1
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Robinson JPW, Benkwitt CE, Maire E, Morais R, Schiettekatte NMD, Skinner C, Brandl SJ. Quantifying energy and nutrient fluxes in coral reef food webs. Trends Ecol Evol 2024; 39:467-478. [PMID: 38105132 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The movement of energy and nutrients through ecological communities represents the biological 'pulse' underpinning ecosystem functioning and services. However, energy and nutrient fluxes are inherently difficult to observe, particularly in high-diversity systems such as coral reefs. We review advances in the quantification of fluxes in coral reef fishes, focusing on four key frameworks: demographic modelling, bioenergetics, micronutrients, and compound-specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA). Each framework can be integrated with underwater surveys, enabling researchers to scale organismal processes to ecosystem properties. This has revealed how small fish support biomass turnover, pelagic subsidies sustain fisheries, and fisheries benefit human health. Combining frameworks, closing data gaps, and expansion to other aquatic ecosystems can advance understanding of how fishes contribute to ecosystem functions and services.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P W Robinson
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK.
| | | | - Eva Maire
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Renato Morais
- Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, École Pratique des Hautes Études, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Perpignan 66860, France
| | | | - Christina Skinner
- School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, QLD, Australia
| | - Simon J Brandl
- Department of Marine Science, The University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA
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2
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Muruga P, Siqueira AC, Bellwood DR. Meta-analysis reveals weak associations between reef fishes and corals. Nat Ecol Evol 2024; 8:676-685. [PMID: 38374185 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02334-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Habitat associations underpin species ecologies in high-diversity systems. Within tropical, shallow water coral reefs, the relationship between fishes and corals is arguably the most iconic and highly scrutinized. A strong relationship between fishes and reef-building hard corals is often assumed, a belief supported by studies that document the decline of reef fishes following coral loss. However, the extent of this relationship is often unclear, as evidenced by conflicting reports. Here we assess the strength of this ecological association by relying on literature that has surveyed both fishes and corals synchronously. We quantitatively synthesize 723 bivariate correlation coefficients (from 66 papers), published over 38 years, that relate fish metrics (abundance, biomass and species richness) with the percentage of hard coral cover. Remarkably, despite extensive variation, the pattern of association on a global scale reveals a predominantly positive, albeit weak (|r| < 0.4), correlation. Even for commonly hypothesized drivers of fish-coral associations, fish family and trophic group, associations were consistently weak. These findings question our assumptions regarding the strength and ubiquity of fish-coral associations, and caution against assuming a direct and omnipresent relationship between these two iconic animal groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooventhran Muruga
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Alexandre C Siqueira
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - David R Bellwood
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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3
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Letessier TB, Mouillot D, Mannocci L, Jabour Christ H, Elamin EM, Elamin SM, Friedlander AM, Hearn A, Juhel JB, Kleiven AR, Moland E, Mouquet N, Nillos-Kleiven PJ, Sala E, Thompson CDH, Velez L, Vigliola L, Meeuwig JJ. Divergent responses of pelagic and benthic fish body-size structure to remoteness and protection from humans. Science 2024; 383:976-982. [PMID: 38422147 DOI: 10.1126/science.adi7562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Animal body-size variation influences multiple processes in marine ecosystems, but habitat heterogeneity has prevented a comprehensive assessment of size across pelagic (midwater) and benthic (seabed) systems along anthropic gradients. In this work, we derive fish size indicators from 17,411 stereo baited-video deployments to test for differences between pelagic and benthic responses to remoteness from human pressures and effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs). From records of 823,849 individual fish, we report divergent responses between systems, with pelagic size structure more profoundly eroded near human markets than benthic size structure, signifying greater vulnerability of pelagic systems to human pressure. Effective protection of benthic size structure can be achieved through MPAs placed near markets, thereby contributing to benthic habitat restoration and the recovery of associated fishes. By contrast, recovery of the world's largest and most endangered fishes in pelagic systems requires the creation of highly protected areas in remote locations, including on the High Seas, where protection efforts lag.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom B Letessier
- CESAB - FRB, Montpellier, France
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, UK
- Marine Futures Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - David Mouillot
- MARBEC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Laura Mannocci
- CESAB - FRB, Montpellier, France
- MARBEC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Hanna Jabour Christ
- Marine Futures Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | - Sheikheldin Mohamed Elamin
- Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Red Sea State University, P.O. Box 24, Port Sudan, Red Sea State, Sudan
| | - Alan M Friedlander
- National Geographic Society, Washington, DC 20036, USA
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i, Kāne'ohe, Hawai'i, USA
| | - Alex Hearn
- Galapagos Science Center, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
- MigraMar, Olema, CA, USA
| | - Jean-Baptiste Juhel
- ENTROPIE, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, IRD-UR-UNC-IFREMER-CNRS, Centre IRD de Nouméa, Nouméa Cedex, New-Caledonia, France
| | - Alf Ring Kleiven
- Institute of Marine Research, Nye Flødevigveien 20, 4817 His, Norway
| | - Even Moland
- Institute of Marine Research, Nye Flødevigveien 20, 4817 His, Norway
- Centre for Coastal Research (CCR), Department of Natural Sciences, University of Agder, P.O. Box 422, N-4604 Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Nicolas Mouquet
- CESAB - FRB, Montpellier, France
- MARBEC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Enric Sala
- National Geographic Society, Washington, DC 20036, USA
| | - Christopher D H Thompson
- Marine Futures Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Laure Velez
- MARBEC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Laurent Vigliola
- ENTROPIE, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, IRD-UR-UNC-IFREMER-CNRS, Centre IRD de Nouméa, Nouméa Cedex, New-Caledonia, France
| | - Jessica J Meeuwig
- Marine Futures Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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4
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Richardson LE, Heenan A, Delargy AJ, Neubauer P, Lecky J, Gove JM, Green JAM, Kindinger TL, Ingeman KE, Williams GJ. Local human impacts disrupt depth-dependent zonation of tropical reef fish communities. Nat Ecol Evol 2023; 7:1844-1855. [PMID: 37749400 PMCID: PMC10627831 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-02201-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The influence of depth and associated gradients in light, nutrients and plankton on the ecological organization of tropical reef communities was first described over six decades ago but remains untested across broad geographies. During this time humans have become the dominant driver of planetary change, requiring that we revisit historic ecological paradigms to ensure they capture the dynamics of contemporary ecological systems. Analysing >5,500 in-water reef fish surveys between 0 and 30 m depth on reef slopes of 35 islands across the Pacific, we assess whether a depth gradient consistently predicts variation in reef fish biomass. We reveal predictable ecological organization at unpopulated locations, with increased biomass of planktivores and piscivores and decreased primary consumer biomass with increasing depth. Bathymetric steepness also had a striking influence on biomass patterns, primarily for planktivores, emphasizing potential links between local hydrodynamics and the upslope propagation of pelagic subsidies to the shallows. However, signals of resource-driven change in fish biomass with depth were altered or lost for populated islands, probably due to depleted fish biomass baselines. While principles of depth zonation broadly held, our findings expose limitations of the paradigm for predicting ecological dynamics where human impacts confound connections between ecological communities and their surrounding environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adel Heenan
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, UK
| | - Adam J Delargy
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, UK
- School for Marine Science & Technology, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Dartmouth, MA, USA
| | | | - Joey Lecky
- Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Honolulu, HI, USA
- IBSS Corporation, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Jamison M Gove
- Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | | | - Tye L Kindinger
- Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Kurt E Ingeman
- Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Honolulu, HI, USA
- Department of Environmental Studies, Linfield University, McMinnville, OR, USA
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5
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Gahan J, Bellwood DR, Nankervis L, Tebbett SB. Spatial and temporal variability in tropical off-reef zooplankton across broad spatial and temporal scales. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 191:106169. [PMID: 37703670 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106169] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Productivity of oligotrophic coral reefs is largely dependent on the constant influx of zooplankton. However, our understanding of how zooplankton communities in tropical reef-associated regions vary over large spatial and temporal scales is limited. Using the Australian continuous plankton recorder dataset, we explored if, and to what extent, the off-reef zooplankton community along the Queensland shelf (including most of the Great Barrier Reef lagoon) varied with latitude, month, and diel time. The zooplankton community was consistently dominated by copepods (∼60%) which, with appendicularians, chaetognaths, non-copepod crustaceans, and thaliaceans, comprised ∼98% of the zooplankton. However, the abundance of these taxonomic groups did not vary predictably across latitude, month, or diel time, with these gradients only explaining 5% of community variation. At the scales sampled herein the composition of zooplankton was highly predictable in terms of broad taxonomic groups but variation in the relative abundance of these groups was not predictable.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Gahan
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.
