against specific environmental quality guidelines/directives. A total of 259 records of TBT occurrence and/or its biological effect within 53 marine protected areas (including biosphere reserves, Ramsar sites and National parks) were gathered. Among affected species, were recorded 18 gastropods exhibiting imposex. In addition, 6 bivalves, 1 crustacean, and 3 fish species presenting TBT residues in tissues were seen in MPAs from Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Venezuela. Since levels of TBT recorded in several studied MPAs were enough do induce deleterious biological responses over marine biota, it was clear that conservancy goals of some "protected" areas are under threat. Considering that only TBT exposure was appraised, and these areas are likely to be concomitantly exposed to other classes of contaminants, the actual scenario can be even more frightening. Although initially applied as a TBT case study, the present approach enables an overview for other chemicals within protected areas worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ítalo Braga Castro
- Instituto do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Rua Carvalho de Mendonça, 144 - Encruzilhada, Santos, SP, 11070-100, Brazil.
| | - Fabiano Bender Machado
- Instituto do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Rua Carvalho de Mendonça, 144 - Encruzilhada, Santos, SP, 11070-100, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Tavares de Sousa
- Instituto do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Rua Carvalho de Mendonça, 144 - Encruzilhada, Santos, SP, 11070-100, Brazil
| | - César Paz-Villarraga
- Laboratório de Microcontaminantes Orgânicos e Ecotoxicologia Aquática, Inst. de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Av. Itália, km 8, Rio Grande, RS, 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Fillmann
- Laboratório de Microcontaminantes Orgânicos e Ecotoxicologia Aquática, Inst. de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Av. Itália, km 8, Rio Grande, RS, 96203-900, Brazil
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172
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Harvey-Carroll J, Stewart JD, Carroll D, Mohamed B, Shameel I, Zareer IH, Araujo G, Rees R. The impact of injury on apparent survival of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area, Maldives. Sci Rep 2021; 11:937. [PMID: 33441580 PMCID: PMC7806644 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79101-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is an endangered species with a declining global population. The South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), Maldives, is one of few locations globally where year-long residency of individuals occurs. This SAMPA aggregation appears to consist almost exclusively of immature males. Due to its year-round residency, this local aggregation is subjected to a high degree of tourism pressure. This ecotourism contributes to the high level of interest and protection offered to whale sharks by the local community. Unfortunately, if regulations are not followed or enforced, tourism can bring with it major stressors, such as accidental injuries. We used POPAN capture-mark-recapture models and lagged identification rate analysis to assess the effect of major injuries on whale shark residency within SAMPA. Injuries may be obtained outside SAMPA. We found individuals with major injuries had a higher apparent survival in the area than those without. Lagged identification rates also demonstrated that sharks with major injuries are more likely to return to the area. We suggest that major injuries result in sharks prolonging their time in the developmental habitat. These findings have implications for individual fitness and the population viability of this endangered species. We propose targeted conservation strategies be considered to protect sharks from further injury. Based on the presented spatio-temporal distributions of sharks, and current local knowledge of sighting patterns, speed limit zones and propeller-exclusion zones should be implemented and enforced. If carried out alongside tourist education, these measures will contribute to the protection of whale sharks within SAMPA and beyond. Furthermore, our results can aid research direction, alongside regulation and enforcement development, at similar sites worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Harvey-Carroll
- Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), South Ari Atoll, Maldives ,grid.11914.3c0000 0001 0721 1626School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | | | - Daire Carroll
- Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), South Ari Atoll, Maldives ,grid.43641.340000 0001 1014 6626The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, UK ,grid.7372.10000 0000 8809 1613The University of Warwick, School of Life Science, Coventry, UK
| | - Basith Mohamed
- Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), South Ari Atoll, Maldives
| | - Ibrahim Shameel
- Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), South Ari Atoll, Maldives
| | | | - Gonzalo Araujo
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Cagulada Compound, 6308 Jagna, Bohol Philippines
| | - Richard Rees
- Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), South Ari Atoll, Maldives
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173
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Knowlton N. Ocean Optimism: Moving Beyond the Obituaries in Marine Conservation. ANNUAL REVIEW OF MARINE SCIENCE 2021; 13:479-499. [PMID: 32503374 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-marine-040220-101608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
While the ocean has suffered many losses, there is increasing evidence that important progress is being made in marine conservation. Examples include striking recoveries of once-threatened species, increasing rates of protection of marine habitats, more sustainably managed fisheries and aquaculture, reductions in some forms of pollution, accelerating restoration of degraded habitats, and use of the ocean and its habitats to sequester carbon and provide clean energy. Many of these achievements have multiple benefits, including improved human well-being. Moreover, better understanding of how to implement conservation strategies effectively, new technologies and databases, increased integration of the natural and social sciences, and use of indigenous knowledge promise continued progress. Enormous challenges remain, and there is no single solution; successful efforts typically are neither quick nor cheap and require trust and collaboration. Nevertheless, a greater focus on solutions and successes will help them to become the norm rather than the exception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Knowlton
- National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA;
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174
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Virdin J, Vegh T, Jouffray JB, Blasiak R, Mason S, Österblom H, Vermeer D, Wachtmeister H, Werner N. The Ocean 100: Transnational corporations in the ocean economy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/3/eabc8041. [PMID: 33523873 PMCID: PMC7806236 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abc8041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The ocean economy is growing as commercial use of the ocean accelerates, while progress toward achieving international goals for ocean conservation and sustainability is lagging. In this context, the private sector is increasingly recognized as having the capacity to hamper efforts to achieve aspirations of sustainable ocean-based development or alternatively to bend current trajectories of ocean use by taking on the mantle of corporate biosphere stewardship. Here, we identify levels of industry concentration to assess where this capacity rests. We show that the 10 largest companies in eight core ocean economy industries generate, on average, 45% of each industry's total revenues. Aggregating across all eight industries, the 100 largest corporations (the "Ocean 100") account for 60% of total revenues. This level of concentration in the ocean economy presents both risks and opportunities for ensuring sustainability and equity of global ocean use.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Virdin
- Duke University Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - T Vegh
