1
|
Agnetta D, Bonaviri C, Badalamenti F, Di Trapani F, Gianguzza P. Coralline barrens and benthic mega-invertebrates: An intimate connection. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 199:106579. [PMID: 38851081 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Despite considerable progress in understanding the transition from algal forests to coralline barrens, knowledge of coralline barren ecosystems in terms of community composition and functioning is still sparse and important gaps remain to be filled. Using a barren/forest patch system, we tested the hypothesis that the presence of coralline barren enhances the abundance and diversity of benthic mega-invertebrates. We also analysed trophic functional diversity through isotopic analyses of δ13C and δ15N. The distribution of benthic mega-invertebrates biomass differed markedly between coralline barren and algal forest, being more abundant and diverse in the barren state. Isotopic diversity metrics of the benthic mega-invertebrates assemblage indicated comparable trophic structure between the two states, although higher isotopic uniqueness in coralline barren was determined by sea urchins, especially A. lixula, and carnivorous starfish. We showed that in a patchy coralline barren/algal forest system, a more diversified benthic mega-invertebrates assemblage in the barren caused limited trophodynamic changes. This was possibly determined by the behaviour of some trophic groups such as filter feeders, deposit feeders and omnivores. Finally, our results evidence the close association between coralline barrens and benthic mega-invertebrates, contradicting the common view of coralline barrens as depauperate habitats with low diversity and productivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davide Agnetta
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, Trieste Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Chiara Bonaviri
- Department of Earth and Marine Science DiSTeM, University of Palermo; Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Fano Marine Center, 61032, Fano, Italy
| | - Fabio Badalamenti
- CNR-IAS - Institute of Anthropic Impacts and Sustainability in Marine Environment, Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo complesso Roosevelt 90149, Palermo; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Paola Gianguzza
- Department of Earth and Marine Science DiSTeM, University of Palermo; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Palermo, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Salland N, Jensen A, Smale DA. The structure and diversity of macroinvertebrate assemblages associated with the understudied pseudo-kelp Saccorhiza polyschides in the Western English Channel (UK). MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 198:106519. [PMID: 38678754 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106519] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
We examined spatiotemporal variability in the structure of faunal assemblages associated with the warm-temperate pseudo-kelp Saccorhiza polyschides towards its range centre (Western English Channel, southwest UK), to better understand its role as a habitat-former in the northeast Atlantic. A total of 180 sporophytes and their associated fauna were sampled across three months, three sites, and two depths. Assemblage abundance and biomass varied markedly between three morpho-functional sporophyte components (i.e., holdfast, stipe, blade). We recorded rich and abundant macroinvertebrate assemblages, comprising nine phyla, 28 coarse taxonomic groups, and 57 species of molluscs, which consistently dominated assemblages. We observed pronounced seasonality in faunal assemblage structure, marked variability between sites and depths, and strong positive relationships between biogenic habitat availability and faunal abundance/biomass. S. polyschides sporophytes are short-lived and offer temporary, less-stable habitat compared with dominant perennial Laminaria species, so shifts in the relative abundances of habitat-formers will likely alter local biodiversity patterns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nora Salland
- The Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, PL1 2PB, Plymouth, UK; School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, European Way, SO14 3ZH, Southampton, UK.
| | - Antony Jensen
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, European Way, SO14 3ZH, Southampton, UK.
