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Bolam SG, Cooper K, Downie AL. Mapping marine benthic biological traits to facilitate future sustainable development. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 33:e2905. [PMID: 37421319 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2905] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Escalating societal demands placed on the seabed mean there has never been such a pressing need to align our understanding of the relationship between the physical impact of anthropogenic activities (e.g., installation of wind turbines, demersal fishing) and the structure and function of the seabed assemblages. However, spatial differences in benthic assemblages based on empirical data are currently not adequately incorporated into decision-making processes regarding future licensable activities or wider marine spatial planning frameworks. This study demonstrates that, through harnessing a Big Data approach, large-scale, continuous coverage maps revealing differences in biological traits expressions of benthic assemblages can be produced. We present independent maps based on a suite of response traits (depicting differences in responses to natural or anthropogenically induced change) and effects traits (reflecting different functional potential), although maps derived using single traits or combinations of a range of traits are possible. Models predicting variations in response traits expression provide greater confidence than those predicting effects traits. We discuss how such maps may be used to assist in the decision-making process for the licensing of anthropogenic activities and as part of marine spatial planning approaches. The confidence in such maps to reflect spatial variations in marine benthic trait expression may, in the future, inherently be improved through (1) the inclusion of more empirical macrofaunal assemblage field data; (2) an improved knowledge of marine benthic taxa trait expression; and (3) a greater understanding of the traits responsible for determining a taxon's response to an anthropogenic pressure and a taxon's functional potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan G Bolam
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Suffolk, UK
| | - Keith Cooper
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Suffolk, UK
| | - Anna-Leena Downie
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Suffolk, UK
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2
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Mascorda-Cabre L, Hosegood P, Attrill MJ, Bridger D, Sheehan EV. Detecting sediment recovery below an offshore longline mussel farm: A macrobenthic Biological Trait Analysis (BTA). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115556. [PMID: 37738875 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Expansion of bivalve aquaculture offshore reports lower environmental impacts compared to inshore farms. Taking a Before-After Control-Impact approach, this study presents the first functional diversity analysis and long-term Biological Trait Analysis (BTA) of infauna functional traits following the development of the United Kingdom's first large-scale, offshore longline mussel farm. Located in an area historically impacted by mobile fishing gear, farm sites had the greatest number of taxa and abundance compared to control sites. Functional diversity varied significantly across treatments (farm, near control, far control); while Functional Diversity, Richness, Divergence and Dispersion increased over time within the farm, Functional Evenness and Redundancy decreased. Bioturbation, body size, diet, feeding mode, life span, motility, sediment position, sensitivity and substrate type were chosen for Community-level Weighted Mean analysis, depicting the most frequently affected biological traits by shellfish farming. Farm sites developed a wider range of traits enhancing ecosystem function and habitat recovery after years of seabed damage. Outcomes support the use of functional diversity and BTA analysis to perform ecosystem assessment, supporting decision-makers implement policy and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Llucia Mascorda-Cabre
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK.
