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Mark RYY, Taira D, Todd PA. Shoreline armoring potentially diminishes the ecological roles of parrotfishes in urban coral reefs. Ecology 2024; 105:e4250. [PMID: 38238064 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Y Y Mark
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daisuke Taira
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Peter A Todd
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Shah Esmaeili Y, N. Corte G, Checon HH, G. Bilatto C, Lefcheck JS, Zacagnini Amaral AC, Turra A. Revealing the drivers of taxonomic and functional diversity of nearshore fish assemblages: Implications for conservation priorities. DIVERS DISTRIB 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina Shah Esmaeili
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Ecologia Instituto de Biologia Universidade Estadual de Campinas São Paulo Brasil
- Instituto Oceanográfico Universidade de São Paulo (USP) São Paulo Brasil
| | - Guilherme N. Corte
- Instituto Oceanográfico Universidade de São Paulo (USP) São Paulo Brasil
- Departamento de Biologia Animal Instituto de Biologia Universidade Estadual de Campinas São Paulo Brasil
- Escola do Mar, Ciência e Tecnologia Universidade do Vale do Itajaí Itajaí Brasil
| | - Helio H. Checon
- Instituto Oceanográfico Universidade de São Paulo (USP) São Paulo Brasil
- Departamento de Biologia Animal Instituto de Biologia Universidade Estadual de Campinas São Paulo Brasil
| | - Carla G. Bilatto
- Iniciação Científica Graduação em Ciências Biológicas Universidade Estadual de Campinas São Paulo Brasil
| | - Jonathan S. Lefcheck
- Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network MarineGEO Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Edgewater Maryland USA
| | | | - Alexander Turra
- Instituto Oceanográfico Universidade de São Paulo (USP) São Paulo Brasil
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Ng D, Taira D, Heery EC, Todd PA. Antagonistic effects of seawalls and urban sedimentation on epilithic algal matrix (EAM)-feeding fishes. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113098. [PMID: 34768194 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Marine urbanisation often results in the proliferation of artificial coastal defences and heavy sedimentation, adversely impacting coral reef systems in tropical coastal cities. Knowledge of how motile organisms, such as reef fish, respond to novel human-made habitats and high sedimentation is limited. Here, we examine the role of sloping granite seawalls in supporting reef fishes that utilise the epilithic algal matrix (EAM) as a food resource. We surveyed fish assemblages and feeding activities on seawalls and reef flats, and conducted a field experiment to examine the effects of sediment on EAM feeding rates. Seawalls and reef flats supported distinct fish assemblage composition with significantly greater feeding activity on seawalls. However, reduced feeding activity on EAM with elevated sediment loads suggests that urban sedimentation may limit the utility of this novel feeding ground for nearshore communities. These findings illustrate the complexities and interactive effects of anthropogenic changes driven by coastal urbanisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillen Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Daisuke Taira
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore.
| | - Eliza C Heery
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Peter A Todd
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore.
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Ng CSL, Chan YKS, Nguyen NTH, Kikuzawa YP, Sam SQ, Toh TC, Mock AYJ, Chou LM, Huang D. Coral community composition and carbonate production in an urbanized seascape. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 168:105322. [PMID: 33857701 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Coastal urbanization causes environmental modifications that directly and indirectly influence the distribution and functioning of coral reefs. However, the capacity of urban infrastructure to support corals and vertically accrete is less understood. Here, we investigated if coral communities on reefs and seawalls in Singapore are distinct, and examined the environmental variables influencing coral carbonate production. Surveys at 22 sites yielded 134 coral species, with richness significantly higher on reefs. Coral cover and Shannon index did not differ between habitat types. Community composition was distinct between habitat types, with seawalls supporting a higher proportion of massive and thick-plating species. 'Distance from mainland' was the single most important variable influencing normalized carbonate production rates (a function of species-specific linear extension rate and skeletal bulk density and site coral cover), which were higher further from the mainland where human activity and development pressures were greater. Our results indicate that environmental filtering strongly shapes coral communities and may influence ecosystem functioning in Singapore's urbanized reef system. The findings will guide the management of reefs on increasingly urbanized coastlines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin Soon Lionel Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore; Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 14 Kent Ridge Road, 119223, Singapore.