| | - Dan A Smale
- The Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, PL1 2PB, Plymouth, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lozano-Hernández EA, Ramírez-Álvarez N, Rios Mendoza LM, Macías-Zamora JV, Mejía-Trejo A, Beas-Luna R, Hernández-Guzmán FA. Kelp forest food webs as hot spots for the accumulation of microplastic and polybrominated diphenyl ether pollutants. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 257:119299. [PMID: 38824984 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Kelp forests (KFs) are one of the most significant marine ecosystems in the planet. They serve as a refuge for a wide variety of marine species of ecological and economic importance. Additionally, they aid with carbon sequestration, safeguard the coastline, and maintain water quality. Microplastic (MP) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) concentrations were analyzed across trophic levels in KFs around Todos Santos Bay. Spatial variation patterns were compared at three sites in 2021 and temporal change at Todos Santos Island (TSI) in 2021 and 2022. We analyzed these MPs and PBDEs in water, primary producers (Macrocystis pyrifera), grazers (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus), predators (Semicossyphus pulcher), and kelp detritus. MPs were identified in all samples (11 synthetic and 1 semisynthetic polymer) and confirmed using Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (μ-FTIR-ATR). The most abundant type of MP is polyester fibers. Statistically significant variations in MP concentration were found only in kelps, with the greatest average concentrations in medium-depth kelps from TSI in 2022 (0.73 ± 0.58 MP g-1 ww) and in the kelp detritus from TSI in 2021 (0.96 ± 0.64 MP g-1 ww). Similarly, PBDEs were found in all samples, with the largest concentration found in sea urchins from Punta San Miguel (0.93 ± 0.24 ng g-1 ww). The similarity of the polymers can indicate a trophic transfer of MPs. This study shows the extensive presence of MP and PBDE subtropical trophic web of a KF, but correlating these compounds in environmental samples is highly complex, influenced by numerous factors that could affect their presence and behavior. However, this suggests that there is a potential risk to the systems and the services that KFs offer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Antonio Lozano-Hernández
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Facultad de Ciencias Marinas, Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada 3917, Colonia Playitas, Ensenada, B.C., Mexico. C.P. 22860.
| | - Nancy Ramírez-Álvarez
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Instituto de Investigaciones Oceanológicas, Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada 3917, Colonia Playitas, Ensenada, B.C., Mexico. C.P. 22860.
| | | | - José Vinicio Macías-Zamora
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Instituto de Investigaciones Oceanológicas, Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada 3917, Colonia Playitas, Ensenada, B.C., Mexico. C.P. 22860.
| | - Adán Mejía-Trejo
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Instituto de Investigaciones Oceanológicas, Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada 3917, Colonia Playitas, Ensenada, B.C., Mexico. C.P. 22860.
| | - Rodrigo Beas-Luna
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Facultad de Ciencias Marinas, Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada 3917, Colonia Playitas, Ensenada, B.C., Mexico. C.P. 22860.
| | - Félix Augusto Hernández-Guzmán
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Instituto de Investigaciones Oceanológicas, Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada 3917, Colonia Playitas, Ensenada, B.C., Mexico. C.P. 22860.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Caley A, Marzinelli EM, Byrne M, Mayer-Pinto M. Artificial light at night and warming impact grazing rates and gonad index of the sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20240415. [PMID: 38628122 PMCID: PMC11021935 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2024.0415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a growing threat to coastal habitats, and is likely to exacerbate the impacts of other stressors. Kelp forests are dominant habitats on temperate reefs but are declining due to ocean warming and overgrazing. We tested the independent and interactive effects of ALAN (dark versus ALAN) and warming (ambient versus warm) on grazing rates and gonad index of the sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii. Within these treatments, urchins were fed either 'fresh' kelp or 'treated' kelp. Treated kelp (Ecklonia radiata) was exposed to the same light and temperature combinations as urchins. We assessed photosynthetic yield, carbon and nitrogen content and C : N ratio of treated kelp to help identify potential drivers behind any effects on urchins. Grazing increased with warming and ALAN for urchins fed fresh kelp, and increased with warming for urchins fed treated kelp. Gonad index was higher in ALAN/ambient and dark/warm treatments compared to dark/ambient treatments for urchins fed fresh kelp. Kelp carbon content was higher in ALAN/ambient treatments than ALAN/warm treatments at one time point. This indicates ocean warming and ALAN may increase urchin grazing pressure on rocky reefs, an important finding for management strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Caley
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation; Evolution and Ecology Research Centre; School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Ezequiel M. Marzinelli
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maria Byrne
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mariana Mayer-Pinto
