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Moustaka M, Robbins WD, Wilson SK, Wakefield C, Cuttler MV, O'Leary MJ, Evans RD. Seascape effects on the nursery function of macroalgal habitats. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 202:106767. [PMID: 39368155 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 09/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/07/2024]
Abstract
Understanding how seascape configuration influences nursery function is important for spatial management and conservation of essential habitats. Here, we examine how local habitat, seascape, and environmental factors influence demographic metrics of juvenile Lethrinus punctulatus and assess spatial variation in macroalgae nursery function. We quantified abundance, biomass, and productivity of juvenile L. punctulatus over three years and estimated size-at-age and condition from collected fish. Abundance, biomass, productivity, and size-at-age exhibited significant spatial variation, although each pattern was best explained by different factors. Lethrinus punctulatus were most abundant in macroalgae-rich seascapes, whereas biomass and productivity peaked where macroalgal cover and water temperatures were high. Conversely, fish exhibited the greatest average daily growth at sites near coral reefs. Processes contributing to spatial variation in size-at-age occur prior to fish reaching ∼5 cm in length and may be due to differences in resource availability, size at settlement, or size-selective mortality. Our findings suggest habitat and resource availability constrain L. punctulatus abundance and productivity, while size-at-age is influenced by size-selective mortality and prey quality. Thus, while seascape configuration can affect nursery function, the degree of influence will depend on the processes involved, emphasising the value of considering multiple metrics when identifying nurseries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Moustaka
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; The Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; Marine Science Program, Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, WA, 6151, Australia.
| | - William D Robbins
- Marine Science Program, Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, WA, 6151, Australia; Wildlife Marine, Perth, WA, 6019, Australia
| | - Shaun K Wilson
- The Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Corey Wakefield
- Western Australian Fisheries and Marine Research Laboratories, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Government of Western Australia, North Beach, WA, 6020, Australia
| | - Michael Vw Cuttler
- The Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; Oceans Graduate School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Michael J O'Leary
- The Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; Centre for Energy Geoscience, School of Earth Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Richard D Evans
- The Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; Marine Science Program, Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, WA, 6151, Australia
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2
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da Silva Souza A, de Jesus TB, de Alcântara Santos AC. Bioaccumulation of chemical elements in fish from areas affected by oil on the coast of Bahia, Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116593. [PMID: 38878420 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
In 2019, the Brazilian coast was affected by the largest oil spill in its history. We assessed the levels of chemical elements in Lutjanus synagris and Haemulon aurolienatum fish from Itacaré (least affected area), Tinharé-Boipeba (most affected area) and Madre de Deus (chronically affected area). The level of metals differed between species, tissues, life cycle phases, maturation stages and between sampled locations, indicating the influence of biological and environmental aspects on bioaccumulation. Only fish in Madre de Deus showed lead contamination, while arsenic concentrations in the three areas exceeded the maximum value acceptable by Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency). It is suggested that the oil spill may have impacted species differently, also having an impact in fish from less affected areas. However, metal concentrations in fish in Madre de Deus stood out when compared to populations in other studied areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda da Silva Souza
- Feira de Santana State University (UEFS), Postgraduate Program in Ecology and Evolution (PPGECOEVOL), Transnordestina Avenue, s/n - Novo Horizonte, 44036-900, Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Taise Bomfim de Jesus
- Feira de Santana State University (UEFS), Postgraduate Program in Modeling in Earth and Environmental Sciences (PPGM), Avenida Transnordestina, s/n - Novo Horizonte, 44036-900, Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Clistenes de Alcântara Santos
- Feira de Santana State University (UEFS), Postgraduate Program in Ecology and Evolution (PPGECOEVOL), Transnordestina Avenue, s/n - Novo Horizonte, 44036-900, Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil
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3
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Robinson JPW, Benkwitt CE, Maire E, Morais R, Schiettekatte NMD, Skinner C, Brandl SJ. Quantifying energy and nutrient fluxes in coral reef food webs. Trends Ecol Evol 2024; 39:467-478. [PMID: 38105132 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The movement of energy and nutrients through ecological communities represents the biological 'pulse' underpinning ecosystem functioning and services. However, energy and nutrient fluxes are inherently difficult to observe, particularly in high-diversity systems such as coral reefs. We review advances in the quantification of fluxes in coral reef fishes, focusing on four key frameworks: demographic modelling, bioenergetics, micronutrients, and compound-specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA). Each framework can be integrated with underwater surveys, enabling researchers to scale organismal processes to ecosystem properties. This has revealed how small fish support biomass turnover, pelagic subsidies sustain fisheries, and fisheries benefit human health. Combining frameworks, closing data gaps, and expansion to other aquatic ecosystems can advance understanding of how fishes contribute to ecosystem functions and services.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P W Robinson
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK.
| | | | - Eva Maire
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Renato Morais
- Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, École Pratique des Hautes Études, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Perpignan 66860, France
| | | | - Christina Skinner
- School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, QLD, Australia
| | - Simon J Brandl
- Department of Marine Science, The University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA
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4
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Harper LM, Lefcheck JS, Whippo R, Jones MS, Foltz Z, Duffy JE. Blinded by the bright: How species‐poor habitats contribute to regional biodiversity across a tropical seascape. DIVERS DISTRIB 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Leah M. Harper
- Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network and MarineGEO Program, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Edgewater Maryland USA
| | - Jonathan S. Lefcheck
- Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network and MarineGEO Program, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Edgewater Maryland USA
| | - Ross Whippo
- Oregon Institute of Marine Biology Charleston Oregon USA
| | | | | | - J. Emmett Duffy
- Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network and MarineGEO Program, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Edgewater Maryland USA
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5
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Ng LWK, Chisholm C, Carrasco LR, Darling ES, Guilhaumon F, Mooers AØ, Tucker CM, Winter M, Huang D. Prioritizing phylogenetic diversity to protect functional diversity of reef corals. DIVERS DISTRIB 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Linus W. K. Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
| | | | - Luis Roman Carrasco
- Department of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
- Centre for Nature‐based Climate Solutions National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
| | | | | | - Arne Ø. Mooers
- Department of Biological Sciences Simon Fraser University Burnaby Canada
| | - Caroline M. Tucker
- Environment, Ecology and Energy Program University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Marten Winter
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research Leipzig Germany
| | - Danwei Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
- Centre for Nature‐based Climate Solutions National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum and Tropical Marine Science Institute National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
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6
