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Golikov AV, Xavier JC, Ceia FR, Queirós JP, Bustamante P, Couperus B, Guillou G, Larionova AM, Sabirov RM, Somes CJ, Hoving HJ. Insights on long-term ecosystem changes from stable isotopes in historical squid beaks. BMC Ecol Evol 2024; 24:90. [PMID: 38956464 PMCID: PMC11221165 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-024-02274-7] [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: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessing the historical dynamics of key food web components is crucial to understand how climate change impacts the structure of Arctic marine ecosystems. Most retrospective stable isotopic studies to date assessed potential ecosystem shifts in the Arctic using vertebrate top predators and filter-feeding invertebrates as proxies. However, due to long life histories and specific ecologies, ecosystem shifts are not always detectable when using these taxa. Moreover, there are currently no retrospective stable isotopic studies on various other ecological and taxonomic groups of Arctic biota. To test whether climate-driven shifts in marine ecosystems are reflected in the ecology of short-living mesopredators, ontogenetic changes in stable isotope signatures in chitinous hard body structures were analysed in two abundant squids (Gonatus fabricii and Todarodes sagittatus) from the low latitude Arctic and adjacent waters, collected between 1844 and 2023. RESULTS We detected a temporal increase in diet and habitat-use generalism (= opportunistic choice rather than specialization), trophic position and niche width in G. fabricii from the low latitude Arctic waters. These shifts in trophic ecology matched with the Atlantification of the Arctic ecosystems, which includes increased generalization of food webs and higher primary production, and the influx of boreal species from the North Atlantic as a result of climate change. The Atlantification is especially marked since the late 1990s/early 2000s. The temporal patterns we found in G. fabricii's trophic ecology were largely unreported in previous Arctic retrospective isotopic ecology studies. Accordingly, T. sagittatus that occur nowadays in the high latitude North Atlantic have a more generalist diet than in the XIXth century. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that abundant opportunistic mesopredators with short life cycles (such as squids) are good candidates for retrospective ecology studies in the marine ecosystems, and to identify ecosystem shifts driven by climate change. Enhanced generalization of Arctic food webs is reflected in increased diet generalism and niche width in squids, while increased abundance of boreal piscivorous fishes is reflected in squids' increased trophic position. These findings support opportunism and adaptability in squids, which renders them as potential winners of short-term shifts in Arctic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José C Xavier
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, Cambridge, UK
| | - Filipe R Ceia
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José P Queirós
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, Cambridge, UK
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266, CNRS-La Rochelle Université, La Rochelle, France
| | - Bram Couperus
- Wageningen Marine Research, Wageningen University and Research, IJmuiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gaël Guillou
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266, CNRS-La Rochelle Université, La Rochelle, France
| | | | | | | | - Henk-Jan Hoving
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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van Oordt F, Cuba A, Choy ES, Elliott JE, Elliott KH. Amino acid-specific isotopes reveal changing five-dimensional niche segregation in Pacific seabirds over 50 years. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7899. [PMID: 38570566 PMCID: PMC10991557 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57339-w] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hutchison's niche theory suggests that coexisting competing species occupy non-overlapping hypervolumes, which are theoretical spaces encompassing more than three dimensions, within an n-dimensional space. The analysis of multiple stable isotopes can be used to test these ideas where each isotope can be considered a dimension of niche space. These hypervolumes may change over time in response to variation in behaviour or habitat, within or among species, consequently changing the niche space itself. Here, we use isotopic values of carbon and nitrogen of ten amino acids, as well as sulphur isotopic values, to produce multi-isotope models to examine niche segregation among an assemblage of five coexisting seabird species (ancient murrelet Synthliboramphus antiquus, double-crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus, Leach's storm-petrel Oceanodrama leucorhoa, rhinoceros auklet Cerorhinca monocerata, pelagic cormorant Phalacrocorax pelagicus) that inhabit coastal British Columbia. When only one or two isotope dimensions were considered, the five species overlapped considerably, but segregation increased in more dimensions, but often in complex ways. Thus, each of the five species occupied their own isotopic hypervolume (niche), but that became apparent only when factoring the increased information from sulphur and amino acid specific isotope values, rather than just relying on proxies of δ15N and δ13C alone. For cormorants, there was reduction of niche size for both species consistent with a decline in their dominant prey, Pacific herring Clupea pallasii, from 1970 to 2006. Consistent with niche theory, cormorant species showed segregation across time, with the double-crested demonstrating a marked change in diet in response to prey shifts in a higher dimensional space. In brief, incorporating multiple isotopes (sulfur, PC1 of δ15N [baselines], PC2 of δ15N [trophic position], PC1 and PC2 of δ13C) metrics allowed us to infer changes and differences in food web topology that were not apparent from classic carbon-nitrogen biplots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis van Oordt
- Department of Natural Resources Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada.
