1
|
Chebaane S, Engelen AH, Pais MP, Silva R, Gizzi F, Triay-Portella R, Florido M, Monteiro JG. Evaluating fish foraging behaviour on non-indigenous Asparagopsis taxiformis using a remote video foraging system. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 202:106766. [PMID: 39357202 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 09/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
The proliferation of pest and invasive marine macroalgae threatens coastal ecosystems, with biotic interactions, including direct effects such as grazing and indirect effects such as the trophic cascades, where one species indirectly affects another through its interactions with a third species, play a critical role in determining the resistance of local communities to these invasions. This study examines the foraging behaviour and preference of native fish communities toward native (Halopteris scoparia, Sargassum vulgare) and non-indigenous (Asparagopsis taxiformis) macroalgae using the Remote Video Foraging System (RVFS). Fifty-four weedpops were deployed across three locations to present these macroalgae, while associated epifaunal assemblages were also collected. Video analysis revealed that four common fish species displayed preference towards native macroalgae, possibly due to by the presence of zoobenthos rather than herbivory. This observation suggests that these fish species identified the macroalgae as a habitat that harboured their preferred food items. In contrast, A. taxiformis was consistently avoided, suggesting limited integration into the local food web. Site-specific variations in fish-macroalgae interactions and epifaunal diversity highlighted the complexity of these dynamics. This study contributes to understanding of the ecological implications of invasive macroalgae and supports the use of RVFS as a tool for assessing local biotic resistance against non-indigenous species in coastal ecosystems globally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Chebaane
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre / ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Regional Agency for the Development of Research, Technology and Innovation (ARDITI), Funchal, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal; Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | - Miguel Pessanha Pais
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal; MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre / ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo Silva
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre / ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Regional Agency for the Development of Research, Technology and Innovation (ARDITI), Funchal, Portugal
| | - Francesca Gizzi
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre / ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Regional Agency for the Development of Research, Technology and Innovation (ARDITI), Funchal, Portugal
| | - Raül Triay-Portella
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre / ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Regional Agency for the Development of Research, Technology and Innovation (ARDITI), Funchal, Portugal; Grupo en Biodiversidad y Conservación, IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Marta Florido
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Biología de la Universidad de Sevilla, Av. de la Reina Mercedes, 41012, Sevilla, Spain
| | - João Gama Monteiro
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre / ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Regional Agency for the Development of Research, Technology and Innovation (ARDITI), Funchal, Portugal; Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Madeira, 9000, Funchal, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wilson SK, Depczynski M, Fulton CJ, Holmes TH, Goetze JS, Birt MJ, Radford B, Tinkler P, Evans RD, Moustaka M, Faubel C, Noble M. Can juvenile supply predict future abundance of large-bodied reef fishes? MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 199:106607. [PMID: 38879902 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The extent to which juvenile abundance can predict future populations of lethrinids at Ningaloo Reef was assessed using size frequency data collected over 13 consecutive years. Annual abundance of juvenile lethrinids (<5 cm TL) was highest in northern Ningaloo during La Niña years, when seawater is warmer and oceanic currents stronger. Juvenile lethrinid abundance explained 35% of the variance in 1-2 year-old Lethrinus nebulosus abundance the following year, a steeper relationship in the north suggesting greater survival of juveniles. Juvenile lethrinid abundance was also positively correlated to abundance of 1-2 year-old L. atkinsoni in the southern region of Ningaloo. Abundance of juvenile lethrinids were however poor predictors of L. nebulosus and L. atkinsoni older than 2 years of age. Post settlement processes likely weaken the link between juvenile supply and abundance of lethrinids >2 years old making it difficult to accurately quantify the overall size of future lethrinid populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaun K Wilson
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia; Oceans Institute, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia; Marine Science Program, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Martial Depczynski
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia; Oceans Institute, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Christopher J Fulton
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia; Oceans Institute, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Thomas H Holmes
- Oceans Institute, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia; Marine Science Program, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jordan S Goetze
- Marine Science Program, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia; School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Matthew J Birt
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ben Radford
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia; Oceans Institute, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Paul Tinkler
- Deakin Marine, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University Warrnambool Campus, Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard D Evans
- Oceans Institute, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia; Marine Science Program, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Molly Moustaka
- Oceans Institute, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia; Marine Science Program, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Cal Faubel
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mae Noble
- Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, Australian Government, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Altered tropical seascapes influence patterns of fish assemblage and ecological functions in the Western Indian Ocean. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12479. [PMID: 32719358 PMCID: PMC7385177 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68904-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The arrangement and composition of habitats within landscapes and fine-scale habitat characteristics influence community structure and ecological processes. These aspects can be altered by anthropogenic activities, thus influencing associated assemblages. Farming of macroalgae is a common practice in tropical settings and alters the natural composition of seascapes by introducing monoculture patches. The farmed macroalgae may also differ in palatability compared to naturally-occurring macroalgae, influencing herbivory. This study assessed how these farms may differ from natural macroalgal beds in terms of habitat heterogeneity, fish assemblages, and herbivory. We surveyed fish assemblages and deployed macroalgal assays within macroalgal beds, farms and at varying distances from these habitats near Mafia Island, Tanzania. Fish composition and herbivory differed between the habitats likely due to different macrophyte species richness, underlying hard substrate in natural macroalgal beds, and high abundance of browsers nearby the farms. Additionally, fish assemblage patterns and herbivory were not consistent across the seascapes and varied with distance from the focal habitats possibly due to the presence of other habitats. The results suggest alterations of seascapes by farming practices may have consequences on fish assemblages and the ecological functions performed, thus positioning of farms should be carefully considered in management and conservation plans.