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Chen J, Zang Y, Yang Z, Qu T, Sun T, Liang S, Zhu M, Wang Y, Tang X. Composition and Functional Diversity of Epiphytic Bacterial and Fungal Communities on Marine Macrophytes in an Intertidal Zone. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:839465. [PMID: 35369473 PMCID: PMC8972133 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.839465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine macrophytes (seagrasses and macroalgae) and their epiphytic microorganisms play an important role in the ecological and biochemical processes of coastal oceans. However, simultaneous comparative studies on the biodiversity and functions of epiphytic bacteria and fungi associated with marine macrophytes have not been conducted. In this study, high-throughput sequencing technology was used to describe the epiphytic bacterial and fungal communities of 11 common macroalgae and 2 seagrasses from an intertidal zone of northern China and compare them with seawater communities. The results showed that Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota were the dominant bacterial phyla in marine macrophytes, whereas Ascomycota, Chytridiomycota, and Basidiomycota were the dominant fungal phyla. The alpha diversity of the bacterial and fungal communities in seagrasses was the highest of all macrophyte samples. This may have been related to their ability to recruit microorganisms from multiple sources. Host phylogeny may influence bacterial community structure, and geographical differences may influence fungal community structure. The FAPROTAX data indicated that C metabolic microbes were enriched in marine macrophytes, while the FUNGuild data indicated that undefined saprotroph, which participated in organic matter degradation, were also enriched in marine macrophytes. These findings provide a theoretical basis regarding the epiphytic microorganisms of macrophytes and may offer new insights to support the improved ecological restoration of seagrass and macroalgae beds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chen
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yu Zang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-Environmental Science and Technology, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhibo Yang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Tongfei Qu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Tao Sun
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Shuo Liang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Meiling Zhu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Ying Wang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuexi Tang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
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7
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Seasonal distribution of fish larvae in mangrove-seagrass seascapes of Zanzibar (Tanzania). Sci Rep 2022; 12:4196. [PMID: 35264688 PMCID: PMC8907160 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07931-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fish larvae supply in nearshore vegetated habitats, such as seagrass meadows and mangroves, contributes significantly to sustainable fish stocks. Yet, little information is available on distribution patterns of fish larvae in mangrove and seagrass habitats of the western Indian Ocean. The present study investigated the abundance, diversity and assemblage composition of fish larvae in mangrove creeks, inshore seagrass meadows (located adjacent to mangroves) and nearshore seagrass meadows (located in-between mangroves and coral reefs) in two coastal seascapes of Zanzibar (Tanzania) across seasons for 1 year. The highest mean abundances of fish larvae were recorded in mangrove creeks, while nearshore- and inshore seagrass meadows showed similar mean abundance levels. Generally, fish larvae representing 42 families were identified, with the fourteen most abundant families comprising 83% of all specimens. Fish larvae communities were dominated by specimens of the postflexion growth stage in all habitats, except in mangrove creeks in one of the two seascapes (i.e. Chwaka Bay) from April through June when abundances of the preflexion and very small-sized individuals were exceptionally high. Slightly higher fish larvae abundances were observed in mangroves during the southeast monsoon compared to the northeast monsoon, and there were also differences across months within monsoon periods for all three habitats studied. Assemblage composition of larvae did, however, not vary significantly in time or space. Our findings suggest that mangroves and seagrass meadows are highly linked shallow-water habitats with high retention of fish larvae contributing to similarity in assemblage compositions across shallow coastal seascapes. Conservation and management efforts should prioritize connected shallow-water seascapes for protection of fish larvae and to uphold sustainable coastal fisheries.
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Lerner JE, Forster I, Hunt BPV. Experimentally derived trophic enrichment and discrimination factors for Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2021; 35:e9092. [PMID: 33788330 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Stable isotope analysis (SIA) can provide important insights into food web structure and is a widely used tool in ecological conservation and management. It has recently been augmented by compound-specific stable isotope analysis of amino acids (CSIA-AA), an innovation that can provide greater precision when analyzing trophic level and food web connectivity. The utility of SIA rests on confidence in its constituent parameters such as the trophic enrichment factor (TEF). There is increasing emphasis on the need to experimentally derive species and tissue specific TEFs for studies utilizing SIA. Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, is a species with high potential for study using SIA due to the difficulty in observing its ecology during its marine phase and the significance of the conservation consequences of recent population declines. METHODS Bulk and amino acid-specific TEFs were determined for juvenile and adult Chinook salmon fed specific diets. Three controlled feeding studies were performed: adult salmon were fed a biofeed, juvenile salmon were fed a biofeed, and juvenile salmon were fed krill. Bulk and compound-specific stable isotope data were collected from diet samples and from salmon muscle tissue after a minimum of 8 weeks of controlled feeding. Bulk isotope signatures were measured using EA-IRMS and CSIA-AA signatures using GC/C-IRMS, allowing the TEFs to be calculated. RESULTS The bulk isotope TEFs were higher than those predicted for similar marine organisms and averaged 3.5‰ for ∆15 N and 1.3‰ for ∆13 C. The TEFs derived for nitrogen isotopes of amino acids were in line with expectations for this approach: the mean value for ∆15 NGlu - ∆15 NPhe was 7.06‰ and, using a multi-AA approach, the value for ∆15 NTrophic - ∆15 NSource was 6.67‰. For carbon isotopes of amino acids, the derived TEFs of Iso, Leu and Phe were near 0‰, as was that of Met, supporting their use of as source amino acids in future CSIA studies. CONCLUSIONS This study presents Chinook salmon-specific TEFs for bulk and amino acid SIA. It supports the application of future research applying SIA to the study of Chinook salmon and validates previous research on species-specific TEFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob E Lerner
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, AERL, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2020-2207 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Ian Forster
- Pacific Science Enterprise Centre, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 4160 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, BC, V7V 1H2, Canada
| | - Brian P V Hunt
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, AERL, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2020-2207 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Hakai Institute, Tula Foundation, PO Box 309, Heriot Bay, BC, V0P 1H0, Canada
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9