- Duke University Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, Durham, NC, USA
| | - J-B Jouffray
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - R Blasiak
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S Mason
- Duke University Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, Durham, NC, USA
| | - H Österblom
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - D Vermeer
- Duke University Fuqua School of Business, Durham, NC, USA
| | - H Wachtmeister
- Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - N Werner
- Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment, Durham, NC, USA
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175
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Ladds M, Rosen D, Gerlinsky C, Slip D, Harcourt R. Diving deep into trouble: the role of foraging strategy and morphology in adapting to a changing environment. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 8:coaa111. [PMID: 34168880 PMCID: PMC8218901 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coaa111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Physiology places constraints on an animal's ability to forage and those unable to adapt to changing conditions may face increased challenges to reproduce and survive. As the global marine environment continues to change, small, air-breathing, endothermic marine predators such as otariids (fur seals and sea lions) and particularly females, who are constrained by central place foraging during breeding, may experience increased difficulties in successfully obtaining adequate food resources. We explored whether physiological limits of female otariids may be innately related to body morphology (fur seals vs sea lions) and/or dictate foraging strategies (epipelagic vs mesopelagic or benthic). We conducted a systematic review of the increased body of literature since the original reviews of Costa et al. (When does physiology limit the foraging behaviour of freely diving mammals? Int Congr Ser 2004;1275:359-366) and Arnould and Costa (Sea lions in drag, fur seals incognito: insights from the otariid deviants. In Sea Lions of the World Fairbanks. Alaska Sea Grant College Program, Alaska, USA, pp. 309-324, 2006) on behavioural (dive duration and depth) and physiological (total body oxygen stores and diving metabolic rates) parameters. We estimated calculated aerobic dive limit (cADL-estimated duration of aerobic dives) for species and used simulations to predict the proportion of dives that exceeded the cADL. We tested whether body morphology or foraging strategy was the primary predictor of these behavioural and physiological characteristics. We found that the foraging strategy compared to morphology was a better predictor of most parameters, including whether a species was more likely to exceed their cADL during a dive and the ratio of dive time to cADL. This suggests that benthic and mesopelagic divers are more likely to be foraging at their physiological capacity. For species operating near their physiological capacity (regularly exceeding their cADL), the ability to switch strategies is limited as the cost of foraging deeper and longer is disproportionally high, unless it is accompanied by physiological adaptations. It is proposed that some otariids may not have the ability to switch foraging strategies and so be unable adapt to a changing oceanic ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Ladds
- Marine Ecosystems Team, Department of Conservation, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
- Marine Predator Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences,
Macquarie University, North Ryde 2113, Australia
| | - David Rosen
- Marine Mammal Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries,
University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Carling Gerlinsky
- Marine Mammal Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries,
University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - David Slip
- Marine Predator Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences,
Macquarie University, North Ryde 2113, Australia
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman 2088, Australia
| | - Robert Harcourt
- Marine Predator Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences,
Macquarie University, North Ryde 2113, Australia
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176
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Rishworth GM, Adams JB, Bird MS, Carrasco NK, Dänhardt A, Dannheim J, Lemley DA, Pistorius PA, Scheiffarth G, Hillebrand H. Cross-continental analysis of coastal biodiversity change. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190452. [PMID: 33131440 PMCID: PMC7662198 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Whereas the anthropogenic impact on marine biodiversity is undebated, the quantification and prediction of this change are not trivial. Simple traditional measures of biodiversity (e.g. richness, diversity indices) do not capture the magnitude and direction of changes in species or functional composition. In this paper, we apply recently developed methods for measuring biodiversity turnover to time-series data of four broad taxonomic groups from two coastal regions: the southern North Sea (Germany) and the South African coast. Both areas share geomorphological features and ecosystem types, allowing for a critical assessment of the most informative metrics of biodiversity change across organism groups. We found little evidence for directional trends in univariate metrics of diversity for either the effective number of taxa or the amount of richness change. However, turnover in composition was high (on average nearly 30% of identities when addressing presence or absence of species) and even higher when taking the relative dominance of species into account. This turnover accumulated over time at similar rates across regions and organism groups. We conclude that biodiversity metrics responsive to turnover provide a more accurate reflection of community change relative to conventional metrics (absolute richness or relative abundance) and are spatially broadly applicable. This article is part of the theme issue 'Integrative research perspectives on marine conservation'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin M. Rishworth
- Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Department of Botany, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa
- Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa
| | - Janine B. Adams
- Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Department of Botany, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa
| | - Matthew S. Bird
- Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa
| | - Nicola K. Carrasco
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Andreas Dänhardt
- Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National Park Authority, Virchowstr. 1 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Jennifer Dannheim
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12 D-27570 Bremerhaven, Germany
- Helmholtz-Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity at the University of Oldenburg [HIFMB], Ammerländer Heerstrasse 231 26129 Oldenbburg, Germany
| | - Daniel A. Lemley
- Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Department of Botany, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa
| | - Pierre A. Pistorius
- Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa
| | - Gregor Scheiffarth
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of Marine Environments [ICBM], Carl-von-Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Schleusenstrasse 1 D-26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Helmut Hillebrand
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12 D-27570 Bremerhaven, Germany
- Helmholtz-Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity at the University of Oldenburg [HIFMB], Ammerländer Heerstrasse 231 26129 Oldenbburg, Germany
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of Marine Environments [ICBM], Carl-von-Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Schleusenstrasse 1 D-26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany
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177
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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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178