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation; Evolution and Ecology Research Centre; School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tolentino B, Nuzhdin S. Eight complete genome sequences of bacteria isolated from laboratory stock of giant kelp gametophytes. Microbiol Resour Announc 2024; 13:e0098423. [PMID: 38488368 PMCID: PMC11008194 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00984-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
We report whole-genome sequences of eight bacteria isolated from laboratory-kept Macrocystis pyrifera gametophytes. The bacterial culture collection is maintained in cryostorage and will be utilized in future applications as inoculants. The genomes were assembled using Oxford Nanopore Technology long-read sequencing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sergey Nuzhdin
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang Y, Nair S, Zhang Z, Zhao J, Zhao H, Lu L, Chang L, Jiao N. Adverse Environmental Perturbations May Threaten Kelp Farming Sustainability by Exacerbating Enterobacterales Diseases. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:5796-5810. [PMID: 38507562 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09921] [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: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Globally kelp farming is gaining attention to mitigate land-use pressures and achieve carbon neutrality. However, the influence of environmental perturbations on kelp farming remains largely unknown. Recently, a severe disease outbreak caused extensive kelp mortality in Sanggou Bay, China, one of the world's largest high-density kelp farming areas. Here, through in situ investigations and simulation experiments, we find indications that an anomalously dramatic increase in elevated coastal seawater light penetration may have contributed to dysbiosis in the kelp Saccharina japonica's microbiome. This dysbiosis promoted the proliferation of opportunistic pathogenic Enterobacterales, mainly including the genera Colwellia and Pseudoalteromonas. Using transcriptomic analyses, we revealed that high-light conditions likely induced oxidative stress in kelp, potentially facilitating opportunistic bacterial Enterobacterales attack that activates a terrestrial plant-like pattern recognition receptor system in kelp. Furthermore, we uncover crucial genotypic determinants of Enterobacterales dominance and pathogenicity within kelp tissue, including pathogen-associated molecular patterns, potential membrane-damaging toxins, and alginate and mannitol lysis capability. Finally, through analysis of kelp-associated microbiome data sets under the influence of ocean warming and acidification, we conclude that such Enterobacterales favoring microbiome shifts are likely to become more prevalent in future environmental conditions. Our study highlights the need for understanding complex environmental influences on kelp health and associated microbiomes for the sustainable development of seaweed farming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongyu Zhang
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 189 Songling Road, Qingdao 266101, Shandong, China
- Shandong Energy Institute, No. 189 Songling Road, Qingdao 266101, Shandong, China
- Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao 266101, Shandong, China
| | - Shailesh Nair
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 189 Songling Road, Qingdao 266101, Shandong, China
- Shandong Energy Institute, No. 189 Songling Road, Qingdao 266101, Shandong, China
- Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao 266101, Shandong, China
| | - Zenghu Zhang
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 189 Songling Road, Qingdao 266101, Shandong, China
- Shandong Energy Institute, No. 189 Songling Road, Qingdao 266101, Shandong, China
- Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao 266101, Shandong, China
| | - Jiulong Zhao
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 189 Songling Road, Qingdao 266101, Shandong, China
- Shandong Energy Institute, No. 189 Songling Road, Qingdao 266101, Shandong, China
- Qingdao New Energy Shandong Laboratory, Qingdao 266101, Shandong, China
| | - Hanshuang Zhao
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 189 Songling Road, Qingdao 266101, Shandong, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Longfei Lu
- Weihai Changqing Ocean Science Technology Co., Ltd., Rongcheng 264300, China
| | - Lirong Chang
- Weihai Changqing Ocean Science Technology Co., Ltd., Rongcheng 264300, China
| | - Nianzhi Jiao
- Institute of Marine Microbes and Ecospheres, State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361100, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hanley ME, Firth LB, Foggo A. Victim of changes? Marine macroalgae in a changing world. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2024; 133:1-16. [PMID: 37996092 PMCID: PMC10921835 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcad185] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marine macroalgae ('seaweeds') are a diverse and globally distributed group of photosynthetic organisms that together generate considerable primary productivity, provide an array of different habitats for other organisms, and contribute many important ecosystem functions and services. As a result of continued anthropogenic stress on marine systems, many macroalgal species and habitats face an uncertain future, risking their vital contribution to global productivity and ecosystem service provision. SCOPE After briefly considering the remarkable taxonomy and ecological distribution of marine macroalgae, we review how the threats posed by a combination of anthropogenically induced stressors affect seaweed species and communities. From there we highlight five critical avenues for further research to explore (long-term monitoring, use of functional traits, focus on early