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Rovellini A, Mortimer CL, Dunn MR, Fulton EA, Jompa J, Haris A, Bell JJ. Reduced small-scale structural complexity on sponge-dominated areas of Indo-Pacific coral reefs. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 193:106254. [PMID: 37979404 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106254] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Corals provide a complex 3D framework that offers habitat to diverse coral reef fauna. However, future reefs are likely to experience reduced coral abundance. Sponges have been proposed as one potential winner on future coral reefs, but little is known of how they contribute to reef 3D structure. Given the ecological importance of structural complexity, it is critical to understand how changes in the abundance of structure-building organisms will affect the three-dimensional properties of coral reefs. To investigate the potentially important functional role of coral reef sponges as providers of structural complexity, we compared the structural complexity of coral- and sponge-dominated areas of an Indonesian coral reef, using 3D photogrammetry at a 4 m2 spatial scale. Structural complexity of 31 4 m2 quadrats was expressed as rugosity indicating reef contour complexity (R), vector dispersion indicating heterogeneity of angles between reef surfaces (1/k), and fractal dimension indicating geometrical complexity at five different spatial scales between 1 and 120 cm (D1-5). Quadrats were identified as high- or low-complexity using hierarchical clustering based on the complexity metrics. At high structural complexity, coral- and sponge-dominated quadrats were similar in terms of R and 1/k. However, smallest-scale refuge spaces (1-5 cm) were more abundant in coral-dominated quadrats, whereas larger scale refuge spaces (30-60 cm) were more abundant in sponge-dominated quadrats. Branching and massive corals contributed the most to structural complexity in coral-dominated quadrats, and barrel sponges in sponge-dominated quadrats. We show that smaller-scale refugia (1-5 cm) are reduced on sponge-dominated reefs at the spatial scale considered here (4 m2), with potential negative implications for smaller reef fauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Rovellini
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Charlotte L Mortimer
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Matthew R Dunn
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), Wellington, New Zealand.
| | | | - Jamaluddin Jompa
- Universitas Hasanuddin, Department of Marine Science, Makassar, Indonesia.
| | - Abdul Haris
- Universitas Hasanuddin, Department of Marine Science, Makassar, Indonesia.
| | - James J Bell
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
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2
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Stahl F, Mezger SD, Migani V, Rohlfs M, Fahey VJ, Schoenig E, Wild C. Recent and rapid reef recovery around Koh Phangan Island, Gulf of Thailand, driven by plate-like hard corals. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16115. [PMID: 38025748 PMCID: PMC10640840 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mass bleaching events and local anthropogenic influences have changed the benthic communities of many coral reefs with pronounced spatial differences that are linked to resilience patterns. The Gulf of Thailand is an under-investigated region with only few existing datasets containing long-term developments of coral reef communities using the same method at fixed sites. We thus analyzed benthic community data from seven reefs surrounding the island of Koh Phangan collected between 2014 and 2022. Findings revealed that the average live hard coral cover around Koh Phangan increased from 37% to 55% over the observation period, while turf algae cover decreased from 52% to 29%, indicating some recovery of local reefs. This corresponds to a mean increased rate of coral cover by 2.2% per year. The increase in live hard coral cover was mainly driven by plate-like corals, which quadrupled in proportion over the last decade from 7% to 28% while branching corals decreased in proportion from 9% to 2%. Furthermore, the hard coral genus richness increased, indicating an increased hard coral diversity. While in other reefs, increasing live hard coral cover is often attributed to fast-growing, branching coral species, considered more susceptible to bleaching and other disturbances, the reefs around Koh Phangan recovered mainly via growth of plate-like corals, particularly of the genus Montipora. Although plate-like morphologies are not necessarily more bleaching tolerant, they are important for supporting reef fish abundance and structural complexity on reefs, aiding reef recovery and sturdiness. Hence, our findings indicate that the intensity of local stressors around Kho Phangan allows reef recovery driven by some hard coral species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Stahl
- Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, Marine Botany Group, Universität Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, Marine Ecology Group, Universität Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Selma D. Mezger
- Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, Marine Ecology Group, Universität Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Valentina Migani
- Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, Evolutionary Biology Group, Universität Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Marko Rohlfs
- Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, Chemical Ecology Group, Universität Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Victoria J. Fahey
- Center for Oceanic Research and Education (COREsea), Chaloklum, Koh Phangan, Thailand
| | - Eike Schoenig
- Center for Oceanic Research and Education (COREsea), Chaloklum, Koh Phangan, Thailand
| | - Christian Wild
- Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, Marine Ecology Group, Universität Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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3
