1
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Li H, Li R, Kang J, Hii KS, Mohamed HF, Xu X, Luo Z. Okeanomitos corallinicola gen. and sp. nov. (Nostocales, Cyanobacteria), a new toxic marine heterocyte-forming Cyanobacterium from a coral reef. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38943258 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Cyanobacterial mats supplanting coral and spreading coral diseases in tropical reefs, intensified by environmental shifts caused by human-induced pressures, nutrient enrichment, and global climate change, pose grave risks to the survival of coral ecosystems. In this study, we characterized Okeanomitos corallinicola gen. and sp. nov., a newly discovered toxic marine heterocyte-forming cyanobacterium isolated from a coral reef ecosystem of the South China Sea. Phylogenetic analysis, based on the 16S rRNA gene and the secondary structure of the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic region, placed this species in a clade distinct from closely related genera, that is, Sphaerospermopsis stricto sensu, Raphidiopsis, and Amphiheterocytum. The O. corallinicola is a marine benthic species lacking gas vesicles, distinguishing it from other members of the Aphanizomenonaceae family. The genome of O. corallinicola is large and exhibits diverse functional capabilities, potentially contributing to the resilience and adaptability of coral reef ecosystems. In vitro assays revealed that O. corallinicola demonstrates notable cytotoxic activity against various cancer cell lines, suggesting its potential as a source of novel anticancer compounds. Furthermore, the identification of residual saxitoxin biosynthesis function in the genome of O. corallinicola, a marine cyanobacteria, supports the theory that saxitoxin genes in cyanobacteria and dinoflagellates may have been horizontally transferred between them or may have originated from a shared ancestor. Overall, the identification and characterization of O. corallinicola provides valuable contributions to cyanobacterial taxonomy, offering novel perspectives on complex interactions within coral reef ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, China
- Institute of Marine Drugs/Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Renhui Li
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Kang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, China
| | - Kieng Soon Hii
- Bachok Marine Research Station, Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, University of Malaya, Bachok, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Hala F Mohamed
- Botany & Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Girls Branch), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Xinya Xu
- Institute of Marine Drugs/Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Zhaohe Luo
- Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, China
- Observation and Research Station of Coastal Wetland Ecosystem in Beibu Gulf, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beihai, China
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2
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Keith DA, Ghoraba SMM, Kaly E, Jones KR, Oosthuizen A, Obura D, Costa HM, Daniels F, Duarte E, Grantham H, Gudka M, Norman J, Shannon LJ, Skowno A, Ferrer-Paris JR. Contributions of the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems to risk-based design and management of protected and conserved areas in Africa. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024; 38:e14169. [PMID: 37650432 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Protected and conserved areas (PCAs) are key ecosystem management tools for conserving biodiversity and sustaining ecosystem services and social cobenefits. As countries adopt a 30% target for protection of land and sea under the Global Biodiversity Framework of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, a critical question emerging is, which 30%? A risk-based answer to this question is that the 30% that returns the greatest reductions in risks of species extinction and ecosystem collapse should be protected. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List protocols provide practical methods for assessing these risks. All species, including humans, depend on the integrity of ecosystems for their well-being and survival. Africa is strategically important for ecosystem management due to convergence of high ecosystem diversity, intense pressures, and high levels of human dependency on nature. We reviewed the outcomes (e.g., applications of ecosystem red-list assessments to protected-area design, conservation planning, and management) of a symposium at the inaugural African Protected Areas Congress convened to discuss roles of the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems in the design and management of PCAs. Recent progress was made in ecosystem assessment, with 920 ecosystem types assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria across 21 countries. Although these ecosystems spanned a diversity of environments across the continent, the greatest thematic gaps were for freshwater, marine, and subterranean realms, and large geographic gaps existed in North Africa and parts of West and East Africa. Assessment projects were implemented by a diverse community of government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and researchers. The assessments have influenced policy and management by informing extensions to and management of formal protected area networks supporting decision-making for sustainable development, and informing ecosystem conservation and threat abatement within boundaries of PCAs and in surrounding landscapes and seascapes. We recommend further integration of risk assessments in environmental policy and enhanced investment in ecosystem red-list assessment to fill current gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Keith
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management, Gland, Switzerland
| | | | - Eric Kaly
- Laboratory of Plant Ecology and Eco-hydrology, Department of Plant Biology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Kendall R Jones
- Global Conservation Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Ané Oosthuizen
- South African National Parks, Cape Town, South Africa
- The Nature Conservancy, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David Obura
- CORDIO, Coastal Oceans Research and Development - Indian Ocean, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Hugo M Costa
- Global Conservation Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, USA
| | | | - Eleutério Duarte
- Global Conservation Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Hedley Grantham
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Global Conservation Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Mishal Gudka
- CORDIO, Coastal Oceans Research and Development - Indian Ocean, Mombasa, Kenya
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Juliet Norman
- Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial Collage London, London, UK
| | - Lynne J Shannon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrew Skowno
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African National Biodiversity Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - José R Ferrer-Paris
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management, Gland, Switzerland
- UNSW Data Science Hub, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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3
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Matthews SA, Williamson DH, Beeden R, Emslie MJ, Abom RTM, Beard D, Bonin M, Bray P, Campili AR, Ceccarelli DM, Fernandes L, Fletcher CS, Godoy D, Hemingson CR, Jonker MJ, Lang BJ, Morris S, Mosquera E, Phillips GL, Sinclair-Taylor TH, Taylor S, Tracey D, Wilmes JC, Quincey R. Protecting Great Barrier Reef resilience through effective management of crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298073. [PMID: 38656948 PMCID: PMC11042723 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298073] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Resilience-based management is essential to protect ecosystems in the Anthropocene. Unlike large-scale climate threats to Great Barrier Reef (GBR) corals, outbreaks of coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS; Acanthaster cf. solaris) can be directly managed through targeted culling. Here, we evaluate the outcomes of a decade of strategic COTS management in suppressing outbreaks and protecting corals during the 4th COTS outbreak wave at reef and regional scales (sectors). We compare COTS density and coral cover dynamics during the 3rd and 4th outbreak waves. During the 4th outbreak wave, sectors that received limited to no culling had sustained COTS outbreaks causing significant coral losses. In contrast, in sectors that received timely and sufficient cull effort, coral cover increased substantially, and outbreaks were suppressed with COTS densities up to six-fold lower than in the 3rd outbreak wave. In the Townsville sector for example, despite exposure to comparable disturbance regimes during the 4th outbreak wave, effective outbreak suppression coincided with relative increases in sector-wide coral cover (44%), versus significant coral cover declines (37%) during the 3rd outbreak wave. Importantly, these estimated increases span entire sectors, not just reefs with active COTS control. Outbreaking reefs with higher levels of culling had net increases in coral cover, while the rate of coral loss was more than halved on reefs with lower levels of cull effort. Our results also indicate that outbreak wave progression to adjoining sectors has been delayed, probably via suppression of COTS larval supply. Our findings provide compelling evidence that proactive, targeted, and sustained COTS management can effectively suppress COTS outbreaks and deliver coral growth and recovery benefits at reef and sector-wide scales. The clear coral protection outcomes demonstrate the value of targeted manual culling as both a scalable intervention to mitigate COTS outbreaks, and a potent resilience-based management tool to "buy time" for coral reefs, protecting reef ecosystem functions and biodiversity as the climate changes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Roger Beeden
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Mary Bonin
- Great Barrier Reef Foundation, Brisbane City, QLD, Australia
| | - Peran Bray
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | | | | | - Leanne Fernandes
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Dan Godoy
- Blue Planet Marine, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Christopher R. Hemingson
- The University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, Texas, United States of America
| | | | - Bethan J. Lang
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville, QLD, Australia
- The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | | | | | - Gareth L. Phillips
- Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators Ltd, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Sascha Taylor
- Queensland Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships (Marine Parks), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dieter Tracey
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Richard Quincey
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville, QLD, Australia
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4
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Matthews JL, Ueland M, Bartels N, Lawson CA, Lockwood TE, Wu Y, Camp EF. Multi-Chemical Omics Analysis of the Symbiodiniaceae Durusdinium trenchii under Heat Stress. Microorganisms 2024; 12:317. [PMID: 38399721 PMCID: PMC10893086 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The urgency of responding to climate change for corals necessitates the exploration of innovative methods to swiftly enhance our understanding of crucial processes. In this study, we employ an integrated chemical omics approach, combining elementomics, metabolomics, and volatilomics methodologies to unravel the biochemical pathways associated with the thermal response of the coral symbiont, Symbiodiniaceae Durusdinium trenchii. We outline the complimentary sampling approaches and discuss the standardised data corrections used to allow data integration and comparability. Our findings highlight the efficacy of individual methods in discerning differences in the biochemical response of D. trenchii under both control and stress-inducing temperatures. However, a deeper insight emerges when these methods are integrated, offering a more comprehensive understanding, particularly regarding oxidative stress pathways. Employing correlation network analysis enhanced the interpretation of volatile data, shedding light on the potential metabolic origins of volatiles with undescribed functions and presenting promising candidates for further exploration. Elementomics proves to be less straightforward to integrate, likely due to no net change in elements but rather elements being repurposed across compounds. The independent and integrated data from this study informs future omic profiling studies and recommends candidates for targeted research beyond Symbiodiniaceae biology. This study highlights the pivotal role of omic integration in advancing our knowledge, addressing critical gaps, and guiding future research directions in the context of climate change and coral reef preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Matthews