| | - Yong Kit Samuel Chan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore
| | - Nhung Thi Hong Nguyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore
| | - Yuichi Preslie Kikuzawa
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 14 Kent Ridge Road, 119223, Singapore
| | - Shu Qin Sam
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 14 Kent Ridge Road, 119223, Singapore
| | - Tai Chong Toh
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 14 Kent Ridge Road, 119223, Singapore; College of Alice and Peter Tan, National University of Singapore, 8 College Avenue East, 138615, Singapore
| | - Aidan Yong Jie Mock
- Yale-NUS College, Environmental Studies, National University of Singapore, 16 College Avenue West, 138527, Singapore
| | - Loke Ming Chou
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore; Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 14 Kent Ridge Road, 119223, Singapore
| | - Danwei Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore; Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 14 Kent Ridge Road, 119223, Singapore; Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore
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5
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Oh RM, Bollati E, Maithani P, Huang D, Wainwright BJ. The Microbiome of the Reef Macroalga Sargassum ilicifolium in Singapore. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9050898. [PMID: 33922357 PMCID: PMC8145558 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9050898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The large canopy-forming macroalga, Sargassum ilicifolium, provides shelter and food for numerous coral reef species, but it can also be detrimental at high abundances where it outcompetes other benthic organisms for light and space. Here, we investigate the microbial communities associated with S. ilicifolium in Singapore, where it is an abundant and important member of coral reef communities. We collected eight complete S. ilicifolium thalli from eight island locations along an approximate 14 km east-to-west transect. Each thallus was dissected into three separate parts: holdfast, vesicles, and leaves. We then characterized the bacterial communities associated with each part via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the 16S rRNA gene V4 region. We then inferred predicted metagenome functions using METAGENassist. Despite the comparatively short distances between sample sites, we show significant differences in microbial community composition, with communities further differentiated by part sampled. Holdfast, vesicles and leaves all harbor distinct microbial communities. Functional predictions reveal some separation between holdfast and leaf communities, with higher representation of sulphur cycling taxa in the holdfast and higher representation of nitrogen cycling taxa in the leaves. This study provides valuable baseline data that can be used to monitor microbial change, and helps lay the foundation upon which we can begin to understand the complexities of reef-associated microbial communities and the roles they play in the functioning and diversity of marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren Min Oh
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore; (R.M.O.); (E.B.); (P.M.); (D.H.)
| | - Elena Bollati
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore; (R.M.O.); (E.B.); (P.M.); (D.H.)
| | - Prasha Maithani
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore; (R.M.O.); (E.B.); (P.M.); (D.H.)
| | - Danwei Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore; (R.M.O.); (E.B.); (P.M.); (D.H.)
- Centre for Nature-Based Climate Solutions, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119227, Singapore
| | - Benjamin J. Wainwright
- Yale-NUS College, National University of Singapore, 16 College Avenue West, Singapore 138527, Singapore
- Correspondence:
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Burt JA, Bartholomew A. Towards more sustainable coastal development in the Arabian Gulf: Opportunities for ecological engineering in an urbanized seascape. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 142:93-102. [PMID: 31232353 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The coastlines of many Arabian cities are now dominated by structures such as seawalls, breakwaters and jetties as urbanization has expanded rapidly in the region. Coastal development has substantially degraded the mangrove forests, saltmarshes, seagrass meadows, oyster beds and coral reefs that traditionally provided invaluable ecosystem goods and services to coastal trading villages of the Arabian Gulf. Regional awareness of environmental issues is growing, however, and local governments are increasingly promoting more sustainable urban development. The use of ecological engineering approaches, along with improved environmental policies, may mitigate some past impacts, and will potentially create new development projects with greater ecological benefits for more sustainable growth in the future. In this paper, we discuss past coastal development in the Gulf, and offer advice on how ecological engineering could be used to enhance the ecological benefits of coastal infrastructure, particularly by encouraging the colonization of juvenile corals and fishes. Such approaches can encourage more sustainable development of this increasingly urbanized seascape.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Burt
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Aaron Bartholomew
- Gulf Environments Research Institute, American University of Sharjah, PO Box 26666, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
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