| | - Phil Hosegood
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Martin J Attrill
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Danielle Bridger
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Emma V Sheehan
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
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3
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Nasi F, Vesal SE, Relitti F, Bazzaro M, Teixidó N, Auriemma R, Cibic T. Taxonomic and functional macrofaunal diversity along a gradient of sewage contamination: A three-year study. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 323:121022. [PMID: 36621717 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the structural and functional changes of the soft-bottom macrofaunal community following the improvement of a wastewater treatment-WWT plant. The macrofauna was collected at increasing distance from the main outfall in 2018, 2019, and 2021. Organic matter and nutrients were analysed in the water column near the outfalls to detect possible changes due to the improved treatment. We examined Functional Entities-FEs (i.e. a unique combination of species functional traits), species richness, Shannon-Wiener diversity-H', and taxonomic and functional β-diversity. From 2018 (before the year of the treatment change), to 2021, we noted a gradual decrease of organic carbon in the water column. In contrast, sediment characteristics (i.e. grain-size) did not change before and after treatment enhancement, with the exception of redox potential. Species richness and FEs gradually increased moving far from the source of organic contamination and after wastewater treatment enhancement, especially near the outfall. We observed different phases of macrofaunal succession stage after the WWT amelioration. A 'normal stage', i.e. slightly lower species richness, was reflected in decreasing functional richness. Higher taxonomic β-diversity values with significant turnover components indicated that the community was subjected to broad changes in species composition. However, functional β-diversity did not follow the same pattern. After treatment improvement, modified environmental conditions led to the establishment of new species, but with the same functions. Towards 2021, the community improved its resilience by increasing functional redundancy and reduction of vulnerability, which enhanced community stability. The latter was also reflected in the well-balanced proportion of macrofaunal feeding habits after the WWT upgrade. Integrating the classical taxonomic approach with the analysis of FEs, and environmental characteristics can provide an accurate insight into macrofauna sensitivity to stressors that are likely to lead to changes in the ecological state of an area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Nasi
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, Via A. Piccard 54, I-34151 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Seyed Ehsan Vesal
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, Via A. Piccard 54, I-34151 Trieste, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Federica Relitti
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, Via A. Piccard 54, I-34151 Trieste, Italy
| | - Matteo Bazzaro
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, Via A. Piccard 54, I-34151 Trieste, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche, della Terra e Dell'Ambiente, Università Degli Studi di Siena, Strada Laterina, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Nuria Teixidó
- Department of Integrated Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Ischia Marine Centre, Ischia, Naples, Italy; Laboratoire D'Océanographie de Villefranche, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
| | - Rocco Auriemma
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, Via A. Piccard 54, I-34151 Trieste, Italy
| | - Tamara Cibic
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, Via A. Piccard 54, I-34151 Trieste, Italy
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4
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Dias HQ, Sukumaran S, Neetu S, Ridha H. Benthic community resilience in two differently impacted tropical estuaries: Taxonomic vs functional approaches. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 324:116264. [PMID: 36194943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116264] [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: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Estuaries experience incessant modifications due to various stressors causing shifts in the benthic species community structure and ecosystem functioning. Two tropical estuaries along Northwest India, exposed to varied intensities of anthropogenic perturbations, were sampled seasonally for two consecutive years. Specific aims were to assess, compare and link the macroinvertebrate taxonomic and functional structures, to evaluate the resilience of estuarine benthic ecosystems by employing the multiple-trait approach and to identify major influencing environmental drivers for patterns discerned. Taxonomic and functional compositions in both the estuaries produced varied segregations along the estuarine zones, driven primarily by natural estuarine gradients like salinity and sediment grain size, despite extant anthropogenic stressors. Multiple traits contributed to the variance in benthic functioning. The Biological Trait Analysis (BTA) revealed that both the estuaries had similar trait compositions in the lower zones, while the middle and upper zones of each estuary presented different permutations of traits. The functional complexity at different estuarine sections was influenced by the variability in taxonomic composition and species dominance. However, relationships between Functional Diversity (FD) and species diversity were equivocal, signifying that taxonomic diversity may not be an efficient proxy for benthic functioning. As the zones had differential stressors and disturbance acts as a filter, discrete functional trait profiles of opportunistic traits were visualized along the potentially impacted zones. Thus, the less impacted lower zones had multiple traits, while the mid-upper zones that were subject to both anthropogenic and natural stressors had fewer traits. A more consistent functional structure, higher functional redundancy and substantial proportion of recolonisation traits (small-sized, short-lived, motile forms) suggested better resilience in one study estuary than the other one. Our study advocates that the inclusion of both taxonomical and functional metrics can provide in-depth inferences related to the macrobenthic community resilience and this coupled approach is imperative for effective future management programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidy Q Dias
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre Andheri (W), Mumbai, 400 053, India
| | - Soniya Sukumaran
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre Andheri (W), Mumbai, 400 053, India.