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Maiken Ueland
- Centre for Forensic Sciences, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
- Hyphenated Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Natasha Bartels
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Caitlin A. Lawson
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia
| | - Thomas E. Lockwood
- Hyphenated Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Yida Wu
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Emma F. Camp
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
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5
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Morais J, Tebbett SB, Morais RA, Bellwood DR. Natural recovery of corals after severe disturbance. Ecol Lett 2024; 27:e14332. [PMID: 37850584 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14332] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Ecosystem recovery from human-induced disturbances, whether through natural processes or restoration, is occurring worldwide. Yet, recovery dynamics, and their implications for broader ecosystem management, remain unclear. We explored recovery dynamics using coral reefs as a case study. We tracked the fate of 809 individual coral recruits that settled after a severe bleaching event at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef. Recruited Acropora corals, first detected in 2020, grew to coral cover levels that were equivalent to global average coral cover within just 2 years. Furthermore, we found that just 11.5 Acropora recruits per square meter were sufficient to reach this cover within 2 years. However, wave exposure, growth form and colony density had a marked effect on recovery rates. Our results underscore the importance of considering natural recovery in management and restoration and highlight how lessons learnt from reef recovery can inform our understanding of recovery dynamics in high-diversity climate-disturbed ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliano Morais
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions and College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sterling B Tebbett
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions and College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Renato A Morais
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions and College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Paris Sciences et Lettres Université, École Pratique des Hautes Études, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, UAR 3278 CRIOBE, University of Perpignan, Perpignan, France
| | - David R Bellwood
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions and College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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6
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Donovan MK, Counsell CWW, Donahue MJ, Lecky J, Gajdzik L, Marcoux SD, Sparks R, Teague C. Evidence for managing herbivores for reef resilience. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20232101. [PMID: 38052442 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2101] [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: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Herbivore management is an important tool for resilience-based approaches to coral reef conservation, and evidence-based science is needed to enact successful management. We synthesized data from multiple monitoring programs in Hawai'i to measure herbivore biomass and benthic condition over a 10-year period preceding any major coral bleaching. We analysed data from 20 242 transects alongside data on 27 biophysical and human drivers and found herbivore biomass was highly variable throughout Hawai'i, with high values in remote locations and the lowest values near population centres. Both human and biophysical drivers explained variation in herbivore biomass, and among the human drivers both fishing and land-based pollution had negative effects on biomass. We also found evidence that herbivore functional group biomass is strongly linked to benthic condition, and that benthic condition is sensitive to changes in herbivore biomass associated with fishing. We show that when herbivore biomass is below 80% of potential biomass, benthic condition is predicted to decline. We also show that a range of management actions, including area-specific fisheries regulations and gear restrictions, can increase parrotfish biomass. Together, these results provide lines of evidence to support managing herbivores as an effective strategy for maintaining or bolstering reef resilience in a changing climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary K Donovan
- Hawai'i Monitoring and Reporting Collaborative (HIMARC), Honolulu, HI, USA
- Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science, School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Chelsie W W Counsell
- Hawai'i Monitoring and Reporting Collaborative (HIMARC), Honolulu, HI, USA
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Megan J Donahue
- Hawai'i Monitoring and Reporting Collaborative (HIMARC), Honolulu, HI, USA
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Joey Lecky
- Hawai'i Monitoring and Reporting Collaborative (HIMARC), Honolulu, HI, USA
- Pacific Islands Regional Office, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Laura Gajdzik
- Hawai'i Monitoring and Reporting Collaborative (HIMARC), Honolulu, HI, USA
- Division of Aquatic Resources, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Stacia D Marcoux
- Hawai'i Monitoring and Reporting Collaborative (HIMARC), Honolulu, HI, USA
- Division of Aquatic Resources, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Russell Sparks
- Hawai'i Monitoring and Reporting Collaborative (HIMARC), Honolulu, HI, USA
- Division of Aquatic Resources, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Christopher Teague
- Hawai'i Monitoring and Reporting Collaborative (HIMARC), Honolulu, HI, USA
- Division of Aquatic Resources, Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, USA
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7
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Vollmer SV, Selwyn JD, Despard BA, Roesel CL. Genomic signatures of disease resistance in endangered staghorn corals. Science 2023; 381:1451-1454. [PMID: 37769073 DOI: 10.1126/science.adi3601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
White band disease (WBD) has caused unprecedented declines in the Caribbean Acropora corals, which are now listed as critically endangered species. Highly disease-resistant Acropora cervicornis genotypes exist, but the genetic underpinnings of disease resistance are not understood. Using transmission experiments, a newly assembled genome, and whole-genome resequencing of 76 A. cervicornis genotypes from Florida and Panama, we identified 10 genomic regions and 73 single-nucleotide polymorphisms that are associated with disease resistance and that include functional protein-coding changes in four genes involved in coral immunity and pathogen detection. Polygenic scores calculated from 10 genomic loci indicate that genetic screens can detect disease resistance in wild and nursery stocks of A. cervicornis across the Caribbean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven V Vollmer
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Northeastern University, 430 Nahant Road, Nahant, MA 01908, USA
| | - Jason D Selwyn
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Northeastern University, 430 Nahant Road, Nahant, MA 01908, USA
| | - Brecia A Despard
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Northeastern University, 430 Nahant Road, Nahant, MA 01908, USA
| | - Charles L Roesel
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Northeastern University, 430 Nahant Road, Nahant, MA 01908, USA
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8
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Gove JM, Williams GJ, Lecky J, Brown E, Conklin E, Counsell C, Davis G, Donovan MK, Falinski K, Kramer L, Kozar K, Li N, Maynard JA, McCutcheon A, McKenna SA, Neilson BJ, Safaie A, Teague C, Whittier R, Asner GP. Coral reefs benefit from reduced land-sea impacts under ocean warming. Nature 2023; 621:536-542. [PMID: 37558870 PMCID: PMC10511326 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06394-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Coral reef ecosystems are being fundamentally restructured by local human impacts and climate-driven marine heatwaves that trigger mass coral bleaching and mortality1. Reducing local impacts can increase reef resistance to and recovery from bleaching2. However, resource managers lack clear advice on targeted actions that best support coral reefs under climate change3 and sector-based governance means most land- and sea-based management efforts remain siloed4. Here we combine surveys of reef change with a unique 20-year time series of land-sea human impacts that encompassed an unprecedented marine heatwave in Hawai'i. Reefs with increased herbivorous fish populations and reduced land-based impacts, such as wastewater pollution and urban runoff, had positive coral cover trajectories predisturbance. These reefs also experienced a modest reduction in coral mortality following severe heat stress compared to reefs with reduced fish populations and enhanced land-based impacts. Scenario modelling indicated that simultaneously reducing land-sea human impacts results in a three- to sixfold greater probability of a reef having high reef-builder cover four years postdisturbance than if either occurred in isolation. International efforts to protect 30% of Earth's land and ocean ecosystems by 2030 are underway5. Our results reveal that integrated land-sea management could help achieve coastal ocean conservation goals and provide coral reefs with the best opportunity to persist in our changing climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamison M Gove
- Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Honolulu, HI, USA.
| | - Gareth J Williams
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, UK.
| | - Joey Lecky
- Pacific Islands Regional Office, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Eric Brown
- National Park of American Samoa, Pago Pago, American Samoa, USA
| | | | - Chelsie Counsell
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Gerald Davis
- Pacific Islands Regional Office, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Mary K Donovan
- Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science, Arizona State University, Hilo, HI, USA
- School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | | | | | - Kelly Kozar
- National Park Service, Pacific Island Network Inventory and Monitoring, Hawai'i National Park, HI, USA
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Ocean and Resources Engineering, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | | | - Amanda McCutcheon
- National Park Service, Pacific Island Network Inventory and Monitoring, Hawai'i National Park, HI, USA
| | - Sheila A McKenna
- National Park Service, Pacific Island Network Inventory and Monitoring, Hawai'i National Park, HI, USA
| | | | - Aryan Safaie
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI, USA
| | | | | | - Gregory P Asner
- Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science, Arizona State University, Hilo, HI, USA
- School of Ocean Futures, Arizona State University, Hilo, HI, USA
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9
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Mannochio-Russo H, Swift SOI, Nakayama KK, Wall CB, Gentry EC, Panitchpakdi M, Caraballo-Rodriguez AM, Aron AT, Petras D, Dorrestein K, Dorrestein TK, Williams TM, Nalley EM, Altman-Kurosaki NT, Martinelli M, Kuwabara JY, Darcy JL, Bolzani VS, Wegley Kelly L, Mora C, Yew JY, Amend AS, McFall-Ngai M, Hynson NA, Dorrestein PC, Nelson CE. Microbiomes and metabolomes of dominant coral reef primary producers illustrate a potential role for immunolipids in marine symbioses. Commun Biol 2023; 6:896. [PMID: 37653089 PMCID: PMC10471604 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05230-1] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The dominant benthic primary producers in coral reef ecosystems are complex holobionts with diverse microbiomes and metabolomes. In this study, we characterize the tissue metabolomes and microbiomes of corals, macroalgae, and crustose coralline algae via an intensive, replicated synoptic survey of a single coral reef system (Waimea Bay, O'ahu, Hawaii) and use these results to define associations between microbial taxa and metabolites specific to different hosts. Our results quantify and constrain the degree of host specificity of tissue metabolomes and microbiomes at both phylum and genus level. Both microbiome and metabolomes were distinct between calcifiers (corals and CCA) and erect macroalgae. Moreover, our multi-omics investigations highlight common lipid-based immune response pathways across host organisms. In addition, we observed strong covariation among several specific microbial taxa and metabolite classes, suggesting new metabolic roles of symbiosis to further explore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Mannochio-Russo
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, SP, 14800-060, Brazil.
| | - Sean O I Swift
- Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education, Department of Oceanography and Sea Grant College Program, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA.