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Lin YJ, Rabaoui L, Basali AU, Lopez M, Lindo R, Krishnakumar PK, Qurban MA, Prihartato PK, Cortes DL, Qasem A, Al-Abdulkader K, Roa-Ureta RH. Long-term ecological changes in fishes and macro-invertebrates in the world's warmest coral reefs. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 750:142254. [PMID: 33182216 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Arabian Gulf is a natural laboratory for examining the consequences of large-scale disturbances due to global warming on coral reef ecosystems because of its extreme temperature regime. Using a coral reef monitoring time series extending from 1985 to 2015, we examined the long-term ecological changes in fish and macro-invertebrate communities as these habitats suffered heat shocks. We used a GLMM modelling framework to obtain clean annual signals in community indicators from noisy data. We also visualized temporal change in the taxonomic composition of fishes and macro-invertebrates. A phase shift from predominantly reef-building corals to barren grounds occurred between 1996 and 2000. Macro-invertebrates responded rapidly, and most of associated indicators recovered to pre-shift levels in 15 years. Fishes generally had lagged responses to the phase shift and had shifted to a new state with lower abundance, as well as different species composition. Increased levels of herbivory first by macro-invertebrates, mostly sea urchins, and then fishes, could have suppressed macro-algae expansion and consequently led to the dominance of barren ground. When the phase shift occurred, most of the 14 fish families declined in abundance while macro-invertebrate groups increased. Fish families able to utilize non-coral habitats appeared more resilient to the disturbances and subsequent coral degradation. Unlike other regions, we observed high resilience of the coral-dependent butterflyfishes to coral loss, possibly due to local migration from other less-impacted coral reefs. We hypothesized a top-down control mechanism mediated by predation by fishes has contributed to shaping the temporal and spatial patterns of the macro-invertebrates. Our results also revealed differences in spatial preferences among fishes and macro-invertebrate groups, which could be used to set priorities and develop effective conservation and management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jia Lin
- Center for Environment & Water, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Lotfi Rabaoui
- Center for Environment & Water, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullajid Usama Basali
- Center for Environment & Water, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maclopez Lopez
- Center for Environment & Water, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reynaldo Lindo
- Center for Environment & Water, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Periyadan K Krishnakumar
- Center for Environment & Water, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad A Qurban
- Center for Environment & Water, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Diego Lozano Cortes
- Environmental Protection Department, Saudi Aramco, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Qasem
- Environmental Protection Department, Saudi Aramco, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
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10
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Alsaffar Z, Cúrdia J, Irigoien X, Carvalho S. Composition, uniqueness and connectivity across tropical coastal lagoon habitats in the Red Sea. BMC Ecol 2020; 20:61. [PMID: 33228627 PMCID: PMC7686702 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-020-00329-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tropical habitats and their associated environmental characteristics play a critical role in shaping macroinvertebrate communities. Assessing patterns of diversity over space and time and investigating the factors that control and generate those patterns is critical for conservation efforts. However, these factors are still poorly understood in sub-tropical and tropical regions. The present study applied a combination of uni- and multivariate techniques to test whether patterns of biodiversity, composition, and structure of macrobenthic assemblages change across different lagoon habitats (two mangrove sites; two seagrass meadows with varying levels of vegetation cover; and an unvegetated subtidal area) and between seasons and years. Results In total, 4771 invertebrates were identified belonging to 272 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). We observed that macrobenthic lagoon assemblages are diverse, heterogeneous and that the most evident biological pattern was spatial rather than temporal. To investigate whether macrofaunal patterns within the lagoon habitats (mangrove, seagrass, unvegetated area) changed through the time, we analysed each habitat separately. The results showed high seasonal and inter-annual variability in the macrofaunal patterns. However, the seagrass beds that are characterized by variable vegetation cover, through time, showed comparatively higher stability (with the lowest values of inter-annual variability and a high number of resident taxa). These results support the theory that seagrass habitat complexity promotes diversity and density of macrobenthic assemblages. Despite the structural and functional importance of seagrass beds documented in this study, the results also highlighted the small-scale heterogeneity of tropical habitats that may serve as biodiversity repositories. Conclusions Comprehensive approaches at the “seascape” level are required for improved ecosystem management and to maintain connectivity patterns amongst habitats. This is particularly true along the Saudi Arabian coast of the Red Sea, which is currently experiencing rapid coastal development. Also, considering the high temporal variability (seasonal and inter-annual) of tropical shallow-water habitats, monitoring and management plans must include temporal scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Alsaffar
- Red Sea Research Centre, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.,Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, P.O. Box 2455, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - João Cúrdia
- Red Sea Research Centre, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Xabier Irigoien
- Red Sea Research Centre, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.,AZTI - Marine Research, Herrera Kaia, Pasaia, 20100, Spain.,IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, 48013, Spain
| | - Susana Carvalho
- Red Sea Research Centre, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
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11
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Martinez S, Kolodny Y, Shemesh E, Scucchia F, Nevo R, Levin-Zaidman S, Paltiel Y, Keren N, Tchernov D, Mass T. Energy Sources of the Depth-Generalist Mixotrophic Coral Stylophora pistillata. FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE 2020; 7:988. [PMID: 33409285 PMCID: PMC7116548 DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2020.566663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Energy sources of corals, ultimately sunlight and plankton availability, change dramatically from shallow to mesophotic (30-150 m) reefs. Depth-generalist corals, those that occupy both of these two distinct ecosystems, are adapted to cope with such extremely diverse conditions. In this study, we investigated the trophic strategy of the depth-generalist hermatypic coral Stylophora pistillata and the ability of mesophotic colonies to adapt to shallow reefs. We compared symbiont genera composition, photosynthetic traits and the holobiont trophic position and carbon sources, calculated from amino acids compound-specific stable isotope analysis (AA-CSIA), of shallow, mesophotic and translocated corals. This species harbors different Symbiodiniaceae genera at the two depths: Cladocopium goreaui (dominant in mesophotic colonies) and Symbiodinium microadriaticum (dominant in shallow colonies) with a limited change after transplantation. This allowed us to determine which traits stem from hosting different symbiont species compositions across the depth gradient. Calculation of holobiont trophic position based on amino acid δ15N revealed that heterotrophy represents the same portion of the total energy budget in both depths, in contrast to the dogma that predation is higher in corals growing in low light conditions. Photosynthesis is the major carbon source to corals growing at both depths, but the photosynthetic rate is higher in the shallow reef corals, implicating both higher energy consumption and higher predation rate in the shallow habitat. In the corals transplanted from deep to shallow reef, we observed extensive photo-acclimation by the Symbiodiniaceae cells, including substantial cellular morphological modifications, increased cellular chlorophyll a, lower antennae to photosystems ratios and carbon signature similar to the local shallow colonies. In contrast, non-photochemical quenching remains low and does not increase to cope with the high light regime of the shallow reef. Furthermore, host acclimation is much slower in these deep-to-shallow transplanted corals as evident from the lower trophic position and tissue density compared to the shallow-water corals, even after long-term transplantation (18 months). Our results suggest that while mesophotic reefs could serve as a potential refuge for shallow corals, the transition is complex, as even after a year and a half the acclimation is only partial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephane Martinez
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine
Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, The Leon H. Charney School of
Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Sdot Yam, Israel
| | - Yuval Kolodny
- Applied Physics Department, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University
of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eli Shemesh
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine
Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Federica Scucchia
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine
Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- The Interuniversity Institute of Marine Sciences, Eilat,
Israel
| | - Reinat Nevo
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science,
Rehovot, Israel
| | - Smadar Levin-Zaidman
