1
|
Tait DR, Santos IR, Lamontagne S, Sippo JZ, McMahon A, Jeffrey LC, Maher DT. Rebuttal to Correspondence on "Submarine Groundwater Discharge Exceeds River Inputs as a Source of Nutrients to the Great Barrier Reef". ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:10411-10412. [PMID: 38819223 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c03583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas R Tait
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, P.O. Box 4321, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales 2480, Australia
| | - Isaac R Santos
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales 2480, Australia
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sébastien Lamontagne
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Environment, Urrbrae, South Australia 5064, Australia
| | - James Z Sippo
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, P.O. Box 4321, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales 2480, Australia
| | - Ashley McMahon
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia
| | - Luke C Jeffrey
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales 2480, Australia
| | - Damien T Maher
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, P.O. Box 4321, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales 2480, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tait DR, Santos IR, Lamontagne S, Sippo JZ, McMahon A, Jeffrey LC, Maher DT. Submarine Groundwater Discharge Exceeds River Inputs as a Source of Nutrients to the Great Barrier Reef. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:15627-15634. [PMID: 37805932 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Rivers are often assumed to be the main source of nutrients triggering eutrophication in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). However, existing nutrient budgets suggest a major missing source of nitrogen and phosphorus sustaining primary production. Here, we used radium isotopes to resolve submarine groundwater discharge (SGD)-derived, shelf-scale nutrient inputs to the GBR. The total SGD was ∼10-15 times greater than average river inputs, with nearshore groundwater discharge accounting for ∼30% of this. Total SGD accounted for >30% of all known dissolved inorganic N and >60% of inorganic P inputs and exceeded regional river inputs. However, SGD was only a small proportion of the nutrients necessary to sustain primary productivity, suggesting that internal recycling processes still dominate the nutrient budget. With millions of dollars spent managing surface water nutrient inputs to reef systems globally, we argue for a shift in the focus of management to safeguard reefs from the impacts of excess nutrients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas R Tait
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour 2450, Australia
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore 2480, Australia
| | - Isaac R Santos
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore 2480, Australia
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 40530, Sweden
| | - Sèbastien Lamontagne
- Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Urrbrae 5064, Australia
| | - James Z Sippo
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour 2450, Australia
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore 2480, Australia
| | - Ashley McMahon
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville 4810, Australia
| | - Luke C Jeffrey
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore 2480, Australia
| | - Damien T Maher
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour 2450, Australia
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore 2480, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu SJ, Xie ZX, Wu PF, Zheng RW, Liu Y, Lin L, Liu HP, Wang DZ. Composition and assembly of the bacterial community in the overlying waters of the coral reef of China's Xisha Islands. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1059262. [PMID: 36590395 PMCID: PMC9797850 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1059262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral reef ecosystems are one of the most diverse and productive habitats on Earth. Microbes in the reef-overlying waters are key players in maintaining this ecosystem through regulating biogeochemical and ecological processes. However, the composition structure and assembly mechanism of microbial community in the reef-overlying waters remain largely unknown. In the present study, the bacterial communities from the overlying waters of atolls and fringing reefs as well as the surface waters of the adjacent open ocean of the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea were investigated using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing combined with a size-fractionation strategy. The results showed that environments of all sampling stations were similar, characterized by an almost complete lack of inorganic nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla, and Synechococcus was most abundant at the genus level in both large fraction (LF; 1.6-200 μm) and small fraction (SF; 0.2-1.6 μm) communities. Only a slight difference in community composition between LF and SF samples was observed. The bacterial communities among the three habitat types showed noticeable differences, and the bacterial composition among the atoll reefs was more varied than that among the fringing reefs. The similarity of bacterial communities significantly declined with the increasing geographic distance, and stochastic processes were more important than deterministic processes in bacterial community assembly. This study sheds lights on the bacterial biodiversity of coral reefs and the importance of stochastic process in structuring bacterial communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si-Jia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhang-Xian Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Peng-Fei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ru-Wen Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lin Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Hai-Peng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean & Earth Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Da-Zhi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, China,*Correspondence: Da-Zhi Wang,
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Microbial Contamination Survey of Environmental Fresh and Saltwater Resources of Upolu Island, Samoa. ENVIRONMENTS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/environments8110112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Analysis of microbe diversity in freshwater resources and nearshore seawater samples of Upolu Island was performed to investigate the distribution of harmful bacteria. For this, 124 samples were collected from 23 river systems, two volcanic lakes, and 45 locations inside and outside the barrier reef of Upolu Island, Samoa. Physicochemical parameters for general water quality, detection of coliform bacteria and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing were performed on all samples. Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) testing indicated a wide distribution of coliform bacteria in all sampled freshwater sites with evidence of fecal coliform in most locations. Importantly, evidence of coliform bacteria was found in most seawater samples inside and along the reef, apart from those samples taken ~20 km offshore. Illumina 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of the V4 hypervariable region confirmed the presence of various types of harmful bacterial species, namely from the Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcae, Streptococcaceae, and Vibrionacea families. By combining the sensitivity of FIB testing and next-generation sequencing, we were able to show the extent of potential contaminations in fresh and seawater samples and simultaneously identify the potential pathogenic bacterial genera present. The wide distribution of potential harmful bacteria from river runoff or direct sewage dumping has an impact on human health, leading to many skin and intestinal diseases, and is potentially detrimental to coral reef community health.