| | - S Neetu
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Panaji, Goa, 403004, India
| | - Hurmine Ridha
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre Andheri (W), Mumbai, 400 053, India
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Clare DS, Bolam SG, McIlwaine PSO, Garcia C, Murray JM, Eggleton JD. Biological traits of marine benthic invertebrates in Northwest Europe. Sci Data 2022; 9:339. [PMID: 35705559 PMCID: PMC9200785 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-022-01442-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological traits analysis (BTA) provides insight into causes and consequences of biodiversity change that cannot be achieved using traditional taxonomic approaches. However, acquiring information on biological traits (i.e., the behavioural, morphological, and reproductive characteristics of taxa) can be extremely time-consuming, especially for large community datasets, thus hindering the successful application of BTA. Here, we present information on ten key biological traits for over a thousand marine benthic invertebrate taxa surveyed in Northwest Europe (mainly the UK shelf). Scores of 0 to 3 are provided to indicate our confidence that taxa exhibit each possible mode of trait expression. The information was acquired over a decade through an extensive appraisal of relevant sources, including peer-reviewed papers, books, online material and, where necessary, professional judgement. These data may be inspected, used, and augmented by fellow researchers, thus assisting in the wider application of BTA in marine benthic ecology. Measurement(s) | body size • body morphology • lifespan • egg development location • larva development location • living habit • sediment position • feeding mode • mobility • bioturbation mode | Technology Type(s) | literature review • professional judgement | Sample Characteristic - Organism | benthic invertebrates | Sample Characteristic - Environment | marine environment | Sample Characteristic - Location | Northwest Europe |
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Clare
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, UK.
| | - Stefan G Bolam
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, UK
| | - Paul S O McIlwaine
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, UK
| | - Clement Garcia
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, UK
| | - Joanna M Murray
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, UK
| | - Jacqueline D Eggleton
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, UK
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6
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Dauvin JC, Baux N, Lesourd S. Benthic impact assessment of a dredge sediment disposal in a dynamic resilient environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 179:113668. [PMID: 35468472 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113668] [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: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The eastern part of the Bay of Seine (English Channel) is highly impacted by harbour activities and the dumping of dredged sediment by the port authorities of Le Havre (GPMH) and Rouen (GPMR). Sediment dredged by the GPMH (2-2.5 millions of m3 per year) has been disposed at the subtidal Octeville site since 1947. Since the 2000s, mainly fine sediment (80% of fine particles <63 μm) has been disposed using alternate mosaic boxes with limited thickness (0.2 to 0.6 m per box per year), preventing the accumulation of disposed sediment in some parts of the dumping site. During the period August 2016 to September 2017, an experimental study was set up to identify the spatio-temporal changes of the macrobenthos collected at ten stations on six dates: three stations where different volumes of sediments were dumped (from 41,000 to 186,000 m3), two stations located within the Octeville site but without dumping operations during the study and five stations outside the disposal site (northern and southern zones). The Taxonomic Richness, total abundance and abundances of the polychaete Owenia fusiformis show negative correlations with the volumes of deposited sediment, whereas use of the AMBI (AZTI's Marine Biotic Index) and B2OA (Benthic Opportunist Annelids Amphipods) indices does not allow us to distinguish the impacted zone. Our study shows that the impact of dumping remains local and the benthic habitats display a high degree of resilience with rapid recovery of the community after the cessation of disturbance. Recommendations on the future long-term strategy are proposed to improve assessment and minimise the impact of dumping sediment on this benthic habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Claude Dauvin
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Laboratoire Morphodynamique Continentale et Côtière, CNRS, UMR 6143 M2C, 24 Rue des Tilleuls, 14000 Caen, France.