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of
Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yossi Paltiel
- Applied Physics Department, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University
of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nir Keren
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, The Alexander
Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
Israel
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine
Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, The Leon H. Charney School of
Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Sdot Yam, Israel
| | - Tali Mass
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine
Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, The Leon H. Charney School of
Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Sdot Yam, Israel
- Correspondence: Tali Mass,
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12
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Larsen T, Hansen T, Dierking J. Characterizing niche differentiation among marine consumers with amino acid δ 13C fingerprinting. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:7768-7782. [PMID: 32760563 PMCID: PMC7391304 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine food webs are highly compartmentalized, and characterizing the trophic niches among consumers is important for predicting how impact from human activities affects the structuring and functioning of marine food webs. Biomarkers such as bulk stable isotopes have proven to be powerful tools to elucidate trophic niches, but they may lack in resolution, particularly when spatiotemporal variability in a system is high. To close this gap, we investigated whether carbon isotope (δ13C) patterns of essential amino acids (EAAs), also termed δ13CAA fingerprints, can characterize niche differentiation in a highly dynamic marine system. Specifically, we tested the ability of δ13CAA fingerprints to differentiate trophic niches among six functional groups and ten individual species in the Baltic Sea. We also tested whether fingerprints of the common zooplanktivorous fishes, herring and sprat, differ among four Baltic Sea regions with different biochemical conditions and phytoplankton assemblages. Additionally, we investigated how these results compared to bulk C and N isotope data for the same sample set. We found significantly different δ13CAA fingerprints among all six functional groups. Species differentiation was in comparison less distinct, due to partial convergence of the species' fingerprints within functional groups. Herring and sprat displayed region-specific δ13CAA fingerprints indicating that this approach could be used as a migratory marker. Niche metrics analyses showed that bulk isotope data had a lower power to differentiate between trophic niches than δ13CAA fingerprinting. We conclude that δ13CAA fingerprinting has a strong potential to advance our understanding of ecological niches, and trophic linkages from producers to higher trophic levels in dynamic marine systems. Given how management practices of marine resources and habitats are reshaping the structure and function of marine food webs, implementing new and powerful tracer methods are urgently needed to improve the knowledge base for policy makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Larsen
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human HistoryJenaGermany
| | - Thomas Hansen
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research KielKielGermany
| | - Jan Dierking
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research KielKielGermany
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13
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Luque PL, Sanchez-Ilárduya MB, Sarmiento A, Murua H, Arrizabalaga H. Characterization of carbonate fraction of the Atlantic bluefin tuna fin spine bone matrix for stable isotope analysis. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7176. [PMID: 31346495 PMCID: PMC6642792 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The mineral component of fish otoliths (ear bones), which is aragonitic calcium carbonate (CaCO3), makes this structure the preferred sample choice for measuring biological carbon and oxygen-stable isotopes in order to address fundamental questions in fish ecology and fisheries science. The main drawback is that the removal of otoliths requires sacrificing the specimen, which is particularly impractical for endangered and commercially valuable species such as Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) (ABFT). This study explores the suitability of using the first dorsal fin spine bone of ABFT as a non-lethal alternative to otolith analysis or as a complementary hard structure. The fin spines of freshly caught ABFT were collected to identify carbonate ions within the mineral matrix (i.e., hydroxyapatite) and to determine the nature of the carbonate substitution within the crystal lattice, knowledge which is crucial for correct measurement and ecological interpretation of oxygen and carbon stable isotopes of carbonates. Fin spine sections were analyzed via X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Raman Spectroscopy, and Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR). The XPS survey analysis showed signals of Ca, O, and P (three compositional elements that comprise hydroxyapatite). The Raman and FTIR techniques showed evidence of carbonate ions within the hydroxyapatite matrix, with the IR spectra being the most powerful for identifying the type B carbonate substitution as shown by the carbonate band in the v2 CO32− domain at ∼872 cm−1. The results of this study confirmed the presence of carbonate ions within the mineral matrix of the fin spine bone of ABFT, showing the feasibility of using this calcified structure for analysis of stable isotopes. Overall, our findings will facilitate new approaches to safeguarding commercially valuable and endangered/protected fish species and will open new research avenues to improve fisheries management and species conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia L Luque
- Marine Research Division, AZTI Tecnalia, Pasaia, Guipuzcoa, Spain
| | - María Belén Sanchez-Ilárduya
- Advanced Research Facilities (SGIker)/ X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Laboratory (XPS)/Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizcaia, Spain
| | - Alfredo Sarmiento
- Advanced Research Facilities (Sgiker) / Coupled Multispectroscopy Singular Laboratory (Raman-LASPEA)/ Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizcaia, Spain
| | - Hilario Murua
- Marine Research Division, AZTI Tecnalia, Pasaia, Guipuzcoa, Spain
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14
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Skinner C, Newman SP, Mill AC, Newton J, Polunin NVC. Prevalence of pelagic dependence among coral reef predators across an atoll seascape. J Anim Ecol 2019; 88:1564-1574. [PMID: 31264204 PMCID: PMC6852557 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Coral reef food webs are complex, vary spatially and remain poorly understood. Certain large predators, notably sharks, are subsidized by pelagic production on outer reef slopes, but how widespread this dependence is across all teleost fishery target species and within atolls is unclear. North Malé Atoll (Maldives) includes oceanic barrier as well as lagoonal reefs. Nine fishery target predators constituting ca. 55% of the local fishery target species biomass at assumed trophic levels 3–5 were selected for analysis. Data were derived from carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N) and sulphur (δ34S) stable isotopes from predator white dorsal muscle samples, and primary consumer species representing production source end‐members. Three‐source Bayesian stable isotope mixing models showed that uptake of pelagic production extends throughout the atoll, with predatory fishes showing equal planktonic reliance between inner and outer edge reefs. Median plankton contribution was 65%–80% for all groupers and 68%–88% for an emperor, a jack and snappers. Lagoonal and atoll edge predators are equally at risk from anthropogenic and climate‐induced changes, which may impact the linkages they construct, highlighting the need for management plans that transcend the boundaries of this threatened ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Skinner
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Steven P Newman
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Banyan Tree Marine Lab, Vabbinfaru, Republic of the Maldives
| | - Aileen C Mill
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jason Newton
- NERC Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry Facility, Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, East Kilbride, UK
| | - Nicholas V C Polunin
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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15