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang Q, Li H, Zhang Y, Wang X, Zhang C, Xiao K, Qu W. Evaluations of submarine groundwater discharge and associated heavy metal fluxes in Bohai Bay, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 695:133873. [PMID: 31422319 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) has been recognized as an important source of dissolved heavy metals to the coastal ocean. Bohai Bay, the second largest bay of Bohai Sea in China, is subjected to serious environmental problems. However, SGD and SGD-derived heavy metal fluxes in the bay are seldom reported. In this study, we present mass balance models considering the radium losses caused by recirculated seawater to estimate water age, SGD and SGD-derived heavy metal fluxes in Bohai Bay during May 2017. The water age is estimated to be 56.7-85.0 days based on tidal prism model. By combining water and salt mass balance models, submarine fresh groundwater discharge (SFGD) is estimated to be (3.5-9.3) × 107 m3 d-1. The SGD flux estimated by the radium mass balance models is (3.2-7.7) × 108 m3 d-1, an order of magnitude larger than the discharge of the Yellow River during the sampling period. SGD-derived heavy metal fluxes were estimated to be (0.2-6.0) × 107 mol d-1 for Fe, (1.2-2.7) × 107 mol d-1 for Mn, (3.0-8.2) × 105 mol d-1 for Zn, (2.7-7.4) × 104 mol d-1 for Cr and (0.6-1.8) × 103 mol d-1 for Cd, which are significantly higher than those from local rivers. This study reveals that SGD is a significant source of heavy metals (Mn, Zn and Fe) into Bohai Bay, which may have important influences on the metal budgets and ecological environments in coastal areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environment Evolution and School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China; State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Hailong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control and School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Environment Evolution and School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China; State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Xuejing Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control and School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | | | - Kai Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control and School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wenjing Qu
- School of Water Resources and Environment, Hebei GEO University, Shijiazhuang 050031, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Moneghetti J, Figueiredo J, Baird AH, Connolly SR. High-frequency sampling and piecewise models reshape dispersal kernels of a common reef coral. Ecology 2019; 100:e02730. [PMID: 30991454 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Models of dispersal potential are required to predict connectivity between populations of sessile organisms. However, to date, such models do not allow for time-varying rates of acquisition and loss of competence to settle and metamorphose, and permit only a limited range of possible survivorship curves. We collect high-resolution observations of coral larval survival and metamorphosis, and apply a piecewise modeling approach that incorporates a broad range of temporally varying rates of mortality and loss of competence. Our analysis identified marked changes in competence loss and mortality rates, the timing of which implicates developmental failure and depletion of energy reserves. Asymmetric demographic rates suggest more intermediate-range dispersal, less local retention, and less long-distance dispersal than predicted by previously employed non-piecewise models. Because vital rates are likely temporally asymmetric, at least for nonfeeding broadcast-spawned larvae, piecewise analysis of demographic rates will likely yield more reliable predictions of dispersal potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Moneghetti
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Joana Figueiredo
- Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Nova Southeastern University, 8000 North Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, Florida, 33004, USA
| | - Andrew H Baird
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Sean R Connolly
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Vineetha G, Karati KK, Raveendran TV, Idrees Babu KK, Riyas C, Muhsin MI, Shihab BK, Simson C, Anil P. Responses of the zooplankton community to peak and waning periods of El Niño 2015-2016 in Kavaratti reef ecosystem, northern Indian Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2018; 190:465. [PMID: 30006680 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-018-6842-9] [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: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The study addressed the impact of the El Niño 2015-2016 on the ecosystem functioning and the subsequent effects on the distribution and community structure of zooplankton in the Kavaratti reef, a prominent coral atoll in the tropical Indian Ocean. The elevated ocean temperature (SST) associated with El Niño resulted in a mass bleaching event affecting > 60% of the live corals of the Kavaratti atoll. The concomitant changes observed in the nutrient concentration, coral health, and phytoplankton of the reef environment during the course of the El Niño led to discernible variations in the zooplankton community with markedly higher abundance and heterogeneity in distribution during the peak period of El Niño compared to its waning phase. A notable shift was also evident in the community structure of Copepoda, the dominant zooplankton taxon, with a predominance of calanoids and poecilostomatoids in the peak period and by harpacticoid copepods in the waning phase of the El Niño. The harpacticoid, Macrosetella gracilis, dominated in the waning phase because of their unique adaptability in the utilization of Trichodesmium erythraeum, both as nutritional and physical substrates in the nutrient-depleted environment of the reef ecosystem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Vineetha
- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Ernakulam North, Kochi, 682018, India.