| | - David R Bellwood
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Leo Nankervis
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Sterling B Tebbett
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
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6
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Shakya AW, Allgeier JE. Water column contributions to coral reef productivity: overcoming challenges of context dependence. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1812-1828. [PMID: 37315947 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs are declining at an unprecedented rate. Effective management and conservation initiatives necessitate improved understanding of the drivers of production because the high rates found in these ecosystems are the foundation of the many services they provide. The water column is the nexus of coral reef ecosystem dynamics, and functions as the interface through which essentially all energy and nutrients are transferred to fuel both new and recycled production. Substantial research has described many aspects of water column dynamics, often focusing on specific components because water column dynamics are highly spatially and temporally context dependent. Although necessary, a cost of this approach is that these dynamics are often not well linked to the broader ecosystem or across systems. To help overcome the challenge of context dependence, we provide a comprehensive review of this literature, and synthesise it through the perspective of ecosystem ecology. Specifically, we provide a framework to organise the drivers of temporal and spatial variation in production dynamics, structured around five primary state factors. These state factors are used to deconstruct the environmental contexts in which three water column sub-food webs mediate 'new' and 'recycled' production. We then highlight critical pathways by which global change drivers are altering coral reefs via the water column. We end by discussing four key knowledge gaps hindering understanding of the role of the water column for mediating coral reef production, and how overcoming these could improve conservation and management strategies. Throughout, we identify areas of extensive research and those where studies remain lacking and provide a database of 84 published studies. Improved integration of water column dynamics into models of coral reef ecosystem function is imperative to achieve the understanding of ecosystem production necessary to develop effective conservation and management strategies needed to stem global coral loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali W Shakya
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 1105 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jacob E Allgeier
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 1105 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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7
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Fox MD, Guillaume-Castel R, Edwards CB, Glanz J, Gove JM, Green JAM, Juhlin E, Smith JE, Williams GJ. Ocean currents magnify upwelling and deliver nutritional subsidies to reef-building corals during El Niño heatwaves. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadd5032. [PMID: 37315146 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add5032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Marine heatwaves are triggering coral bleaching events and devastating coral populations globally, highlighting the need to identify processes promoting coral survival. Here, we show that acceleration of a major ocean current and shallowing of the surface mixed layer enhanced localized upwelling on a central Pacific coral reef during the three strongest El Niño-associated marine heatwaves of the past half century. These conditions mitigated regional declines in primary production and bolstered local supply of nutritional resources to corals during a bleaching event. The reefs subsequently suffered limited post-bleaching coral mortality. Our results reveal how large-scale ocean-climate interactions affect reef ecosystems thousands of kilometers away and provide a valuable framework for identifying reefs that may benefit from such biophysical linkages during future bleaching events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Fox
- Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Marine Science Program, KAUST, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Red Sea Research Center, KAUST, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Robin Guillaume-Castel
- LEGOS, Université de Toulouse, CNES, CNRS, Toulouse, France
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Clinton B Edwards
- Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - J Glanz
- Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jamison M Gove
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | | | - E Juhlin
- Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer E Smith
- Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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8
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Cumming GS, Bellwood DR. Broad-scale analysis of fish community data suggests critical need to support regional connectivity of coral reefs. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 33:e2849. [PMID: 36938654 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Connectivity is vital for the biodiversity and functioning of marine ecosystems. It is known to be important for coral reefs, but the scales at which connectivity effects matter-and, correspondingly, the scales at which management responses are needed-are poorly understood in marine systems. We used 23 years of fish monitoring data collected from ~50 different coral reefs by the Australian Institute of Marine Science, together with a range of geographic data layers (including the Allen Coral Atlas) and additional network analysis, to explore the balance of local and regional influence on fish communities. Variance partitioning indicated that 42% of the variance in fish community composition could be explained by regional effects or their interaction with coarse-grained local influences (habitat). The variance explained by regional influences was divided evenly between measures that capture location on environmental gradients (e.g., proximity to coastal shelf, latitude) and cross-scale centrality measures of reef location within a broader reef network. A total of 11% of variance could be directly or indirectly attributed to management. Our results provide clear evidence that management and restoration of reefs across the globe must consider both local and regional influences on reef-associated organisms and highlight the potential benefits of improving connectivity in human-dominated coastal seascapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme S Cumming
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - David R Bellwood
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
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9
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Siqueira AC, Yan HF, Morais RA, Bellwood DR. The evolution of fast-growing coral reef fishes. Nature 2023:10.1038/s41586-023-06070-z. [PMID: 37198484 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06070-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Individual growth is a fundamental life history trait1-4, yet its macroevolutionary trajectories have rarely been investigated for entire animal assemblages. Here we analyse the evolution of growth in a highly diverse vertebrate assemblage-coral reef fishes. We combine state-of-the-art extreme gradient boosted regression trees with phylogenetic comparative methods to detect the timing, number, location and magnitude of shifts in the adaptive regime of somatic growth. We also explored the evolution of the allometric relationship between body size and growth. Our results show that the evolution of fast growth trajectories in reef fishes has been considerably more common than the evolution of slow growth trajectories. Many reef fish lineages shifted towards faster growth and smaller body size evolutionary optima in the Eocene (56-33.9 million years ago), pointing to a major expansion of life history strategies in this Epoch. Of all lineages examined, the small-bodied, high-turnover cryptobenthic fishes shifted most towards extremely high growth optima, even after accounting for body size allometry. These results suggest that the high global temperatures of the Eocene5 and subsequent habitat reconfigurations6 might have been critical for the rise and retention of the highly productive, high-turnover fish faunas that characterize modern coral reef ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre C Siqueira
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Helen F Yan
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Renato A Morais
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Paris Sciences et Lettres Université, École Pratique des Hautes Études, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Perpignan, France
| | - David R Bellwood
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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10
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Cumming GS, Adamska M, Barnes ML, Barnett J, Bellwood DR, Cinner JE, Cohen PJ, Donelson JM, Fabricius K, Grafton RQ, Grech A, Gurney GG, Hoegh-Guldberg O, Hoey AS, Hoogenboom MO, Lau J, Lovelock CE, Lowe R, Miller DJ, Morrison TH, Mumby PJ, Nakata M, Pandolfi JM, Peterson GD, Pratchett MS, Ravasi T, Riginos C, Rummer JL, Schaffelke B, Wernberg T, Wilson SK. Research priorities for the sustainability of coral-rich western Pacific seascapes. REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE 2023; 23:66. [PMID: 37125023 PMCID: PMC10119535 DOI: 10.1007/s10113-023-02051-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Nearly a billion people depend on tropical seascapes. The need to ensure sustainable use of these vital areas is recognised, as one of 17 policy commitments made by world leaders, in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 ('Life below Water') of the United Nations. SDG 14 seeks to secure marine sustainability by 2030. In a time of increasing social-ecological unpredictability and risk, scientists and policymakers working towards SDG 14 in the Asia-Pacific region need to know: (1) How are seascapes changing? (2) What can global society do about these changes? and (3) How can science and society together achieve sustainable seascape futures? Through a horizon scan, we identified nine emerging research priorities that clarify potential research contributions to marine sustainability in locations with high coral reef abundance. They include research on seascape geological and biological evolution and adaptation; elucidating drivers and mechanisms of change; understanding how seascape functions and services are produced, and how people depend on them; costs, benefits, and trade-offs to people in changing seascapes; improving seascape technologies and practices; learning to govern and manage seascapes for all; sustainable use, justice, and human well-being; bridging communities and epistemologies for innovative, equitable, and scale-crossing solutions; and informing resilient seascape futures through modelling and synthesis. Researchers can contribute to the sustainability of tropical seascapes by co-developing transdisciplinary understandings of people and ecosystems, emphasising the importance of equity and justice, and improving knowledge of key cross-scale and cross-level processes, feedbacks, and thresholds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme S. Cumming
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Maja Adamska
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Michele L. Barnes
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Jon Barnett
- School of Geography, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David R. Bellwood
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Joshua E. Cinner
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | | | - Jennifer M. Donelson
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | | | - R. Quentin Grafton
- Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Alana Grech
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Georgina G. Gurney
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Ove Hoegh-Guldberg
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Andrew S. Hoey
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Mia O. Hoogenboom
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Lau
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
- WorldFish, Penang, Malaysia
| | | | - Ryan Lowe
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - David J. Miller
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
- College of Public Health, Medical & Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, 4811 Australia
| | - Tiffany H. Morrison
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Peter J. Mumby
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Martin Nakata
- Indigenous Education and Research Centre, James Cook University, Townsville, 4811 Australia
| | - John M. Pandolfi
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Garry D. Peterson
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Morgan S. Pratchett
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Timothy Ravasi
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
- Marine Climate Change Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-Son, Okinawa Japan
| | - Cynthia Riginos
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jodie L. Rummer
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | | | - Thomas Wernberg
- Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Institute of Marine Research, Floedevigen Research Station, Nis, Norway
| | - Shaun K. Wilson
- Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Western Australia Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Perth, Australia
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11
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Bosch NE, Pessarrodona A, Filbee-Dexter K, Tuya F, Mulders Y, Bell S, Langlois T, Wernberg T. Habitat configurations shape the trophic and energetic dynamics of reef fishes in a tropical-temperate transition zone: implications under a warming future. Oecologia 2022; 200:455-470. [PMID: 36344837 PMCID: PMC9675646 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-022-05278-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the extent to which species' traits mediate patterns of community assembly is key to predict the effect of natural and anthropogenic disturbances on ecosystem functioning. Here, we apply a trait-based community assembly framework to understand how four different habitat configurations (kelp forests, Sargassum spp. beds, hard corals, and turfs) shape the trophic and energetic dynamics of reef fish assemblages in a tropical-temperate transition zone. Specifically, we tested (i) the degree of trait divergence and convergence in each habitat, (ii) which traits explained variation in species' abundances, and (iii) differences in standing biomass (kg ha-1), secondary productivity (kg ha-1 day-1) and turnover (% day-1). Fish assemblages in coral and kelp habitats displayed greater evidence of trait convergence, while turf and Sargassum spp. habitats displayed a higher degree of trait divergence, a pattern that was mostly driven by traits related to resource use and thermal affinity. This filtering effect had an imprint on the trophic and energetic dynamics of reef fishes, with turf habitats supporting higher fish biomass and productivity. However, these gains were strongly dependent on trophic guild, with herbivores/detritivores disproportionately contributing to among-habitat differences. Despite these perceived overall gains, turnover was decoupled for fishes that act as conduit of energy to higher trophic levels (i.e. microinvertivores), with coral habitats displaying higher rates of fish biomass replenishment than turf despite their lower productivity. This has important implications for biodiversity conservation and fisheries management, questioning the long-term sustainability of ecological processes and fisheries yields in increasingly altered marine habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nestor E Bosch
- School of Biological Sciences, The UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - Albert Pessarrodona
- School of Biological Sciences, The UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Karen Filbee-Dexter
- School of Biological Sciences, The UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
- Institute of Marine Research, Nye Flødevigveien 20, 4817, His, Norway
| | - Fernando Tuya
- Grupo en Biodiversidad y Conservación, IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Crta. Taliarte S/N, 35214, Telde, Spain
| | - Yannick Mulders
- School of Biological Sciences, The UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Sahira Bell