ontogeny, biotic interactions and impact of marine litter on coastal vegetation). CONCLUSIONS Although there are considerable parallels with terrestrial vascular plant responses to the many threats posed by anthropogenic stressors, we note that the impacts of some (e.g. habitat loss) are much less keenly felt in the oceans than on land. Nevertheless, and in common with terrestrial plant communities, the impact of climate change will inevitably be the most pernicious threat to the future persistence of seaweed species, communities and service provision. While understanding macroalgal responses to simultaneous environmental stressors is inevitably a complex exercise, our attempt to highlight synergies with terrestrial systems, and provide five future research priorities to elucidate some of the important trends and mechanisms of response, may yet offer some small contribution to this goal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mick E Hanley
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, UK
| | - Louise B Firth
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, UK
| | - Andy Foggo
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Salland N, Wilding C, Jensen A, Smale DA. Spatiotemporal variability in population demography and morphology of the habitat-forming macroalga Saccorhiza polyschides in the Western English Channel. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2024; 133:117-130. [PMID: 37962600 PMCID: PMC10921834 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcad181] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Large brown macroalgae serve as foundation organisms along temperate and polar coastlines, providing a range of ecosystem services. Saccorhiza polyschides is a warm-temperate kelp-like species found in the northeast Atlantic, which is suggested to have proliferated in recent decades across the southern UK, possibly in response to increasing temperatures, physical disturbance and reduced competition. However, little is known about S. polyschides with regard to ecological functioning and population dynamics across its geographical range. Here we examined the population demography of S. polyschides populations in southwest UK, located within the species' range centre, to address a regional knowledge gap and to provide a baseline against which to detect future changes. METHODS Intertidal surveys were conducted during spring low tides at three sites along a gradient of wave exposure in Plymouth Sound (Western English Channel) over a period of 15 months. Density, cover, age, biomass and morphology of S. polyschides were quantified. Additionally, less frequent sampling of shallow subtidal reefs was conducted to compare intertidal and subtidal populations. KEY RESULTS We recorded pronounced seasonality, with fairly consistent demographic patterns across sites and depths. By late summer, S. polyschides was a dominant habitat-former on both intertidal and subtidal reefs, with maximum standing stock exceeding 13 000 g wet weight m-2. CONCLUSIONS Saccorhiza polyschides is a conspicuous and abundant member of rocky reef assemblages in the region, providing complex and abundant biogenic habitat for associated organisms and high rates of primary productivity. However, its short-lived pseudo-annual life strategy is in stark contrast to dominant long-lived perennial laminarian kelps. As such, any replacement or reconfiguration of habitat-forming macroalgae due to ocean warming will probably have implications for local biodiversity and community composition. More broadly, our study demonstrates the importance of high-resolution cross-habitat surveys to generate robust baselines of kelp population demography, against which the ecological impacts of climate change and other stressors can be reliably detected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nora Salland
- The Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth PL1 2PB, UK
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Catherine Wilding
- The Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth PL1 2PB, UK
| | - Antony Jensen
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Dan A Smale
- The Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth PL1 2PB, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hollarsmith JA, Cornett JC, Evenson E, Tugaw A. A century of canopy kelp persistence and recovery in the Gulf of Alaska. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2024; 133:105-116. [PMID: 37832150 PMCID: PMC10921840 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcad149] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Coastal Alaska contains vast kelp habitat that supports diverse marine and human communities. Over the past century, the North Pacific Ocean has undergone oceanographic and ecological regime shifts that have the potential to influence the structure and function of kelp ecosystems strongly. However, the remoteness and complexity of the glacially carved region precludes the regular monitoring efforts that would be necessary to detect such changes. METHODS To begin to fill this critical knowledge gap, we drew upon historical and modern surveys to analyse the change in spatial coverage and species composition of canopy kelp between two time points (1913 and the early 2000s to 2010s). We also incorporated decadal surveys on sea otter range expansion following complete extirpation and reintroduction to assess the influence of sea otter recovery on the spatial extent of canopy kelp. KEY RESULTS We found increases in the spatial extent of canopy kelp throughout the Gulf of Alaska where there was coverage from both surveys. Kelp in Southcentral Alaska showed extensive recovery after the catastrophic Novarupta volcano. Kelp in Southeast Alaska showed persistence and spatial increase that closely matched increases in the range of sea otters. Observations of thermally tolerant kelp species increased more than observations of cold-adapted species between the two surveys. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to trends observed at lower latitudes, the kelp forests that ring the Gulf of Alaska have been remarkably stable and even increased in the past century, despite oceanographic and ecosystem changes. To improve monitoring, we propose identification of sentinel kelp beds for regular monitoring to detect changes to these iconic and foundational canopy kelp species more readily.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan A Hollarsmith
- NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, 17109 Point Lena Loop Road, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
| | - Juliana C Cornett
- NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, 17109 Point Lena Loop Road, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
- Alaska Sea Grant, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 218 O’Neill Building, PO Box 755040, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Emily Evenson
- Washington State University, 1815 Wilson Road, Pullman, WA 99163, USA
- Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, & Ecosystem Studies, University of Washington, 3737 Brooklyn Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98105, USA and
| | - Alex Tugaw
- University of Alaska Southeast, 11066 Auke Lake Way, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sanabria-Fernández JA, Génin A, Dakos V. Unveiling functional linkages between habitats and organisms: Macroalgal habitats as influential factors of fish functional traits. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 194:106305. [PMID: 38145605 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106305] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the relationship between the characteristics of habitats and their associated community is essential to comprehend the functioning of ecological systems and prevent their degradation. This is particularly relevant for in decline, habitat-forming species, such as macroalgae, which support diverse communities of fish in temperate rocky reefs. To understand the link between the functional habitats of macroalgae and the functional dimension of their associated fish communities, we used a standardized underwater visual census to quantify the macroalgal functional diversity, as well as the functional diversity, redundancy, and richness of fish communities in 400 sites scattered in three southern temperate marine realms. Our findings reveal that functional macroalgal habitats can be classified into three groups that shape the functional diversity, redundancy, and richness of fish when considering trait commonness. These results enhance our comprehension of the functional connections between the habitat and coexisting fish within marine ecosystems, providing valuable insights for the preservation of these habitats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José A Sanabria-Fernández
- Vicerectorat de Recerca, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, CRETUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Alexandre Génin
- Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands; Estación Costera de Investigaciones Marinas, Las Cruces, Departamento de Ecología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, 8331150, Chile
| | - Vasilis Dakos
- ISEM, CNRS, Univ. Montpellier, IRD, EPHE, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wear B, O'Connor NE, Schmid MJ, Jackson MC. What does the future look like for kelp when facing multiple stressors? Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10203. [PMID: 37384243 PMCID: PMC10293785 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10203] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
As primary producers and ecosystem engineers, kelp (generally Order Laminariales) are ecologically important, and their decline could have far-reaching consequences. Kelp are valuable in forming habitats for fish and invertebrates and are crucial for adaptation to climate change by creating coastal defenses and in providing key functions, such as carbon sequestration and food provision. Kelp are threatened by multiple stressors, such as climate change, over-harvesting of predators, and pollution. In this opinion paper, we discuss how these stressors may interact to affect kelp, and how this varies under different contexts. We argue that more research that bridges kelp conservation and multiple stressor theory is needed and outline key questions that should be addressed as a priority. For instance, it is important to understand how previous exposure (either to earlier generations or life stages) determines responses to emerging stressors, and how responses in kelp scale up to alter food webs and ecosystem functioning. By increasing the temporal and biological complexity of kelp research in this way, we will improve our understanding allowing better predictions. This research is essential for the effective conservation and potential restoration of kelp in our rapidly changing world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Wear
- Department of BiologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Somerville CollegeOxfordUK
| | - Nessa E. O'Connor
- School of Natural Sciences, Discipline of ZoologyTrinity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Matthias J. Schmid
- School of Natural Sciences, Discipline of ZoologyTrinity College DublinDublinIreland
- School of Natural ScienceUniversity of GalwayGalwayIreland
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Conroy G. Why Earth's giant kelp forests are worth $500 billion a year. Nature 2023:10.1038/d41586-023-01307-3. [PMID: 37072544 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-01307-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
|