| | - Kirsten K Nakayama
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Christopher B Wall
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
- Ecology Behavior and Evolution Section, Department of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Emily C Gentry
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Morgan Panitchpakdi
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Andrés M Caraballo-Rodriguez
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Allegra T Aron
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Denver, Denver, CO, 80210, USA
| | - Daniel Petras
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Cluster of Excellence "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections" (CMFI), University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Kathleen Dorrestein
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | | | - Taylor M Williams
- Marine Option Program, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Eileen M Nalley
- Hawai'i Sea Grant College Program, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Noam T Altman-Kurosaki
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | | | - Jeff Y Kuwabara
- Marine Option Program, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - John L Darcy
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Vanderlan S Bolzani
- Department of Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, SP, 14800-060, Brazil
| | - Linda Wegley Kelly
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, CA, USA
| | - Camilo Mora
- Geography, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Joanne Y Yew
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Anthony S Amend
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Margaret McFall-Ngai
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Nicole A Hynson
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Pieter C Dorrestein
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Craig E Nelson
- Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education, Department of Oceanography and Sea Grant College Program, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
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10
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Buenafe KCV, Dunn DC, Everett JD, Brito-Morales I, Schoeman DS, Hanson JO, Dabalà A, Neubert S, Cannicci S, Kaschner K, Richardson AJ. A metric-based framework for climate-smart conservation planning. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 33:e2852. [PMID: 36946332 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is already having profound effects on biodiversity, but climate change adaptation has yet to be fully incorporated into area-based management tools used to conserve biodiversity, such as protected areas. One main obstacle is the lack of consensus regarding how impacts of climate change can be included in spatial conservation plans. We propose a climate-smart framework that prioritizes the protection of climate refugia-areas of low climate exposure and high biodiversity retention-using climate metrics. We explore four aspects of climate-smart conservation planning: (1) climate model ensembles; (2) multiple emission scenarios; (3) climate metrics; and (4) approaches to identifying climate refugia. We illustrate this framework in the Western Pacific Ocean, but it is equally applicable to terrestrial systems. We found that all aspects of climate-smart conservation planning considered affected the configuration of spatial plans. The choice of climate metrics and approaches to identifying refugia have large effects in the resulting climate-smart spatial plans, whereas the choice of climate models and emission scenarios have smaller effects. As the configuration of spatial plans depended on climate metrics used, a spatial plan based on a single measure of climate change (e.g., warming) will not necessarily be robust against other measures of climate change (e.g., ocean acidification). We therefore recommend using climate metrics most relevant for the biodiversity and region considered based on a single or multiple climate drivers. To include the uncertainty associated with different climate futures, we recommend using multiple climate models (i.e., an ensemble) and emission scenarios. Finally, we show that the approaches we used to identify climate refugia feature trade-offs between: (1) the degree to which they are climate-smart, and (2) their efficiency in meeting conservation targets. Hence, the choice of approach will depend on the relative value that stakeholders place on climate adaptation. By using this framework, protected areas can be designed with improved longevity and thus safeguard biodiversity against current and future climate change. We hope that the proposed climate-smart framework helps transition conservation planning toward climate-smart approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Camille V Buenafe
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Mathematics and Physics, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and Area of Ecology and Biodiversity, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Daniel C Dunn
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science (CBCS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jason D Everett
- School of Mathematics and Physics, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) Environment, Queensland Biosciences Precinct (QBP), St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation (CMSI), The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Isaac Brito-Morales
- Betty and Gordon Moore Center for Science, Conservation International, Arlington, Virginia, USA
- Marine Science Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - David S Schoeman
- Ocean Futures Research Cluster, School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
| | - Jeffrey O Hanson
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alvise Dabalà
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Mathematics and Physics, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Systems Ecology and Resource Management, Department of Organism Biology, Faculté des Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles - ULB, Brussels, Belgium
- Ecology and Biodiversity, Laboratory of Plant Biology and Nature Management, Biology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel - VUB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sandra Neubert
- School of Mathematics and Physics, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Institute of Computer Science, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefano Cannicci
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and Area of Ecology and Biodiversity, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kristin Kaschner
- Department of Biometry and Environmental Systems Analysis, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Anthony J Richardson
- School of Mathematics and Physics, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) Environment, Queensland Biosciences Precinct (QBP), St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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11
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Nama S, Shanmughan A, Nayak BB, Bhushan S, Ramteke K. Impacts of marine debris on coral reef ecosystem: A review for conservation and ecological monitoring of the coral reef ecosystem. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 189:114755. [PMID: 36905864 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114755] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs are the most spectacular underwater creation of nature. It enhances ecosystem functioning and marine biodiversity while also ensuring the livelihood of millions of coastal communities worldwide. Unfortunately, marine debris poses a serious threat to ecologically sensitive reef habitats and their associated organisms. Over the past decade, marine debris has been regarded as a major anthropogenic threat to marine ecosystems and gained scientific attention around the globe. However, the sources, types, abundance, distribution, and potential consequences of marine debris on reef ecosystems are hardly known. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the current status of marine debris in various reef ecosystems across the world, with special emphasis on its sources, abundance, distribution, species impacted, major categories, potential impacts and management strategies. Furthermore, the adhesion mechanisms of microplastics to coral polyps, diseases caused by microplastics and are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Nama
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India.
| | - Ashna Shanmughan
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India
| | - Binaya Bhusan Nayak
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India
| | - Shashi Bhushan
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India
| | - Karankumar Ramteke
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India
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12
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Nelson CE, Wegley Kelly L, Haas AF. Microbial Interactions with Dissolved Organic Matter Are Central to Coral Reef Ecosystem Function and Resilience. ANNUAL REVIEW OF MARINE SCIENCE 2023; 15:431-460. [PMID: 36100218 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-marine-042121-080917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
To thrive in nutrient-poor waters, coral reefs must retain and recycle materials efficiently. This review centers microbial processes in facilitating the persistence and stability of coral reefs, specifically the role of these processes in transforming and recycling the dissolved organic matter (DOM) that acts as an invisible currency in reef production, nutrient exchange, and organismal interactions. The defining characteristics of coral reefs, including high productivity, balanced metabolism, high biodiversity, nutrient retention, and structural complexity, are inextricably linked to microbial processing of DOM. The composition of microbes and DOM in reefs is summarized, and the spatial and temporal dynamics of biogeochemical processes carried out by microorganisms in diverse reef habitats are explored in a variety of key reef processes, including decomposition, accretion, trophictransfer, and macronutrient recycling. Finally, we examine how widespread habitat degradation of reefs is altering these important microbe-DOM interactions, creating feedbacks that reduce reef resilience to global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig E Nelson
- Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education, Department of Oceanography, and Sea Grant College Program, School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA;
| | - Linda Wegley Kelly
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
| | - Andreas F Haas
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), Texel, The Netherlands;
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13
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Elma E, Gullström M, Yahya SAS, Jouffray JB, East HK, Nyström M. Post-bleaching alterations in coral reef communities. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114479. [PMID: 36549237 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114479] [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: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We explored the extent of post-bleaching impacts, caused by the 2014-2016 El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event, on benthic community structure (BCS) and herbivores (fish and sea urchins) on seven fringing reefs, with differing protection levels, in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Results showed post-bleaching alterations in BCS, with up to 68 % coral mortality and up to 48 % increase in turf algae cover in all reef sites. Herbivorous fish biomass increased after bleaching and was correlated with turf algae increase in some reefs, while the opposite was found for sea urchin densities, with significant declines and complete absence. The severity of the impact varied across individual reefs, with larger impact on the protected reefs, compared to the unprotected reefs. Our study provides a highly relevant reference point to guide future research and contributes to our understanding of post-bleaching impacts, trends, and evaluation of coral reef health and resilience in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eylem Elma
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Martin Gullström
- School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies, Södertörn University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Saleh A S Yahya
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | | | - Holly K East
- Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Magnus Nyström
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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14
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Sadiqi SSJ, Hong EM, Nam WH, Kim T. Review: An integrated framework for understanding ecological drought and drought resistance. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 846:157477. [PMID: 35870577 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Droughts are a frequent natural phenomenon that has amplified globally in the 21st century and are projected to become more common and extreme in the future. Consequently, this affects the progress of drought indices and frameworks to categorize drought conditions. Several drought-related indices and variables are required to capture different features of complex drought conditions. Therefore, we explained the signs of progress of ecological drought that were ecologically expressive to promote the integration between the research on and identification of water scarcity situations and analyzed different frameworks to synthesize the drought effects on species and ecosystems. Notably, we present an inclusive review of an integrated framework for an ecological drought. The ecological drought framework affords the advantage of improved methodologies for assessing ecological drought. This is supported by research on water-limited ecosystems that incorporated several drought-related elements and indicators to produce an integrated drought framework. In this framework, we combined multiple studies on drought recovery, early warning signs, and the effects of land management interferences, along with a schematic representation of a new extension of the framework into ecological systems, to contribute to the success and long-term sustainability of ecological drought adaptation, as well as on-the-ground examples of climate-informed ecological drought management in action for an integrated framework for ecological drought. This study provides an integrated approach to the understanding of ecological drought in line with accelerated scientific advancement to promote persistence and plan for a future that irretrievably exceeds the ecosystem thresholds and new multivariate drought indices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed Shah Jan Sadiqi
- Department of Environment Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eun-Mi Hong
- School of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea.
| | - Won-Ho Nam
- School of Social Safety and Systems Engineering, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea; Institute of Agricultural Environmental Science, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea; National Agricultural Water Research Center, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea.
| | - Taegon Kim
- Department of Smart Farm, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Palmer C, Jimenez C, Bassey G, Ruiz E, Villalobos Cubero T, Chavarria Diaz MM, Harrison XA, Puschendorf R. Cold water and harmful algal blooms linked to coral reef collapse in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14081. [PMID: 36193424 PMCID: PMC9526400 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background With conventional coral reef conservation methods proving ineffective against intensifying climate change, efforts have focussed on augmenting coral tolerance to warmer water-the primary driver of coral declines. We document coral cover and composition in relation to sea surface temperature (SST) over 25-years, of six marginal reefs in an upwelling area of Costa Rica's Eastern Tropical Pacific. Methods Using reef survey data and sea surface temperature (SST) dating back over 25-years, we document coral cover and composition of six marginal reefs in an upwelling area of Costa Rica's Eastern Tropical Pacific in relation to thermal highs and lows. Results A ubiquitous and catastrophic coral die-off event occurred in 2009, driven by SST minima and likely by the presence of extreme harmful algal blooms. Coral cover was dramatically reduced and coral composition shifted from dominant branching Pocillopora to massive Pavona, Porites, and Gardineroseris. The lack of coral recovery in the decade since indicates a breach in ecosystem tipping-point and highlights a need for resilience-based management (RBM) and restoration. We propose a locally tailored and globally scalable approach to coral reef declines that is founded in RBM and informed by coral health dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Palmer
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, University of Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom,Seeking Survivors, Yelverton, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - Carlos Jimenez
- Enalia Physis Environmental Research Centre (ENALIA), Nicosia, Cyprus,Energy, Environment and Water Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Eleazar Ruiz
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología (CIMAR), Universidad de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica
| | | | | | - Xavier A. Harrison
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Puschendorf
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, University of Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom
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16