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Chan YKS, Affendi YA, Ang PO, Baria-Rodriguez MV, Chen CA, Chui APY, Giyanto, Glue M, Huang H, Kuo CY, Kim SW, Lam VYY, Lane DJW, Lian JS, Lin SMNN, Lunn Z, Nañola CL, Nguyen VL, Park HS, Suharsono, Sutthacheep M, Vo ST, Vibol O, Waheed Z, Yamano H, Yeemin T, Yong E, Kimura T, Tun K, Chou LM, Huang D. Decadal stability in coral cover could mask hidden changes on reefs in the East Asian Seas. Commun Biol 2023; 6:630. [PMID: 37301948 PMCID: PMC10257672 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05000-z] [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: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs in the Central Indo-Pacific region comprise some of the most diverse and yet threatened marine habitats. While reef monitoring has grown throughout the region in recent years, studies of coral reef benthic cover remain limited in spatial and temporal scales. Here, we analysed 24,365 reef surveys performed over 37 years at 1972 sites throughout East Asia by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network using Bayesian approaches. Our results show that overall coral cover at surveyed reefs has not declined as suggested in previous studies and compared to reef regions like the Caribbean. Concurrently, macroalgal cover has not increased, with no indications of phase shifts from coral to macroalgal dominance on reefs. Yet, models incorporating socio-economic and environmental variables reveal negative associations of coral cover with coastal urbanisation and sea surface temperature. The diversity of reef assemblages may have mitigated cover declines thus far, but climate change could threaten reef resilience. We recommend prioritisation of regionally coordinated, locally collaborative long-term studies for better contextualisation of monitoring data and analyses, which are essential for achieving reef conservation goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y K S Chan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Y A Affendi
- Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - P O Ang
- Institute of Space and Earth Information Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - M V Baria-Rodriguez
- Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon, Philippines
| | - C A Chen
- Biodiversity Research Centre, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - A P Y Chui
- Institute of Space and Earth Information Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Giyanto
- Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - M Glue
- Fauna & Flora International, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - H Huang
- South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - C-Y Kuo
- Biodiversity Research Centre, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - S W Kim
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - V Y Y Lam
- Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Washington D.C., USA
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - D J W Lane
- Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam
| | - J S Lian
- South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - S M N N Lin
- Fauna & Flora International, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Z Lunn
- Fauna & Flora International, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - C L Nañola
- University of the Philippines Mindanao, Davao, Philippines
| | - V L Nguyen
- Institute of Oceanography, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Nha Trang, Vietnam
| | - H S Park
- Korean Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Suharsono
- Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - M Sutthacheep
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - S T Vo
- Institute of Oceanography, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Nha Trang, Vietnam
| | - O Vibol
- Department of Fisheries Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Z Waheed
- Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - H Yamano
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukaba, Japan
| | - T Yeemin
- Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - E Yong
- Reef Check Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam
| | - T Kimura
- Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network East Asia Region, Tokyo, Japan
- Palau International Coral Reef Center, Koror, Palau
| | - K Tun
- Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network East Asia Region, Tokyo, Japan
- National Biodiversity Centre, National Parks Board, Singapore, Singapore
| | - L M Chou
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - D Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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4
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Hoeksema BW, van der Loos LM, van Moorsel GWNM. Coral diversity matches marine park zonation but not economic value of coral reef sites at St. Eustatius, eastern Caribbean. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 320:115829. [PMID: 36056482 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Stony corals play a key role in the marine biodiversity of many tropical coastal areas as suppliers of substrate, food and shelter for other reef organisms. Therefore, it is remarkable that coral diversity usually does not play a role in the planning of protected areas in coral reef areas. In the present study we examine how stony coral diversity patterns relate to marine park zonation and the economic value of reefs around St. Eustatius, a small island in the eastern Caribbean, with fisheries and tourism as important sources of income. The marine park contains two no-take reserves. A biodiversity survey was performed at 39 sites, 24 inside the reserves and 15 outside; 22 had a maximum depth >18 m and 17 were shallower. Data on economic value per site were obtained from the literature. Corals were photographed for the verification of identifications made in the field. Coral species richness (n = 49) was highest in the no-take reserves and species composition was mainly affected by maximum depth. No distinct relation is observed between coral diversity and fishery value or total economic value. Based on the outcome of this study we suggest that in future designs of marine park zonation in reef areas, coral diversity should be taken into consideration. This is best served by including reef areas with a continuous depth gradient from shallow flats to deep slopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert W Hoeksema