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Olson AM, Hessing-Lewis M, Haggarty D, Juanes F. Nearshore seascape connectivity enhances seagrass meadow nursery function. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 29:e01897. [PMID: 31125160 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Diverse habitats composing coastal seascapes occur in close proximity, connected by the flux of materials and fauna across habitat boundaries. Understanding how seascape connectivity alters important ecosystem functions for fish, however, is not well established. For a seagrass-dominant seascape, we predicted that configuration and composition of adjacent habitats would alter habitat access for fauna and trophic subsidies, enhancing nursery function for juvenile fish. In an extensive Zostera marina seagrass meadow, we established sites adjacent to (1) highly complex and productive kelp forests (Nereocystis luetkeana), (2) unvegetated sand habitats, and (3) in the seagrass meadow interior. Using SCUBA, we conducted underwater observations of young-of the-year (YOY) rockfish (Sebastes spp.) recruitment across sites. Using generalized linear mixed effects models, we assessed the role of seascape adjacency relative to seagrass provisions (habitat complexity and prey) on YOY recruitment. YOY rockfish collections were used to trace sources of allochthonous vs. autochthonous primary production in the seagrass food web, via a δ13 C and δ15 N isotopic mixing model, and prey consumption using stomach contents. Overall, seagrass nursery function was strongly influenced by adjacent habitats and associated subsidies. Allochthonous N. luetkeana was the greatest source of energy assimilated by YOY rockfish within seagrass sites. In seagrass sites adjacent to N. luetkeana kelp forests, YOYs consumed higher quality prey, which corresponded with better body condition relative to sites adjacent to sand. Moreover, kelp forest adjacency enhanced YOY rockfish recruitment within the seagrass meadow, suggesting that habitat complexity is a key seascape feature influencing the nursery function of nearshore habitats. In general, to promote seascape connectivity, the conservation and restoration of nursery habitats should prioritize the inclusion of habitat mosaics of high structural complexity and productivity. We illustrate and emphasize the importance of using a seascape-level approach that considers linkages among habitats for the management of important nearshore ecosystem functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeleen M Olson
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, British Columbia, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Hakai Institute, P.O. Box 309, Heriot Bay, British Columbia, V0P 1H0, Canada
| | | | - Dana Haggarty
- Stock Assessment and Research Division, Pacific Biological Station, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 3190 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9T 6N7, Canada
| | - Francis Juanes
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, British Columbia, V8P 5C2, Canada
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16
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Artisanal fish fences pose broad and unexpected threats to the tropical coastal seascape. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2100. [PMID: 31113956 PMCID: PMC6529422 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10051-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Gear restrictions are an important management tool in small-scale tropical fisheries, improving sustainability and building resilience to climate change. Yet to identify the management challenges and complete footprint of individual gears, a broader systems approach is required that integrates ecological, economic and social sciences. Here we apply this approach to artisanal fish fences, intensively used across three oceans, to identify a previously underrecognized gear requiring urgent management attention. A longitudinal case study shows increased effort matched with large declines in catch success and corresponding reef fish abundance. We find fish fences to disrupt vital ecological connectivity, exploit > 500 species with high juvenile removal, and directly damage seagrass ecosystems with cascading impacts on connected coral reefs and mangroves. As semi-permanent structures in otherwise open-access fisheries, they create social conflict by assuming unofficial and unregulated property rights, while their unique high-investment-low-effort nature removes traditional economic and social barriers to overfishing.
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17
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Abstract
In order to achieve the objectives of resource conservation, it is important to recognize that habitats are connected by material and energy flows, and that humans often play a central role, directly or indirectly. Hence, ecological research should be designed that treats all interlinked habitats, including human populations, as one ecosystem. Examples would be coastal habitats that are impacted by effluent from the upland, which in turn can be generated by deforestation and harmful agricultural practices. All of these aspects, including the river systems that deliver run-off, should be included in the investigation. This approach entails a carefully articulated hypothesis or set of hypotheses drawing on the natural as well as social sciences, and an appropriate sampling and statistical design. It clearly imposes high demands on resources, financial and otherwise. But the continued compartmentalization of efforts along disciplines and specializations will likely slow down progress in environmental conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen T Yap
- The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines, Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
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18
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Dance MA, Rooker JR. Cross-shelf habitat shifts by red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) in the Gulf of Mexico. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213506. [PMID: 30870449 PMCID: PMC6417787 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Habitat shifts that occur during the life cycles of marine fishes influence population connectivity and structure. A generalized additive modeling approach was used to characterize relationships between environmental variables and the relative abundance of red snapper Lutjanus campechanus over unconsolidated substrate on the continental shelf (<150 m) of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico (GoM) at three different life stages: juvenile (age-0, <125 mm FL), sub-adult (age-1-2, 125-300 mm FL), and adult (age-2+, >300 mm FL). Fisheries independent data (2008-2014) were used to develop separate models for both the eastern and western GoM, and final models were used to predict the relative availability of suitable habitat for each life stage across the two regions. Predictor variables included in final models varied by age class and region, with depth, dissolved oxygen, longitude, and distance to artificial structure common to most models. Depth was among the most influential variables in all models, and preferred depth increased with increasing size/age. Regional differences in fish-habitat relationships were also observed, as relative abundance of larger red snapper over unconsolidated substrates was more closely linked to artificial structure in the eastern GoM. The location of predicted high quality habitat for juvenile red snapper was greatest on the inner Texas shelf and a smaller area east of the Mississippi River Delta, suggesting these two areas may represent important nursery grounds for the respective regions. Clear ontogenetic shifts in the spatial distribution of predicted high quality habitat were evident in both the eastern (expansion from west to east with age) and western (shift from inshore to offshore) GoM. Given the unique population dynamics between the eastern and western GoM, improving our understanding of spatial and temporal variability in habitat quality may be important to maintaining connectivity between juvenile and adult habitats, and may enhance recovery and management of red snapper stocks in the GoM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Dance
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Jay R. Rooker
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University (Galveston Campus), Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
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19
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Berumen ML, Roberts MB, Sinclair-Taylor TH, DiBattista JD, Saenz-Agudelo P, Isari S, He S, Khalil MT, Hardenstine RS, Tietbohl MD, Priest MA, Kattan A, Coker DJ. Fishes and Connectivity of Red Sea Coral Reefs. CORAL REEFS OF THE RED SEA 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-05802-9_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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20
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Vane K, Larsen T, Scholz‐Böttcher BM, Kopke B, Ekau W. Ontogenetic resource utilization and migration reconstruction with δ 13C values of essential amino acids in the Cynoscion acoupa otolith. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:9859-9869. [PMID: 30386581 PMCID: PMC6202751 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