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Shaver EC, McLeod E, Hein MY, Palumbi SR, Quigley K, Vardi T, Mumby PJ, Smith D, Montoya‐Maya P, Muller EM, Banaszak AT, McLeod IM, Wachenfeld D. A roadmap to integrating resilience into the practice of coral reef restoration. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:4751-4764. [PMID: 35451154 PMCID: PMC9545251 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Recent warm temperatures driven by climate change have caused mass coral bleaching and mortality across the world, prompting managers, policymakers, and conservation practitioners to embrace restoration as a strategy to sustain coral reefs. Despite a proliferation of new coral reef restoration efforts globally and increasing scientific recognition and research on interventions aimed at supporting reef resilience to climate impacts, few restoration programs are currently incorporating climate change and resilience in project design. As climate change will continue to degrade coral reefs for decades to come, guidance is needed to support managers and restoration practitioners to conduct restoration that promotes resilience through enhanced coral reef recovery, resistance, and adaptation. Here, we address this critical implementation gap by providing recommendations that integrate resilience principles into restoration design and practice, including for project planning and design, coral selection, site selection, and broader ecosystem context. We also discuss future opportunities to improve restoration methods to support enhanced outcomes for coral reefs in response to climate change. As coral reefs are one of the most vulnerable ecosystems to climate change, interventions that enhance reef resilience will help to ensure restoration efforts have a greater chance of success in a warming world. They are also more likely to provide essential contributions to global targets to protect natural biodiversity and the human communities that rely on reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Margaux Y. Hein
- Marine Ecosystem Restoration Research and ConsultingMonacoMonaco
| | | | - Kate Quigley
- Minderoo FoundationPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Tali Vardi
- ECS for NOAA Fisheries Office of Science & TechnologySilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - Peter J. Mumby
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueenslandAustralia
| | - David Smith
- Coral Reef Research UnitSchool of Life SciencesEssexUK
- Mars IncorporatedLondonUK
| | | | | | | | - Ian M. McLeod
- TropWATER, The Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - David Wachenfeld
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park AuthorityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
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17
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Devlin MJ. Coral reefs: The good and not so good news with future bright and dark spots for coral reefs through climate change. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:4506-4508. [PMID: 35593317 PMCID: PMC9327719 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
COMMENTARY ON Present and future bright and dark spots for coral reefs through climate change. This is a commentary on Sully et al., 2022, https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.16083
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18
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Anderson L, Houk P, Miller MGR, Cuetos-Bueno J, Graham C, Kanemoto K, Terk E, McLeod E, Beger M. Trait groups as management entities in a complex, multispecies reef fishery. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2022; 36:e13866. [PMID: 34811801 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13866] [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: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Localized stressors compound the ongoing climate-driven decline of coral reefs, requiring natural resource managers to work with rapidly shifting paradigms. Trait-based adaptive management (TBAM) is a new framework to help address changing conditions by choosing and implementing management actions specific to species groups that share key traits, vulnerabilities, and management responses. In TBAM maintenance of functioning ecosystems is balanced with provisioning for human subsistence and livelihoods. We first identified trait-based groups of food fish in a Pacific coral reef with hierarchical clustering. Positing that trait-based groups performing comparable functions respond similarly to both stressors and management actions, we ascertained biophysical and socioeconomic drivers of trait-group biomass and evaluated their vulnerabilities with generalized additive models. Clustering identified 7 trait groups from 131 species. Groups responded to different drivers and displayed divergent vulnerabilities; human activities emerged as important predictors of community structuring. Biomass of small, solitary reef-associated species increased with distance from key fishing ports, and large, solitary piscivores exhibited a decline in biomass with distance from a port. Group biomass also varied in response to different habitat types, the presence or absence of reported dynamite fishing activity, and exposure to wave energy. The differential vulnerabilities of trait groups revealed how the community structure of food fishes is driven by different aspects of resource use and habitat. This inherent variability in the responses of trait-based groups presents opportunities to apply selective TBAM strategies for complex, multispecies fisheries. This approach can be widely adjusted to suit local contexts and priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Anderson
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Peter Houk
- Marine Laboratory, University of Guam, Mangilao, Guam
| | - Mark G R Miller
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Javier Cuetos-Bueno
- Marine Laboratory, University of Guam, Mangilao, Guam
- The Nature Conservancy, Mangilao, Guam
| | - Curtis Graham
- Department of Marine Resources, Weno, Federated States of Micronesia
| | - Kriskitina Kanemoto
- FSM Ridge to Reef Program, Department of Marine Resources, Weno, Federated States of Micronesia
| | - Elizabeth Terk
- The Nature Conservancy, Kolonia, Federated States of Micronesia
| | | | - Maria Beger
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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19
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Johnson JV, Dick JTA, Pincheira-Donoso D. Marine protected areas do not buffer corals from bleaching under global warming. BMC Ecol Evol 2022; 22:58. [PMID: 35508975 PMCID: PMC9066861 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-022-02011-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rising temperature of the oceans has been identified as the primary driver of mass coral reef declines via coral bleaching (expulsion of photosynthetic endosymbionts). Marine protected areas (MPAs) have been implemented throughout the oceans with the aim of mitigating the impact of local stressors, enhancing fish biomass, and sustaining biodiversity overall. In coral reef regions specifically, protection from local stressors and the enhanced ecosystem function contributed by MPAs are expected to increase coral resistance to global-scale stressors such as marine heatwaves. However, MPAs still suffer from limitations in design, or fail to be adequately enforced, potentially reducing their intended efficacy. Here, we address the hypothesis that the local-scale benefits resulting from MPAs moderate coral bleaching under global warming related stress. RESULTS Bayesian analyses reveal that bleaching is expected to occur in both larger and older MPAs when corals are under thermal stress from marine heatwaves (quantified as Degree Heating Weeks, DHW), but this is partially moderated in comparison to the effects of DHW alone. Further analyses failed to identify differences in bleaching prevalence in MPAs relative to non-MPAs for coral reefs experiencing different levels of thermal stress. Finally, no difference in temperatures where bleaching occurs between MPA and non-MPA sites was found. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that bleaching is likely to occur under global warming regardless of protected status. Thus, while protected areas have key roles for maintaining ecosystem function and local livelihoods, combatting the source of global warming remains the best way to prevent the decline of coral reefs via coral bleaching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack V Johnson
- Macrobiodiversity Lab, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Jaimie T A Dick
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Daniel Pincheira-Donoso
- Macrobiodiversity Lab, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK.
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20
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Gilmour JP, Cook KL, Ryan NM, Puotinen ML, Green RH, Heyward AJ. A tale of two reef systems: Local conditions, disturbances, coral life histories, and the climate catastrophe. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e2509. [PMID: 34870357 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs have evolved over millennia to survive disturbances. Yet, in just a few decades chronic local pressures and the climate catastrophe have accelerated so quickly that most coral reefs are now threatened. Rising ocean temperatures and recurrent bleaching pose the biggest threat, affecting even remote and well-managed reefs on global scales. We illustrate how coral bleaching is altering reefs by contrasting the dynamics of adjacent reef systems over more than two decades. Both reef systems sit near the edge of northwest Australia's continental shelf, have escaped chronic local pressures and are regularly affected by tropical storms and cyclones. The Scott reef system has experienced multiple bleaching events, including mass bleaching in 1998 and 2016, from which it is unlikely to fully recover. The Rowley Shoals has maintained a high cover and diversity of corals and has not yet been impacted by mass bleaching. We show how the dynamics of both reef systems were driven by a combination of local environment, exposure to disturbances and coral life history traits, and consider future shifts in community structure with ongoing climate change. We then demonstrate how applying knowledge of community dynamics at local scales can aid management strategies to slow the degradation of coral reefs until carbon emissions and other human impacts are properly managed.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Gilmour
- The Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kylie L Cook
- The Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nicole M Ryan
- The Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Marjetta L Puotinen
- The Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rebecca H Green
- Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Andrew J Heyward
- The Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
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21
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Contingency planning for coral reefs in the Anthropocene; The potential of reef safe havens. Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:107-124. [PMID: 35225326 DOI: 10.1042/etls20210232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Reducing the global reliance on fossil fuels is essential to ensure the long-term survival of coral reefs, but until this happens, alternative tools are required to safeguard their future. One emerging tool is to locate areas where corals are surviving well despite the changing climate. Such locations include refuges, refugia, hotspots of resilience, bright spots, contemporary near-pristine reefs, and hope spots that are collectively named reef 'safe havens' in this mini-review. Safe havens have intrinsic value for reefs through services such as environmental buffering, maintaining near-pristine reef conditions, or housing corals naturally adapted to future environmental conditions. Spatial and temporal variance in physicochemical conditions and exposure to stress however preclude certainty over the ubiquitous long-term capacity of reef safe havens to maintain protective service provision. To effectively integrate reef safe havens into proactive reef management and contingency planning for climate change scenarios, thus requires an understanding of their differences, potential values, and predispositions to stress. To this purpose, I provide a high-level review on the defining characteristics of different coral reef safe havens, how they are being utilised in proactive reef management and what risk and susceptibilities they inherently have. The mini-review concludes with an outline of the potential for reef safe haven habitats to support contingency planning of coral reefs under an uncertain future from intensifying climate change.
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Gajdzik L, DeCarlo TM, Aylagas E, Coker DJ, Green AL, Majoris JE, Saderne VF, Carvalho S, Berumen ML. A portfolio of climate-tailored approaches to advance the design of marine protected areas in the Red Sea. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:3956-3968. [PMID: 34021662 PMCID: PMC8453993 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Intensified coastal development is compromising the health and functioning of marine ecosystems. A key example of this is the Red Sea, a biodiversity hotspot subjected to increasing local human pressures. While some marine-protected areas (MPAs) were placed to alleviate these stressors, it is unclear whether these MPAs are managed or enforced, thus providing limited protection. Yet, most importantly, MPAs in the Red Sea were not designed using climate considerations, likely diminishing their effectiveness against global stressors. Here, we propose to tailor the design of MPAs in the Red Sea by integrating approaches to enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation. First, including coral bleaching susceptibility could produce a more resilient network of MPAs by safeguarding reefs from different thermal regions that vary in spatiotemporal bleaching responses, reducing the risk that all protected reefs will bleach simultaneously. Second, preserving the basin-wide genetic connectivity patterns that are assisted by mesoscale eddies could further ensure recovery of sensitive populations and maintain species potential to adapt to environmental changes. Finally, protecting mangrove forests in the northern and southern Red Sea that act as major carbon sinks could help offset greenhouse gas emissions. If implemented with multinational cooperation and concerted effort among stakeholders, our portfolio of climate-tailored approaches may help build a network of MPAs in the Red Sea that protects more effectively its coastal resources against escalating coastal development and climate instability. Beyond the Red Sea, we anticipate this study to serve as an example of how to improve the utility of tropical MPAs as climate-informed conservation tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gajdzik
- Red Sea Research CenterKing Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)ThuwalSaudi Arabia
- Present address:
Division of Aquatic ResourcesDepartment of Land and Natural ResourcesState of HawaiʻiHonoluluHI96813USA
| | - Thomas M. DeCarlo
- Red Sea Research CenterKing Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)ThuwalSaudi Arabia
- Present address:
College of Natural and Computational SciencesHawaiʻi Pacific UniversityHonoluluHI96813USA
| | - Eva Aylagas
- Red Sea Research CenterKing Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)ThuwalSaudi Arabia
| | - Darren J. Coker
- Red Sea Research CenterKing Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)ThuwalSaudi Arabia
| | - Alison L. Green
- Red Sea Research CenterKing Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)ThuwalSaudi Arabia
| | - John E. Majoris
- Red Sea Research CenterKing Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)ThuwalSaudi Arabia
| | - Vincent F. Saderne
- Red Sea Research CenterKing Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)ThuwalSaudi Arabia
| | - Susana Carvalho
- Red Sea Research CenterKing Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)ThuwalSaudi Arabia
| | - Michael L. Berumen
- Red Sea Research CenterKing Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)ThuwalSaudi Arabia
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23
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O'Donnell FC, Atkinson CL, Frischer ME. A Participatory Approach for Balancing Accuracy and Complexity in Modeling Resilience and Robustness. Integr Comp Biol 2021; 61:2154-2162. [PMID: 34323964 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icab170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Robustness and resilience are widely used in the biological sciences and related disciplines to describe how systems respond to change. Robustness is the ability to tolerate change without adapting or moving to another state. Resilience refers to the ability for a system to sustain a perturbation and maintain critical functions. Robustness and resilience transcend levels of biological organization, though they do not scale directly across levels. We live in an era of novel stressors and unprecedented change, including climate change, emerging environmental contaminants, and changes to earth's biogeochemical and hydrological cycles. We envision a common framework for developing models to predict the robustness and resilience of biological functions associated with complex systems that can transcend disciplinary boundaries. Conceptual and quantitative models of robustness and resilience must consider cross-scale interactions of potentially infinite complexity, but it is impossible to capture everything within a single model. Here, we discuss the need to balance accuracy and complexity when designing models, data collection, and downstream analyses to study robustness and resilience. We also consider the difficulties in defining the spatiotemporal domain when studying robustness and resilience as an emergent property of a complex system. We suggest a framework for implementing transdisciplinary research on robustness and resilience of biological systems that draws on participatory stakeholder engagement methods from the fields of conservation and natural resources management. Further, we suggest that a common, simplified model development framework for describing complex biological systems will provide new, broadly relevant educational tools. Efficient interdisciplinary collaboration to accurately develop a model of robustness and resilience would enable rapid, context-specific assessment of complex biological systems with benefits for a broad range of societally relevant problems.