Collapse
|
5
|
Fulton CJ, Abesamis RA, Berkström C, Depczynski M, Graham NAJ, Holmes TH, Kulbicki M, Noble MM, Radford BT, Tano S, Tinkler P, Wernberg T, Wilson SK. Form and function of tropical macroalgal reefs in the Anthropocene. Funct Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Fulton
- Research School of Biology; Australian National University; Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Rene A. Abesamis
- SU-Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management; Silliman University; Dumaguete Philippines
| | - Charlotte Berkström
- Department of Ecology, Environment & Plant Sciences; Stockholm University; Stockholm Sweden
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Coastal Research; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Öregrund Sweden
| | - Martial Depczynski
- Australian Institute of Marine Science; Crawley Western Australia Australia
- Oceans Institute; University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
| | | | - Thomas H. Holmes
- Oceans Institute; University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
- Marine Science Program, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions; Government of Western Australia; Kensington Western Australia Australia
| | - Michel Kulbicki
- UMR “Entropie”, Labex Corail, IRD; University of Perpignan; Perpignan France
| | - Mae M. Noble
- Fenner School of Environment & Society; Australian National University; Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Ben T. Radford
- Australian Institute of Marine Science; Crawley Western Australia Australia
- Oceans Institute; University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
| | - Stina Tano
- Department of Ecology, Environment & Plant Sciences; Stockholm University; Stockholm Sweden
| | - Paul Tinkler
- School of Life & Environmental Sciences; Deakin University; Warrnambool Victoria Australia
| | - Thomas Wernberg
- Oceans Institute; University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
| | - Shaun K. Wilson
- Oceans Institute; University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
- Marine Science Program, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions; Government of Western Australia; Kensington Western Australia Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ceccarelli DM, Loffler Z, Bourne DG, Al Moajil-Cole GS, Boström-Einarsson L, Evans-Illidge E, Fabricius K, Glasl B, Marshall P, McLeod I, Read M, Schaffelke B, Smith AK, Jorda GT, Williamson DH, Bay L. Rehabilitation of coral reefs through removal of macroalgae: state of knowledge and considerations for management and implementation. Restor Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela M. Ceccarelli
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- Marine Ecology Consultant, 36 Barton Street; Magnetic Island QLD 4819 Australia
| | - Zoe Loffler
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - David G. Bourne
- College of Science and Engineering; James Cook University; Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science; Townsville QLD 4810 Australia
| | - Grace S. Al Moajil-Cole
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- College of Science and Engineering; James Cook University; Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
- AIMS@JCU; Townsville, QLD 4810 Australia
| | | | | | | | - Bettina Glasl
- College of Science and Engineering; James Cook University; Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science; Townsville QLD 4810 Australia
- AIMS@JCU; Townsville, QLD 4810 Australia
| | - Paul Marshall
- Reef Ecologic, 14 Cleveland Terrace, North Ward; Townsville, QLD 4810 Australia
| | - Ian McLeod
- TropWATER; James Cook University; Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Mark Read
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority; Townsville, QLD 4810 Australia
| | - Britta Schaffelke
- Australian Institute of Marine Science; Townsville QLD 4810 Australia
| | - Adam K. Smith
- Reef Ecologic, 14 Cleveland Terrace, North Ward; Townsville, QLD 4810 Australia
| | - Georgina T. Jorda
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - David H. Williamson
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- College of Science and Engineering; James Cook University; Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Line Bay
- Australian Institute of Marine Science; Townsville QLD 4810 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bellwood DR, Tebbett SB, Bellwood O, Mihalitsis M, Morais RA, Streit RP, Fulton CJ. The role of the reef flat in coral reef trophodynamics: Past, present, and future. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:4108-4119. [PMID: 29721284 PMCID: PMC5916286 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The reef flat is one of the largest and most distinctive habitats on coral reefs, yet its role in reef trophodynamics is poorly understood. Evolutionary evidence suggests that reef flat colonization by grazing fishes was a major innovation that permitted the exploitation of new space and trophic resources. However, the reef flat is hydrodynamically challenging, subject to high predation risks and covered with sediments that inhibit feeding by grazers. To explore these opposing influences, we examine the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) as a model system. We focus on grazing herbivores that directly access algal primary productivity in the epilithic algal matrix (EAM). By assessing abundance, biomass, and potential fish productivity, we explore the potential of the reef flat to support key ecosystem processes