| | - Noémie Baux
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Laboratoire Morphodynamique Continentale et Côtière, CNRS, UMR 6143 M2C, 24 Rue des Tilleuls, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Sandric Lesourd
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, Laboratoire Morphodynamique Continentale et Côtière, CNRS, UMR 6143 M2C, 24 Rue des Tilleuls, 14000 Caen, France
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7
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Vesal SE, Nasi F, Pazzaglia J, Ferrante L, Auriemma R, Relitti F, Bazzaro M, Del Negro P. Assessing the sewage discharge effects on soft-bottom macrofauna through traits-based approach. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113003. [PMID: 34628343 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113003] [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: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the effect of sewage-derived materials on the structural and functional attributes of the soft-bottom macrofauna at an increasing distance from the entire diffusion area. Our results showed clear spatial changes of macrofaunal density and biomass along the distance gradient from the main outfall. High values of biodiversity, species composition, and species linked to organic enrichment near the duct suggested that moderate organic stress affected this community. The traits analysis abundance-based, compared to biomass-based one, distinguished most clearly sewage contamination conditions. Functional diversity displayed spatial patterns with higher values in the less impacted sites and was significantly related to species numbers and the biotic indices (like M-AMBI). This approach is ideal for detecting macrofaunal functional changes due to sewage contamination. Thus, we infer that traits analyses could offer great potential for environmental assessment and monitoring of coastal areas influenced by human activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Ehsan Vesal
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, via A. Piccard 54, I-34151 Trieste, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Federica Nasi
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, via A. Piccard 54, I-34151 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Jessica Pazzaglia
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy; Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Larissa Ferrante
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, via A. Piccard 54, I-34151 Trieste, Italy
| | - Rocco Auriemma
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, via A. Piccard 54, I-34151 Trieste, Italy
| | - Federica Relitti
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, via A. Piccard 54, I-34151 Trieste, Italy
| | - Matteo Bazzaro
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, via A. Piccard 54, I-34151 Trieste, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche, della Terra e dell'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Siena, Strada Laterina, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Paola Del Negro
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, via A. Piccard 54, I-34151 Trieste, Italy
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8
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Dykman LN, Beaulieu SE, Mills SW, Solow AR, Mullineaux LS. Functional traits provide new insight into recovery and succession at deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Ecology 2021; 102:e03418. [PMID: 34046895 PMCID: PMC8459237 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Investigation of communities in extreme environments with unique conditions has the potential to broaden or challenge existing theory as to how biological communities assemble and change through succession. Deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystems have strong, parallel gradients of nutrients and environmental stress, and present unusual conditions in early succession, in that both nutrient availability and stressors are high. We analyzed the succession of the invertebrate community at 9°50' N on the East Pacific Rise for 11 yr following an eruption in 2006 in order to test successional theories developed in other ecosystems. We focused on functional traits including body size, external protection, provision of habitat (foundation species), and trophic mode to understand how the unique nutritional and stress conditions influence community composition. In contrast to established theory, large, fast-growing, structure-forming organisms colonized rapidly at vents, while small, asexually reproducing organisms were not abundant until later in succession. Species in early succession had high external protection, as expected in the harsh thermal and chemical conditions after the eruption. Changes in traits related to feeding ecology and dispersal potential over succession agreed with expectations from other ecosystems. We also tracked functional diversity metrics over time to see how they compared to species diversity. While species diversity peaked at 8 yr post-eruption, functional diversity was continuing to increase at 11 yr. Our results indicate that deep-sea hydrothermal vents have distinct successional dynamics due to the high stress and high nutrient conditions in early succession. These findings highlight the importance of extending theory to new systems and considering function to allow comparison between ecosystems with different species and environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren N. Dykman
- Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionWoods HoleMassachusetts02543USA
| | | | - Susan W. Mills
- Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionWoods HoleMassachusetts02543USA
| | - Andrew R. Solow
- Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionWoods HoleMassachusetts02543USA
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9
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Bolam SG, McIlwaine P, Garcia C. Marine macrofaunal traits responses to dredged material disposal. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 168:112412. [PMID: 33930647 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Currently, our understanding of the mechanisms for, and potential functional implications of, changes in seabed assemblages resulting from dredged material disposal is relatively unknown. Based on empirical data from 17 disposal sites, we address this by quantifying the nature and magnitude of shifts in the relative composition of response and effects traits within disposal site assemblages relative to their reference assemblages. Differing shifts in both response and effects traits were observed across sites, regardless of the trait composition of the reference assemblages. Notable differences in the magnitude of traits changes were also observed for both trait types. Traits shifts are difficult to predict as they appear to reflect both environmental conditions and disposal regime. Temporal data revealed that some sites display relatively consistent responses while others presented large inter-annual variability. These findings are discussed in relation to dredged material monitoring and with respect to conservation objectives of marine protected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- S G Bolam
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK.