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Kohli M, Henning JA, Borer ET, Kinkel L, Seabloom EW. Foliar fungi and plant diversity drive ecosystem carbon fluxes in experimental prairies. Ecol Lett 2020; 24:487-497. [PMID: 33300281 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Plant diversity and plant-consumer/pathogen interactions likely interact to influence ecosystem carbon fluxes but experimental evidence is scarce. We examined how experimental removal of foliar fungi, soil fungi and arthropods from experimental prairies planted with 1, 4 or 16 plant species affected instantaneous rates of carbon uptake (GPP), ecosystem respiration (Re ) and net ecosystem exchange (NEE). Increasing plant diversity increased plant biomass, GPP and Re , but NEE remained unchanged. Removing foliar fungi increased GPP and NEE, with the greatest effects at low plant diversity. After accounting for plant biomass, we found that removing foliar fungi increased mass-specific flux rates in the low-diversity plant communities by altering plant species composition and community-wide foliar nitrogen content. However, this effect disappeared when soil fungi and arthropods were also removed, demonstrating that both plant diversity and interactions among consumer groups determine the ecosystem-scale effects of plant-fungal interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayank Kohli
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Saint Paul, MI, USA
| | - Jeremiah A Henning
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Saint Paul, MI, USA.,Department of Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA
| | - Elizabeth T Borer
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Saint Paul, MI, USA
| | - Linda Kinkel
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Saint Paul, MI, USA
| | - Eric W Seabloom
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Saint Paul, MI, USA
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179
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Pinsky ML, Rogers LA, Morley JW, Frölicher TL. Ocean planning for species on the move provides substantial benefits and requires few trade-offs. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:6/50/eabb8428. [PMID: 33310845 PMCID: PMC7732182 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb8428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Societies increasingly use multisector ocean planning as a tool to mitigate conflicts over space in the sea, but such plans can be highly sensitive to species redistribution driven by climate change or other factors. A key uncertainty is whether planning ahead for future species redistributions imposes high opportunity costs and sharp trade-offs against current ocean plans. Here, we use more than 10,000 projections for marine animals around North America to test the impact of climate-driven species redistributions on the ability of ocean plans to meet their goals. We show that planning for redistributions can substantially reduce exposure to risks from climate change with little additional area set aside and with few trade-offs against current ocean plan effectiveness. Networks of management areas are a key strategy. While climate change will severely disrupt many human activities, we find a strong benefit to proactively planning for long-term ocean change.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Pinsky
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, 14 College Farm Rd., New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
| | - L A Rogers
- The Natural Capital Project, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115, USA
| | - J W Morley
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Coastal Studies Institute, 850 NC 345, Wanchese, NC 27981, USA
| | - T L Frölicher
- Climate and Environmental Physics, Physics Institute, University of Bern, Sidlerstrasse 5, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
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180
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White TD, Ong T, Ferretti F, Block BA, McCauley DJ, Micheli F, De Leo GA. Tracking the response of industrial fishing fleets to large marine protected areas in the Pacific Ocean. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2020; 34:1571-1578. [PMID: 33031635 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13584] [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: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Large marine protected areas (MPAs) of unprecedented size have recently been established across the global oceans, yet their ability to meet conservation objectives is debated. Key areas of debate include uncertainty over nations' abilities to enforce fishing bans across vast, remote regions and the intensity of human impacts before and after MPA implementation. We used a recently developed vessel tracking data set (produced using Automatic Identification System detections) to quantify the response of industrial fishing fleets to 5 of the largest MPAs established in the Pacific Ocean since 2013. After their implementation, all 5 MPAs successfully kept industrial fishing effort exceptionally low. Detected fishing effort was already low in 4 of the 5 large MPAs prior to MPA implementation, particularly relative to nearby regions that did not receive formal protection. Our results suggest that these large MPAs may present major conservation opportunities in relatively intact ecosystems with low immediate impact to industrial fisheries, but the large MPAs we considered often did not significantly reduce fishing effort because baseline fishing was typically low. It is yet to be determined how large MPAs may shape global ocean conservation in the future if the footprint of human influence continues to expand. Continued improvement in understanding of how large MPAs interact with industrial fisheries is a crucial step toward defining their role in global ocean management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy D White
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, U.S.A
| | - Tiffany Ong
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, U.S.A
| | - Francesco Ferretti
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, U.S.A
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, U.S.A
| | - Barbara A Block
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, U.S.A
| | - Douglas J McCauley
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, U.S.A
- Marine Science Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, U.S.A
| | - Fiorenza Micheli
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, U.S.A
- Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions, Pacific Grove, CA, U.S.A
| | - Giulio A De Leo
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, U.S.A
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181
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Harnessing Remote Sensing Derived Sea Level Rise Models to Assess Cultural Heritage Vulnerability: A Case Study from the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12229429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Climate change threatens cultural heritage across the globe. Of its varied impacts, sea level rise is critically pressing because of the long relationship between humans and the ocean. Numerous cultural heritage sites lie on the world’s fragile coasts. Identifying cultural heritage sites at risk is an urgent need, but archaeological research programs do not always have the resources available to conduct large-scale cultural heritage vulnerability assessments. Given sea level rise poses myriad pressing issues, entities around the globe are developing sea level rise models for various management purposes (ecology, hydrology, real estate, etc.). These remote sensing-derived sea level rise models can be harnessed by archaeologists to assess cultural heritage site vulnerability. Here, such an analysis is realized for a northwest Atlantic Ocean coastal area experiencing relative sea level rise and with robust cultural heritage, including economically significant maritime heritage tourism. Combining archaeological and historic geospatial databases with LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)-derived relative sea level rise models illuminates coastal New Hampshire’s cultural heritage vulnerability. This is informative for risk monitoring, mitigation, and preservation planning, especially for cultural heritage tourism. The analysis also raises the need for discussions around what kind and whose heritage gets priority in planning for future sea level rise impacts.