- School of Biological Sciences, The UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Tim Langlois
- School of Biological Sciences, The UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Thomas Wernberg
- School of Biological Sciences, The UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
- Institute of Marine Research, Nye Flødevigveien 20, 4817, His, Norway
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
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12
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Harper LM, Lefcheck JS, Whippo R, Jones MS, Foltz Z, Duffy JE. Blinded by the bright: How species‐poor habitats contribute to regional biodiversity across a tropical seascape. DIVERS DISTRIB 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Leah M. Harper
- Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network and MarineGEO Program, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Edgewater Maryland USA
| | - Jonathan S. Lefcheck
- Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network and MarineGEO Program, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Edgewater Maryland USA
| | - Ross Whippo
- Oregon Institute of Marine Biology Charleston Oregon USA
| | | | | | - J. Emmett Duffy
- Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network and MarineGEO Program, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Edgewater Maryland USA
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13
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Collins WP, Bellwood DR, Morais RA. The role of nocturnal fishes on coral reefs: A quantitative functional evaluation. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9249. [PMID: 36052298 PMCID: PMC9412246 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The ecological functions of nocturnal coral reef fishes are poorly known. Yet, nocturnal resources for coral reef consumers are theoretically as abundant and productive, if not more so, than their diurnal counterparts. In this study, we quantify and contrast the energetic dynamics of nocturnal and diurnal fishes in a model coral reef ecosystem, evaluating whether they attain similar levels of biomass production. We integrated a detailed dataset of coral reef fish counts, comprising diurnal and nocturnal species, in sites sheltered and exposed to wave action. We combined somatic growth and mortality models to estimate rates of consumer biomass production, a key ecosystem function. We found that diurnal fish assemblages have a higher biomass than nocturnal fishes: 104% more in sheltered sites and 271% more in exposed sites. Differences in productivity were even more pronounced, with diurnal fishes contributing 163% more productivity in sheltered locations, and 558% more in exposed locations. Apogonidae dominated biomass production within the nocturnal fish assemblage, comprising 54% of total nocturnal fish productivity, which is proportionally more than any diurnal fish family. The substantially lower contributions of nocturnal fishes to biomass and biomass production likely indicate constraints on resource accessibility. Taxa that overcome these constraints may thrive, as evidenced by apogonids. This study highlights the importance of nocturnal fishes in underpinning the flow of energy and nutrients from nocturnal resources to reef communities; a process driven mainly by small, cryptic fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- William P. Collins
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef StudiesJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - David R. Bellwood
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef StudiesJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - Renato A. Morais
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef StudiesJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
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14
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Roche RC, Heenan A, Taylor BM, Schwarz JN, Fox MD, Southworth LK, Williams GJ, Turner JR. Linking variation in planktonic primary production to coral reef fish growth and condition. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:201012. [PMID: 36061523 DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6156452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Within low-nutrient tropical oceans, islands and atolls with higher primary production support higher fish biomass and reef organism abundance. External energy subsidies can be delivered onto reefs via a range of physical mechanisms. However, the influence of spatial variation in primary production on reef fish growth and condition is largely unknown. It is not yet clear how energy subsidies interact with reef depth and slope. Here we test the hypothesis that with increased proximity to deep-water oceanic nutrient sources, or at sites with shallower reef slopes, parameters of fish growth and condition will be higher. Contrary to expectations, we found no association between fish growth rate and sites with higher mean chlorophyll-a values. There were no differences in fish δ 15N or δ 13C values between depths. The relationship between fish condition and primary production was influenced by depth, driven by increased fish condition at shallow depths within a primary production 'hotspot' site. Carbon δ 13C was depleted with increasing primary production, and interacted with reef slope. Our results indicate that variable primary production did not influence growth rates in planktivorous Chromis fieldi within 10-17.5 m depth, but show site-specific variation in reef physical characteristics influencing fish carbon isotopic composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronan C Roche
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Adel Heenan
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
| | | | - Jill N Schwarz
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Michael D Fox
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
- Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lucy K Southworth
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
- Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Douglas, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Gareth J Williams
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
| | - John R Turner
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
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15
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Roche RC, Heenan A, Taylor BM, Schwarz JN, Fox MD, Southworth LK, Williams GJ, Turner JR. Linking variation in planktonic primary production to coral reef fish growth and condition. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:201012. [PMID: 36061523 PMCID: PMC9428543 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.201012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Within low-nutrient tropical oceans, islands and atolls with higher primary production support higher fish biomass and reef organism abundance. External energy subsidies can be delivered onto reefs via a range of physical mechanisms. However, the influence of spatial variation in primary production on reef fish growth and condition is largely unknown. It is not yet clear how energy subsidies interact with reef depth and slope. Here we test the hypothesis that with increased proximity to deep-water oceanic nutrient sources, or at sites with shallower reef slopes, parameters of fish growth and condition will be higher. Contrary to expectations, we found no association between fish growth rate and sites with higher mean chlorophyll-a values. There were no differences in fish δ 15N or δ 13C values between depths. The relationship between fish condition and primary production was influenced by depth, driven by increased fish condition at shallow depths within a primary production 'hotspot' site. Carbon δ 13C was depleted with increasing primary production, and interacted with reef slope. Our results indicate that variable primary production did not influence growth rates in planktivorous Chromis fieldi within 10-17.5 m depth, but show site-specific variation in reef physical characteristics influencing fish carbon isotopic composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronan C. Roche
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Adel Heenan
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
| | | | - Jill N. Schwarz
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Michael D. Fox
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
- Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lucy K. Southworth
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
- Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Douglas, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Gareth J. Williams
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
| | - John R. Turner
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
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16
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Letessier TB, Johnston J, Delarue J, Martin B, Anderson RC. Spinner dolphin residency in tropical atoll lagoons: Diurnal presence, seasonal variability and implications for nutrient dynamics. J Zool (1987) 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.13000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T. B. Letessier
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London Regent's Park London UK
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Perth SA Australia
| | - J. Johnston
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London Regent's Park London UK
- University College London London UK
| | - J. Delarue
- JASCO Applied Sciences The Roundel, St Clair's Farm Droxford UK
| | - B. Martin
- JASCO Applied Sciences The Roundel, St Clair's Farm Droxford UK
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17
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Schiettekatte NMD, Conte F, French B, Brandl SJ, Fulton CJ, Mercière A, Norin T, Villéger S, Parravicini V. Combining stereo-video monitoring and physiological trials to estimate reef fish metabolic demands in the wild. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9084. [PMID: 35813930 PMCID: PMC9254678 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Organismal metabolic rates (MRs) are the basis of energy and nutrient fluxes through ecosystems. In the marine realm, fishes are some of the most prominent consumers. However, their metabolic demand in the wild (field MR [FMR]) is poorly documented, because it is challenging to measure directly. Here, we introduce a novel approach to estimating the component of FMR associated with voluntary activity (i.e., the field active MR [AM R field ] ). Our approach combines laboratory-based respirometry, swimming speeds, and field-based stereo-video systems to estimate the activity of individuals. We exemplify our approach by focusing on six coral reef fish species, for which we quantified standard MR and maximum MR (SMR and MMR, respectively) in the laboratory, and body sizes and swimming speeds in the field. Based on the relationships between MR, body size, and swimming speeds, we estimate that the activity scope (i.e., the ratio betweenAM R field and SMR) varies from 1.2 to 3.2 across species and body sizes. Furthermore, we illustrate that the scaling exponent forAM R field varies across species and can substantially exceed the widely assumed value of 0.75 for SMR. Finally, by scaling organismalAM R field estimates to the assemblage level, we show the potential effect of this variability on community metabolic demand. Our approach may improve our ability to estimate elemental fluxes mediated by a critically important group of aquatic animals through a non-destructive, widely applicable technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina M. D. Schiettekatte
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRSUSR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de PerpignanPerpignanFrance
- Laboratoire d'Excellence “CORAIL”PerpignanFrance
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine BiologyUniversity of Hawai'i at MānoaHawaiiUSA
| | - Francesca Conte
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRSUSR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de PerpignanPerpignanFrance
- Laboratoire d'Excellence “CORAIL”PerpignanFrance
| | - Beverly French
- Center for Marine Biodiversity and ConservationScripps Institution of Oceanography, University of CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Simon J. Brandl
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRSUSR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de PerpignanPerpignanFrance
- Laboratoire d'Excellence “CORAIL”PerpignanFrance
- CESAB‐FRBMontpellierFrance
- Department of Marine Science, Marine Science InstituteThe University of Texas at AustinPort AransasTexasUSA
| | - Christopher J. Fulton
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceIndian Ocean Marine Research CentreCrawleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Alexandre Mercière
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRSUSR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de PerpignanPerpignanFrance
- Laboratoire d'Excellence “CORAIL”PerpignanFrance
| | - Tommy Norin
- DTU Aqua: National Institute of Aquatic ResourcesTechnical University of DenmarkKgs. LyngbyDenmark
| | | | - Valeriano Parravicini
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRSUSR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de PerpignanPerpignanFrance
- Laboratoire d'Excellence “CORAIL”PerpignanFrance
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18
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Bowden CL, Streit RP, Bellwood DR, Tebbett SB. A 3D perspective on sediment turnover and feeding selectivity in blennies. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 180:113799. [PMID: 35665616 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113799] [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: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Sediments in algal turfs can modify a wide variety of key ecological processes on coral reefs. While some larger reef fishes can remove these turf-bound sediments, the role of small, yet abundant, cryptobenthic fishes is currently unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we explored the extent to which the blenny, Ecsenius stictus, can shape sediment dynamics on coral reefs by quantifying their sediment ingestion and space use. Per unit body mass, E. stictus process sediments at comparable rates to key parrotfish and surgeonfish species. However, in absolute terms, E. stictus has a negligible influence on net sediment dynamics, despite their abundance. Behavioural observations and 3D photogrammetry reveal that E. stictus preferentially feed and rest on elevated surfaces; potentially because of low sediment loads on these surfaces. Overall, E. stictus may be responding to sediment loads rather than manipulating them; it is a passenger rather than a driver in reef processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey L Bowden
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
| | - Robert P Streit
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - David R Bellwood
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Sterling B Tebbett
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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19
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Biological trade-offs underpin coral reef ecosystem functioning. Nat Ecol Evol 2022; 6:701-708. [PMID: 35379939 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-022-01710-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Human impact increasingly alters global ecosystems, often reducing biodiversity and disrupting the provision of essential ecosystem services to humanity. Therefore, preserving ecosystem functioning is a critical challenge of the twenty-first century. Coral reefs are declining worldwide due to the pervasive effects of climate change and intensive fishing, and although research on coral reef ecosystem functioning has gained momentum, most studies rely on simplified proxies, such as fish biomass. This lack of quantitative assessments of multiple process-based ecosystem functions hinders local and regional conservation efforts. Here we combine global coral reef fish community surveys and bioenergetic models to quantify five key ecosystem functions mediated by coral reef fishes. We show that functions exhibit critical trade-offs driven by varying community structures, such that no community can maximize all functions. Furthermore, functions are locally dominated by few species, but the identity of dominant species substantially varies at the global scale. In fact, half of the 1,110 species in our dataset are functionally dominant in at least one location. Our results reinforce the need for a nuanced, locally tailored approach to coral reef conservation that considers multiple ecological functions beyond the effect of standing stock biomass.