- Taxonomy, Systematics and Geodiversity Group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands; Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC Groningen, the Netherlands; Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9505, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Luna M van der Loos
- Taxonomy, Systematics and Geodiversity Group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands; Phycology Research Group, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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5
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Urbina‐Barreto I, Elise S, Guilhaumon F, Bruggemann JH, Pinel R, Kulbicki M, Vigliola L, Mou‐Tham G, Mahamadaly V, Facon M, Bureau S, Peignon C, Dutrieux E, Garnier R, Penin L, Adjeroud M. Underwater photogrammetry reveals new links between coral reefscape traits and fishes that ensure key functions. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Urbina‐Barreto
- UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, Université de la Nouvelle‐Calédonie Saint‐Denis France
- Creocean OI Sainte Clotilde France
| | - Simon Elise
- UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, Université de la Nouvelle‐Calédonie Saint‐Denis France
| | - François Guilhaumon
- MARBEC, IRD, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Ifremer Montpellier France
- IRD Saint‐Denis France
| | - J. Henrich Bruggemann
- UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, Université de la Nouvelle‐Calédonie Saint‐Denis France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence CORAIL Perpignan France
| | | | - Michel Kulbicki
- Laboratoire d'Excellence CORAIL Perpignan France
- UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, Université de la Nouvelle‐Calédonie, Université de Perpignan Nouméa France
| | - Laurent Vigliola
- Laboratoire d'Excellence CORAIL Perpignan France
- UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, Université de la Nouvelle‐Calédonie Nouméa New Caledonia
| | - Gerard Mou‐Tham
- UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, Université de la Nouvelle‐Calédonie Nouméa New Caledonia
| | | | | | - Sophie Bureau
- UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, Université de la Nouvelle‐Calédonie Saint‐Denis France
| | - Christophe Peignon
- UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, Université de la Nouvelle‐Calédonie Nouméa New Caledonia
| | | | | | - Lucie Penin
- UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, Université de la Nouvelle‐Calédonie Saint‐Denis France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence CORAIL Perpignan France
| | - Mehdi Adjeroud
- Laboratoire d'Excellence CORAIL Perpignan France
- UMR 9220 ENTROPIE, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, Université de la Nouvelle‐Calédonie, Université de Perpignan Nouméa France
- PSL Université Paris, USR 3278 CRIOBE—EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS Perpignan France
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6
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Yarlett RT, Perry CT, Wilson RW. Quantifying production rates and size fractions of parrotfish-derived sediment: A key functional role on Maldivian coral reefs. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:16250-16265. [PMID: 34824825 PMCID: PMC8601892 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral reef fish perform numerous important functional roles on coral reefs. Of these, carbonate sediment production, as a by-product of parrotfish feeding, is especially important for contributing to reef framework construction and reef-associated landform development. However, only limited data exist on: (i) how production rates vary among reef habitats as a function of parrotfish assemblages, (ii) the relative importance of sediment produced from eroded, reworked, and endogenous sources, or (iii) the size fractions of sediment generated by different parrotfish species and size classes. These parameters influence not only overall reef-derived sediment supply, but also influence the transport potential and depositional fate of this sedimentary material. Here, we show that parrotfish sediment production varies significantly between reef-platform habitats on an atoll-margin Maldivian reef. Highest rates of production (over 0.8 kg m-2 year-1) were calculated in three of the eight platform habitats; a rubble-dominated zone, an Acropora spp. dominated zone, and a patch reef zone. Habitat spatial extent and differences in associated parrotfish assemblages strongly influenced the total quantities of sediment generated within each habitat. Nearly half of total parrotfish sediment production occurred in the rubble habitat, which comprised only 8% of the total platform area. Over 90% of this sedimentary material originated from eroded reef framework as opposed to being reworked existing or endogenously produced sediment, and comprised predominantly coral sands (predominantly 125-1000 µm in diameter). This is comparable to the dominant sand types and size fractions found on Maldivian reef islands. By contrast, nearly half of the sediment egested by parrotfish in the Acropora spp. dominated and patch reef habitats resulted from reworked existing sediments. These differences between habitats are a result of the different parrotfish assemblages supported. Endogenous carbonate production was found to be insignificant compared to the quantity of eroded and reworked material. Our findings have important implications for identifying key habitats and species which act as major sources of sediment for reef-island systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert T. Yarlett