and its ability to maintain fisheries yields. On the GBR, the reef flat is, by far, the most important habitat for turf-grazing fishes, supporting an estimated 79% of individuals and 58% of the total biomass of grazing surgeonfishes, parrotfishes, and rabbitfishes. Approximately 59% of all (reef-wide) turf algal productivity is removed by reef flat grazers. The flat also supports approximately 75% of all grazer biomass growth. Our results highlight the evolutionary and ecological benefits of occupying shallow-water habitats (permitting a ninefold population increase). The acquisition of key locomotor and feeding traits has enabled fishes to access the trophic benefits of the reef flat, outweighing the costs imposed by water movement, predation, and sediments. Benthic assemblages on reefs in the future may increasingly resemble those seen on reef flats today, with low coral cover, limited topographic complexity, and extensive EAM. Reef flat grazing fishes may therefore play an increasingly important role in key ecosystem processes and in sustaining future fisheries yields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David R Bellwood
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia.,College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Sterling B Tebbett
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia.,College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Orpha Bellwood
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Michalis Mihalitsis
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia.,College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Renato A Morais
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia.,College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Robert P Streit
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia.,College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Christopher J Fulton
- Research School of Biology The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wilson SK, Depcyznski M, Fisher R, Holmes TH, Noble MM, Radford BT, Rule M, Shedrawi G, Tinkler P, Fulton CJ. Climatic forcing and larval dispersal capabilities shape the replenishment of fishes and their habitat-forming biota on a tropical coral reef. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:1918-1928. [PMID: 29435264 PMCID: PMC5792527 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluctuations in marine populations often relate to the supply of recruits by oceanic currents. Variation in these currents is typically driven by large-scale changes in climate, in particular ENSO (El Nino Southern Oscillation). The dependence on large-scale climatic changes may, however, be modified by early life history traits of marine taxa. Based on eight years of annual surveys, along 150 km of coastline, we examined how ENSO influenced abundance of juvenile fish, coral spat, and canopy-forming macroalgae. We then investigated what traits make populations of some fish families more reliant on the ENSO relationship than others. Abundance of juvenile fish and coral recruits was generally positively correlated with the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), higher densities recorded during La Niña years, when the ENSO-influenced Leeuwin Current is stronger and sea surface temperature higher. The relationship is typically positive and stronger among fish families with shorter pelagic larval durations and stronger swimming abilities. The relationship is also stronger at sites on the coral back reef, although the strongest of all relationships were among the lethrinids (r = .9), siganids (r = .9), and mullids (r = .8), which recruit to macroalgal meadows in the lagoon. ENSO effects on habitat seem to moderate SOI-juvenile abundance relationship. Macroalgal canopies are higher during La Niña years, providing more favorable habitat for juvenile fish and strengthening the SOI effect on juvenile abundance. Conversely, loss of coral following a La Niña-related heat wave may have compromised postsettlement survival of coral dependent species, weakening the influence of SOI on their abundance. This assessment of ENSO effects on tropical fish and habitat-forming biota and how it is mediated by functional ecology improves our ability to predict and manage changes in the replenishment of marine populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaun K. Wilson
- Marine Science ProgramDepartment of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsKensingtonWAAustralia
- Oceans InstituteUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Martial Depcyznski
- Oceans InstituteUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Rebecca Fisher
- Oceans InstituteUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Thomas H. Holmes
- Marine Science ProgramDepartment of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsKensingtonWAAustralia
- Oceans InstituteUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Mae M. Noble
- Research School of BiologyThe Australian National UniversityCanberraACTAustralia
| | - Ben T. Radford
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Michael Rule
- Marine Science ProgramDepartment of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsKensingtonWAAustralia
- Oceans InstituteUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - George Shedrawi
- Marine Science ProgramDepartment of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsKensingtonWAAustralia
| | - Paul Tinkler
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceCrawleyWAAustralia
