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Williams J, Pettorelli N, Hartmann AC, Quinn RA, Plaisance L, O'Mahoney M, Meyer CP, Fabricius KE, Knowlton N, Ransome E. Decline of a distinct coral reef holobiont community under ocean acidification. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:75. [PMID: 38627822 PMCID: PMC11022381 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01683-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microbes play vital roles across coral reefs both in the environment and inside and upon macrobes (holobionts), where they support critical functions such as nutrition and immune system modulation. These roles highlight the potential ecosystem-level importance of microbes, yet most knowledge of microbial functions on reefs is derived from a small set of holobionts such as corals and sponges. Declining seawater pH - an important global coral reef stressor - can cause ecosystem-level change on coral reefs, providing an opportunity to study the role of microbes at this scale. We use an in situ experimental approach to test the hypothesis that under such ocean acidification (OA), known shifts among macrobe trophic and functional groups may drive a general ecosystem-level response extending across macrobes and microbes, leading to reduced distinctness between the benthic holobiont community microbiome and the environmental microbiome. RESULTS We test this hypothesis using genetic and chemical data from benthic coral reef community holobionts sampled across a pH gradient from CO2 seeps in Papua New Guinea. We find support for our hypothesis; under OA, the microbiome and metabolome of the benthic holobiont community become less compositionally distinct from the sediment microbiome and metabolome, suggesting that benthic macrobe communities are colonised by environmental microbes to a higher degree under OA conditions. We also find a simplification and homogenisation of the benthic photosynthetic community, and an increased abundance of fleshy macroalgae, consistent with previously observed reef microbialisation. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate a novel structural shift in coral reefs involving macrobes and microbes: that the microbiome of the benthic holobiont community becomes less distinct from the sediment microbiome under OA. Our findings suggest that microbialisation and the disruption of macrobe trophic networks are interwoven general responses to environmental stress, pointing towards a universal, undesirable, and measurable form of ecosystem changed. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Williams
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, SL5 7PY, UK
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Nathalie Pettorelli
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Aaron C Hartmann
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Robert A Quinn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Laetitia Plaisance
- Laboratoire Evolution Et Diversité Biologique, CNRS/UPS, Toulouse, France
- National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, 20013, USA
| | - Michael O'Mahoney
- National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, 20013, USA
| | - Chris P Meyer
- National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, 20013, USA
| | | | - Nancy Knowlton
- National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, 20013, USA
| | - Emma Ransome
- Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, SL5 7PY, UK.
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Mancuso FP, Milazzo M, Sarà G, Chemello R. Bi- and three-dimensional fractal analysis of the brown seaweed Gongolaria montagnei and their relationship with gastropod molluscs assemblage. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114396. [PMID: 36462422 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114396] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Habitat complexity is one of the main influences on biodiversity in marine environments, particularly in coastal areas where foundation seaweeds provide substrate for highly diverse communities. We studied the 2D and 3D fractal dimensions of Gongolaria montagnei (Fucales) over the vegetative season and examine their relationship with the abundance, species richness and morpho-functional groups of the gastropod associated. Overall, the 3D fractal analysis method used here better describes seaweeds structural complexity compared to the traditional 2D fractal analysis, as highlighted by the higher relationship with gastropod assemblage associated to the alga in terms of abundance, number of species and morpho-functional groups. We propose this new method as a valuable tool for understanding the relationship between seaweeds and associated fauna, which is critical for gaining a better understanding of the role that algal species play in a specific habitat and the consequences of their loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- F P Mancuso
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Spoke 1, viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - M Milazzo
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 20-22, 90123 Palermo, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Spoke 1, via archirafi 20, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - G Sarà
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Spoke 1, viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - R Chemello
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 20-22, 90123 Palermo, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Spoke 1, via archirafi 20, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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Co-Exposure with an Invasive Seaweed Exudate Increases Toxicity of Polyamide Microplastics in the Marine Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10020043. [PMID: 35202230 PMCID: PMC8878234 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10020043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution and invasive species are recognised as pervasive threats to marine biodiversity. However, despite the extensive on-going research on microplastics’ effects in the biota, knowledge on their combination with additional stressors is still limited. This study investigates the effects of polyamide microplastics (PA-MPs, 1 mg/L), alone and in combination with the toxic exudate from the invasive red seaweed Asparagopsis armata (2%), after a 96 h exposure, in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Biochemical responses associated with oxidative stress and damage, neurotoxicity, and energy metabolism were evaluated in different tissues (gills, digestive gland, and muscle). Byssus production and PA-MP accumulation were also assessed. Results demonstrated that PA-MPs accumulated the most in the digestive gland of mussels under PA-MP and exudate co-exposure. Furthermore, the combination of stressors also resulted in oxidative damage at the protein level in the gills as well as in a significant reduction in byssus production. Metabolic capacity increased in both PA-MP treatments, consequently affecting the energy balance in mussels under combined stress. Overall, results show a potential increase of PA-MPs toxicity in the presence of A. armata exudate, highlighting the importance of assessing the impact of microplastics in realistic scenarios, specifically in combination with co-occurring stressors, such as invasive species.