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20
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Hayden B, Kovačić M, Kirinčić M, Marčić Z. Comparative trophic ecology of microhabitat-associated guilds of reef fishes in the Adriatic Sea. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2022. [PMID: 35578982 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Reef ecosystems are characterized by highly heterogenous habitats and functionally diverse fish communities. Few studies have examined how functional diversity differs among habitats within these communities, i.e., species associated with a specific habitat may have similar trophic ecologies meaning that the functional diversity within the community is driven by habitat diversity or, conversely, high functional diversity within each habitat would indicate that resource segregation also occurs at the habitat level. We used stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen to estimate trophic position, resource use and ontogenetic niche shifts of 15 reef fishes associated with four distinct habitat types (cryptobenthic, epibenthic sand, epibenthic rock and hyperbenthic) on the Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea. Trophic ecology was quite similar across fish assemblages, but there was strong evidence of niche segregation among fish species within each assemblage showing high functional diversity within each microhabitat. The sampled fish community contained benthic and pelagic resource users, along with multiple intermediate generalists. Consumer stable isotope ratios revealed considerable interspecific variation in resource use among fishes within each habitat type. The cryptobenthic fishes were a notable exception to this trend with the narrow range of resource use values, indicating reliance of these species on a single resource. The greatest diversity of trophic positions within a guild was observed in cryptobenthic and rock-associated epibenthic fishes. The majority of observed ontogenetic variation in studied fish species reflected an increase in benthic resource use and trophic position. However, the degree of ontogenetic variation in trophic ecology of studied species, if present, was generally low, showing no dramatic change in the ecology of any species. The size structuring among guilds was considerable, with cryptobenthic fishes the smallest on average and hyperbenthic fishes the largest, despite guilds having similar ranges of trophic positions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Hayden
- Biology Department, Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | | | | | - Zoran Marčić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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21
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Brodnicke OB, Hansen CE, Huie JM, Brandl SJ, Worsaae K. Functional impact and trophic morphology of small, sand‐sifting fishes on coral reefs. Funct Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- O. B. Brodnicke
- Department of Biology University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Ø Denmark
| | - C. E. Hansen
- Department of Biology University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Ø Denmark
| | - J. M. Huie
- Department of Biological Sciences The George Washington University Washington DC USA
| | - S. J. Brandl
- Department of Marine Science, The University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute Port Aransas TX USA
| | - K. Worsaae
- Department of Biology University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Ø Denmark
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22
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Carral L, Lamas MI, Cartelle Barros JJ, López I, Carballo R. Proposed Conceptual Framework to Design Artificial Reefs Based on Particular Ecosystem Ecology Traits. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050680. [PMID: 35625408 PMCID: PMC9138596 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Artificial reefs improve the yield of artisanal fishing grounds by creating habitats with enhanced productivity, similar to those of natural reefs. For an adequate definition of an artificial reef, all its pathways of interaction with the ecosystem must be quantitatively assessed. In this way, the final design will lead to an increase in the production of services. Therefore, this study presents the MEEM tool as well as the AREIT index. Through the former, it is possible to obtain different reef solutions, while the index allows the user to select the best alternative by taking into account the specific situation of the ecosystem to be enhanced. The AREIT index facilitates the decision-making process by means of a three-dimensional graphical representation, based on the three aspects of greatest relevance for the ecosystem: energy, nutrient circulation and the presence of cavities for the shelter of species, in particular those of fishing interest. The definition process ends with the application of a procedure for calculating the stability of the final design under the action of waves and currents. Abstract Overfishing and pollution have led to marine habitat degradation, and as a result, marine fisheries are now in decline. Consequently, there is a real need to enhance marine ecosystems while halting the decline of fish stocks and boosting artisanal fishing. Under these circumstances, artificial reefs (ARs) have emerged as a promising option. Nevertheless, their performance is traditionally assessed years after installation, through experimental and field observations. It is now necessary to adopt an alternative approach, adapting the design of artificial reefs to the specific characteristics of the ecosystem to be enhanced. In this way, it will be possible to determine the potential positive impacts of ARs before their installation. This paper presents a general and integrated conceptual framework to assist in the design of AR units by adopting an ecosystem ecology (EE) perspective. It consists of three main parts. In the first one, starting from an initial geometry, EE principles are used to include modifications with the aim of improving autotrophic resource pathways (additional substrata and increased nutrient circulation) and leading to a habitat enhancement (more shelter for individuals). The second part of the framework is a new dimensionless index that allows the user to select the best AR unit design from different alternatives. The potential impacts on the ecosystem in terms of energy, nutrient cycling and shelter are considered for such a purpose. Finally, a general hydrodynamic methodology to study the stability of the selected AR unit design, considering the effect of high waves under severe storms, is proposed. The framework is applied through a case study for Galician estuaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Carral
- Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidade da Coruña, C/Mendizábal, 15403 Ferrol, Spain; (M.I.L.); (J.J.C.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-981-16-70-00; Fax: +34-981-33-74-10
| | - María Isabel Lamas
- Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidade da Coruña, C/Mendizábal, 15403 Ferrol, Spain; (M.I.L.); (J.J.C.B.)
| | - Juan José Cartelle Barros
- Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidade da Coruña, C/Mendizábal, 15403 Ferrol, Spain; (M.I.L.); (J.J.C.B.)
| | - Iván López
- Área de Ingeniería Hidráulica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, C/Benigno Ledo St. 2, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (I.L.); (R.C.)
| | - Rodrigo Carballo
- Área de Ingeniería Hidráulica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, C/Benigno Ledo St. 2, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (I.L.); (R.C.)