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182
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Hillebrand H, Jacob U, Leslie HM. Integrative research perspectives on marine conservation. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190444. [PMID: 33131441 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Whereas the conservation and management of biodiversity has become a key issue in environmental sciences and policy in general, the conservation of marine biodiversity faces additional challenges such as the challenges of accessing field sites (e.g. polar, deep sea), knowledge gaps regarding biodiversity trends, high mobility of many organisms in fluid environments, and ecosystem-specific obstacles to stakeholder engagement and governance. This issue comprises contributions from a diverse international group of scientists in a benchmarking volume for a common research agenda on marine conservation. We begin by addressing information gaps on marine biodiversity trends through novel approaches and technologies, then linking such information to ecosystem functioning through a focus on traits. We then leverage the knowledge of these relationships to inform theory aiming at predicting the future composition and functioning of marine communities. Finally, we elucidate the linkages between marine ecosystems and human societies by examining economic, management and governance approaches that contribute to effective marine conservation in practice. This article is part of the theme issue 'Integrative research perspectives on marine conservation'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmut Hillebrand
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of Marine Environments [ICBM], Carl-von-Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Schleusenstrasse 1, 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany.,Helmholtz-Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity at the University of Oldenburg [HIFMB], Ammerländer Heerstrasse 231, 26129 Oldenbburg, Germany.,Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Ute Jacob
- Helmholtz-Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity at the University of Oldenburg [HIFMB], Ammerländer Heerstrasse 231, 26129 Oldenbburg, Germany.,Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Heather M Leslie
- Darling Marine Center and School of Marine Sciences, University of Maine, 193 Clarks Cove Road, Walpole, ME 04573, USA
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183
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Ibabe A, Borrell YJ, Knobelspiess S, Dopico E. Perspectives on the marine environment and biodiversity in recreational ports: The marina of Gijon as a case study. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 160:111645. [PMID: 33181927 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111645] [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: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Recreational ports are known to be sources of pollution to the coastal marine environment due to the pouring of pollutants or the transfer of invasive species to neighboring areas. Nonetheless, the responsibility of protecting the marine environment does not lie solely on the users of the ports, but also affects the rest of citizens. Thus, an effective communication is necessary between scientists and citizens to avoid the lack of knowledge and boost cooperation against these environmental problems. In this study, (focused on the marina of Gijon, Northwestern Spain) citizens set education and social media as the main sources of information, rarely considering science outreach. Also, their environmental knowledge showed to be based on a visual perception, rather than on a cognitive one, as marine litter was considered a great environmental problem, while invasive species and biofouling went unnoticed, remarking the lack of an effective communication from scientific sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ibabe
- Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, C/ Julián Clavería s/n. 33006 Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Y J Borrell
- Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, C/ Julián Clavería s/n. 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - S Knobelspiess
- International Master in Marine Biological Resources (IMBRSea), Ghent University, Belgium
| | - E Dopico
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Oviedo, C/ Aniceto Sela s/n. 33005 Oviedo, Spain
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184
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Climate drives the geography of marine consumption by changing predator communities. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:28160-28166. [PMID: 33106409 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2005255117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The global distribution of primary production and consumption by humans (fisheries) is well-documented, but we have no map linking the central ecological process of consumption within food webs to temperature and other ecological drivers. Using standardized assays that span 105° of latitude on four continents, we show that rates of bait consumption by generalist predators in shallow marine ecosystems are tightly linked to both temperature and the composition of consumer assemblages. Unexpectedly, rates of consumption peaked at midlatitudes (25 to 35°) in both Northern and Southern Hemispheres across both seagrass and unvegetated sediment habitats. This pattern contrasts with terrestrial systems, where biotic interactions reportedly weaken away from the equator, but it parallels an emerging pattern of a subtropical peak in marine biodiversity. The higher consumption at midlatitudes was closely related to the type of consumers present, which explained rates of consumption better than consumer density, biomass, species diversity, or habitat. Indeed, the apparent effect of temperature on consumption was mostly driven by temperature-associated turnover in consumer community composition. Our findings reinforce the key influence of climate warming on altered species composition and highlight its implications for the functioning of Earth's ecosystems.
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185
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Montgomery RA, Macdonald DW, Hayward MW. The inducible defences of large mammals to human lethality. Funct Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert A. Montgomery
- Research on the Ecology of Carnivores and their Prey (RECaP) Laboratory Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Michigan State University East Lansing MI USA
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit Department of Zoology University of OxfordThe Recanati‐Kaplan CentreTubney House Tubney Oxon UK
| | - David W. Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit Department of Zoology University of OxfordThe Recanati‐Kaplan CentreTubney House Tubney Oxon UK
| | - Matthew W. Hayward
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences University of Newcastle Callaghan NSW Australia
- Centre for African Conservation Ecology Nelson Mandela University Port Elizabeth South Africa
- Centre for Wildlife Management University of Pretoria Pretoria South Africa
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186
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Espinoza M, Araya-Arce T, Chaves-Zamora I, Chinchilla I, Cambra M. Monitoring elasmobranch assemblages in a data-poor country from the Eastern Tropical Pacific using baited remote underwater video stations. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17175. [PMID: 33057085 PMCID: PMC7560706 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74282-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how threatened species are distributed in space and time can have direct applications to conservation planning. However, implementing standardized methods to monitor populations of wide-ranging species is often expensive and challenging. In this study, we used baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS) to quantify elasmobranch abundance and distribution patterns across a gradient of protection in the Pacific waters of Costa Rica. Our BRUVS survey detected 29 species, which represents 54% of the entire elasmobranch diversity reported to date in shallow waters (< 60 m) of the Pacific of Costa Rica. Our data demonstrated that elasmobranchs benefit from no-take MPAs, yet large predators are relatively uncommon or absent from open-fishing sites. We showed that BRUVS are capable of providing fast and reliable estimates of the distribution and abundance of data-poor elasmobranch species over large spatial and temporal scales, and in doing so, they can provide critical information for detecting population-level changes in response to multiple threats such as overfishing, habitat degradation and climate change. Moreover, given that 66% of the species detected are threatened, a well-designed BRUVS survey may provide crucial population data for assessing the conservation status of elasmobranchs. These efforts led to the establishment of a national monitoring program focused on elasmobranchs and key marine megafauna that could guide monitoring efforts at a regional scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Espinoza
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad de Costa Rica, 2060-11501, San José, Costa Rica.
- Escuela de Biologia, Universidad de Costa Rica, 2060-11501, San José, Costa Rica.