- National Institute of Oceanography-CSIR, Kochi, 682018, India.
| | - Kusum Komal Karati
- National Institute of Oceanography-CSIR, Kochi, 682018, India
- Centre for Marine Living Resources & Ecology, Kochi, 682037, India
| | - T V Raveendran
- National Institute of Oceanography-CSIR, Kochi, 682018, India
| | - K K Idrees Babu
- Department of Science and Technology, Kavaratti, Lakshadweep, 682555, India
| | - C Riyas
- Department of Science and Technology, Kavaratti, Lakshadweep, 682555, India
| | - M I Muhsin
- Department of Science and Technology, Kavaratti, Lakshadweep, 682555, India
| | - B K Shihab
- Department of Science and Technology, Kavaratti, Lakshadweep, 682555, India
| | | | - P Anil
- National Institute of Oceanography-CSIR, Kochi, 682018, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Luo X, Jiao JJ. Submarine groundwater discharge and nutrient loadings in Tolo Harbor, Hong Kong using multiple geotracer-based models, and their implications of red tide outbreaks. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 102:11-31. [PMID: 27318300 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Multiple tracers, including radium quartet, (222)Rn and silica are used to quantify submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) into Tolo Harbor, Hong Kong in 2005 and 2011. Five geotracer models based on the end member model of (228)Ra and salinity and mass balance models of (226)Ra, (228)Ra, (222)Rn, and silica were established and all the models lead to an estimate of the SGD rate of the same order of magnitude. In 2005 and 2011, respectively, the averaged SGD based on these models is estimated to be ≈ 5.42 cm d(-1) and ≈2.66 cm d(-1), the SGD derived DIN loadings to be 3.5 × 10(5) mol d(-1) and 1.5 × 10(5) mol d(-1), and DIP loadings to be 6.2 × 10(3) mol d(-1) and 1.1 × 10(3) mol d(-1). Groundwater borne nutrients are 1-2 orders of magnitude larger than other nutrient sources and the interannual variation of nutrient concentration in the embayment is more influenced by the SGD derived loadings. Annual DIP concentrations in the harbor water is positively correlated with the precipitation and annual mean tidal range, and negatively correlated with evapotranspiration from 2000 to 2013. Climatologically driven SGD variability alters the SGD derived DIP loadings in this phosphate limited environment and may be the causative factor of interannual variability of red tide outbreaks from 2000 to 2013. Finally, a conceptual model is proposed to characterize the response of red tide outbreaks to climatological factors linked by SGD. The findings from this study shed light on the prediction of red tide outbreaks and coastal management of Tolo Harbor and similar coastal embayments elsewhere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Luo
- Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, PR China; The University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen Research Institute (SRI), Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Jiu Jimmy Jiao
- Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, PR China; The University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen Research Institute (SRI), Shenzhen, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lamontagne S, Taylor AR, Herpich D, Hancock GJ. Submarine groundwater discharge from the South Australian Limestone Coast region estimated using radium and salinity. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2015; 140:30-41. [PMID: 25461513 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2014.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2014] [Revised: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The Tertiary Limestone Aquifer (TLA) is one of the major regional hydrogeological systems of southern Australia. Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) of freshwater from the TLA occurs through spring creeks, beach springs and diffusively through beach sands, but the magnitude of the total flux is not known. Here, a range of potential environmental tracers (including temperature, salinity, (222)Rn, (223)Ra, (224)Ra, (226)Ra, (228)Ra, and (4)He) were measured in potential sources of SGD and in seawater along a 45 km transect off the coastline to evaluate SGD from the TLA. Whilst most tracers had a distinct signature in the sources of water to the coastline, salinity and the radium quartet had the most distinct SGD signal in seawater. A one-dimensional advection-dispersion model was used to estimate the terrestrial freshwater component of SGD (Qfw) using salinity and the recirculated seawater component (Qrsw) using radium activity in seawater. Qfw was estimated at 1.2-4.6 m(3) s(-1), similar in magnitude to previously measured spring creek discharge (∼3 m(3) s(-1)) for the area. This suggests that other terrestrial groundwater discharge processes (beach springs and diffuse discharge through beach sands) were no more than 50% of spring creek discharge. The largest component of total SGD was Qrsw, estimated at 500-1000 m(3) s(-1) and possibly greater. The potential for wave, storm, or buoyancy-driven porewater displacement from the seafloor could explain the large recirculation flux for this section of the Southern Ocean Continental Shelf.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Lamontagne
- CSIRO Land and Water and CSIRO Water for a Healthy Country Flagship, Waite Campus, Waite Road, Urrbrae, SA 5064, Australia.