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Mancuso FP, D'Agostaro R, Milazzo M, Badalamenti F, Musco L, Mikac B, Lo Brutto S, Chemello R. The invasive seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis erodes the habitat structure and biodiversity of native algal forests in the Mediterranean Sea. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 173:105515. [PMID: 34753049 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105515] [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: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Invasive seaweeds are listed among the most relevant threats to marine ecosystems worldwide. Biodiversity hotspots, such as the Mediterranean Sea, are facing multiple invasions and are expected to be severely affected by the introduction of new non-native seaweeds in the near future. In this study, we evaluated the consequences of the shift from the native Ericaria brachycarpa to the invasive Asparagopsis taxiformis habitat on the shallow rocky shores of Favignana Island (Egadi Islands, MPA, Sicily, Italy). We compared algal biomass and species composition and structure of the associated epifaunal assemblages in homogenous and mixed stands of E. brachycarpa and A. taxiformis. The results showed that the biomass of primary producers is reduced by 90% in the A. taxiformis invaded habitat compared to the E. brachycarpa native habitat. The structure of the epifaunal assemblages displayed significant variations among homogenous and mixed stands. The abundance, species richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity index of the epifaunal assemblages decreased by 89%, 78% and 40%, respectively, from homogenous stands of the native E. brachycarpa to the invasive A. taxiformis. Seaweed biomass was the structural attribute better explaining the variation in epifaunal abundance, species richness and diversity. Overall, our results suggest that the shift from E. brachycarpa to A. taxiformis habitat would drastically erode the biomass of primary producers and the associated biodiversity. We hypothesize that a complete shift from native to invasive seaweeds could ultimately lead to bottom-up effects on rocky shore habitats, with negative consequences for the ecosystem structure, functioning, and the services provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Paolo Mancuso
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Riccardo D'Agostaro
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 20-22, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Milazzo
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 20-22, 90123, Palermo, Italy; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Badalamenti
- Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment (CNR-IAS), via Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo 4521, 90149, Palermo, Italy
| | - Luigi Musco
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy; Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Barbara Mikac
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, via Sant'Alberto 16, 48123, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Sabrina Lo Brutto
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Renato Chemello
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 20-22, 90123, Palermo, Italy; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy
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Mancuso FP, D'Agostaro R, Milazzo M, Chemello R. The invasive Asparagopsis taxiformis hosts a low diverse and less trophic structured molluscan assemblage compared with the native Ericaria brachycarpa. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 166:105279. [PMID: 33631361 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105279] [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: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Invasive seaweeds threaten biodiversity and socio-economics values of worldwide marine ecosystems. Understanding to what extent invasive seaweeds can modify local biodiversity is one of the main priorities in conservation ecology. We compared the molluscan assemblage of the invasive Asparagopsis taxiformis with that of the native Ericaria brachycarpa and explore if variation in the molluscan assemblage diversity was related to the substrate attributes (biomass, and thallus, canopy, and interstitial volumes) of the algae. Results showed that A. taxiformis harboured lower diversity and trophic structure of the molluscan assemblage compared to E. brachycarpa. Biomass was the variable that better explained the variation of abundance and number of species as well as the multivariate structure of the molluscan assemblage. Overall, our results suggest that a complete habitat shift from native to invasive species can potentially trigger bottom-up effects in rocky shores habitats, reducing the biodiversity and the services provided by the invaded habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Paolo Mancuso
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Riccardo D'Agostaro
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 20-22, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Milazzo
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 20-22, 90123, Palermo, Italy; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy
| | - Renato Chemello
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 20-22, 90123, Palermo, Italy; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy
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Can invasive habitat-forming species play the same role as native ones? The case of the exotic marine macroalga Rugulopteryx okamurae in the Strait of Gibraltar. Biol Invasions 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-019-02049-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Navarro-Barranco C, Florido M, Ros M, González-Romero P, Guerra-García JM. Impoverished mobile epifaunal assemblages associated with the invasive macroalga Asparagopsis taxiformis in the Mediterranean Sea. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 141:44-52. [PMID: 30093236 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
There is an increasing concern about the ecosystem consequences of altering macroalgal assemblages. Many macrophytes are foundation species in coastal habitats, supporting much of the biodiversity of these ecosystems by providing essential resources such as food and habitat. The addition of invasive species strongly contributes to habitat modification, but the bottom-up impacts of non-native macroalgae on higher trophic levels remains difficult to predict. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the invasive macroalga Asparagopsis taxiformis on biodiversity by comparing the mobile macrofauna inhabiting this species to the dominant native species Halopteris scoparia. This is the first comprehensive study of the possible effects of this widespread invasive species on higher trophic levels. A hierarchical sampling design with two different spatial scales was conducted to explore the consistency of the patterns observed. Fifty-nine species belonging to superorder Peracarida were found, accounting 90% of all organisms. A. taxiformis hosted an impoverished epifaunal assemblage in comparison to that associated with the native seaweed, showing significantly lower values of diversity, abundance and number of epifaunal species across study locations. The structure of the associated macrofauna (both in terms of species composition, variability among samples and relative abundance of the species) was also different. Our results highlighted the strong influence of A. taxiformis in the resident community, with differences among the two macroalgae in all the parameters considered. Finally, our results also reflect a biotic homogenization of the epifaunal assemblages associated to A. taxiformis, a scarcely explored consequence of invasive processes in marine environments. Future studies exploring the cascading effects of the observed changes in the epifaunal assemblages would be necessary in order to estimate system responses to macroalgal invasions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Navarro-Barranco
- Departamento de Biología (Zoología), Campus de Cantoblanco, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain; Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Dpto. Zoología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda Reina Mercedes 6, 41012, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Marta Florido
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Dpto. Zoología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda Reina Mercedes 6, 41012, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Macarena Ros
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Dpto. Zoología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda Reina Mercedes 6, 41012, Sevilla, Spain; Departamento de Biología, CASEM, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Campus Universitario de Puerto Real, 11510, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Pablo González-Romero
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Dpto. Zoología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda Reina Mercedes 6, 41012, Sevilla, Spain
| | - José Manuel Guerra-García
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Dpto. Zoología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda Reina Mercedes 6, 41012, Sevilla, Spain
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