| | - P McIlwaine
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK
| | - C Garcia
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK
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10
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Lam‐Gordillo O, Baring R, Dittmann S. Establishing the South Australian Macrobenthic Traits (SAMT) database: A trait classification for functional assessments. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:14372-14387. [PMID: 33552471 PMCID: PMC7771161 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Trait-based approaches are increasingly used as a proxy for understanding the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Macrobenthic fauna are considered one of the major providers of ecosystem functions in marine soft sediments; however, several gaps persist in the knowledge of their trait classification, limiting the potential use of functional assessments. While trait databases are available for the well-studied North Atlantic benthic fauna, no such trait classification system exists for Australia. Here, we present the South Australian Macrobenthic Traits (SAMT) database, the first comprehensive assessment of macrobenthic fauna traits in temperate Australian waters. The SAMT database includes 13 traits and 54 trait-modalities (e.g., life history, morphology, physiology, and behavior), and is based on records of macrobenthic fauna from South Australia. We provide trait information for more than 250 macrobenthic taxa, including outcomes from a fuzzy coding procedure, as well as an R package for using and analyzing the SAMT database. The establishment of the SAMT constitutes the foundation for a comprehensive macrobenthic trait database for the wider southern Australian region that could facilitate future research on functional perspectives, such as assessments of functional diversity and changes to ecosystem functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan Baring
- College of Science and EngineeringFlinders UniversityAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Sabine Dittmann
- College of Science and EngineeringFlinders UniversityAdelaideSAAustralia
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11
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Brodie G, Brodie J, Maata M, Peter M, Otiawa T, Devlin MJ. Seagrass habitat in Tarawa Lagoon, Kiribati: Service benefits and links to national priority issues. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 155:111099. [PMID: 32469758 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111099] [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: 05/12/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents a review around seagrass habitat in Tarawa Lagoon, Kiribati and explores the links between seagrass occurrence and the national priority issues of climate change, urban development, human health, nearshore fisheries, threatened species, ocean policy, research capacity and awareness. The contribution of healthy seagrass habitats to many aspects of these national issues is often overlooked and there is need to establish the knowledge gaps and priority actions that can enable mitigation of issues that impact on valuable seagrass resources and their management. Research data on seagrass habitats in Kiribati, and the wider Pacific Island region, is limited and this hinders informed decisions at local, national and regional levels. We present a comprehensive review on seagrass within a national context to aid prioritisation and uptake of information for resource owners, and wider stakeholders, in Kiribati while acknowledging local expertise. The paper highlights data and knowledge gaps that if addressed, will provide information useful to Kiribati nationals, communities and government stakeholders. Recommendations for actions that fill these gaps and build understanding of seagrass resources in Kiribati are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Brodie
- Institute of Applied Sciences, University of the South Pacific, Fiji; School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, University of the South Pacific, Fiji.