| | - A R Taylor
- CSIRO Land and Water and CSIRO Water for a Healthy Country Flagship, Waite Campus, Waite Road, Urrbrae, SA 5064, Australia.
| | - D Herpich
- South Australian Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, 11 Helen Street, Mt Gambier, SA 5290, Australia.
| | - G J Hancock
- CSIRO Land and Water and Water for a Healthy Country Flagship, Black Mountain, ACT 2601, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Espinoza M, Cappo M, Heupel MR, Tobin AJ, Simpfendorfer CA. Quantifying shark distribution patterns and species-habitat associations: implications of marine park zoning. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106885. [PMID: 25207545 PMCID: PMC4160204 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantifying shark distribution patterns and species-specific habitat associations in response to geographic and environmental drivers is critical to assessing risk of exposure to fishing, habitat degradation, and the effects of climate change. The present study examined shark distribution patterns, species-habitat associations, and marine reserve use with baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS) along the entire Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) over a ten year period. Overall, 21 species of sharks from five families and two orders were recorded. Grey reef Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos, silvertip C. albimarginatus, tiger Galeocerdo cuvier, and sliteye Loxodon macrorhinus sharks were the most abundant species (>64% of shark abundances). Multivariate regression trees showed that hard coral cover produced the primary split separating shark assemblages. Four indicator species had consistently higher abundances and contributed to explaining most of the differences in shark assemblages: C. amblyrhynchos, C. albimarginatus, G. cuvier, and whitetip reef Triaenodon obesus sharks. Relative distance along the GBRMP had the greatest influence on shark occurrence and species richness, which increased at both ends of the sampling range (southern and northern sites) relative to intermediate latitudes. Hard coral cover and distance across the shelf were also important predictors of shark distribution. The relative abundance of sharks was significantly higher in non-fished sites, highlighting the conservation value and benefits of the GBRMP zoning. However, our results also showed that hard coral cover had a large effect on the abundance of reef-associated shark species, indicating that coral reef health may be important for the success of marine protected areas. Therefore, understanding shark distribution patterns, species-habitat associations, and the drivers responsible for those patterns is essential for developing sound management and conservation approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Espinoza
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture and School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- AIMS@JCU, Australian Institute of Marine Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mike Cappo
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michelle R. Heupel
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture and School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew J. Tobin
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture and School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Colin A. Simpfendorfer
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture and School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
ESA-MERIS 10-Year Mission Reveals Contrasting Phytoplankton Bloom Dynamics in Two Tropical Regions of Northern Australia. REMOTE SENSING 2014. [DOI: 10.3390/rs6042963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
12
|
Satellite-Derived Photic Depth on the Great Barrier Reef: Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Water Clarity. REMOTE SENSING 2012. [DOI: 10.3390/rs4123781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
13
|
Mantovanelli A, Heron ML, Heron SF, Steinberg CR. Relative dispersion of surface drifters in a barrier reef region. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1029/2012jc008106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
14
|
|
15
|
Brodie J, Wolanski E, Lewis S, Bainbridge Z. An assessment of residence times of land-sourced contaminants in the Great Barrier Reef lagoon and the implications for management and reef recovery. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2012; 65:267-279. [PMID: 22284702 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2011] [Revised: 10/24/2011] [Accepted: 12/08/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
We argue that the residence times of key pollutants exported to the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) are greater in the GBR lagoon than those of the water itself, in contradiction to some previous assumptions. Adverse effects of the pollutant discharge will be greater and longer lasting than previously considered, in turn requiring stronger or more urgent action to remediate land practices. Residence times of fine sediments, nitrogen and phosphorus, pesticides and trace metals are suggested to be from years to decades in the GBR lagoon and highly likely to be greater than the residence time of water, estimated at around 15-365days. The recovery of corals and seagrass in the central region of the GBR following current land-use remediation in the catchment depends on the residence time of these contaminants. Ecohydrological modeling suggests that this recovery may take decades even with adequate levels of improved land management practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jon Brodie