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Gouezo M, Fabricius K, Harrison P, Golbuu Y, Doropoulos C. Optimizing coral reef recovery with context-specific management actions at prioritized reefs. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 295:113209. [PMID: 34346392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Assisting the natural recovery of coral reefs through local management actions is needed in response to increasing ecosystem disturbances in the Anthropocene. There is growing evidence that commonly used resilience-based passive management approaches may not be sufficient to maintain coral reef key functions. We synthesize and discuss advances in coral reef recovery research, and its application to coral reef conservation and restoration practices. We then present a framework to guide the decision-making of reef managers, scientists and other stakeholders, to best support reef recovery after a disturbance. The overall aim of this management framework is to catalyse reef recovery, to minimize recovery times, and to limit the need for ongoing management interventions into the future. Our framework includes two main stages: first, a prioritization method for assessment following a large-scale disturbance, which is based on a reef's social-ecological values, and on a classification of the likelihood of recovery or succession resulting in degraded, novel, hybrid or historical states. Second, a flow chart to assist with determining management actions for highly valued reefs. Potential actions are chosen based on the ecological attributes of the disturbed reef, defined during ecological assessments. Depending on the context, management actions may include (1) substrata rehabilitation actions to facilitate natural coral recruitment, (2) repopulating actions using active restoration techniques, (3) resilience-based management actions and (4) monitoring coral recruitment and growth to assess the effectiveness of management interventions. We illustrate the proposed decision framework with a case study of typhoon-damaged eastern outer reefs in Palau, Micronesia. The decisions made following this framework lead to the conclusion that some reefs may not return to their historical state for many decades. However, if motivation and funds are available, new management approaches can be explored to assist coral reefs at valued locations to return to a functional state providing key ecosystem services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Gouezo
- Palau International Coral Reef Center, PO Box 7086, Koror, Palau; Marine Ecology Research Centre, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia.
| | - Katharina Fabricius
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia.
| | - Peter Harrison
- Marine Ecology Research Centre, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia.
| | - Yimnang Golbuu
- Palau International Coral Reef Center, PO Box 7086, Koror, Palau.
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25
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Ortiz JC, Pears RJ, Beeden R, Dryden J, Wolff NH, Gomez Cabrera MDC, Mumby PJ. Important ecosystem function, low redundancy and high vulnerability: The trifecta argument for protecting the Great Barrier Reef's tabular
Acropora. Conserv Lett 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Juan C. Ortiz
- Australian Institute of Marine Science Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Rachel J. Pears
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Roger Beeden
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Jen Dryden
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Townsville Queensland Australia
| | | | | | - Peter J Mumby
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies Douglas Queensland Australia
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26
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Thompson CL, Alberti M, Barve S, Battistuzzi FU, Drake JL, Goncalves GC, Govaert L, Partridge C, Yang Y. Back to the future: Reintegrating biology to understand how past eco-evolutionary change can predict future outcomes. Integr Comp Biol 2021; 61:2218-2232. [PMID: 33964141 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icab068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last few decades, biologists have made remarkable progress in understanding the fundamental processes that shape life. But despite the unprecedented level of knowledge now available, large gaps still remain in our understanding of the complex interplay of eco-evolutionary mechanisms across scales of life. Rapidly changing environments on Earth provide a pressing need to understand the potential implications of eco-evolutionary dynamics, which can be achieved by improving existing eco-evolutionary models and fostering convergence among the sub-fields of biology. We propose a new, data-driven approach that harnesses our knowledge of the functioning of biological systems to expand current conceptual frameworks and develop corresponding models that can more accurately represent and predict future eco-evolutionary outcomes. We suggest a roadmap toward achieving this goal. This long-term vision will move biology in a direction that can wield these predictive models for scientific applications that benefit humanity and increase the resilience of natural biological systems. We identify short, medium, and long-term key objectives to connect our current state of knowledge to this long-term vision, iteratively progressing across three stages: 1) utilizing knowledge of biological systems to better inform eco-evolutionary models, 2) generating models with more accurate predictions, and 3) applying predictive models to benefit the biosphere. Within each stage, we outline avenues of investigation and scientific applications related to the timescales over which evolution occurs, the parameter space of eco-evolutionary processes, and the dynamic interactions between these mechanisms. The ability to accurately model, monitor, and anticipate eco-evolutionary changes would be transformational to humanity's interaction with the global environment, providing novel tools to benefit human health, protect the natural world, and manage our planet's biosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marina Alberti
- Department of Urban Design and Planning, University of Washington,
| | - Sahas Barve
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History,
| | | | - Jeana L Drake
- Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences, University of California Los Angeles,
| | | | - Lynn Govaert
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich; Department of Aquatic Ecology, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, URPP Global Change and Biodiversity, University of Zurich,
| | | | - Ya Yang
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota,
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Ferse SCA, Hein MY, Rölfer L. A survey of current trends and suggested future directions in coral transplantation for reef restoration. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249966. [PMID: 33939716 PMCID: PMC8092780 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Coral transplantation has been used in reef restoration for several decades, but information on the type of projects, their scope, scale, and success is mostly limited to published scientific studies and technical reports. Many practitioners do not have the capacity to share their progress in peer-reviewed literature, yet likely have a wealth of information to share on how to improve the efficiency of transplantation efforts. In order to incorporate non-published data on coral transplantation projects and gain an overview of the general features of these projects, we conducted an initial systematic online survey of projects run by various practitioners. Surveyed projects (n = 50) covered most of the tropical belt and ranged in size from a few hundred transplanted corals to >5000 transplants. The most frequent source of coral fragments were corals already broken from some previous impact (“corals of opportunity”; 58% of projects), followed by fragments stored in different types of aquaculture systems (42% of projects). The use of sexual reproduction was very limited. Fast-growing, branching corals were used in 96% of projects, being by far the most common transplanted growth form. About half of the projects mentioned undertaking maintenance of the transplantation plots. The majority of projects undertook subsequent monitoring (80%), yet the available data indicates that duration of monitoring efforts was not adequate to evaluate long-term success. The findings underline that while some general principles for successful coral restoration projects are reasonably well established, others need to be mainstreamed better in order to improve the effectiveness of coral transplantation for reef restoration. This relates in particular to sustainable funding, adequate site assessment, and long-term monitoring using established protocols. Additional information is needed to better understand and address potential challenges with regards to the sourcing of transplants and use of slow-growing species. A better integration of practitioners is necessary to improve the understanding of coral transplantation effectiveness. The results underline a need to develop and use monitoring protocols that allow gauging and comparing the effectiveness of coral transplantation among various projects, as well as for accessible platform(s) to allow the exchange of experiences made in different projects. Regular surveys of restoration projects are recommended to collate and share information among practitioners. We provide a number of recommendations for items to include in future surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian C. A. Ferse
- Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen, Germany
- Faculty of Biology & Chemistry (FB2), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Margaux Y. Hein
- Marine Ecosystem Restoration (MER) Research and Consulting, Monaco
- TropWATER, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lena Rölfer
- Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Bremen, Germany
- Faculty of Biology & Chemistry (FB2), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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28
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Devlin MJ, Lyons BP, Johnson JE, Hills JM. The tropical Pacific Oceanscape: Current issues, solutions and future possibilities. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 166:112181. [PMID: 33676108 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Marine ecosystems across the world's largest ocean - the Pacific Ocean - are being increasingly affected by stressors such as pollution, overfishing, ocean acidification, coastal development and warming events coupled with rising sea levels and increasing frequency of extreme weather. These anthropogenic-driven stressors, which operate cumulatively at varying spatial and temporal scales, are leading to ongoing and pervasive degradation of many marine ecosystems in the Pacific Island region. The effects of global warming and ocean acidification threaten much of the region and impact on the socio-cultural, environmental, economic and human health components of many Pacific Island nations. Simultaneously, resilience to climate change is being reduced as systems are overburdened by other stressors, such as marine and land-based pollution and unsustainable fishing. Consequently, it is important to understand the vulnerability of this region to future environmental scenarios and determine to what extent management actions can help protect, and rebuild ecosystem resilience and maintain ecosystem service provision. This Special Issue of papers explores many of these pressures through case studies across the Pacific Island region, and the impacts of individual and cumulative pressures on the condition, resilience and survival of ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. The papers represent original work from across the tropical Pacific oceanscape, an area that includes 22 Pacific Island countries and territories plus Hawaii and the Philippines. The 39 papers within provide insights on anthropogenic pressures and habitat responses at local, national, and regional scales. The themes range from coastal water quality and human health, assessment of status and trends for marine habitats (e.g. seagrass and coral reefs), and the interaction of local pressures (pollution, overfishing) with increasing temperatures and climate variability. Studies within the Special Issue highlight how local actions, monitoring, tourism values, management, policy and incentives can encourage adaptation to anthropogenic impacts. Conclusions identify possible solutions to support sustainable and harmonious environment and social systems in the unique Pacific Island oceanscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle J Devlin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR330HT, Suffolk, UK; CCSUS, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norwich, Norfolk, UK; TropWater, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Brett P Lyons
- Cefas, Weymouth Laboratory, Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, Dorset, UK
| | - Johanna E Johnson
- C2O Pacific, Port Vila, Vanuatu & Cairns, Australia; College of Science & Engineering, James Cook University, Queensland, Australia
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29
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Good AM, Bahr KD. The coral conservation crisis: interacting local and global stressors reduce reef resiliency and create challenges for conservation solutions. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-021-04319-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractCoral reefs are one of the most productive and biodiverse ecosystems in the world. Humans rely on these coral reef ecosystems to provide significant ecological and economic resources; however, coral reefs are threatened by numerous local and global anthropogenic factors that cause significant environmental change. The interactions of these local and global human impacts may increase the rate of coral reef degradation. For example, there are many local influences (i.e., sedimentation and submarine groundwater discharge) that may exacerbate coral bleaching and mortality. Therefore, researchers and resource managers cannot limit their narratives and actions to mitigating a sole stressor. With the continued increase in greenhouse gas emissions, management strategies and restoration techniques need to account for the scale at which environmental change occurs. This review aims to outline the various local and global anthropogenic stressors threatening reef resiliency and address the recent disagreements surrounding present-day conservation practices. Unfortunately, there is no one solution to preserve and restore all coral reefs. Each coral reef region is challenged by numerous interactive stressors that affect its ecosystem response, recovery, and services in various ways. This review discusses, while global reef degradation occurs, local solutions should be implemented to efficiently protect the coral reef ecosystem services that are valuable to marine and terrestrial environments.