| | - J Brodie
- Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Australia
| | - M Maata
- School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, University of the South Pacific, Fiji
| | - M Peter
- School of Marine Studies, University of the South Pacific, Fiji
| | - T Otiawa
- Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of the South Pacific, Fiji
| | - M J Devlin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science, United Kingdom
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12
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Dauvin JC, Baux N, Pezy JP. Dredge spoil disposal (DSD) index. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 129:102-105. [PMID: 29680526 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J C Dauvin
- Normandie Univ., UNICAEN, UNIROUEN, Laboratoire Morphodynamique Continentale et Côtière, UMR CNRS 6143 M2C, 24, rue des Tilleuls, F-14000 Caen, France.
| | - N Baux
- Normandie Univ., UNICAEN, UNIROUEN, Laboratoire Morphodynamique Continentale et Côtière, UMR CNRS 6143 M2C, 24, rue des Tilleuls, F-14000 Caen, France
| | - J P Pezy
- Normandie Univ., UNICAEN, UNIROUEN, Laboratoire Morphodynamique Continentale et Côtière, UMR CNRS 6143 M2C, 24, rue des Tilleuls, F-14000 Caen, France
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13
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Veríssimo H, Patrício J, Gonçalves É, Moura GC, Barbosa JEL, Gonçalves AMM. Functional diversity of zooplankton communities in two tropical estuaries (NE Brazil) with different degrees of human-induced disturbance. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 129:46-56. [PMID: 28473172 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the functional diversity (FD) of copepod communities along the environmental gradient of two tropical estuaries with different intensities of human impact - the environmentally protected "Mamanguape" and the urbanised "Paraiba". Different trait-based approaches were used: functional groups identification and description, and FD indices estimation. The results showed similar functional groups and functional indices between the two estuaries with some variability attributed to seasonality. Copepods in each estuary seemed to perform similar functions. Overall, biomass was more evenly distributed among groups, and mean total biomass and FD indices were slightly higher in the Mamanguape. Nevertheless, both estuaries presented comparable FD, indicating that environmental filters may be the main driver of species coexistence within systems. Results also pointed towards anthropogenic disturbance, despite the protection status of the Mamanguape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Veríssimo
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Joana Patrício
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Érica Gonçalves
- Department of Biology, Paraíba State University, 58429-500 Campina Grande, Brazil
| | - Gustavo C Moura
- Department of Biology, Paraíba State University, 58429-500 Campina Grande, Brazil
| | - José Etham L Barbosa
- Department of Biology, Paraíba State University, 58429-500 Campina Grande, Brazil
| | - Ana M M Gonçalves
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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14
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Pezy JP, Raoux A, Marmin S, Balay P, Niquil N, Dauvin JC. Before-After analysis of the trophic network of an experimental dumping site in the eastern part of the Bay of Seine (English Channel). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 118:101-111. [PMID: 28233526 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.02.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
An experimental study was conducted to assess the physical and biological impacts of muddy fine sand dredged material dumped on a medium sand site Machu offshore the Seine Estuary. Complementary trophic web modelling tools were applied to the Machu ecosystem to analyse the effects of dumping operations. Results show that, after the dumping operations, the biomass of fish increased while invertebrate biomass remained relatively stable through time. Nevertheless, the biomasses of benthic invertebrates, omnivores/scavengers and predators showed some increases, while non-selective deposit feeders and filter feeders decreased. At the ecosystem level, results show that the total ecosystem activity, the ascendency and the overall omnivorous character of the food-web structure increased after dumping operations, whereas recycling subsequently decreased. Finally, the fine and medium sand habitat offshore from the Seine estuary, which undergoes regular natural physical perturbations, shows a high resilience after a short dumping phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Philippe Pezy
- Normandie Univ., UNICAEN, UNIROUEN, CNRS UMR 6143 M2C, Laboratoire Morphodynamique Continentale et Côtière, 24 rue des Tilleuls, 14000 Caen, France.