With the increasing anthropogenic impacts on fish habitats, it has become more important to understand which primary resources sustain fish populations. This resource utilization can differ between fish life stages, and individuals can migrate between habitats in search of resources. Such lifetime information is difficult to obtain due to the large spatial and temporal scales of fish behavior. The otolith organic matrix has the potential to indicate this resource utilization and migration with δ13C values of essential amino acids (EAAs), which are a direct indication of the primary producers. In a proof-of-concept study, we selected the Acoupa weakfish, Cynoscion acoupa, as a model fish species with distinct ontogenetic migration patterns. While it inhabits the Brazilian mangrove estuaries during juvenile stages, it moves to the coastal shelf as an adult. Thus, we expected that lifetime resource utilization and migration would be reflected in δ13CEAA patterns and baseline values in C. acoupa otoliths. By analyzing the C. acoupa otolith edges across a size range of 12-119 cm, we found that baseline δ13CEAA values increased with size, which indicated an estuarine to coastal shelf distribution. This trend is highly correlated with inorganic δ13C values. The δ13CEAA patterns showed that estuarine algae rather than mangrove-derived resources supported the juvenile C. acoupa populations. Around the juvenile size of 40 cm, resource utilization overlapped with those of adults and mean baseline δ13CEAA values increased. This trend was confirmed by comparing otolith core and edges, although with some individuals potentially migrating over longer distances than others. Hence, δ13CEAA patterns and baseline values in otoliths have great potential to reconstruct ontogenetic shifts in resource use and habitats. The insight could aid in predictions on how environmental changes affect fish populations by identifying the controlling factors at the base of the food web.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Vane
- Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine ResearchBremenGermany
| | - Thomas Larsen
- Leibniz‐Laboratory for Radiometric Dating and Stable Isotope ResearchChristian‐Albrechts Universität zu KielKielGermany
| | | | - Bernd Kopke
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine EnvironmentUniversity of OldenburgOldenburgGermany
| | - Werner Ekau
- Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine ResearchBremenGermany
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21
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Ugarelli K, Chakrabarti S, Laas P, Stingl U. The Seagrass Holobiont and Its Microbiome. Microorganisms 2017; 5:microorganisms5040081. [PMID: 29244764 PMCID: PMC5748590 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms5040081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Seagrass meadows are ecologically and economically important components of many coastal areas worldwide. Ecosystem services provided by seagrasses include reducing the number of microbial pathogens in the water, providing food, shelter and nurseries for many species, and decreasing the impact of waves on the shorelines. A global assessment reported that 29% of the known areal extent of seagrasses has disappeared since seagrass areas were initially recorded in 1879. Several factors such as direct and indirect human activity contribute to the demise of seagrasses. One of the main reasons for seagrass die-offs all over the world is increased sulfide concentrations in the sediment that result from the activity of sulfate-reducing prokaryotes, which perform the last step of the anaerobic food chain in marine sediments and reduce sulfate to H2S. Recent seagrass die-offs, e.g., in the Florida and Biscayne Bays, were caused by an increase in pore-water sulfide concentrations in the sediment, which were the combined result of unfavorable environmental conditions and the activities of various groups of heterotrophic bacteria in the sulfate-rich water-column and sediment that are stimulated through increased nutrient concentrations. Under normal circumstances, seagrasses are able to withstand low levels of sulfide, probably partly due to microbial symbionts, which detoxify sulfide by oxidizing it to sulfur or sulfate. Novel studies are beginning to give greater insights into the interactions of microbes and seagrasses, not only in the sulfur cycle. Here, we review the literature on the basic ecology and biology of seagrasses and focus on studies describing their microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Ugarelli
- Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center, Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, UF/IFAS, University of Florida, Davie, FL 33314, USA.
| | - Seemanti Chakrabarti
- Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center, Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, UF/IFAS, University of Florida, Davie, FL 33314, USA.
| | - Peeter Laas
- Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center, Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, UF/IFAS, University of Florida, Davie, FL 33314, USA.
| | - Ulrich Stingl
- Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center, Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, UF/IFAS, University of Florida, Davie, FL 33314, USA.
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22
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Conventional and technical diving surveys reveal elevated biomass and differing fish community composition from shallow and upper mesophotic zones of a remote United States coral reef. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188598. [PMID: 29161314 PMCID: PMC5697833 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The world’s coral reefs appear to be in a global decline, yet most previous research on coral reefs has taken place at depths shallower than 30 m. Mesophotic coral ecosystem (depths deeper than ~30 m) studies have revealed extensive, productive habitats and rich communities. Despite recent advances, mesophotic coral ecosystems remain understudied due to challenges with sampling at deeper depths. The few previous studies of mesophotic coral ecosystems have shown variation across locations in depth-specific species composition and assemblage shifts, potentially a response to differences in habitat or light availability/water clarity. This study utilized scuba to examine fish and benthic communities from shallow and upper mesophotic (to 45 m) zones of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS, 28°0ʹN; 93°50ʹW) from 2010–2012. Dominant planktivores were ubiquitous in shallow and upper mesophotic habitats, and comparisons with previous shallow research suggest this community distribution has persisted for over 30 years. Planktivores were abundant in shallow low-relief habitats on the periphery of the coral reef, and some of these sites that contained habitat transitioning from high to low relief supported high biomass of benthic predators. These peripheral sites at FGBNMS may be important for the trophic transfer of oceanic energy to the benthic coral reef. Distinct differences between upper mesophotic and shallow communities were also observed. These included greater overall fish (as well as apex predator) biomass in the upper mesophotic, differences in apex predator community composition between depth zones, and greater percent cover of algae, rubble, sand, and sponges in the upper mesophotic. Greater fish biomass in the upper mesophotic and similar fish community composition between depth zones provide preliminary support that upper mesophotic habitats at FGBNMS have the capacity to serve as refugia for the shallow-water reefs. Diving surveys of the upper mesophotic and shallow-water coral reef have revealed valuable information concerning the reef fish community in the northern Gulf of Mexico, with implications for the conservation of apex predators, oceanic coral reefs, and the future management of FGBNMS.
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23
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Species richness accelerates marine ecosystem restoration in the Coral Triangle. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:11986-11991. [PMID: 29078320 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1707962114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ecosystem restoration aims to restore biodiversity and valuable functions that have been degraded or lost. The Coral Triangle is a hotspot for marine biodiversity held in its coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests, all of which are in global decline. These coastal ecosystems support valuable fisheries and endangered species, protect shorelines, and are significant carbon stores, functions that have been degraded by coastal development, destructive fishing practices, and climate change. Ecosystem restoration is required to mitigate these damages and losses, but its practice is in its infancy in the region. Here we demonstrate that species diversity can set the trajectory of restoration. In a seagrass restoration experiment in the heart of the Coral Triangle (Sulawesi, Indonesia), plant survival and coverage increased with the number of species transplanted. Our results highlight the positive role biodiversity can play in ecosystem restoration and call for revision of the common restoration practice of establishing a single target species, particularly in regions having high biodiversity. Coastal ecosystems affect human well-being in many important ways, and restoration will become ever more important as conservation efforts cannot keep up with their loss.