- GeographyCollege of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Chris T. Perry
- GeographyCollege of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Rod W. Wilson
- BiosciencesCollege of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
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7
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Mulochau T, Lelabousse C, Séré M. Estimations of densities of marine litter on the fringing reefs of Mayotte (France - South Western Indian Ocean) - impacts on coral communities. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 160:111643. [PMID: 33181926 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111643] [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: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The present study was carried out at 22 stations located on the fringing reefs of the island of Mayotte inside the perimeter of the Marine Natural Park of Mayotte (PNMM). The average assessment of the number of samples of marine litter (ML) collected at these stations was 3.9 ± 1.3 ML per 500 m2 in winter and 3.8 ± 1.1 ML per 500 m2 in summer. Plastic ML was dominant, representing approximately 92% of the litter collected at the stations for the two seasons. The majority was plastic ML from fishing gear (lines, nets etc.). Station 18 presented remarkable average densities of 39 ± 4.2 ML per 500 m2 for the two seasons and differed from the other stations in that the ML came solely from the catchment areas, with a majority of aluminium ML (56%). Approximately half the coral colonies coming into contact with ML presented an impact dominated by the category of "Broken or abraded colonies", with 25% of the colonies being impacted. The colonies most severely impacted by ML were branch or table corals, with the greatest majority for the present study being of the genus Acropora.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Clément Lelabousse
- Parc Naturel Marin de Mayotte, Centre d'affaires de l'aéroport de, Mayotte 97615, Pamandzi, France.
| | - Mathieu Séré
- University of Derby, Aquatic Research Facility Environmental, Sustainability Research Centre, Kedleston Road DE2216B, Derby, United Kingdom.
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8
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Hein MY, Beeden R, Birtles RA, Chase TJ, Couture F, Haskin E, Marshall N, Ripple K, Terry L, Willis BL, Willis R, Gardiner NM. Effects of coral restoration on fish communities: snapshots of long‐term, multiregional responses and implications for practice. Restor Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Margaux Y. Hein
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Roger Beeden
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - R. Alastair Birtles
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Tory J. Chase
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Fanny Couture
- Reefscapers Program, Seamarc, Marine Discovery Centre Landaa Giraavaru Maldives
| | | | - Nadine Marshall
- CSIRO Land and Water James Cook University ATSIP Building#145, Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Kayla Ripple
- Coral Restoration Foundation Key Largo FL 03037 U.S.A
| | - Lisa Terry
- The Nature Conservancy St Croix USVI U.S.A
| | - Bette L. Willis
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Reanna Willis
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Naomi M. Gardiner
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
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9
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Richardson LE, Graham NAJ, Hoey AS. Coral species composition drives key ecosystem function on coral reefs. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20192214. [PMID: 32070253 PMCID: PMC7062023 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.2214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid and unprecedented ecological change threatens the functioning and stability of ecosystems. On coral reefs, global climate change and local stressors are reducing and reorganizing habitat-forming corals and associated species, with largely unknown implications for critical ecosystem functions such as herbivory. Herbivory mediates coral-algal competition, thereby facilitating ecosystem recovery following disturbance such as coral bleaching events or large storms. However, relationships between coral species composition, the distribution of herbivorous fishes and the delivery of their functional impact are not well understood. Here, we investigate how herbivorous fish assemblages and delivery of two distinct herbivory processes, grazing and browsing, differ among three taxonomically distinct, replicated coral habitats. While grazing on algal turf assemblages was insensitive to different coral configurations, browsing on the macroalga Laurencia cf. obtusa varied considerably among habitats, suggesting that different mechanisms may shape these processes. Variation in browsing among habitats was best predicted by the composition and structural complexity of benthic assemblages (in particular the cover and composition of corals, but not macroalgal cover), and was poorly reflected by visual estimates of browser biomass. Surprisingly, the lowest browsing rates were recorded in the most structurally complex habitat, with the greatest cover of coral (branching Porites habitat). While the mechanism for the variation in browsing is not clear, it may be related to scale-dependent effects of habitat structure on visual occlusion inhibiting foraging activity by browsing fishes, or the relative availability of alternate dietary resources. Our results suggest that maintained functionality may vary among distinct and emerging coral reef configurations due to ecological interactions between reef fishes and their environment determining habitat selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Richardson