| | - Aurore Raoux
- Normandie Univ., UNICAEN, UNIROUEN, CNRS UMR 6143 M2C, Laboratoire Morphodynamique Continentale et Côtière, 24 rue des Tilleuls, 14000 Caen, France; Normandie Univ., UNICAEN, UMR BOREA (MNHN, UPMC, CNRS-7208, IRD-207), Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen CEDEX 5, France
| | - Stella Marmin
- Normandie Univ., UNICAEN, UNIROUEN, CNRS UMR 6143 M2C, Laboratoire Morphodynamique Continentale et Côtière, 24 rue des Tilleuls, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Pierre Balay
- Cellule de Suivi du Littoral Normand, CSLN, 53 Rue de Prony, 76600 Le Havre, France
| | - Nathalie Niquil
- Normandie Univ., UNICAEN, UMR BOREA (MNHN, UPMC, CNRS-7208, IRD-207), Esplanade de la Paix, 14032 Caen CEDEX 5, France
| | - Jean-Claude Dauvin
- Normandie Univ., UNICAEN, UNIROUEN, CNRS UMR 6143 M2C, Laboratoire Morphodynamique Continentale et Côtière, 24 rue des Tilleuls, 14000 Caen, France
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15
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Bolam SG, Garcia C, Eggleton J, Kenny AJ, Buhl-Mortensen L, Gonzalez-Mirelis G, van Kooten T, Dinesen G, Hansen J, Hiddink JG, Sciberras M, Smith C, Papadopoulou N, Gumus A, Van Hoey G, Eigaard OR, Bastardie F, Rijnsdorp AD. Differences in biological traits composition of benthic assemblages between unimpacted habitats. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 126:1-13. [PMID: 28214628 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
There is an implicit requirement under contemporary policy drivers to understand the characteristics of benthic communities under anthropogenically-unimpacted scenarios. We used a trait-based approach on a large dataset from across the European shelf to determine how functional characteristics of unimpacted benthic assemblages vary between different sedimentary habitats. Assemblages in deep, muddy environments unaffected by anthropogenic disturbance show increased proportions of downward conveyors and surface deposit-feeders, while burrowing, diffusive mixing, scavenging and predation traits assume greater numerical proportions in shallower habitats. Deep, coarser sediments are numerically more dominated by sessile, upward conveyors and suspension feeders. In contrast, unimpacted assemblages of coarse sediments in shallower regions are proportionally dominated by the diffusive mixers, burrowers, scavengers and predators. Finally, assemblages of gravelly sediments exhibit a relatively greater numerical dominance of non-bioturbators and asexual reproducers. These findings may be used to form the basis of ranking habitats along a functional sensitivity gradient.
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Affiliation(s)
- S G Bolam
- The Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, NR33 0HT, UK.
| | - C Garcia
- The Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, NR33 0HT, UK
| | - J Eggleton
- The Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, NR33 0HT, UK
| | - A J Kenny
- The Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, NR33 0HT, UK
| | | | | | - T van Kooten
- Institute for Marine Resources and Ecosystem Studies (IMARES), P.O. Box 68, 1970 AB IJmuiden, The Netherlands
| | - G Dinesen
- National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Charlottenlund Castle, Charlottenlund 2920, Denmark
| | - J Hansen
- National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Charlottenlund Castle, Charlottenlund 2920, Denmark
| | - J G Hiddink
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5AB, UK
| | - M Sciberras
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5AB, UK
| | - C Smith
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Attiki Greece (HCMR), Greece
| | - N Papadopoulou
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Attiki Greece (HCMR), Greece
| | - A Gumus
- Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - G Van Hoey
- Institute of Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Ankerstraat 1, 8400 Oostende, Belgium
| | - O R Eigaard
- National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Charlottenlund Castle, Charlottenlund 2920, Denmark
| | - F Bastardie
- National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Charlottenlund Castle, Charlottenlund 2920, Denmark
| | - A D Rijnsdorp
- Institute for Marine Resources and Ecosystem Studies (IMARES), P.O. Box 68, 1970 AB IJmuiden, The Netherlands
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