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24
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Mari L, Bonaventura L, Storto A, Melià P, Gatto M, Masina S, Casagrandi R. Understanding large-scale, long-term larval connectivity patterns: The case of the Northern Line Islands in the Central Pacific Ocean. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182681. [PMID: 28809937 PMCID: PMC5557558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Protecting key hotspots of marine biodiversity is essential to maintain ecosystem services at large spatial scales. Protected areas serve not only as sources of propagules colonizing other habitats, but also as receptors, thus acting as protected nurseries. To quantify the geographical extent and the temporal persistence of ecological benefits resulting from protection, we investigate larval connectivity within a remote archipelago, characterized by a strong spatial gradient of human impact from pristine to heavily exploited: the Northern Line Islands (NLIs), including part of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRI-MNM). Larvae are described as passive Lagrangian particles transported by oceanic currents obtained from a oceanographic reanalysis. We compare different simulation schemes and compute connectivity measures (larval exchange probabilities and minimum/average larval dispersal distances from target islands). To explore the role of PRI-MNM in protecting marine organisms with pelagic larval stages, we drive millions of individual-based simulations for various Pelagic Larval Durations (PLDs), in all release seasons, and over a two-decades time horizon (1991-2010). We find that connectivity in the NLIs is spatially asymmetric and displays significant intra- and inter-annual variations. The islands belonging to PRI-MNM act more as sinks than sources of larvae, and connectivity is higher during the winter-spring period. In multi-annual analyses, yearly averaged southward connectivity significantly and negatively correlates with climatological anomalies (El Niño). This points out a possible system fragility and susceptibility to global warming. Quantitative assessments of large-scale, long-term marine connectivity patterns help understand region-specific, ecologically relevant interactions between islands. This is fundamental for devising scientifically-based protection strategies, which must be space- and time-varying to cope with the challenges posed by the concurrent pressures of human exploitation and global climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Mari
- Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Storto
- Fondazione Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici (CMCC), Bologna, Italy
| | - Paco Melià
- Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Marino Gatto
- Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Fondazione Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici (CMCC), Bologna, Italy
| | - Simona Masina
- Fondazione Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici (CMCC), Bologna, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV), Bologna, Italy
| | - Renato Casagrandi
- Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Fondazione Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici (CMCC), Bologna, Italy
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25
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Weeks R. Incorporating seascape connectivity in conservation prioritisation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182396. [PMID: 28753647 PMCID: PMC5533427 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In conservation prioritisation, it is often implicit that representation targets for individual habitat types act as surrogates for the species that inhabit them. Yet for many commercially and ecologically important coral reef fish species, connectivity among different habitats in a seascape may be more important than any single habitat alone. Approaches to conservation prioritisation that consider seascape connectivity are thus warranted. I demonstrate an approach that can be implemented within a relatively data-poor context, using widely available conservation planning software. Based on clearly stated assumptions regarding species’ habitat usage and movement ability, this approach can be adapted to different focal species and contexts, or refined as further data become available. I first derive a seascape connectivity metric based on area-weighted proximity between juvenile and adult habitat patches, and then apply this during spatial prioritisation using the decision-support software Marxan. Using a case study from Micronesia, I present two applications: first, to inform prioritisation for a network of marine protected areas to achieve regional objectives for habitat representation; and second, to identify nursery habitat patches that are most likely to supply juveniles to adult populations on reefs within existing protected areas. Incorporating seascape connectivity in conservation prioritisation highlights areas where small marine protected areas placed on coral reefs might benefit from proximity to other habitats in the seascape, and thus be more effective. Within the context of community tenure over resources, identification of critical nursery habitats to improve the effectiveness of existing marine protected areas indicates where collaboration across community boundaries might be required. Outputs from these analyses are likely to be most useful in regions where management is highly decentralised, imposing spatial constraints on the size of individual protected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Weeks
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Partelow S, Schlüter A, von Wehrden H, Jänig M, Senff P. A Sustainability Agenda for Tropical Marine Science. Conserv Lett 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Partelow
- Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT); Fahrenheitstr. 6 Bremen Germany
- Jacobs University; Campus Ring Road 1 Bremen Germany
| | - Achim Schlüter
- Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT); Fahrenheitstr. 6 Bremen Germany
- Jacobs University; Campus Ring Road 1 Bremen Germany
| | | | - Manuel Jänig
- Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT); Fahrenheitstr. 6 Bremen Germany
| | - Paula Senff
- Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT); Fahrenheitstr. 6 Bremen Germany
- University of Bremen; Bremen 28359 Germany
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Oliveira RRDS, Macieira RM, Giarrizzo T. Ontogenetic shifts in fishes between vegetated and unvegetated tidepools: assessing the effect of physical structure on fish habitat selection. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2016; 89:959-976. [PMID: 27271815 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13013] [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: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study of tidepool fishes was analyse variation in their use of intertidal habitats (rocky shore, mangrove and salt marsh). Specimens were collected during wet and dry periods from 18 tidepools in the three habitats. A total of 7690 specimens, belonging to 19 families and 30 species, was captured. The fish assemblage in rocky shore pools was clearly distinct from that of vegetated habitats (mangrove and salt marshes). The rocky shore fauna was dominated by permanent resident species, whereas pools in mangrove and salt marsh habitats were inhabited primarily by opportunistic and transient species. Habitat segregation by ontogenetic stage (e.g. smaller individuals in mangroves, intermediate size classes in salt marsh and sub-adults/adults on rocky shores) indicates age-related migration in response to the physical structure of these habitats and to the natural history of each fish species. These findings are important for the development of effective conservation and management plans for intertidal fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R R de S Oliveira
- Laboratório de Biologia Pesqueira e Manejo dos Recursos Aquáticos, Grupo de Ecologia Aquática (GEA-UFPA), Av. Perimetral, 2651, Terra Firme, 66077-830, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - R M Macieira
- Laboratório de Biologia Pesqueira e Manejo dos Recursos Aquáticos, Grupo de Ecologia Aquática (GEA-UFPA), Av. Perimetral, 2651, Terra Firme, 66077-830, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - T Giarrizzo
- Laboratório de Biologia Pesqueira e Manejo dos Recursos Aquáticos, Grupo de Ecologia Aquática (GEA-UFPA), Av. Perimetral, 2651, Terra Firme, 66077-830, Belém, Pará, Brazil
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Vaughan GO, Burt JA. The changing dynamics of coral reef science in Arabia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 105:441-458. [PMID: 26621575 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.10.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 10/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Six percent of the world's coral reefs occur around the Arabian Peninsula, providing a valuable ecological, economic and scientific resource for the nations bordering its shores. We provide the first region-wide assessment of the current status and historical trends in coral reef research, focusing on research in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Arabian Gulf. In total, 633 regional reef publications have been produced since the 1930s, covering a wide variety of themes and taxa. Our results show a great deal of commonality in regional reef research, but also highlight important differences in research among the various seas as well as knowledge gaps that represent opportunities for future research. A regionally-integrated approach to future research is essential. There is a growing need for large-scale research to guide management of reefs and their stressors, as these operate at much larger scales than the national borders within which most research currently occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace O Vaughan
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University - Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - John A Burt
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University - Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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McMahon KW, McCarthy MD, Sherwood OA, Larsen T, Guilderson TP. Millennial-scale plankton regime shifts in the subtropical North Pacific Ocean. Science 2015; 350:1530-3. [DOI: 10.1126/science.aaa9942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Tracing carbon flow through coral reef food webs using a compound-specific stable isotope approach. Oecologia 2015; 180:809-21. [PMID: 26590916 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-015-3475-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Coral reefs support spectacularly productive and diverse communities in tropical and sub-tropical waters throughout the world's oceans. Debate continues, however, on the degree to which reef biomass is supported by new water column production, benthic primary production, and recycled detrital carbon (C). We coupled compound-specific stable C isotope ratio (δ(13)C) analyses with Bayesian mixing models to quantify C flow from primary producers to coral reef fishes across multiple feeding guilds and trophic positions in the Red Sea. Analyses of reef fishes with putative diets composed primarily of zooplankton (Amblyglyphidodon indicus), benthic macroalgae (Stegastes nigricans), reef-associated detritus (Ctenochaetus striatus), and coral tissue (Chaetodon trifascialis) confirmed that δ(13)C values of essential amino acids from all baseline C sources were both isotopically diagnostic and accurately recorded in consumer tissues. While all four source end-members contributed to the production of coral reef fishes in our study, a single-source end-member often dominated dietary C assimilation of a given species, even for highly mobile, generalist top predators. Microbially reworked detritus was an important secondary C source for most species. Seascape configuration played an important role in structuring resource utilization patterns. For instance, Lutjanus ehrenbergii showed a significant shift from a benthic macroalgal food web on shelf reefs (71 ± 13 % of dietary C) to a phytoplankton-based food web (72 ± 11 %) on oceanic reefs. Our work provides insights into the roles that diverse C sources play in the structure and function of coral reef ecosystems and illustrates a powerful fingerprinting method to develop and test nutritional frameworks for understanding resource utilization.