- Museo de Zoología, Universidad de Costa Rica, 2060-11501, San José, Costa Rica.
| | - Tatiana Araya-Arce
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad de Costa Rica, 2060-11501, San José, Costa Rica
- Escuela de Biologia, Universidad de Costa Rica, 2060-11501, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Isaac Chaves-Zamora
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad de Costa Rica, 2060-11501, San José, Costa Rica
- Escuela de Biologia, Universidad de Costa Rica, 2060-11501, San José, Costa Rica
- Centro de Investigación en Estructuras Microscópicas, Universidad de Costa Rica, 2060-11501, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Isaac Chinchilla
- Área de Conservación Marina Cocos (ACMCO), Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación, Costa Rica, 2060-11501, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Marta Cambra
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad de Costa Rica, 2060-11501, San José, Costa Rica
- Escuela de Biologia, Universidad de Costa Rica, 2060-11501, San José, Costa Rica
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187
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Bradley M, Nagelkerken I, Baker R, Sheaves M. Context Dependence: A Conceptual Approach for Understanding the Habitat Relationships of Coastal Marine Fauna. Bioscience 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biaa100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Coastal habitats, such as seagrasses, mangroves, rocky and coral reefs, salt marshes, and kelp forests, sustain many key fish and invertebrate populations around the globe. Our understanding of how animals use these broadly defined habitat types is typically derived from a few well-studied regions and is often extrapolated to similar habitats elsewhere. As a result, a working understanding of their habitat importance is often based on information derived from other regions and environmental contexts. Contexts such as tidal range, rainfall, and local geomorphology may fundamentally alter animal–habitat relationships, and there is growing evidence that broadly defined habitat types such as “mangroves” or “salt marsh” may show predictable spatial and temporal variation in habitat function in relation to these environmental drivers. In the present article, we develop a framework for systematically examining contextual predictability to define the geographic transferability of animal–habitat relationships, to guide ongoing research, conservation, and management actions in these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bradley
- Marine Data Technology Hub, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Ivan Nagelkerken
- Southern Seas Ecology Laboratories, within the School of Biological Sciences and The Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ronald Baker
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, and senior marine scientist, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, Alabama
| | - Marcus Sheaves
- College of Science and Engineering and leads the Marine Data Technology Hub, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
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188
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Monier SA, Veit RR, Manne LL. Changes in positive associations among vertebrate predators at South Georgia during winter. Polar Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-020-02720-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
AbstractWe studied positive associations among seabirds and marine mammals at South Georgia on research cruises during the Austral winters of 1985, 1991 and 1993 and found statistically significant differences. We collected data on abundance and distribution, providing a critical reference for sub-Antarctic conservation in anticipation of future environmental changes. We found significant changes in the abundance of 29% of species surveyed and a consequent change in species diversity. We postulate that the resulting altered community composition may have previously unanticipated population effects on the component species, due to changes in positive interactions among species which use each other as cues to the presence of prey. We found a near threefold reduction in spatial overlap among vertebrate predators, associated with warming sea temperatures. As the strength and opportunity for positive associations decreases in the future, feeding success may be negatively impacted. In this way, environmental changes may disproportionately impact predator abundances and such changes are likely already underway, as Southern Ocean temperatures have increased substantially since our surveys. Of course the changes we describe are not solely due to changing sea temperature or any other single cause—many factors are important and we do not claim to have removed these from consideration. Rather, we report previously undocumented changes in positive associations among species, and argue these changes may continue into the future, given near-certain continued increases in climate-related changes.
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189
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Mariani G, Cheung WWL, Lyet A, Sala E, Mayorga J, Velez L, Gaines SD, Dejean T, Troussellier M, Mouillot D. Let more big fish sink: Fisheries prevent blue carbon sequestration-half in unprofitable areas. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:6/44/eabb4848. [PMID: 33115738 PMCID: PMC7608781 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb4848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Contrary to most terrestrial organisms, which release their carbon into the atmosphere after death, carcasses of large marine fish sink and sequester carbon in the deep ocean. Yet, fisheries have extracted a massive amount of this "blue carbon," contributing to additional atmospheric CO2 emissions. Here, we used historical catches and fuel consumption to show that ocean fisheries have released a minimum of 0.73 billion metric tons of CO2 (GtCO2) in the atmosphere since 1950. Globally, 43.5% of the blue carbon extracted by fisheries in the high seas comes from areas that would be economically unprofitable without subsidies. Limiting blue carbon extraction by fisheries, particularly on unprofitable areas, would reduce CO2 emissions by burning less fuel and reactivating a natural carbon pump through the rebuilding of fish stocks and the increase of carcasses deadfall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaël Mariani
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, Montpellier, France.
| | - William W L Cheung
- Changing Ocean Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Arnaud Lyet
- World Wildlife Fund, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Enric Sala
- National Geographic Society, Washington, DC 20036, USA
| | - Juan Mayorga
- National Geographic Society, Washington, DC 20036, USA
- University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Laure Velez
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Steven D Gaines
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Tony Dejean
- SPYGEN, 17 rue du Lac Saint-André, Savoie Technolac, Le Bourget du Lac, France
| | | | - David Mouillot
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, Montpellier, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
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190