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.,School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Nicholas A J Graham
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.,Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Andrew S Hoey
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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10
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Robinson JPW, Wilson SK, Jennings S, Graham NAJ. Thermal stress induces persistently altered coral reef fish assemblages. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2019; 25:2739-2750. [PMID: 31210001 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Ecological communities are reorganizing in response to warming temperatures. For continuous ocean habitats this reorganization is characterized by large-scale species redistribution, but for tropical discontinuous habitats such as coral reefs, spatial isolation coupled with strong habitat dependence of fish species imply that turnover and local extinctions are more significant mechanisms. In these systems, transient marine heatwaves are causing coral bleaching and profoundly altering habitat structure, yet despite severe bleaching events becoming more frequent and projections indicating annual severe bleaching by the 2050s at most reefs, long-term effects on the diversity and structure of fish assemblages remain unclear. Using a 23-year time series spanning a thermal stress event, we describe and model structural changes and recovery trajectories of fish communities after mass bleaching. Communities changed fundamentally, with the new emergent communities dominated by herbivores and persisting for >15 years, a period exceeding realized and projected intervals between thermal stress events on coral reefs. Reefs which shifted to macroalgal states had the lowest species richness and highest compositional dissimilarity, whereas reefs where live coral recovered exceeded prebleaching fish richness, but remained dissimilar to prebleaching compositions. Given realized and projected frequencies of bleaching events, our results show that fish communities historically associated with coral reefs will not re-establish, requiring substantial adaptation by managers and resource users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shaun K Wilson
- Marine Science Program, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, WA, Australia
- Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Simon Jennings
- International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, Copenhagen V, Denmark
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11
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Cross-shelf Heterogeneity of Coral Assemblages in Northwest Australia. DIVERSITY-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/d11020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the spatial and temporal distribution of coral assemblages and the processes structuring those patterns is fundamental to managing reef assemblages. Cross-shelf marine systems exhibit pronounced and persistent gradients in environmental conditions; however, these gradients are not always reliable predictors of coral distribution or the degree of stress that corals are experiencing. This study used information from government, industry and scientific datasets spanning 1980–2017, to explore temporal trends in coral cover in the geographically complex system of the Dampier Archipelago, northwest Australia. Coral composition at 15 sites surveyed in 2017 was also modelled against environmental and spatial variables (including turbidity, degree heat weeks, wave exposure, and distance to land/mainland/isobath) to assess their relative importance in structuring coral assemblages. High spatial and temporal heterogeneity was observed in coral cover and recovery trajectories, with reefs located an intermediate distance from the shore maintaining high cover over the past 20 years. The abundance of some prominent genera in 2017 (Acropora, Porites, and Turbinaria spp.) decreased with the distance from the mainland, suggesting that inshore processes play an important role in dictating the distribution of these genera. The atypical distributions of these key reef-building corals and spatial heterogeneity of historical recovery trajectories highlight the risks in making assumptions regarding cross-shelf patterns in geographically complex systems.
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González-Gamboa I, Santos-Martínez A, Herrera-Martínez Y. Potential Response of Coral Reef’s Functional Structure and Snapper Abundance to Environmental Degradation in San Andres Island, Colombia. ACTA BIOLÓGICA COLOMBIANA 2019. [DOI: 10.15446/abc.v24n1.72970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
To determine the coral reef morpho-functional structure of San Andrés, regarding functional benthic diversity and fish (Lutjanidae), we evaluated the condition of the coral structure on the leeward side of the island, which is an area impacted by tourism, through diving and fishing. Three sampling sites were evaluated during two years recording the distribution of benthic organisms, environmental variables and Snappers density (Lutjanidae). A low density of Lutjanus jocu and Ocyurus chrysurus was found, with a high density of juveniles of L. apodus and L. mahogoni, which showed a preference for reefs with submassive and brain corals. Algae especially Macroalgae and octocorals were those with the greatest coverage in the reefs, followed by inert substrates, while corals were epresented by species with a wide distribution such as Agaricia agaricites and Porites astreoides. Octocorals correlated negatively with stony corals and that the most widespread fragile corals were the finger. We concluded that there is a higher density of mainly juvenile snappers where there is a greater variety of coral morpho-functional groups, and not necessarily in sites with greater coral coverage. Also, adult snappers were associated with octocoral zones. This shows that morpho-functional diversity is a crucial factor in the permanence of snappers.