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23
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Mathon L, Marques V, Mouillot D, Albouy C, Andrello M, Baletaud F, Borrero-Pérez GH, Dejean T, Edgar GJ, Grondin J, Guerin PE, Hocdé R, Juhel JB, Kadarusman, Maire E, Mariani G, McLean M, Polanco F. A, Pouyaud L, Stuart-Smith RD, Sugeha HY, Valentini A, Vigliola L, Vimono IB, Pellissier L, Manel S. Cross-ocean patterns and processes in fish biodiversity on coral reefs through the lens of eDNA metabarcoding. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20220162. [PMID: 35440210 PMCID: PMC9019517 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing speed and magnitude of global change threaten the world's biodiversity and particularly coral reef fishes. A better understanding of large-scale patterns and processes on coral reefs is essential to prevent fish biodiversity decline but it requires new monitoring approaches. Here, we use environmental DNA metabarcoding to reconstruct well-known patterns of fish biodiversity on coral reefs and uncover hidden patterns on these highly diverse and threatened ecosystems. We analysed 226 environmental DNA (eDNA) seawater samples from 100 stations in five tropical regions (Caribbean, Central and Southwest Pacific, Coral Triangle and Western Indian Ocean) and compared those to 2047 underwater visual censuses from the Reef Life Survey in 1224 stations. Environmental DNA reveals a higher (16%) fish biodiversity, with 2650 taxa, and 25% more families than underwater visual surveys. By identifying more pelagic, reef-associated and crypto-benthic species, eDNA offers a fresh view on assembly rules across spatial scales. Nevertheless, the reef life survey identified more species than eDNA in 47 shared families, which can be due to incomplete sequence assignment, possibly combined with incomplete detection in the environment, for some species. Combining eDNA metabarcoding and extensive visual census offers novel insights on the spatial organization of the richest marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laetitia Mathon
- CEFE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE-PSL University, IRD, Montpellier, France
- ENTROPIE, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Univ. Réunion, UNC, CNRS, Q1 IFREMER, Nouméa, New Caledonia, France
| | - Virginie Marques
- CEFE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE-PSL University, IRD, Montpellier, France
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - David Mouillot
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, Montpellier, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, France
| | - Camille Albouy
- DECOD (Ecosystem Dynamics and Sustainability), IFREMER, INRAE, Institut Agro - Agrocampus Ouest, Nantes, France
| | - Marco Andrello
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, Montpellier, France
- Institute for the study of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in the marine environment, National Research Council (CNR-IAS), Rome, Italy
| | - Florian Baletaud
- ENTROPIE, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Univ. Réunion, UNC, CNRS, Q1 IFREMER, Nouméa, New Caledonia, France
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, Montpellier, France
- SOPRONER, groupe GINGER, 98000 Noumea, New Caledonia, France
| | - Giomar H. Borrero-Pérez
- Programa de Biodiversidad y Ecosistemas Marinos, Museo de Historia Natural Marina de Colombia (MHNMC), Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras- INVEMAR, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | | | - Graham J. Edgar
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | | | | | - Régis Hocdé
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Kadarusman
- Politeknik Kelautan dan Perikanan Sorong, KKD BP Sumberdaya Genetik, Konservasi dan Domestikasi, Papua Barat, Indonesia
| | - Eva Maire
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, Montpellier, France
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Gael Mariani
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Matthew McLean
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax NSB3H4R2, Canada
| | - Andrea Polanco F.
- Programa de Biodiversidad y Ecosistemas Marinos, Museo de Historia Natural Marina de Colombia (MHNMC), Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras- INVEMAR, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Laurent Pouyaud
- ISEM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Rick D. Stuart-Smith
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Hagi Yulia Sugeha
- Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol Timur, Jakarta Utara 14430, Indonesia
| | | | - Laurent Vigliola
- ENTROPIE, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Univ. Réunion, UNC, CNRS, Q1 IFREMER, Nouméa, New Caledonia, France
| | - Indra B. Vimono
- Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol Timur, Jakarta Utara 14430, Indonesia
| | - Loïc Pellissier
- Landscape Ecology, Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Unit of Land Change Science, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Stéphanie Manel
- CEFE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE-PSL University, IRD, Montpellier, France
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24
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Coghlan AR, Blanchard JL, Heather FJ, Stuart‐Smith R, Edgar GJ, Audzijonyte A. Community size structure varies with predator-prey size relationships and temperature across Australian reefs. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8789. [PMID: 35414896 PMCID: PMC8987491 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change and fisheries exploitation are dramatically changing the abundances, species composition, and size spectra of fish communities. We explore whether variation in 'abundance size spectra', a widely studied ecosystem feature, is influenced by a parameter theorized to govern the shape of size-structured ecosystems-the relationship between the sizes of predators and their prey (predator-prey mass ratios, or PPMRs). PPMR estimates are lacking for avast number of fish species, including at the scale of trophic guilds. Using measurements of 8128 prey items in gut contents of 97 reef fish species, we established predator-prey mass ratios (PPMRs) for four major trophic guilds (piscivores, invertivores, planktivores, and herbivores) using linear mixed effects models. To assess the theoretical predictions that higher community-level PPMRs leads to shallower size spectrum slopes, we compared observations of both ecosystem metrics for ~15,000 coastal reef sites distributed around Australia. PPMRs of individual fishes were remarkably high (median ~71,000), with significant variation between different trophic guilds (~890 for piscivores; ~83,000 for planktivores), and ~8700 for whole communities. Community-level PPMRs were positively related to size spectrum slopes, broadly consistent with theory, however, this pattern was also influenced by the latitudinal temperature gradient. Tropical reefs showed a stronger relationship between community-level PPMRs and community size spectrum slopes than temperate reefs. The extent that these patterns apply outside Australia and consequences for community structure and dynamics are key areas for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Rose Coghlan
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS)University of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Julia L. Blanchard
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS)University of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
- Centre for Marine SocioecologyUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Freddie J. Heather
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS)University of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Rick D. Stuart‐Smith
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS)University of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Graham J. Edgar
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS)University of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Asta Audzijonyte
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS)University of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
- Centre for Marine SocioecologyUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
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25
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Urbina‐Barreto I, Elise S, Guilhaumon F, Bruggemann JH, Pinel R, Kulbicki M, Vigliola L, Mou‐Tham G, Mahamadaly V, Facon M, Bureau S, Peignon C, Dutrieux E, Garnier R, Penin L, Adjeroud M. Underwater photogrammetry reveals new links between coral reefscape traits and fishes that ensure key functions. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Urbina‐Barreto
- UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, Université de la Nouvelle‐Calédonie Saint‐Denis France
- Creocean OI Sainte Clotilde France
| | - Simon Elise
- UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, Université de la Nouvelle‐Calédonie Saint‐Denis France
| | - François Guilhaumon
- MARBEC, IRD, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Ifremer Montpellier France
- IRD Saint‐Denis France
| | - J. Henrich Bruggemann
- UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, Université de la Nouvelle‐Calédonie Saint‐Denis France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence CORAIL Perpignan France
| | | | - Michel Kulbicki
- Laboratoire d'Excellence CORAIL Perpignan France
- UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, Université de la Nouvelle‐Calédonie, Université de Perpignan Nouméa France
| | - Laurent Vigliola
- Laboratoire d'Excellence CORAIL Perpignan France
- UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, Université de la Nouvelle‐Calédonie Nouméa New Caledonia
| | - Gerard Mou‐Tham
- UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, Université de la Nouvelle‐Calédonie Nouméa New Caledonia
| | | | | | - Sophie Bureau
- UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, Université de la Nouvelle‐Calédonie Saint‐Denis France
| | - Christophe Peignon
- UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, Université de la Nouvelle‐Calédonie Nouméa New Caledonia
| | | | | | - Lucie Penin
- UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, Université de la Nouvelle‐Calédonie Saint‐Denis France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence CORAIL Perpignan France
| | - Mehdi Adjeroud
- Laboratoire d'Excellence CORAIL Perpignan France
- UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, Université de la Nouvelle‐Calédonie, Université de Perpignan Nouméa France
- PSL Université Paris, USR 3278 CRIOBE—EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS Perpignan France
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26
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Pessarrodona A, Vergés A, Bosch NE, Bell S, Smith S, Sgarlatta MP, Wernberg T. Tropicalization unlocks novel trophic pathways and enhances secondary productivity in temperate reefs. Funct Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Albert Pessarrodona
- UWA Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Crawley WA Australia
| | - Adriana Vergés
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, Ecology and Evolution Research Centre School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Sydney NSW Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science Mosman NSW Australia
| | - Néstor E. Bosch
- UWA Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Crawley WA Australia
| | - Sahira Bell
- UWA Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Crawley WA Australia
| | - Shannen Smith
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, Ecology and Evolution Research Centre School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Sydney NSW Australia
| | - María P. Sgarlatta
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, Ecology and Evolution Research Centre School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Thomas Wernberg
- UWA Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Crawley WA Australia
- Institute of Marine Research His Norway
- Roskilde University Roskilde Denmark
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27
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Tebbett SB, Morais J, Bellwood DR. Spatial patchiness in change, recruitment, and recovery on coral reefs at Lizard Island following consecutive bleaching events. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 173:105537. [PMID: 34837738 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The world's coral reef ecosystems are steadily being reconfigured by climate change. Lizard Island, on Australia's Great Barrier Reef, offers an opportunity to examine coral reef reassembly following disturbance, as this location has been impacted by consecutive tropical cyclones and consecutive coral bleaching events. Based on repeatedly monitoring the same 349 photoquadrats around Lizard Island over a 5-year period (2016-2021) we revealed that bleaching in 2016 drove a ∼50% reduction in hard coral cover, and a concomitant increase in algal turf cover. From 2018 to 2021, significant increases (>600%) in coral cover were detected on two semi-exposed reefs and were associated with substantial Acropora recruitment. By contrast, fourteen lagoonal and back reefs exhibited virtually no recovery nor Acropora recruitment. Given that the timeframe between disturbances is set to decrease, our results suggest that some recovery is possible immediately after severe cumulative disturbances, although this recovery may be highly spatially heterogenous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sterling B Tebbett
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.