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Baranov V, Jourdan J, Pilotto F, Wagner R, Haase P. Complex and nonlinear climate-driven changes in freshwater insect communities over 42 years. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2020; 34:1241-1251. [PMID: 32022305 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing biodiversity crisis becomes evident in the widely observed decline in abundance and diversity of species, profound changes in community structure, and shifts in species' phenology. Insects are among the most affected groups, with documented decreases in abundance up to 76% in the last 25-30 years in some terrestrial ecosystems. Identifying the underlying drivers is a major obstacle as most ecosystems are affected by multiple stressors simultaneously and in situ measurements of environmental variables are often missing. In our study, we investigated a headwater stream belonging to the most common stream type in Germany located in a nature reserve with no major anthropogenic impacts except climate change. We used the most comprehensive quantitative long-term data set on aquatic insects available, which includes weekly measurements of species-level insect abundance, daily water temperature and stream discharge as well as measurements of additional physicochemical variables for a 42-year period (1969-2010). Overall, water temperature increased by 1.88 °C and discharge patterns changed significantly. These changes were accompanied by an 81.6% decline in insect abundance, but an increase in richness (+8.5%), Shannon diversity (+22.7%), evenness (+22.4%), and interannual turnover (+34%). Moreover, the community's trophic structure and phenology changed: the duration of emergence increased by 15.2 days, whereas the peak of emergence moved 13.4 days earlier. Additionally, we observed short-term fluctuations (<5 years) in almost all metrics as well as complex and nonlinear responses of the community toward climate change that would have been missed by simply using snapshot data or shorter time series. Our results indicate that climate change has already altered biotic communities severely even in protected areas, where no other interacting stressors (pollution, habitat fragmentation, etc.) are present. This is a striking example of the scientific value of comprehensive long-term data in capturing the complex responses of communities toward climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Baranov
- Department of River Ecology and Conservation, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Gelnhausen, 63571, Germany
- Department of Biology II, LMU Munich Biocenter, Planegg-Martinsried, 82152, Germany
| | - Jonas Jourdan
- Department of River Ecology and Conservation, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Gelnhausen, 63571, Germany
- Department of Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University of Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt, 60438, Germany
| | - Francesca Pilotto
- Department of River Ecology and Conservation, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Gelnhausen, 63571, Germany
- Environmental Archaeology Lab, Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious studies, University of Umeå, Umeå, 90187, Sweden
| | - Rüdiger Wagner
- FB 10 Nat. Sci., Biology, Zoology, University of Kassel, Heinrich-Plett-Straße 40, Kassel, 34132, Germany
| | - Peter Haase
- Department of River Ecology and Conservation, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Gelnhausen, 63571, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, 45141, Germany
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191
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Greer L, Clark T, Waggoner T, Busch J, Guilderson TP, Wirth K, Zhao JX, Curran HA. Coral Gardens Reef, Belize: A refugium in the face of Caribbean-wide Acropora spp. coral decline. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239267. [PMID: 32997690 PMCID: PMC7526931 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Caribbean Acropora spp. corals have undergone a decline in cover since the second half of the twentieth century. Loss of these architecturally complex and fast-growing corals has resulted in significant, cascading changes to the character, diversity, and available eco-spaces of Caribbean reefs. Few thriving Acropora spp. populations exist today in the Caribbean and western North Atlantic seas, and our limited ability to access data from reefs assessed via long-term monitoring efforts means that reef scientists are challenged to determine resilience and longevity of existing Acropora spp. reefs. Here we used multiple dating methods to measure reef longevity and determine whether Coral Gardens Reef, Belize, is a refuge for Acropora cervicornis against the backdrop of wider Caribbean decline. We used a new genetic-aging technique to identify sample sites, and radiocarbon and high-precision uranium-thorium (U-Th) dating techniques to test whether one of the largest populations of extant A. cervicornis in the western Caribbean is newly established after the 1980s, or represents a longer-lived, stable population. We did so with respect for ethical sampling of a threatened species. Our data show corals ranging in age from 1910 (14C) or 1915 (230Th) to at least November 2019. While we cannot exclude the possibility of short gaps in the residence of A. cervicornis earlier in the record, the data show consistent and sustained living coral throughout the 1980s and up to at least 2019. We suggest that Coral Gardens has served as a refuge for A. cervicornis and that identifying other, similar sites may be critical to efforts to grow, preserve, conserve, and seed besieged Caribbean reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Greer
- Geology Department, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA, United States of America
| | - Tara Clark
- School of Earth Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Radiogenic Isotope Facility, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Tanner Waggoner
- Geology Department, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA, United States of America
| | - James Busch
- Geology Department, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA, United States of America
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States of America
| | - Thomas P. Guilderson
- Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States of America
- Ocean Sciences Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
| | - Karl Wirth
- Geology Department, Macalester College, St. Paul, MN, United States of America
| | - Jian-xin Zhao
- Radiogenic Isotope Facility, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - H. Allen Curran
- Geosciences Department, Smith College, Northampton, MA, United States of America
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192
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig A. Layman
- Department of Applied Ecology North Carolina State University Raleigh NC USA
| | - Jacob E. Allgeier
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI USA
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193
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Rasher DB, Steneck RS, Halfar J, Kroeker KJ, Ries JB, Tinker MT, Chan PTW, Fietzke J, Kamenos NA, Konar BH, Lefcheck JS, Norley CJD, Weitzman BP, Westfield IT, Estes JA. Keystone predators govern the pathway and pace of climate impacts in a subarctic marine ecosystem. Science 2020; 369:1351-1354. [PMID: 32913100 DOI: 10.1126/science.aav7515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Predator loss and climate change are hallmarks of the Anthropocene yet their interactive effects are largely unknown. Here, we show that massive calcareous reefs, built slowly by the alga Clathromorphum nereostratum over centuries to millennia, are now declining because of the emerging interplay between these two processes. Such reefs, the structural base of Aleutian kelp forests, are rapidly eroding because of overgrazing by herbivores. Historical reconstructions and experiments reveal that overgrazing was initiated by the loss of sea otters, Enhydra lutris (which gave rise to herbivores capable of causing bioerosion), and then accelerated with ocean warming and acidification (which increased per capita lethal grazing by 34 to 60% compared with preindustrial times). Thus, keystone predators can mediate the ways in which climate effects emerge in nature and the pace with which they alter ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas B Rasher
- Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, East Boothbay, ME 04544, USA.