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30
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Canty SWJ, Fox G, Rowntree JK, Preziosi RF. Genetic structure of a remnant Acropora cervicornis population. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3523. [PMID: 33568733 PMCID: PMC7876111 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83112-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Amongst the global decline of coral reefs, hope spots such as Cordelia Bank in Honduras, have been identified. This site contains dense, remnant thickets of the endangered species Acropora cervicornis, which local managers and conservation organizations view as a potential source population for coral restoration projects. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic diversity of colonies across three banks within the protected area. We identified low genetic diversity (FST = 0.02) across the three banks, and genetic similarity of colonies ranged from 91.3 to 95.8% between the banks. Clonality rates were approximately 30% across the three banks, however, each genotype identified was unique to each bank. Despite the low genetic diversity, subtle genetic differences within and among banks were demonstrated, and these dense thickets were shown not to be comprised of a single or a few genotypes. The presence of multiple genotypes suggests A. cervicornis colonies from these banks could be used to maintain and enhance genetic diversity in restoration projects. Management of hope spots, such as Cordelia Bank, and the incorporation of genetic information into restoration projects to ensure genetic diversity within out-planted populations, will be critical in the ongoing challenge of conserving and preserving coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven W. J. Canty
- grid.1214.60000 0000 8716 3312Working Land and Seascapes, Conservation Commons, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20013 USA ,grid.452909.30000 0001 0479 0204Smithsonian Marine Station, 701 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34949 USA ,grid.25627.340000 0001 0790 5329Department of Natural Sciences, Ecology and Environment Research Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD UK ,Centro de Estudios Marinos, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Graeme Fox
- grid.25627.340000 0001 0790 5329Department of Natural Sciences, Ecology and Environment Research Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD UK
| | - Jennifer K. Rowntree
- grid.25627.340000 0001 0790 5329Department of Natural Sciences, Ecology and Environment Research Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD UK
| | - Richard F. Preziosi
- grid.25627.340000 0001 0790 5329Department of Natural Sciences, Ecology and Environment Research Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD UK
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Pearson RM, Schlacher TA, Jinks KI, Olds AD, Brown CJ, Connolly RM. Disturbance type determines how connectivity shapes ecosystem resilience. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1188. [PMID: 33441960 PMCID: PMC7806881 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-80987-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Connectivity is fundamentally important for shaping the resilience of complex human and natural networks when systems are disturbed. Ecosystem resilience is, in part, shaped by the spatial arrangement of habitats, the permeability and fluxes between them, the stabilising functions performed by organisms, their dispersal traits, and the interactions between functions and stressor types. Controlled investigations of the relationships between these phenomena under multiple stressors are sparse, possibly due to logistic and ethical difficulties associated with applying and controlling stressors at landscape scales. Here we show that grazing performance, a key ecosystem function, is linked to connectivity by manipulating the spatial configuration of habitats in microcosms impacted by multiple stressors. Greater connectivity enhanced ecosystem function and reduced variability in grazing performance in unperturbed systems. Improved functional performance was observed in better connected systems stressed by harvesting pressure and temperature rise, but this effect was notably reversed by the spread of disease. Connectivity has complex effects on ecological functions and resilience, and the nuances should be recognised more fully in ecosystem conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Pearson
- Australian Rivers Institute-Coast and Estuaries, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia.
| | - Thomas A Schlacher
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, DC, 4558, Australia
| | - Kristin I Jinks
- Australian Rivers Institute-Coast and Estuaries, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia
| | - Andrew D Olds
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, DC, 4558, Australia
| | - Christopher J Brown
- Australian Rivers Institute-Coast and Estuaries, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia
| | - 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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32
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McLeod E, Shaver EC, Beger M, Koss J, Grimsditch G. Using resilience assessments to inform the management and conservation of coral reef ecosystems. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 277:111384. [PMID: 33059325 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111384] [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: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is causing the decline of coral reef ecosystems globally. Recent research highlights the importance of reducing CO2 emissions in combination with implementing local management actions to support reef health and recovery, particularly actions that protect sites which are more resilient to extreme events. Resilience assessments quantify the ecological, social, and environmental context of reefs through the lens of resilience, i.e., the capacity of a system to absorb or withstand stressors such that the system maintains its structure and functions and has the capacity to adapt to future disturbances and changes. Resilience assessments are an important tool to help marine managers and decision makers anticipate changes, identify areas with high survival prospects, and prioritize management actions to support resilience. While being widely implemented, however, there has not yet been an evaluation of whether resilience assessments have informed coral reef management. Here, we assess the primary and gray literature and input from coral reef managers to map where resilience assessments have been conducted. We explore if and how they have been used to inform management actions and provide recommendations for improving the likelihood that resilience assessments will result in management actions and positive conservation outcomes. These recommendations are applicable to other ecosystems in which resilience assessments are applied and will become increasingly important as climate impacts intensify and reduce the window of opportunity for protecting natural ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Beger
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK; Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Jennifer Koss
- NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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Brodie G, Holland E, N'Yeurt ADR, Soapi K, Hills J. Seagrasses and seagrass habitats in Pacific small island developing states: Potential loss of benefits via human disturbance and climate change. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 160:111573. [PMID: 32916440 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Seagrasses provide a wide range of services including food provision, water purification and coastal protection. Pacific small island developing states (PSIDS) have limited natural resources, challenging economies and a need for marine science research. Seagrasses occur in eleven PSIDS and nations are likely to benefit in different ways depending on habitat health, habitat cover and location, and species presence. Globally seagrass habitats are declining as a result of anthropogenic impacts including climate change and in PSIDS pressure on already stressed coastal ecosystems, will likely threaten seagrass survival particularly close to expanding urban settlements. Improved coastal and urban planning at local, national and regional scales is needed to reduce human impacts on vulnerable coastal areas. Research is required to generate knowledge-based solutions to support effective coastal management and protection of the existing seagrass habitats, including strenghened documentation the socio-economic and environmental services they provide. For PSIDS, protection of seagrass service benefits requires six priority actions: seagrass habitat mapping, regulation of coastal and upstream development, identification of specific threats at vulnerable locations, a critique of cost-effective restoration options, research devoted to seagrass studies and more explicit policy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilianne Brodie
- Institute of Applied Sciences, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji.
| | - Elisabeth Holland
- School of Marine Studies, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji; Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
| | - Antoine De Ramon N'Yeurt
- Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
| | - Katy Soapi
- Research Office, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
| | - Jeremy Hills
- Research Office, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
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Population genetics of the brooding coral Seriatopora hystrix reveals patterns of strong genetic differentiation in the Western Indian Ocean. Heredity (Edinb) 2020; 126:351-365. [PMID: 33122855 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-020-00379-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs provide essential goods and services but are degrading at an alarming rate due to local and global anthropogenic stressors. The main limitation that prevents the implementation of adequate conservation measures is that connectivity and genetic structure of populations are poorly known. Here, the genetic diversity and connectivity of the brooding scleractinian coral Seriatopora hystrix were assessed at two scales by genotyping ten microsatellite markers for 356 individual colonies. S. hystrix showed high differentiation, both at large scale between the Red Sea and the Western Indian Ocean (WIO), and at smaller scale along the coast of East Africa. As such high levels of differentiation might indicate the presence of more than one species, a haploweb analysis was conducted with the nuclear marker ITS2, confirming that the Red Sea populations are genetically distinct from the WIO ones. Based on microsatellite analyses three groups could be distinguished within the WIO: (1) northern Madagascar, (2) south-west Madagascar together with one site in northern Mozambique (Nacala) and (3) all other sites in northern Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya. These patterns of restricted connectivity could be explained by the short pelagic larval duration of S. hystrix, and/or by oceanographic factors, such as eddies in the Mozambique Channel (causing larval retention in northern Madagascar but facilitating dispersal from northern Mozambique towards south-west Madagascar). This study provides an additional line of evidence supporting the conservation priority status of the Northern Mozambique Channel and should inform coral reef management decisions in the region.
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Boilard A, Dubé CE, Gruet C, Mercière A, Hernandez-Agreda A, Derome N. Defining Coral Bleaching as a Microbial Dysbiosis within the Coral Holobiont. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111682. [PMID: 33138319 PMCID: PMC7692791 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral microbiomes are critical to holobiont health and functioning, but the stability of host–microbial interactions is fragile, easily shifting from eubiosis to dysbiosis. The heat-induced breakdown of the symbiosis between the host and its dinoflagellate algae (that is, “bleaching”), is one of the most devastating outcomes for reef ecosystems. Yet, bleaching tolerance has been observed in some coral species. This review provides an overview of the holobiont’s diversity, explores coral thermal tolerance in relation to their associated microorganisms, discusses the hypothesis of adaptive dysbiosis as a mechanism of environmental adaptation, mentions potential solutions to mitigate bleaching, and suggests new research avenues. More specifically, we define coral bleaching as the succession of three holobiont stages, where the microbiota can (i) maintain essential functions for holobiont homeostasis during stress and/or (ii) act as a buffer to mitigate bleaching by favoring the recruitment of thermally tolerant Symbiodiniaceae species (adaptive dysbiosis), and where (iii) environmental stressors exceed the buffering capacity of both microbial and dinoflagellate partners leading to coral death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Boilard
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (A.B.); (C.G.)
| | - Caroline E. Dubé
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (A.B.); (C.G.)
- California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA;
- Correspondence: (C.E.D.); (N.D.)
| | - Cécile Gruet
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (A.B.); (C.G.)
| | - Alexandre Mercière
- PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 66860 Perpignan CEDEX, France;
- Laboratoire d’Excellence “CORAIL”, 98729 Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia
| | | | - Nicolas Derome
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (A.B.); (C.G.)
- Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Correspondence: (C.E.D.); (N.D.)