| | - Juliano Morais
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - David R Bellwood
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
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28
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Hadj-Hammou J, McClanahan TR, Graham NAJ. Decadal shifts in traits of reef fish communities in marine reserves. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23470. [PMID: 34873242 PMCID: PMC8648868 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03038-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine reserves are known to impact the biomass, biodiversity, and functions of coral reef fish communities, but the effect of protective management on fish traits is less explored. We used a time-series modelling approach to simultaneously evaluate the abundance, biomass, and traits of eight fish families over a chronosequence spanning 44 years of protection. We constructed a multivariate functional space based on six traits known to respond to management or disturbance and affect ecosystem processes: size, diet, position in the water column, gregariousness, reef association, and length at maturity. We show that biomass increased with a log-linear trend over the time-series, but abundance only increased after 20 years of closure, and with more variation among reserves. This difference is attributed to recovery rates being dependent on body sizes. Abundance-weighted traits and the associated multivariate space of the community change is driven by increased proportions over time of the trait categories: 7-15 cm body size; planktivorous; species low in the water column; medium-large schools; and species with high levels of reef association. These findings suggest that the trait compositions emerging after the cessation of fishing are novel and dynamic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeneen Hadj-Hammou
- Lancaster University Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
| | - Tim R McClanahan
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Marine Programs, Bronx, NY, 10460, USA
| | - Nicholas A J Graham
- Lancaster University Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
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29
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Sartori G, Taylor ML, Sebastian P, Prasetyo R. Coral reef carnivorous fish biomass relates to oceanographic features depending on habitat and prey preference. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 172:105504. [PMID: 34717129 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Carnivorous fish are a key part of the Indonesian human population sustenance, and it is important to design marine protected areas that include environmental features that allow these species to thrive. Many studies report the role of coral cover and habitat complexity in determining fish distribution on coral reefs but broader environmental factors such as current velocity and productivity are less studied. Southern Indonesia is characterised by upwellings and strong currents, stemming from the tidal cycle and the Indonesian Throughflow. In this study we investigate how current velocity, chlorophyll-a (chl-a), sea surface height and temperature relate to the biomass of carnivorous fish, considering the influence of habitat complexity and coral cover. Data were collected by surveying seven sites around Nusa Penida MPA for a total of 97 h of observation. Serranids and Lutjanids showed higher dependency on coral cover than fish from family Lethrinidae, Carangidae and Scombridae for which current, sea surface height, chl-a, and temperature were more influential predictors. Considering the similar trophic ecology of these species, the different relationship with oceanographic factors is likely related to different body shapes, living, and feeding habits between fish families. Changes in sea surface temperature and current velocity induced by vertical mixing are affecting coral reef fisheries-targeted species distribution in Nusa Penida and investigating these relationships on a broader scale will better inform marine spatial planning decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Sartori
- School of Life Science, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom.
| | - Michelle L Taylor
- School of Life Science, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom.
| | - Pascal Sebastian
- Indo Ocean Project, Banjar Adegan Kawan, Desa Ped, Nusa Penida, Klungkung, Bali, 80771, Indonesia.
| | - Rahmadi Prasetyo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Science and Technology, Dhyana Pura University, Jl. Raya Padang Luwih, Dalung, Kuta Utara, Badung, Bali, 80351, Indonesia.
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30
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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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31
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Estimating Pelagic Fish Biomass in a Tropical Seascape Using Echosounding and Baited Stereo-Videography. Ecosystems 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10021-021-00723-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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32
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Morais RA, Siqueira AC, Smallhorn-West PF, Bellwood DR. Spatial subsidies drive sweet spots of tropical marine biomass production. PLoS Biol 2021; 19:e3001435. [PMID: 34727097 PMCID: PMC8562822 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatial subsidies increase local productivity and boost consumer abundance beyond the limits imposed by local resources. In marine ecosystems, deeper water and open ocean subsidies promote animal aggregations and enhance biomass that is critical for human harvesting. However, the scale of this phenomenon in tropical marine systems remains unknown. Here, we integrate a detailed assessment of biomass production in 3 key locations, spanning a major biodiversity and abundance gradient, with an ocean-scale dataset of fish counts to predict the extent and magnitude of plankton subsidies to fishes on coral reefs. We show that planktivorous fish-mediated spatial subsidies are widespread across the Indian and Pacific oceans and drive local spikes in biomass production that can lead to extreme productivity, up to 30 kg ha-1 day-1. Plankton subsidies form the basis of productivity "sweet spots" where planktivores provide more than 50% of the total fish production, more than all other trophic groups combined. These sweet spots operate at regional, site, and smaller local scales. By harvesting oceanic productivity, planktivores bypass spatial constraints imposed by local primary productivity, creating "oases" of tropical fish biomass that are accessible to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato A. Morais
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Alexandre C. Siqueira
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Patrick F. Smallhorn-West
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- WorldFish, Bayan Lepas, Malaysia
| | - David R. Bellwood
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
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33
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Multi-trophic markers illuminate the understanding of the functioning of a remote, low coral cover Marquesan coral reef food web. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20950. [PMID: 34697332 PMCID: PMC8545934 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00348-w] [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: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the food web structure and functioning of a coral reef ecosystem in the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia, characterized by low coral cover, high sea surface temperature and meso- to eutrophic waters. The Marquesas constitute a relevant ecosystem to understand the functioning of low diversity reefs that are also subject to global change. A multi-tracer assessment of organic matter pathways was run to delineate ecosystem functioning, using analysis of fatty acids, bulk and compound specific stable isotope analysis and stable isotopes mixing models. Macroalgae and phytoplankton were the two major food sources fueling this food web with, however, some marked seasonal variations. Specifically, zooplankton relied on phytoplankton-derived organic matter and herbivorous fishes on macroalgae-derived organic matter to a much higher extent in summer than in winter (~ 75% vs. ~ 15%, and ~ 70 to 75% vs. ~ 5 to 15%, respectively) . Despite remarkably high δ15N values for all trophic compartments, likely due to local dynamics in the nitrogen stock, trophic levels of consumers were similar to those of other coral reef ecosystems. These findings shed light on the functioning of low coral cover systems, which are expected to expand worldwide under global change.
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34
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Planktivores as trophic drivers of global coral reef fish diversity patterns. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2019404118. [PMID: 33593939 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2019404118] [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] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most prominent features of life on Earth is the uneven number of species across large spatial scales. Despite being inherently linked to energetic constraints, these gradients in species richness distribution have rarely been examined from a trophic perspective. Here we dissect the global diversity of over 3,600 coral reef fishes to reveal patterns across major trophic groups. By analyzing multiple nested spatial scales, we show that planktivores contribute disproportionally to the formation of the Indo-Australian Archipelago (IAA) marine biodiversity hotspot. Besides being "hotter" at the hotspot, planktivorous fishes display the steepest decline in species numbers with distance from the IAA when compared to other trophic groups. Surprisingly, we did not detect differences in diversification, transition, and dispersal rates in extant species phylogenies that would explain this remarkable gradient in planktivorous fish richness. Thus, we identify two potential complementary drivers for this pattern. First, exceptional levels of partitioning among planktivorous coral reef fishes were driven by temporally stable oceanographic conditions and abundant planktonic resources in the IAA. Second, extinctions of planktivores outside the IAA have been particularly pronounced during Quaternary climate fluctuations. Overall, our results highlight trophic ecology as an important component of global species richness gradients.
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35
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Carlot J, Kayal M, Lenihan HS, Brandl SJ, Casey JM, Adjeroud M, Cardini U, Merciere A, Espiau B, Barneche DR, Rovere A, Hédouin L, Parravicini V. Juvenile corals underpin coral reef carbonate production after disturbance. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:2623-2632. [PMID: 33749949 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15610] [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: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sea-level rise is predicted to cause major damage to tropical coastlines. While coral reefs can act as natural barriers for ocean waves, their protection hinges on the ability of scleractinian corals to produce enough calcium carbonate (CaCO3 ) to keep up with rising sea levels. As a consequence of intensifying disturbances, coral communities are changing rapidly, potentially reducing community-level CaCO3 production. By combining colony-level physiology and long-term monitoring data, we show that reefs recovering from major disturbances can produce 40% more CaCO3 than currently estimated due to the disproportionate contribution of juvenile corals. However, the buffering effect of highly productive juvenile corals is compromised by recruitment failures, which have been more frequently observed after large-scale, repeated bleaching events. While the size structure of corals can bolster a critical ecological function on reefs, climate change impacts on recruitment may undermine this buffering effect, thus further compromising the persistence of reefs and their provision of important ecosystem services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy Carlot
- PSL Université Paris, USR 3278 CRIOBE - EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, Perpignan, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", Paris, France
| | - Mohsen Kayal
- ENTROPIE, IRD, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IFREMER, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Hunter S Lenihan
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Simon J Brandl
- PSL Université Paris, USR 3278 CRIOBE - EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, Perpignan, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", Paris, France
- CESAB - FRB, Montpellier, France
- Department of Marine Science, University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX, USA
| | - Jordan M Casey
- PSL Université Paris, USR 3278 CRIOBE - EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, Perpignan, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", Paris, France
- Department of Marine Science, University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX, USA
| | - Mehdi Adjeroud
- PSL Université Paris, USR 3278 CRIOBE - EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, Perpignan, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", Paris, France
- ENTROPIE, IRD, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, Perpignan, France
| | - Ulisse Cardini
- Integrative Marine Ecology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Marine Biology, Ecology and Biotechnology, Napoli, Italy
- Marine Research Institute, University of Klaipeda, Klaipeda, Lithuania
| | - Alexandre Merciere
- PSL Université - EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Papetoai, French Polynesia
| | - Benoit Espiau
- PSL Université - EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Papetoai, French Polynesia
| | | | - Alessio Rovere
- Centre for Marine Environmental Sciences (MARUM, Bremen, Germany
| | - Laetitia Hédouin
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", Paris, France
- PSL Université - EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Papetoai, French Polynesia
| | - Valeriano Parravicini
- PSL Université Paris, USR 3278 CRIOBE - EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, Perpignan, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", Paris, France
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36
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Boulanger E, Loiseau N, Valentini A, Arnal V, Boissery P, Dejean T, Deter J, Guellati N, Holon F, Juhel JB, Lenfant P, Manel S, Mouillot D. Environmental DNA metabarcoding reveals and unpacks a biodiversity conservation paradox in Mediterranean marine reserves. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20210112. [PMID: 33906403 PMCID: PMC8080007 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although we are currently experiencing worldwide biodiversity loss, local species richness does not always decline under anthropogenic pressure. This conservation paradox may also apply in protected areas but has not yet received conclusive evidence in marine ecosystems. Here, we survey fish assemblages in six Mediterranean no-take reserves and their adjacent fishing grounds using environmental DNA (eDNA) while controlling for environmental conditions. We detect less fish species in marine reserves than in nearby fished areas. The paradoxical gradient in species richness is accompanied by a marked change in fish species composition under different managements. This dissimilarity is mainly driven by species that are often overlooked by classical visual surveys but detected with eDNA: cryptobenthic, pelagic, and rare fishes. These results do not negate the importance of reserves in protecting biodiversity but shed new light on how under-represented species groups can positively react to fishing pressure and how conservation efforts can shape regional biodiversity patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Boulanger
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE-PSL University, IRD, Montpellier, France
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Loiseau
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Véronique Arnal
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE-PSL University, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Pierre Boissery
- Agence de l'Eau Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse, Délégation de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | | | | | - Nacim Guellati
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | | | - Stéphanie Manel
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE-PSL University, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - David Mouillot
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
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37
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Skinner C, Mill AC, Fox MD, Newman SP, Zhu Y, Kuhl A, Polunin NVC. Offshore pelagic subsidies dominate carbon inputs to coral reef predators. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/8/eabf3792. [PMID: 33608282 PMCID: PMC7895429 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf3792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs were traditionally perceived as productive hot spots in oligotrophic waters. While modern evidence indicates that many coral reef food webs are heavily subsidized by planktonic production, the pathways through which this occurs remain unresolved. We used the analytical power of carbon isotope analysis of essential amino acids to distinguish between alternative carbon pathways supporting four key reef predators across an oceanic atoll. This technique separates benthic versus planktonic inputs, further identifying two distinct planktonic pathways (nearshore reef-associated plankton and offshore pelagic plankton), and revealing that these reef predators are overwhelmingly sustained by offshore pelagic sources rather than by reef sources (including reef-associated plankton). Notably, pelagic reliance did not vary between species or reef habitats, emphasizing that allochthonous energetic subsidies may have system-wide importance. These results help explain how coral reefs maintain exceptional productivity in apparently nutrient-poor tropical settings, but also emphasize their susceptibility to future ocean productivity fluctuations.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Skinner
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK.