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Green AL, Maypa AP, Almany GR, Rhodes KL, Weeks R, Abesamis RA, Gleason MG, Mumby PJ, White AT. Larval dispersal and movement patterns of coral reef fishes, and implications for marine reserve network design. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2014; 90:1215-47. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Revised: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alison L. Green
- The Nature Conservancy, 245 Riverside Drive, West End Brisbane Queensland Australia 4101
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia 4810
| | - Aileen P. Maypa
- Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation, PDI Condominium, Archbishop Reyes Street, Banilad Cebu City Philippines 6000
| | - Glenn R. Almany
- CRIOBE‐USR 3278, CNRS‐EPHE‐UPVD and Laboratoire d'Excellence “CORAIL”, 58 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan Cedex France
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia 4810
| | - Kevin L. Rhodes
- College of Aquaculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management, University of Hawaii at Hilo, 200 W. Kawili Street Hilo HI U.S.A. 96720
| | - Rebecca Weeks
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia 4810
| | - Rene A. Abesamis
- Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management, Silliman University, Barangay Bantayan Dumaguete City Negros Oriental Philippines 6200
| | - Mary G. Gleason
- The Nature Conservancy, 99 Pacific Street Monterey CA U.S.A. 93940
| | - Peter J. Mumby
- Marine Spatial Ecology Laboratory School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia 4072
| | - Alan T. White
- The Nature Conservancy, 923 Nu'uanu Avenue Honolulu HI U.S.A. 96817
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Extent of mangrove nursery habitats determines the geographic distribution of a coral reef fish in a South-Pacific archipelago. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105158. [PMID: 25140697 PMCID: PMC4139303 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the drivers of species' geographic distribution has fundamental implications for the management of biodiversity. For coral reef fishes, mangroves have long been recognized as important nursery habitats sustaining biodiversity in the Western Atlantic but there is still debate about their role in the Indo-Pacific. Here, we combined LA-ICP-MS otolith microchemistry, underwater visual censuses (UVC) and mangrove cartography to estimate the importance of mangroves for the Indo-Pacific coral reef fish Lutjanus fulviflamma in the archipelago of New Caledonia. Otolith elemental compositions allowed high discrimination of mangroves and reefs with 83.8% and 98.7% correct classification, respectively. Reefs were characterized by higher concentrations of Rb and Sr and mangroves by higher concentrations of Ba, Cr, Mn and Sn. All adult L. fulviflamma collected on reefs presented a mangrove signature during their juvenile stage with 85% inhabiting mangrove for their entire juvenile life (about 1 year). The analysis of 2942 UVC revealed that the species was absent from isolated islands of the New Caledonian archipelago where mangroves were absent. Furthermore, strong positive correlations existed between the abundance of L. fulviflamma and the area of mangrove (r = 0.84 for occurrence, 0.93 for density and 0.89 for biomass). These results indicate that mangrove forest is an obligatory juvenile habitat for L. fulviflamma in New Caledonia and emphasize the potential importance of mangroves for Indo-Pacific coral reef fishes.
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Chikaraishi Y, Steffan SA, Ogawa NO, Ishikawa NF, Sasaki Y, Tsuchiya M, Ohkouchi N. High-resolution food webs based on nitrogen isotopic composition of amino acids. Ecol Evol 2014; 4:2423-49. [PMID: 25360278 PMCID: PMC4203290 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Food webs are known to have myriad trophic links between resource and consumer species. While herbivores have well-understood trophic tendencies, the difficulties associated with characterizing the trophic positions of higher-order consumers have remained a major problem in food web ecology. To better understand trophic linkages in food webs, analysis of the stable nitrogen isotopic composition of amino acids has been introduced as a potential means of providing accurate trophic position estimates. In the present study, we employ this method to estimate the trophic positions of 200 free-roaming organisms, representing 39 species in coastal marine (a stony shore) and 38 species in terrestrial (a fruit farm) environments. Based on the trophic positions from the isotopic composition of amino acids, we are able to resolve the trophic structure of these complex food webs. Our approach reveals a high degree of trophic omnivory (i.e., noninteger trophic positions) among carnivorous species such as marine fish and terrestrial hornets.This information not only clarifies the trophic tendencies of species within their respective communities, but also suggests that trophic omnivory may be common in these webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshito Chikaraishi
- Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, 237-0061, Japan
| | - Shawn A Steffan
- USDA-ARS Vegetable Crops Research Unit, 1630 Linden Dr., Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Nanako O Ogawa
- Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, 237-0061, Japan
| | - Naoto F Ishikawa
- Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, 237-0061, Japan
| | - Yoko Sasaki
- Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, 237-0061, Japan
| | - Masashi Tsuchiya
- Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, 237-0061, Japan
| | - Naohiko Ohkouchi
- Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology 2-15 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, 237-0061, Japan
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Gilbert B, O'Connor MI. Climate change and species interactions: beyond local communities. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2013; 1297:98-111. [PMID: 23750996 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
It is increasingly recognized that the wide-scale modification of habitats caused by climate change requires scientists to consider how species and species interactions change both locally and at larger, regional scales. Metacommunity approaches explicitly link local and regional dynamics for communities of species, providing a conceptual and mathematical framework for global change biologists. These approaches can scale between community-level impacts and the regional distributions and movements of species, and likewise determine how changes to regional processes, such as dispersal and habitat configuration, influence local abundances and occurrences. This review discusses several lessons that have recently emerged from climate change studies and metacommunity theory to identify some of the key processes that link local-scale studies to regional-scale properties of communities, and vice versa. We then use simple models to highlight how these linkages function and to identify where research could gain most by studying specific local and regional processes. Finally, we propose methods for the field to move forward by clarifying how to incorporate metacommunity approaches into empirical research, and by identifying important gaps in metacommunity research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Gilbert
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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