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McClanahan TR. Coral community life histories and population dynamics driven by seascape bathymetry and temperature variability. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2020; 87:291-330. [PMID: 33293014 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Temperature variability, habitat, coral communities, and fishing intensity are important factors influencing coral responses to climate change. Consequently, chronic and acute sea-surface temperatures (SSTs) and their interactions with habitat and fishing were studied along the East African coast (~400km) by evaluating changes over a ~25-year period in two major reef habitats-island and fringing reefs. These habitats had similar mean and standard deviation temperature measurements but differed in that islands had lower ocean heights and flatter and less right-skewed temperature distributions than fringing reefs. These patterns arise because islands are exposed to deep offshore water passing through deep channels while being protected from the open ocean storms and the strong inter-annual current temperature variability. Within these two seascapes, coral communities are shaped by population responses to the variable temperature distributions as determined by the taxa's associations with the competitive-stress-ruderal (CSR) life history groups. For example, competitive taxa were more abundant where temperature distributions were flat and lacked frequent warm water anomalies. In contrast, ruderal, weedy, and generalist taxa were more common where temperature distributions were centralized, standard deviations high, and warm water anomalies more frequent. Finally, stress-resistant taxa were more common in reefs with high temperature skew but flatter temperature distributions. The rare 1998 thermal anomaly impacted and disturbed the ruderal and stressed reef more than the competitive communities. Ruderal became more similar to stressed communities while the stressed community moved further from the mean before recovering towards the competitive community. Competitive taxa were more common on islands and the deeper fringing reef sites while ruderal were dominant in shallow fringing reef lagoons. Over time, islands were less disturbed than fringing reefs and maintained the highest coral cover, numbers of taxa, and most competitive or space-occupying taxa. However, some island reefs with a history of dynamite fishing aligned with the stress-resistant communities over the full study period. Compared to the in situ SST gauges at the study site, temperature proxies with global coverage were often good at estimating mean and standard deviations of the SSTs but much poorer at estimating the shape of the temperature distributions that reflect chronic and acute stress, as reflected by kurtosis and skewness metrics. Given that these stress variables were critical for understanding the impacts of rare climate disturbances, global climate models that use mean conditions are likely to be poor predictors of future impacts on corals, particularly their species and life history composition. Better predictions should be possible if appropriate chronic and acute stress metrics and their proxies are identified and used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim R McClanahan
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Programs, Bronx, NY, United States.
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Abstract
Addressing the global decline of coral reefs requires effective actions from managers, policymakers and society as a whole. Coral reef scientists are therefore challenged with the task of providing prompt and relevant inputs for science-based decision-making. Here, we provide a baseline dataset, covering 1300 km of tropical coral reef habitats globally, and comprised of over one million geo-referenced, high-resolution photo-quadrats analysed using artificial intelligence to automatically estimate the proportional cover of benthic components. The dataset contains information on five major reef regions, and spans 2012–2018, including surveys before and after the 2016 global bleaching event. The taxonomic resolution attained by image analysis, as well as the spatially explicit nature of the images, allow for multi-scale spatial analyses, temporal assessments (decline and recovery), and serve for supporting image recognition developments. This standardised dataset across broad geographies offers a significant contribution towards a sound baseline for advancing our understanding of coral reef ecology and thereby taking collective and informed actions to mitigate catastrophic losses in coral reefs worldwide. Measurement(s) | ecosystem • coral reef • composition | Technology Type(s) | automated image annotation • machine learning | Factor Type(s) | year of data collection • geographic location | Sample Characteristic - Organism | Anthozoa • Algae • Porifera | Sample Characteristic - Environment | marine coral reef biome • marine coral reef fore reef | Sample Characteristic - Location | Atlantic Ocean • Eastern Australia • Indian Ocean • Southeast Asia • Pacific Ocean • Great Barrier Reef |
Machine-accessible metadata file describing the reported data: 10.6084/m9.figshare.13007516
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Coral Gardens Reef, Belize: A refugium in the face of Caribbean-wide Acropora spp. coral decline. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239267. [PMID: 32997690 PMCID: PMC7526931 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Caribbean Acropora spp. corals have undergone a decline in cover since the second half of the twentieth century. Loss of these architecturally complex and fast-growing corals has resulted in significant, cascading changes to the character, diversity, and available eco-spaces of Caribbean reefs. Few thriving Acropora spp. populations exist today in the Caribbean and western North Atlantic seas, and our limited ability to access data from reefs assessed via long-term monitoring efforts means that reef scientists are challenged to determine resilience and longevity of existing Acropora spp. reefs. Here we used multiple dating methods to measure reef longevity and determine whether Coral Gardens Reef, Belize, is a refuge for Acropora cervicornis against the backdrop of wider Caribbean decline. We used a new genetic-aging technique to identify sample sites, and radiocarbon and high-precision uranium-thorium (U-Th) dating techniques to test whether one of the largest populations of extant A. cervicornis in the western Caribbean is newly established after the 1980s, or represents a longer-lived, stable population. We did so with respect for ethical sampling of a threatened species. Our data show corals ranging in age from 1910 (14C) or 1915 (230Th) to at least November 2019. While we cannot exclude the possibility of short gaps in the residence of A. cervicornis earlier in the record, the data show consistent and sustained living coral throughout the 1980s and up to at least 2019. We suggest that Coral Gardens has served as a refuge for A. cervicornis and that identifying other, similar sites may be critical to efforts to grow, preserve, conserve, and seed besieged Caribbean reefs.
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Tebbett SB, Goatley CHR, Streit RP, Bellwood DR. Algal turf sediments limit the spatial extent of function delivery on coral reefs. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 734:139422. [PMID: 32460082 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The presence of key organisms is frequently associated with the delivery of specific ecosystem functions. Areas with such organisms are therefore often considered to have greater levels of these functions. While this assumption has been the backbone of coral reef ecosystem-based management approaches for decades, we currently have only a limited understanding of how fish presence equates to function on coral reefs and whether this relationship is susceptible to stressors. To assess the capacity of a stressor to shape function delivery we used a multi-scale approach ranging from tens of kilometres across the continental shelf of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, down to centimetres within a reef habitat. At each scale, we quantified the spatial extent of a model function (detritivory) by a coral reef surgeonfish (Ctenochaetus striatus) and its potential to be shaped by sediments. At broad spatial scales, C. striatus presence was correlated strongly with algal turf sediment loads, while at smaller spatial scales, function delivery appears to be constrained by algal turf sediment distributions. In all cases, sediment loads above ~250-500 g m-2 were associated with a marked decrease in fish abundance or feeding activity, suggesting that a common ecological threshold lies within this range. Our results reveal a complex functional dynamic between proximate agents of function delivery (fish) and the ultimate drivers of function delivery (sediments), which emphasizes: a) weaknesses in the assumed links between fish presence and function, and b) the multi-scale capacity of algal turf sediments to shape reef processes. Unless direct extractive activities (e.g. fishing) are the main driver of function loss on coral reefs, managing to conserve fish abundance is unlikely to yield the desired outcomes. It only addresses one potential driver. Instead, management of both the agents that deliver functions (e.g. fishes), and the drivers that modify functions (e.g. sediments), is needed.
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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.
| | - Christopher H R Goatley
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Lab and Palaeoscience Research Centre, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia; Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Robert P Streit
- 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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Coral reef restoration efforts in Latin American countries and territories. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228477. [PMID: 32756569 PMCID: PMC7406059 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs worldwide are degrading due to climate change, overfishing, pollution, coastal development, coral bleaching, and diseases. In areas where the natural recovery of an ecosystem is negligible or protection through management interventions insufficient, active restoration becomes critical. The Reef Futures symposium in 2018 brought together over 400 reef restoration experts, businesses, and civil organizations, and galvanized them to save coral reefs through restoration or identify alternative solutions. The symposium highlighted that solutions and discoveries from long-term and ongoing coral reef restoration projects in Spanish-speaking countries in the Caribbean and Eastern Tropical Pacific were not well known internationally. Therefore, a meeting of scientists and practitioners working in these locations was held to compile the data on the extent of coral reef restoration efforts, advances and challenges. Here, we present unpublished data from 12 coral reef restoration case studies from five Latin American countries, describe their motivations and techniques used, and provide estimates on total annual project cost per unit area of reef intervened, spatial extent as well as project duration. We found that most projects used direct transplantation, the coral gardening method, micro-fragmentation or larval propagation, and aimed to optimize or scale-up restoration approaches (51%) or provide alternative, sustainable livelihood opportunities (15%) followed by promoting coral reef conservation stewardship and re-establishing a self-sustaining, functioning reef ecosystems (both 13%). Reasons for restoring coral reefs were mainly biotic and experimental (both 42%), followed by idealistic and pragmatic motivations (both 8%). The median annual total cost from all projects was $93,000 USD (range: $10,000 USD-$331,802 USD) (2018 dollars) and intervened a median spatial area of 1 ha (range: 0.06 ha-8.39 ha). The median project duration was 3 years; however, projects have lasted up to 17 years. Project feasibility was high with a median of 0.7 (range: 0.5-0.8). This study closes the knowledge gap between academia and practitioners and overcomes the language barrier by providing the first comprehensive compilation of data from ongoing coral reef restoration efforts in Latin America.
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Carturan BS, Pither J, Maréchal JP, Bradshaw CJA, Parrott L. Combining agent-based, trait-based and demographic approaches to model coral-community dynamics. eLife 2020; 9:e55993. [PMID: 32701058 PMCID: PMC7473774 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The complexity of coral-reef ecosystems makes it challenging to predict their dynamics and resilience under future disturbance regimes. Models for coral-reef dynamics do not adequately account for the high functional diversity exhibited by corals. Models that are ecologically and mechanistically detailed are therefore required to simulate the ecological processes driving coral reef dynamics. Here, we describe a novel model that includes processes at different spatial scales, and the contribution of species' functional diversity to benthic-community dynamics. We calibrated and validated the model to reproduce observed dynamics using empirical data from Caribbean reefs. The model exhibits realistic community dynamics, and individual population dynamics are ecologically plausible. A global sensitivity analysis revealed that the number of larvae produced locally, and interaction-induced reductions in growth rate are the parameters with the largest influence on community dynamics. The model provides a platform for virtual experiments to explore diversity-functioning relationships in coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason Pither
- Department of Biology, University of British ColumbiaKelownaCanada
- Institute for Biodiversity, Resilience, and Ecosystem Services, University of British ColumbiaKelownaCanada
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographic Sciences, University of British ColumbiaKelownaCanada
| | | | - Corey JA Bradshaw
- Global Ecology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders UniversityAdelaideAustralia
| | - Lael Parrott
- Department of Biology, University of British ColumbiaKelownaCanada
- Institute for Biodiversity, Resilience, and Ecosystem Services, University of British ColumbiaKelownaCanada
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographic Sciences, University of British ColumbiaKelownaCanada
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Soares MDO, Araújo JTD, Ferreira SMC, Santos BA, Boavida JRH, Costantini F, Rossi S. Why do mesophotic coral ecosystems have to be protected? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 726:138456. [PMID: 32481209 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs; ~30-150 m depth) are among the most biologically diverse and least protected ecosystems in the world's oceans. However, discussions regarding the conservation of these unique ecosystems are scarce. To address this issue, we identified the features of MCEs that demonstrate they should be considered as a global conservation priority. Some MCEs are characterized by their well-preserved and unique seascapes; their narrow environmental tolerance and high vulnerability to anthropogenic effects; and their slow recovery and reduced reproductive performance. The unique biodiversity of MCEs includes depth-adapted specialist species and new species, most of which are threatened or important fishery resources. MCEs also provide refuge against human stressors, valuable ecosystem services, and ecological connectivity. MCEs generally meet the criteria to be classified as Ecologically and Biologically Significant Marine Areas under the Convention on Biological Diversity. However, we highlight that many MCEs worldwide are threatened and not yet adequately protected by fishery regulations, marine protected areas, or considered in marine spatial planning. Establishing MCEs as a global conservation priority requires the designation of national, international, transnational, public, and private policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo de Oliveira Soares
- Instituto de Ciências do Mar-LABOMAR, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Av. da Abolição, 3207, Fortaleza, Brazil; Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Carrer de les Columnes, Edifici Z, Cerdanyolla del Vallés, Barcelona, Spain; Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali (DISTEBA), Università del Salento, Lecce, Italy.