- 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
| | - A C Mill
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - M D Fox
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Rd, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - S P Newman
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
- Banyan Tree Marine Lab, Vabbinfaru Resort, North Malé Atoll, Republic of Maldives
| | - Y Zhu
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - A Kuhl
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - N V C Polunin
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
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38
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Heather FJ, Blanchard JL, Edgar GJ, Trebilco R, Stuart‐Smith RD. Globally consistent reef size spectra integrating fishes and invertebrates. Ecol Lett 2020; 24:572-579. [DOI: 10.1111/ele.13661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Freddie J. Heather
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies University of Tasmania 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point Hobart TAS7004Australia
| | - Julia L. Blanchard
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies University of Tasmania 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point Hobart TAS7004Australia
| | - Graham J. Edgar
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies University of Tasmania 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point Hobart TAS7004Australia
| | - Rowan Trebilco
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies University of Tasmania 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point Hobart TAS7004Australia
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere Battery Point Hobart TAS7004Australia
| | - Rick D. Stuart‐Smith
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies University of Tasmania 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point Hobart TAS7004Australia
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Morat F, Wicquart J, Schiettekatte NMD, de Sinéty G, Bienvenu J, Casey JM, Brandl SJ, Vii J, Carlot J, Degregori S, Mercière A, Fey P, Galzin R, Letourneur Y, Sasal P, Parravicini V. Individual back-calculated size-at-age based on otoliths from Pacific coral reef fish species. Sci Data 2020; 7:370. [PMID: 33110081 PMCID: PMC7591892 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-020-00711-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic growth is a critical biological trait for organismal, population, and ecosystem-level processes. Due to its direct link with energetic demands, growth also represents an important parameter to estimate energy and nutrient fluxes. For marine fishes, growth rate information is most frequently derived from sagittal otoliths, and most of the available data stems from studies on temperate species that are targeted by commercial fisheries. Although the analysis of otoliths is a powerful tool to estimate individual growth, the time-consuming nature of otolith processing is one barrier for collection of comprehensive datasets across multiple species. This is especially true for coral reef fishes, which are extremely diverse. Here, we provide back-calculated size-at-age estimates (including measures of uncertainty) based on sagittal otoliths from 710 individuals belonging to 45 coral reef fish species from French Polynesia. In addition, we provide Von Bertalanffy growth parameters which are useful to predict community level biomass production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Morat
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860, Perpignan, Cedex, France.
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", EPHE, Perpignan, France.
| | - Jérémy Wicquart
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860, Perpignan, Cedex, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", EPHE, Perpignan, France
| | - Nina M D Schiettekatte
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860, Perpignan, Cedex, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", EPHE, Perpignan, France
| | - Guillemette de Sinéty
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860, Perpignan, Cedex, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", EPHE, Perpignan, France
| | - Jean Bienvenu
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860, Perpignan, Cedex, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", EPHE, Perpignan, France
| | - Jordan M Casey
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860, Perpignan, Cedex, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", EPHE, Perpignan, France
| | - Simon J Brandl
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860, Perpignan, Cedex, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", EPHE, Perpignan, France
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
- CESAB-FRB (Centre de synthèse et d'analyse sur la biodiversité), Institut Bouisson Bertrand, 5 rue de l'école de médecine, 34000, Montpellier, France
| | - Jason Vii
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860, Perpignan, Cedex, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", EPHE, Perpignan, France
| | - Jérémy Carlot
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860, Perpignan, Cedex, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", EPHE, Perpignan, France
| | - Samuel Degregori
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Alexandre Mercière
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860, Perpignan, Cedex, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", EPHE, Perpignan, France
| | - Pauline Fey
- Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, Institut ISEA, BP R4, 98851, Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia
| | - René Galzin
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860, Perpignan, Cedex, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", EPHE, Perpignan, France
| | - Yves Letourneur
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", EPHE, Perpignan, France
- Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, Institut ISEA, BP R4, 98851, Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia
| | - Pierre Sasal
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860, Perpignan, Cedex, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", EPHE, Perpignan, France
| | - Valeriano Parravicini
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860, Perpignan, Cedex, France.
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", EPHE, Perpignan, France.
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40
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Brown CJ, Taylor W, Wabnitz CCC, Connolly RM. Dependency of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef's tropical fisheries on reef-associated fish. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17801. [PMID: 33082460 PMCID: PMC7576786 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74652-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs have been subject to mass coral bleaching, potentially causing rapid and widespread degradation of ecosystem services that depend on live coral cover, such as fisheries catch. Fisheries species in tropical waters associate with a wide range of habitats, so assessing the dependency of fisheries on coral reefs is important for guiding fishery responses to coral reef degradation. This study aimed to determine how fisheries catches associate with coral reefs in Queensland, Australia. Queensland’s largest fisheries did not target fish associated with reefs, but specific sectors, particularly aquarium fisheries and commercial fisheries in the mid to northern region had a high dependence on species that use coral reefs. Regions that had a greater relative area of coral reefs had higher catches of species that depend on live coral, suggesting that coral area could be used to predict the sensitivity of a jurisdiction’s fisheries to bleaching. Dynamic analysis of stock trends found that coral trout and red throat emperor, the two largest species by catch for the reef line fishery, were at risk of overfishing if habitat loss caused declines in stock productivity. Management of fisheries that are highly dependent on reefs may need to adapt to declining productivity, but further research to support ongoing reforms in Queensland’s fisheries is needed to quantitatively link reef degradation to stock production parameters is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Brown
- Australian Rivers Institute - Coast and Estuaries, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, 4111, Australia.
| | - William Taylor
- Australian Rivers Institute - Coast and Estuaries, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Colette C C Wabnitz
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, The University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T1Z4, Canada.,Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford University, 473 Via Ortega, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Rod M Connolly
- Australian Rivers Institute - Coast and Estuaries, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia
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41
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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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42
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43
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Brandl SJ, Johansen JL, Casey JM, Tornabene L, Morais RA, Burt JA. Extreme environmental conditions reduce coral reef fish biodiversity and productivity. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3832. [PMID: 32737315 PMCID: PMC7395083 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17731-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tropical ectotherms are hypothesized to be vulnerable to environmental changes, but cascading effects of organismal tolerances on the assembly and functioning of reef fish communities are largely unknown. Here, we examine differences in organismal traits, assemblage structure, and productivity of cryptobenthic reef fishes between the world’s hottest, most extreme coral reefs in the southern Arabian Gulf and the nearby, but more environmentally benign, Gulf of Oman. We show that assemblages in the Arabian Gulf are half as diverse and less than 25% as abundant as in the Gulf of Oman, despite comparable benthic composition and live coral cover. This pattern appears to be driven by energetic deficiencies caused by responses to environmental extremes and distinct prey resource availability rather than absolute thermal tolerances. As a consequence, production, transfer, and replenishment of biomass through cryptobenthic fish assemblages is greatly reduced on Earth’s hottest coral reefs. Extreme environmental conditions, as predicted for the end of the 21st century, could thus disrupt the community structure and productivity of a critical functional group, independent of live coral loss. Brandl, Johansen et al. compare organismal traits, community structure, and productivity dynamics of cryptobenthic reef fishes across two locations, the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, the former of which harbors the world’s hottest coral reefs. They show that environmental extremes in the Arabian Gulf result in dramatically less diverse, abundant, and productive cryptobenthic fish assemblages, which could foreshadow the future of coral reef biodiversity and functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J Brandl
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada. .,CESAB-FRB, 5 Rue de l'École de Médecine, 34000, Montpellier, France. .,PSL Université Paris: CNRS-EPHE-UPVD USR3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, Perpignan, France. .,Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL,", Perpignan, France.