| | - Robert S Steneck
- Darling Marine Center, University of Maine, Walpole, ME 04573, USA
| | - Jochen Halfar
- University of Toronto, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada
| | | | - Justin B Ries
- Marine Science Center, Northeastern University, Nahant, MA 01908, USA
| | - M Tim Tinker
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
- Western Ecological Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Phoebe T W Chan
- University of Toronto, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada
- Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, University of Bergen, Bergen 5007, Norway
| | - Jan Fietzke
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Kiel D-24148, Germany
| | | | - Brenda H Konar
- University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | | | | | - Benjamin P Weitzman
- University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
- Alaska Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Isaac T Westfield
- Marine Science Center, Northeastern University, Nahant, MA 01908, USA
| | - James A Estes
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
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194
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Woodson CB, Schramski JR, Joye SB. Food web complexity weakens size-based constraints on the pyramids of life. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201500. [PMID: 32900320 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine ecosystems are generally expected to have bottom-heavy trophic structure (more plants than animals) due to size-based constraints arising from increased metabolic requirements and inefficient energy transfer. However, size-based (allometric) approaches are often limited to confined trophic-level windows where energy transfer is predicted by size alone and are constrained to a balance between bottom-up and top-down control at steady state. In real food webs, energy flow is more complex and imbalances in top-down and bottom-up processes can also shape trophic structure. We expand the size-based theory to account for complex food webs and show that moderate levels of food web connectance allow for inverted trophic structure more often than predicted, especially in marine ecosystems. Trophic structure inversion occurs due to the incorporation of complex energy pathways and top-down effects on ecosystems. Our results suggest that marine ecosystems should be top-heavy, and observed bottom-heavy trophic structure may be a result of human defaunation of the ocean that has been more extreme than presently recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- C B Woodson
- School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - J R Schramski
- School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - S B Joye
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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195
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Pisapia C, Edmunds PJ, Moeller HV, M Riegl B, McWilliam M, Wells CD, Pratchett MS. Projected shifts in coral size structure in the Anthropocene. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2020; 87:31-60. [PMID: 33293015 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2020.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Changes in the size structure of coral populations have major consequences for population dynamics and community function, yet many coral reef monitoring projects do not record this critical feature. Consequently, our understanding of current and future trajectories in coral size structure, and the demographic processes underlying these changes, is still emerging. Here, we provide a conceptual summary of the benefits to be gained from more comprehensive attention to the size of coral colonies in reef monitoring projects, and we support our argument through the use of case-history examples and a simplified ecological model. We neither seek to review the available empirical data, or to rigorously explore causes and implications of changes in coral size, we seek to reveal the advantages to modifying ongoing programs to embrace the information inherent in changing coral colony size. Within this framework, we evaluate and forecast the mechanics and implications of changes in the population structure of corals that are transitioning from high to low abundance, and from large to small colonies, sometimes without striking effects on planar coral cover. Using two coral reef locations that have been sampled for coral size, we use demographic data to underscore the limitations of coral cover in understanding the causes and consequences of long-term declining coral size, and abundance. A stage-structured matrix model is used to evaluate the demographic causes of declining coral colony size and abundance, particularly with respect to the risks of extinction. The model revealed differential effects of mortality, growth and fecundity on coral size distributions. It also suggested that colony rarity and declining colony size in association with partial tissue mortality and chronic declines in fecundity, can lead to a demographic bottleneck with the potential to prolong the existence of coral populations when they are characterized by mostly very small colonies. Such bottlenecks could have ecological importance if they can delay extinction and provide time for human intervention to alleviate the environmental degradation driving reductions in coral abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pisapia
- Department of Biology, California State University, Northridge, CA, United States; Department of Ocean Science and Hong Kong Branch of the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
| | - Peter J Edmunds
- Department of Biology, California State University, Northridge, CA, United States
| | - Holly V Moeller
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Bernhard M Riegl
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, FL, United States
| | - Mike McWilliam
- Hawai'I Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'I at Manoa, Kaneohe, HI, United States
| | - Christopher D Wells
- Department of Geology, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Morgan S Pratchett
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
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196
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Atwood TB, Valentine SA, Hammill E, McCauley DJ, Madin EMP, Beard KH, Pearse WD. Herbivores at the highest risk of extinction among mammals, birds, and reptiles. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eabb8458. [PMID: 32923612 PMCID: PMC7457337 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb8458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
As a result of their extensive home ranges and slow population growth rates, predators have often been perceived to suffer higher risks of extinction than other trophic groups. Our study challenges this extinction-risk paradigm by quantitatively comparing patterns of extinction risk across different trophic groups of mammals, birds, and reptiles. We found that trophic level and body size were significant factors that influenced extinction risk in all taxa. At multiple spatial and temporal scales, herbivores, especially herbivorous reptiles and large-bodied herbivores, consistently have the highest proportions of threatened species. This observed elevated extinction risk for herbivores is ecologically consequential, given the important roles that herbivores are known to play in controlling ecosystem function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisha B. Atwood
- Department of Watershed Sciences and the Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-5210, USA
| | - Shaley A. Valentine
- Department of Watershed Sciences and the Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-5210, USA
- Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901-6511, USA
| | - Edd Hammill
- Department of Watershed Sciences and the Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-5210, USA
| | - Douglas J. McCauley
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology and the Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | | | - Karen H. Beard
- Department of Wildland Resource and the Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-5230, USA
| | - William D. Pearse
- Department of Biology and Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-5210, USA
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Buckhurst Rd., Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, UK
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197
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Madin EMP, Madin JS, Harmer AMT, Barrett NS, Booth DJ, Caley MJ, Cheal AJ, Edgar GJ, Emslie MJ, Gaines SD, Sweatman HPA. Latitude and protection affect decadal trends in reef trophic structure over a continental scale. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:6954-6966. [PMID: 32760504 PMCID: PMC7391320 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The relative roles of top-down (consumer-driven) and bottom-up (resource-driven) forcing in exploited marine ecosystems have been much debated. Examples from a variety of marine systems of exploitation-induced, top-down trophic forcing have led to a general view that human-induced predator perturbations can disrupt entire marine food webs, yet other studies that have found no such evidence provide a counterpoint. Though evidence continues to emerge, an unresolved debate exists regarding both the relative roles of top-down versus bottom-up forcing and the capacity of human exploitation to instigate top-down, community-level effects. Using time-series data for 104 reef communities spanning tropical to temperate Australia from 1992 to 2013, we aimed to quantify relationships among long-term trophic group population density trends, latitude, and exploitation status over a continental-scale biogeographic range. Specifically, we amalgamated two long-term monitoring databases of marine community dynamics to test for significant positive or negative trends in density of each of three key trophic levels (predators, herbivores, and algae) across the entire time series at each of the 104 locations. We found that trophic control tended toward bottom-up driven in tropical systems and top-down driven in temperate systems. Further, alternating long-term population trends across multiple trophic levels (a method of identifying trophic cascades), presumably due to top-down trophic forcing, occurred in roughly fifteen percent of locations where the prerequisite significant predator trends occurred. Such alternating trophic trends were significantly more likely to occur at locations with increasing predator densities over time. Within these locations, we found a marked latitudinal gradient in the prevalence of long-term, alternating trophic group trends, from rare in the tropics (<5% of cases) to relatively common in temperate areas (~45%). Lastly, the strongest trends in predator and algal density occurred in older no-take marine reserves; however, exploitation status did not affect the likelihood of alternating long-term trophic group trends occurring. Our data suggest that the type and degree of trophic forcing in this system are likely related to one or more covariates of latitude, and that ecosystem resiliency to top-down control does not universally vary in this system based on exploitation level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M. P. Madin