- Catchment to Reef Research Group, Australian Centre for Tropical Freshwater Research, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Brodie JE, Kroon FJ, Schaffelke B, Wolanski EC, Lewis SE, Devlin MJ, Bohnet IC, Bainbridge ZT, Waterhouse J, Davis AM. Terrestrial pollutant runoff to the Great Barrier Reef: An update of issues, priorities and management responses. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2012; 65:81-100. [PMID: 22257553 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2011] [Revised: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 12/09/2011] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is a World Heritage Area and contains extensive areas of coral reef, seagrass meadows and fisheries resources. From adjacent catchments, numerous rivers discharge pollutants from agricultural, urban, mining and industrial activity. Pollutant sources have been identified and include suspended sediment from erosion in cattle grazing areas; nitrate from fertiliser application on crop lands; and herbicides from various land uses. The fate and effects of these pollutants in the receiving marine environment are relatively well understood. The Australian and Queensland Governments responded to the concerns of pollution of the GBR from catchment runoff with a plan to address this issue in 2003 (Reef Plan; updated 2009), incentive-based voluntary management initiatives in 2007 (Reef Rescue) and a State regulatory approach in 2009, the Reef Protection Package. This paper reviews new research relevant to the catchment to GBR continuum and evaluates the appropriateness of current management responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J E Brodie
- Catchment to Reef Research Group, Australian Centre for Tropical Freshwater Research, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Schaffelke B, Carleton J, Skuza M, Zagorskis I, Furnas MJ. Water quality in the inshore Great Barrier Reef lagoon: Implications for long-term monitoring and management. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2011; 65:249-260. [PMID: 22142496 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2011] [Revised: 10/14/2011] [Accepted: 10/26/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Coastal and inshore areas of the Great Barrier Reef lagoon receive substantial amounts of material from adjacent developed catchments, which can affect the ecological integrity of coral reefs and other inshore ecosystems. A 5-year water quality monitoring dataset provides a 'base range' of water quality conditions for the inshore GBR lagoon and illustrates the considerable temporal and spatial variability in this system. Typical at many sites were high turbidity levels and elevated chlorophyll a and phosphorus concentrations, especially close to river mouths. Water quality variability was mainly driven by seasonal processes such as river floods and sporadic wind-driven resuspension as well as by regional differences such as land use. Extreme events, such as floods, caused large and sustained increases in water quality variables. Given the highly variable climate in the GBR region, long-term monitoring of marine water quality will be essential to detect future changes due to improved catchment management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Britta Schaffelke
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, QLD 4810, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Choukroun S, Ridd PV, Brinkman R, McKinna LIW. On the surface circulation in the western Coral Sea and residence times in the Great Barrier Reef. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1029/2009jc005761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
|
19
|
Shaw M, Furnas MJ, Fabricius K, Haynes D, Carter S, Eaglesham G, Mueller JF. Monitoring pesticides in the Great Barrier Reef. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2010; 60:113-122. [PMID: 19818971 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2009.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2009] [Revised: 08/21/2009] [Accepted: 08/22/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Pesticide runoff from agriculture poses a threat to water quality in the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and sensitive monitoring tools are needed to detect these pollutants. This study investigated the utility of passive samplers in this role through deployment during a wet and dry season at river mouths, two near-shore regions and an offshore region. The nearshore marine environment was shown to be contaminated with pesticides in both the dry and wet seasons (average water concentrations of 1.3-3.8 ng L(-1) and 2.2-6.4 ng L(-1), respectively), while no pesticides were detected further offshore. Continuous monitoring of two rivers over 13 months showed waters flowing to the GBR were contaminated with herbicides (diuron, atrazine, hexazinone) year round, with highest average concentrations present during summer (350 ng L(-1)). The use of passive samplers has enabled identification of insecticides in GBR waters which have not been reported in the literature previously.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Shaw
- National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (EnTox), University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Rd., Coopers Plains, 4108 Qld, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Peterson RN, Burnett WC, Taniguchi M, Chen J, Santos IR, Ishitobi T. Radon and radium isotope assessment of submarine groundwater discharge in the Yellow River delta, China. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1029/2008jc004776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
|
21
|
Moore WS. Seasonal distribution and flux of radium isotopes on the southeastern U.S. continental shelf. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1029/2007jc004199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|