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13
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Perry CT, Alvarez‐Filip L. Changing geo‐ecological functions of coral reefs in the Anthropocene. Funct Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chris T. Perry
- Geography College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Exeter UK
| | - Lorenzo Alvarez‐Filip
- Biodiversity and Reef Conservation Laboratory Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico Puerto Morelos Quintana Roo Mexico
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Richardson LE, Graham NAJ, Pratchett MS, Eurich JG, Hoey AS. Mass coral bleaching causes biotic homogenization of reef fish assemblages. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2018; 24:3117-3129. [PMID: 29633512 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Global climate change is altering community composition across many ecosystems due to nonrandom species turnover, typically characterized by the loss of specialist species and increasing similarity of biological communities across spatial scales. As anthropogenic disturbances continue to alter species composition globally, there is a growing need to identify how species responses influence the establishment of distinct assemblages, such that management actions may be appropriately assigned. Here, we use trait-based analyses to compare temporal changes in five complementary indices of reef fish assemblage structure among six taxonomically distinct coral reef habitats exposed to a system-wide thermal stress event. Our results revealed increased taxonomic and functional similarity of previously distinct reef fish assemblages following mass coral bleaching, with changes characterized by subtle, but significant, shifts toward predominance of small-bodied, algal-farming habitat generalists. Furthermore, while the taxonomic or functional richness of fish assemblages did not change across all habitats, an increase in functional originality indicated an overall loss of functional redundancy. We also found that prebleaching coral composition better predicted changes in fish assemblage structure than the magnitude of coral loss. These results emphasize how measures of alpha diversity can mask important changes in the structure and functioning of ecosystems as assemblages reorganize. Our findings also highlight the role of coral species composition in structuring communities and influencing the diversity of responses of reef fishes to disturbance. As new coral species configurations emerge, their desirability will hinge upon the composition of associated species and their capacity to maintain key ecological processes in spite of ongoing disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Richardson
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
| | | | - Morgan S Pratchett
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
| | - Jacob G Eurich
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
| | - Andrew S Hoey
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
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15
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House JE, Brambilla V, Bidaut LM, Christie AP, Pizarro O, Madin JS, Dornelas M. Moving to 3D: relationships between coral planar area, surface area and volume. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4280. [PMID: 29435392 PMCID: PMC5806594 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs are a valuable and vulnerable marine ecosystem. The structure of coral reefs influences their health and ability to fulfill ecosystem functions and services. However, monitoring reef corals largely relies on 1D or 2D estimates of coral cover and abundance that overlook change in ecologically significant aspects of the reefs because they do not incorporate vertical or volumetric information. This study explores the relationship between 2D and 3D metrics of coral size. We show that surface area and volume scale consistently with planar area, albeit with morphotype specific conversion parameters. We use a photogrammetric approach using open-source software to estimate the ability of photogrammetry to provide measurement estimates of corals in 3D. Technological developments have made photogrammetry a valid and practical technique for studying coral reefs. We anticipate that these techniques for moving coral research from 2D into 3D will facilitate answering ecological questions by incorporating the 3rd dimension into monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny E House
- Center for Biological Diversity, Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Viviana Brambilla
- Center for Biological Diversity, Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Luc M Bidaut
- Clinical Research Imaging Facility, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom.,College of Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Alec P Christie
- Center for Biological Diversity, Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Oscar Pizarro
- Australian Centre for Field Robotics, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Joshua S Madin
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kaneohe, HI, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maria Dornelas
- Center for Biological Diversity, Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
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16
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Lamb JB, Willis BL, Fiorenza EA, Couch CS, Howard R, Rader DN, True JD, Kelly LA, Ahmad A, Jompa J, Harvell CD. Plastic waste associated with disease on coral reefs. Science 2018; 359:460-462. [DOI: 10.1126/science.aar3320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 378] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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