| | - Jacob L Johansen
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Kane'ohe, HI, USA. .,Marine Biology Laboratory, Centre for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Jordan M Casey
- PSL Université Paris: CNRS-EPHE-UPVD USR3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, Perpignan, France.,Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL,", Perpignan, France
| | - Luke Tornabene
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences and the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Renato A Morais
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia.,College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - John A Burt
- Marine Biology Laboratory, Centre for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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44
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Schiettekatte NMD, Barneche DR, Villéger S, Allgeier JE, Burkepile DE, Brandl SJ, Casey JM, Mercière A, Munsterman KS, Morat F, Parravicini V. Nutrient limitation, bioenergetics and stoichiometry: A new model to predict elemental fluxes mediated by fishes. Funct Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nina M. D. Schiettekatte
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE Université de Perpignan Perpignan France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence “CORAIL” Perpignan France
| | - Diego R. Barneche
- Australian Institute of Marine Science Crawley WA Australia
- Oceans InstituteThe University of Western Australia Crawley WA Australia
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Penryn UK
| | | | - Jacob E. Allgeier
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI USA
| | - Deron E. Burkepile
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology University of California Santa Barbara CA USA
- Marine Science Institute University of California Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Simon J. Brandl
- Department of Biological Sciences Simon Fraser University Burnaby BC Canada
| | - Jordan M. Casey
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE Université de Perpignan Perpignan France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence “CORAIL” Perpignan France
| | - Alexandre Mercière
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE Université de Perpignan Perpignan France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence “CORAIL” Perpignan France
| | - Katrina S. Munsterman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Michigan Ann Arbor MI USA
| | - Fabien Morat
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE Université de Perpignan Perpignan France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence “CORAIL” Perpignan France
| | - Valeriano Parravicini
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE Université de Perpignan Perpignan France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence “CORAIL” Perpignan France
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Abstract
Abstract
In complex, diverse ecosystems, one is faced with an exceptionally challenging decision: which species to examine first and why? This raises the question: Is there evidence of subconscious biases in study species selection? Likewise, is there evidence of this bias in selecting methods, locations, and times? We addressed these questions by surveying the literature on the most diverse group of vertebrates (fishes) in an iconic high-diversity ecosystem (coral reefs). The evidence suggests that we select study species that are predominantly yellow. Reef fish studies also selectively examine fishes that are behaviorally bold and in warm, calm, attractive locations. Our findings call for a reevaluation of study species selection and methodological approaches, recognizing the potential for subconscious biases to drive selection for species that are attractive rather than important and for methods that give only a partial view of ecosystems. Given the challenges faced by high-diversity ecosystems, we may need to question our decision-making processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Bellwood
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and with the College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christopher R Hemingson
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and with the College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sterling B Tebbett
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and with the College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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46
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Siqueira AC, Morais RA, Bellwood DR, Cowman PF. Trophic innovations fuel reef fish diversification. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2669. [PMID: 32472063 PMCID: PMC7260216 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16498-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Reef fishes are an exceptionally speciose vertebrate assemblage, yet the main drivers of their diversification remain unclear. It has been suggested that Miocene reef rearrangements promoted opportunities for lineage diversification, however, the specific mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we assemble near-complete reef fish phylogenies to assess the importance of ecological and geographical factors in explaining lineage origination patterns. We reveal that reef fish diversification is strongly associated with species' trophic identity and body size. Large-bodied herbivorous fishes outpace all other trophic groups in recent diversification rates, a pattern that is consistent through time. Additionally, we show that omnivory acts as an intermediate evolutionary step between higher and lower trophic levels, while planktivory represents a common transition destination. Overall, these results suggest that Miocene changes in reef configurations were likely driven by, and subsequently promoted, trophic innovations. This highlights trophic evolution as a key element in enhancing reef fish diversification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre C Siqueira
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia.
| | - Renato A Morais
- 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
| | - David R Bellwood
- 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
| | - Peter F Cowman
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
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Biodiversity increases ecosystem functions despite multiple stressors on coral reefs. Nat Ecol Evol 2020; 4:919-926. [PMID: 32424279 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-020-1203-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Positive relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (BEF) highlight the importance of conserving biodiversity to maintain key ecosystem functions and associated services. Although natural systems are rapidly losing biodiversity due to numerous human-caused stressors, our understanding of how multiple stressors influence BEF relationships comes largely from small, experimental studies. Here, using remote assemblages of coral reef fishes, we demonstrate strong, non-saturating relationships of biodiversity with two ecosystem functions: biomass and productivity. These positive relationships were robust both to an extreme heatwave that triggered coral bleaching and to invasive rats which disrupt nutrient subsidies from native seabirds. Despite having only minor effects on BEF relationships, both stressors still decreased ecosystem functioning via other pathways. The extreme heatwave reduced biodiversity, which, due to the strong BEF relationships, ultimately diminished both ecosystem functions. Conversely, the loss of cross-system nutrient subsidies directly decreased biomass. These results demonstrate multiple ways by which human-caused stressors can reduce ecosystem functioning, despite robust BEF relationships, in natural high-diversity assemblages.
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Tebbett SB, Bellwood DR. Sediments ratchet-down coral reef algal turf productivity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 713:136709. [PMID: 32019043 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs are highly productive ecosystems, with much of this productivity arising from the algal turfs which cover the hard reef substratum. This productivity can flow up the food chain through herbivorous fishes, to be harvested by humans as fishable biomass. However, algal turfs exist on a spectrum of forms from short productive algal turfs (SPATs), to long sediment-laden algal turfs (LSATs). The latter are increasingly likely to typify Anthropocene coral reefs, however, we have a limited understanding of their nature and potential productivity. We assessed the nature of algal turfs in terms of length, biomass, relative detritus content, and productivity across a sediment load gradient, from SPATs to LSATs, at two reefs separated by >450 km along Australia's Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Furthermore, to assess the capacity of sediments to shape productivity, we modelled algal turf productivity, as a function of sediment load, across multiple spatial scales in a Bayesian framework. We recorded precipitous declines in both the productivity of algal turfs, and the relative nutritional value of particulates, up to sediment loads of ~100 g m-2. However, algal turf biomass did not change with sediment loads. This appears to reflect a shift in algal community composition from short, high-biomass, highly-productive algae at low sediment loads, to longer, low-biomass, less productive algae at high sediment loads. Importantly, these relationships provide a robust framework for estimating algal turf productivity on coral reefs. Indeed, when we applied our models to known sediment loads, we reveal that sediment loads alone can explain observed algal turf productivity gradients across multiple spatial scales. In an era of global climate change and coral reef reconfiguration, algal turf sediments may hold the key to maintaining benthic productivity on coral reefs in the Anthropocene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sterling B Tebbett
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
| | - David R Bellwood
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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Morais RA, Connolly SR, Bellwood DR. Human exploitation shapes productivity-biomass relationships on coral reefs. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2020; 26:1295-1305. [PMID: 31782858 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Coral reef fisheries support the livelihoods of millions of people in tropical countries, despite large-scale depletion of fish biomass. While human adaptability can help to explain the resistance of fisheries to biomass depletion, compensatory ecological mechanisms may also be involved. If this is the case, high productivity should coexist with low biomass under relatively high exploitation. Here we integrate large spatial scale empirical data analysis and a theory-driven modelling approach to unveil the effects of human exploitation on reef fish productivity-biomass relationships. We show that differences in how productivity and biomass respond to overexploitation can decouple their relationship. As size-selective exploitation depletes fish biomass, it triggers increased production per unit biomass, averting immediate productivity collapse in both the modelling and the empirical systems. This 'buffering productivity' exposes the danger of assuming resource production-biomass equivalence, but may help to explain why some biomass-depleted fish assemblages still provide ecosystem goods under continued global fishing exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato A Morais
- College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
| | - Sean R Connolly
- College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
| | - David R Bellwood
- College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
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50
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Campbell SJ, Darling ES, Pardede S, Ahmadia G, Mangubhai S, Amkieltiela, Estradivari, Maire E. Fishing restrictions and remoteness deliver conservation outcomes for Indonesia's coral reef fisheries. Conserv Lett 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stuart J. Campbell
- Indonesia ProgramWildlife Conservation Society Bogor West Java Indonesia
- Rare Indonesia Bogor West Java Indonesia
| | - Emily S. Darling
- Wildlife Conservation SocietyGlobal Marine Program Bronx New York
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Shinta Pardede
- Indonesia ProgramWildlife Conservation Society Bogor West Java Indonesia
| | | | - Sangeeta Mangubhai
- Wildlife Conservation SocietyGlobal Marine Program Bronx New York
- The Nature Conservancy Sorong West Papua Indonesia
| | - Amkieltiela
- WWF IndonesiaConservation Science Unit Jakarta West Java Indonesia
| | - Estradivari
- WWF IndonesiaConservation Science Unit Jakarta West Java Indonesia
| | - Eva Maire
- MARBECUniv. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD Montpellier France
- Lancaster Environment CentreLancaster University Lancaster UK
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