- Department of Biological SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNSWAustralia
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of Technology SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine BiologyUniversity of Hawai'iKane'oheHIUSA
| | - Joshua S. Madin
- Department of Biological SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNSWAustralia
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine BiologyUniversity of Hawai'iKane'oheHIUSA
| | - Aaron M. T. Harmer
- Department of Biological SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNSWAustralia
- School of Natural and Computational SciencesMassey UniversityAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Neville S. Barrett
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic StudiesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTASAustralia
| | - David J. Booth
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of Technology SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - M. Julian Caley
- School of Mathematical SciencesQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical FrontiersThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVICAustralia
| | | | - Graham J. Edgar
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic StudiesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTASAustralia
| | | | - Steven D. Gaines
- Bren School of Environmental Science and ManagementUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCAUSA
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198
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Yorisue T, Iguchi A, Yasuda N, Yoshioka Y, Sato T, Fujita Y. Evaluating the effect of overharvesting on genetic diversity and genetic population structure of the coconut crab. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10026. [PMID: 32572270 PMCID: PMC7308380 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66712-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Birgus latro (coconut crab) is an edible crustacean that has experienced serious overharvesting throughout its whole habitat range; however, the negative effects of overharvesting on the genetic diversity within B. latro populations have not been elucidated. Here, we report sex ratio, body size, and genetic diversity in populations of B. latro in the Ryukyu Islands where large-male-biased overharvesting of B. latro has continued. In 2 of the study populations, the sex ratio was significantly skewed toward females, and in all of the study populations large males were rare, which we attributed to sex- and size-biased overharvesting. We found no differences in genetic diversity between small and large individuals, suggesting that genetic diversity, even among the large (i.e., old) individuals, may have had already been negatively affected by overharvesting. Continued monitoring of sex ratio, body size and genetic diversity are needed for effective management of the study populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takefumi Yorisue
- Integrative Aquatic Biology, Onagawa Field Center, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 3-1 Mukai, Konori-hama, Onagawa, Oshika, Miyagi, 986-2242, Japan.
- Geological Survey of Japan, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan, AIST Tsukuba Central 7, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8567, Japan.
| | - Akira Iguchi
- Geological Survey of Japan, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan, AIST Tsukuba Central 7, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8567, Japan.
| | - Nina Yasuda
- Department of Marine Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Gakuenkibana-dai Nishi 1-1, Miyazaki, 889-2192, Japan
| | - Yuki Yoshioka
- Department of Bioresources Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Okinawa College, 905, Henoko, Nago, Okinawa, 905-2192, Japan
| | - Taku Sato
- Research Center for Marine Invertebrates, National Research Institute of Fisheries and Environment of Inland Sea, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Momoshima, Onomichi, Hiroshima, 722-0061, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Fujita
- Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts, 1-4, Shuri Tonokura-cho, Naha-shi, Okinawa, 903-8602, Japan
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199
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Capdevila P, Beger M, Blomberg SP, Hereu B, Linares C, Salguero‐Gómez R. Longevity, body dimension and reproductive mode drive differences in aquatic versus terrestrial life‐history strategies. Funct Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pol Capdevila
- Department of Zoology Oxford University Oxford UK
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO) Universitat de Barcelona Barcelona Spain
| | - Maria Beger
- School of Biology Faculty of Biological Sciences University of Leeds Leeds UK
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Simone P. Blomberg
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Bernat Hereu
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO) Universitat de Barcelona Barcelona Spain
| | - Cristina Linares
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO) Universitat de Barcelona Barcelona Spain
| | - Roberto Salguero‐Gómez
- Department of Zoology Oxford University Oxford UK
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD Australia
- Evolutionary Demography Laboratory Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research Rostock Germany
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200
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Ramírez F, Afán I, Bouten W, Carrasco JL, Forero MG, Navarro J. Humans shape the year-round distribution and habitat use of an opportunistic scavenger. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:4716-4725. [PMID: 32551055 PMCID: PMC7297764 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Research focused on evaluating how human food subsidies influence the foraging ecology of scavenger species is scarce but essential for elucidating their role in shaping behavioral patterns, population dynamics, and potential impacts on ecosystems. We evaluate the potential role of humans in shaping the year-round distribution and habitat use of individuals from a typical scavenger species, the yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis), breeding at southwestern Spain. To do this, we combined long-term, nearly continuous GPS-tracking data with spatially explicit information on habitat types and distribution of human facilities, as proxied by satellite imagery of artificial night lights. Overall, individuals were mainly associated with freshwater habitats (mean proportion, 95% CI: 40.6%, 36.9%-44.4%) followed by the marine-related systems (40.3, 37.7%-42.8%), human-related habitats (13.5%, 13.2%-13.8%), and terrestrial systems (5.5%, 4.6%-6.5%). However, these relative contributions to the overall habitat usage largely changed throughout the annual cycle as a likely response to ecological/physiological constraints imposed by varying energy budgets and environmental constraints resulting from fluctuations in the availability of food resources. Moreover, the tight overlap between the year-round spatial distribution of gulls and that of human facilities suggested that the different resources individuals relied on were likely of anthropogenic origin. We therefore provide evidence supporting the high dependence of this species on human-related food resources throughout the annual cycle. Owing to the ability of individuals to disperse and reach transboundary areas of Spain, Portugal, or Morocco, international joint efforts aimed at restricting the availability of human food resources would be required to manage this overabundant species and the associated consequences for biodiversity conservation (e.g., competitive exclusion of co-occurring species) and human interests (e.g., airports or disease transmission).
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Ramírez
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències AmbientalsFacultat de BiologiaUniversitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Isabel Afán
- Remote Sensing and GIS Laboratory (LAST‐EBD)Estación Biológica de Doñana CSICSevilleSpain
| | - Willem Bouten
- Theoretical and Computational EcologyInstitute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem DynamicsUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Josep Lluís Carrasco
- Departament de Fonaments Clínics, BioestadísticaFacultat de MedicinaUniversitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | | | - Joan Navarro
- Institut de Ciències del Mar - CSICBarcelonaSpain
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