- Deakin UniversitySchool of Life and Environmental SciencesWarrnamboolVic.Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Galaiduk R, Radford BT, Saunders BJ, Newman SJ, Harvey ES. Characterizing ontogenetic habitat shifts in marine fishes: advancing nascent methods for marine spatial management. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2017; 27:1776-1788. [PMID: 28452413 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Niche requirements and habitat resource partitioning by conspecific fishes of different sizes are significant knowledge gaps in the species distribution modelling domain. Management actions and operations are typically concentrated on static habitats, or specific areas of interest, without considering movement patterns of species associated with ontogenetic shifts in habitat usage. Generalized additive models were used to model the body-length-habitat relationships of six fish species. These models were used to identify subsets of environmental parameters that drive and explain the continuous length-habitat relationships for each of the study species, which vary in their degree of ecological and/or commercial importance. Continuous predictive maps of the length distributions for each of the six study species across approximately 200 km2 of the study area were created from these models. The spatial patterns in habitat partitioning by individuals of different body lengths for all six study species provide strong evidence for ontogenetic shifts. This highlights the importance of considering ontogenetic processes for marine spatial management. Importantly, predictive hotspot maps were created that identify potential areas that accumulate individuals of similar life stages of multiple species (e.g., multispecies nursery areas). In circumstances where limited resources are available for monitoring and management of fish resources, predictive modelling is a valuable tool for studying previously overlooked processes such as ontogenetic habitat shifts. Predictive modelling provides crucial information that elucidates spatial patterns in community composition across mosaics of benthic habitats. This novel technique can contribute to the spatial management of coastal fish and fisheries by identifying areas that are important for different life history stages of multiple fish species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronen Galaiduk
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia, 6845, Australia
| | - Ben T Radford
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
- The UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
- School of Earth and Environment, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Saunders
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia, 6845, Australia
| | - Stephen J Newman
- Western Australian Fisheries and Marine Research Laboratories, Department of Fisheries, Government of Western Australia, P.O. Box 20, North Beach, Western Australia, 6920, Australia
| | - Euan S Harvey
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia, 6845, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hyndes GA, Heck KL, Vergés A, Harvey ES, Kendrick GA, Lavery PS, McMahon K, Orth RJ, Pearce A, Vanderklift M, Wernberg T, Whiting S, Wilson S. Accelerating Tropicalization and the Transformation of Temperate Seagrass Meadows. Bioscience 2016; 66:938-948. [PMID: 28533562 PMCID: PMC5421442 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biw111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate-driven changes are altering production and functioning of biotic assemblages in terrestrial and aquatic environments. In temperate coastal waters, rising sea temperatures, warm water anomalies and poleward shifts in the distribution of tropical herbivores have had a detrimental effect on algal forests. We develop generalized scenarios of this form of tropicalization and its potential effects on the structure and functioning of globally significant and threatened seagrass ecosystems, through poleward shifts in tropical seagrasses and herbivores. Initially, we expect tropical herbivorous fishes to establish in temperate seagrass meadows, followed later by megafauna. Tropical seagrasses are likely to establish later, delayed by more limited dispersal abilities. Ultimately, food webs are likely to shift from primarily seagrass-detritus to more direct-consumption-based systems, thereby affecting a range of important ecosystem services that seagrasses provide, including their nursery habitat role for fishery species, carbon sequestration, and the provision of organic matter to other ecosystems in temperate regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Glenn A Hyndes
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| | - Kenneth L Heck
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| | - Adriana Vergés
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| | - Euan S Harvey
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| | - Gary A Kendrick
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| | - Paul S Lavery
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| | - Kathryn McMahon
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| | - Robert J Orth
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| | - Alan Pearce
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| | - Mathew Vanderklift
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| | - Thomas Wernberg
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| | - Scott Whiting
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| | - Shaun Wilson
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| |
Collapse
|