| | - Jorge Thé de Araújo
- Instituto de Ciências do Mar-LABOMAR, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Av. da Abolição, 3207, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | - Bráulio Almeida Santos
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Joana Ruela Heimbürger Boavida
- Aix Marseille Université, Univ Toulon, CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO) UM 110, 13288, Marseille, France; Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
| | - Federica Costantini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA) and Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali (CIRSA), University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Rossi
- Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Carrer de les Columnes, Edifici Z, Cerdanyolla del Vallés, Barcelona, Spain; Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali (DISTEBA), Università del Salento, Lecce, Italy; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy
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De K, Nanajkar M, Mote S, Ingole B. Coral damage by recreational diving activities in a Marine Protected Area of India: Unaccountability leading to 'tragedy of the not so commons'. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 155:111190. [PMID: 32469789 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Globally, coral reefs have drastically degraded due to local and global environmental stressors. Concurrently, coral reef tourism is rapidly growing in developing economies, which is one of many anthropogenic stressors impacting reefs. At the Malvan Marine Sanctuary, a Marine Protected Area (MPA) on the West coast of India, we investigated the impact of recreational diving on the reef from 2016 to 2019. To evaluate the diver's underwater behavior, a novel approach was used, wherein the video-log broadcasting website www.youtube.com was perused. Evidential proof substantiates heavy physical damage to corals because of recreational diving activity, which may lead to the collapse of coral habitat if it continues unabated. This resource depletion ironically elevates the economy of dependents averting consequences due to lost corals, thus making this a 'tragedy' for corals which are not meant to be 'commons'. The study asserts need for proactive conservation efforts with stringent implementation and restoration initiatives in this MPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyan De
- CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India; School of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Goa University, Taleigao, Goa 403206, India.
| | - Mandar Nanajkar
- CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India.
| | - Sambhaji Mote
- CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India
| | - Baban Ingole
- CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India
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Wilson KL, Tittensor DP, Worm B, Lotze HK. Incorporating climate change adaptation into marine protected area planning. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2020; 26:3251-3267. [PMID: 32222010 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15094] [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: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is increasingly impacting marine protected areas (MPAs) and MPA networks, yet adaptation strategies are rarely incorporated into MPA design and management plans according to the primary scientific literature. Here we review the state of knowledge for adapting existing and future MPAs to climate change and synthesize case studies (n = 27) of how marine conservation planning can respond to shifting environmental conditions. First, we derive a generalized conservation planning framework based on five published frameworks that incorporate climate change adaptation to inform MPA design. We then summarize examples from the scientific literature to assess how conservation goals were defined, vulnerability assessments performed and adaptation strategies incorporated into the design and management of existing or new MPAs. Our analysis revealed that 82% of real-world examples of climate change adaptation in MPA planning derive from tropical reefs, highlighting the need for research in other ecosystems and habitat types. We found contrasting recommendations for adaptation strategies at the planning stage, either focusing only on climate refugia, or aiming for representative protection of areas encompassing the full range of expected climate change impacts. Recommendations for MPA management were more unified and focused on adaptative management approaches. Lastly, we evaluate common barriers to adopting climate change adaptation strategies based on reviewing studies which conducted interviews with MPA managers and other conservation practitioners. This highlights a lack of scientific studies evaluating different adaptation strategies and shortcomings in current governance structures as two major barriers, and we discuss how these could be overcome. Our review provides a comprehensive synthesis of planning frameworks, case studies, adaptation strategies and management actions which can inform a more coordinated global effort to adapt existing and future MPA networks to continued climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen L Wilson
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Derek P Tittensor
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Boris Worm
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Heike K Lotze
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Predicting coral-reef futures from El Niño and Pacific Decadal Oscillation events. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7735. [PMID: 32385336 PMCID: PMC7210262 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64411-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events modulate oceanographic processes that control temperature and productivity in tropical waters, yet potential interactions with low frequency climate variability, such as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), are poorly understood. We show that ENSO and PDO together predicted (i) maximum sea-surface temperatures (SST), which were associated with coral bleaching and declines in coral cover, and (ii) maximum chlorophyll-a concentrations, which were associated with high densities of coral-predatory Acanthaster starfish, across the tropical north Pacific Ocean since 1980. Asynchrony between the positive PDO and negative ENSO (i.e., La Niña) was associated with peaks in annual SST. By contrast, synchrony between the positive PDO and positive ENSO (i.e., El Niño) was associated with peaks in chlorophyll-a. Both conditions led to ecological disturbances and significant loss of coral cover, however, spatial models revealed where impacts to reefs were expected under varying climate scenarios. The 2015/17 ENSO event was coupled with a positive PDO and resulted in high SST and Acanthaster abundances in eastern Micronesia, while positive coral growth occurred in western Micronesia. Our novel approach for forecasting coral growth into the future may be applicable to other oceanic regions with differing oceanographic modulators.
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Coral Restoration Effectiveness: Multiregional Snapshots of the Long-Term Responses of Coral Assemblages to Restoration. DIVERSITY-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/d12040153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Coral restoration is rapidly becoming a mainstream strategic reef management response to address dramatic declines in coral cover worldwide. Restoration success can be defined as enhanced reef functions leading to improved ecosystem services, with multiple benefits at socio-ecological scales. However, there is often a mismatch between the objectives of coral restoration programs and the metrics used to assess their effectiveness. In particular, the scales of ecological benefits currently assessed are typically limited in both time and space, often being limited to short-term monitoring of the growth and survival of transplanted corals. In this paper, we explore reef-scale responses of coral assemblages to restoration practices applied in four well-established coral restoration programs. We found that hard coral cover and structural complexity were consistently greater at restored compared to unrestored (degraded) sites. However, patterns in coral diversity, coral recruitment, and coral health among restored, unrestored, and reference sites varied across locations, highlighting differences in methodologies among restoration programs. Altogether, differences in program objectives, methodologies, and the state of nearby coral communities were key drivers of variability in the responses of coral assemblages to restoration. The framework presented here provides guidance to improve qualitative and quantitative assessments of coral restoration efforts and can be applied to further understanding of the role of restoration within resilience-based reef management.
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Pelletier MC, Ebersole J, Mulvaney K, Rashleigh B, Gutierrez MN, Chintala M, Kuhn A, Molina M, Bagley M, Lane C. Resilience of aquatic systems: Review and management implications. AQUATIC SCIENCES 2020; 82:1-44. [PMID: 32489242 PMCID: PMC7265686 DOI: 10.1007/s00027-020-00717-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of how ecosystems function has changed from an equilibria-based view to one that recognizes the dynamic, fluctuating, nonlinear nature of aquatic systems. This current understanding requires that we manage systems for resilience. In this review, we examine how resilience has been defined, measured and applied in aquatic systems, and more broadly, in the socioecological systems in which they are embedded. Our review reveals the importance of managing stressors adversely impacting aquatic system resilience, as well as understanding the environmental and climatic cycles and changes impacting aquatic resources. Aquatic resilience may be enhanced by maintaining and enhancing habitat connectivity as well as functional redundancy and physical and biological diversity. Resilience in aquatic socioecological system may be enhanced by understanding and fostering linkages between the social and ecological subsystems, promoting equity among stakeholders, and understanding how the system is impacted by factors within and outside the area of immediate interest. Management for resilience requires implementation of adaptive and preferably collaborative management. Implementation of adaptive management for resilience will require an effective monitoring framework to detect key changes in the coupled socioecological system. Research is needed to (1) develop sensitive indicators and monitoring designs, (2) disentangle complex multi-scalar interactions and feedbacks, and (3) generalize lessons learned across aquatic ecosystems and apply them in new contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marguerite C Pelletier
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Narragansett, RI, USA
| | - Joe Ebersole
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Pacific Ecology Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Kate Mulvaney
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Narragansett, RI, USA
| | - Brenda Rashleigh
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Narragansett, RI, USA
| | | | - Marnita Chintala
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Narragansett, RI, USA
| | - Anne Kuhn
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Narragansett, RI, USA
| | - Marirosa Molina
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Watershed and Ecosystem Characterization Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Mark Bagley
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Watershed and Ecosystem Characterization Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Chuck Lane
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Watershed and Ecosystem Characterization Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Lam VYY, Doropoulos C, Bozec YM, Mumby PJ. Resilience Concepts and Their Application to Coral Reefs. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Tracy AM, Weil E, Harvell CD. Warming and pollutants interact to modulate octocoral immunity and shape disease outcomes. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2020; 30:e02024. [PMID: 31628889 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Warming environments can alter the outcome of host-parasite relationships with important consequences for biodiversity. Warming often increases disease risk, and interactions with other environmental factors can intensify impacts by modifying the underlying mechanisms, such as host immunity. In coastal ecosystems, metal pollution is a pervasive stressor that influences disease and immunity in many organisms. Despite the crisis facing coral reefs, which stems in part from warming-associated disease outbreaks, the impacts of metal pollutants on scleractinian and octocoral disease are largely unknown. We investigated how warming oceans and copper pollution affect host immunity and disease risk for two diseases of the abundant Caribbean octocoral, the sea fan Gorgonia ventalina. Field surveys across a sediment copper concentration gradient in Puerto Rico, USA revealed that cellular immunity of sea fans increased by 12.6% at higher sediment copper concentrations, while recovery from multifocal purple spots disease (MFPS) tended to decrease. MFPS severity in the field increased at warmer sites. In a controlled laboratory experiment, sea fans were inoculated with live cultures of a labyrinthulid parasite to test the interactive effects of temperature and copper on immune activation. As in the field, higher copper induced greater immunity, but the factorial design of the experiment revealed that copper and temperature interacted to modulate the immune response to the parasite: immune cell densities increased with elevated temperature at lower copper concentrations, but not with high copper concentrations. Tissue damage was also greater in treatments with higher copper and warmer temperatures. Field and lab evidence confirm that elevated copper hinders sea fan immune defenses against damaging parasites. Temperature and copper influenced host-pathogen interactions in octocorals by modulating immunity, disease severity, and disease recovery. This is the first evidence that metal pollution affects processes influencing disease in octocorals and highlights the importance of immune mechanisms in environmentally mediated disease outbreaks. Although coral conservation efforts must include a focus on global factors, such as rapid warming, reducing copper and other pollutants that compromise coral health on a local scale may help corals fight disease in a warming ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Tracy
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853-2601, USA
| | - Ernesto Weil
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, 00680, USA
| | - C Drew Harvell
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853-2601, USA
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