| | | | - Emily S Choy
- Biology Department, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - John E Elliott
- Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, Canada
| | - Kyle H Elliott
- Department of Natural Resources Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada
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3
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Yurkowski DJ, McCulloch E, Ogloff WR, Johnson KF, Amiraux R, Basu N, Elliott KH, Fisk AT, Ferguson SH, Harris LN, Hedges KJ, Jacobs K, Loewen TN, Matthews CJD, Mundy CJ, Niemi A, Rosenberg B, Watt CA, McKinney MA. Mercury accumulation, biomagnification, and relationships to δ 13C, δ 15N and δ 34S of fishes and marine mammals in a coastal Arctic marine food web. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115233. [PMID: 37421916 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115233] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Combining mercury and stable isotope data sets of consumers facilitates the quantification of whether contaminant variation in predators is due to diet, habitat use and/or environmental factors. We investigated inter-species variation in total Hg (THg) concentrations, trophic magnification slope between δ15N and THg, and relationships of THg with δ13C and δ34S in 15 fish and four marine mammal species (249 individuals in total) in coastal Arctic waters. Median THg concentration in muscle varied between species ranging from 0.08 ± 0.04 μg g-1 dw in capelin to 3.10 ± 0.80 μg g-1 dw in beluga whales. Both δ15N (r2 = 0.26) and δ34S (r2 = 0.19) best explained variation in log-THg across consumers. Higher THg concentrations occurred in higher trophic level species that consumed more pelagic-associated prey than consumers that rely on the benthic microbial-based food web. Our study illustrates the importance of using a multi-isotopic approach that includes δ34S when investigating trophic Hg dynamics in coastal marine systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Yurkowski
- Arctic and Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Biological Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
| | - Elena McCulloch
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Wesley R Ogloff
- Arctic and Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kelsey F Johnson
- Arctic and Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Rémi Amiraux
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Kyle H Elliott
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Aaron T Fisk
- School of the Environment, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steven H Ferguson
- Arctic and Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Biological Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Les N Harris
- Arctic and Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kevin J Hedges
- Arctic and Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kevin Jacobs
- Arctic and Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Tracey N Loewen
- Arctic and Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Cory J D Matthews
- Arctic and Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Biological Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - C J Mundy
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Andrea Niemi
- Arctic and Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Bruno Rosenberg
- Arctic and Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Cortney A Watt
- Arctic and Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Biological Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Melissa A McKinney
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
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4
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Pettitt-Wade H, Hussey NE, Gallagher CP, Lea EV, Orrell DL, Loseto LL. Contrasting intra-individual variation in size-based trophic and habitat shifts for two coastal Arctic fish species. Oecologia 2023:10.1007/s00442-023-05423-9. [PMID: 37488308 PMCID: PMC10386975 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05423-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Within and among species variation in trophic and habitat shifts with body size can indicate the potential adaptive capacity of species to ecosystem change. In Arctic coastal ecosystems, which experience dramatic seasonal shifts and are undergoing rapid change, quantifying the trophic flexibility of coastal fishes with different migratory tactics has received limited attention. We examined the relationships among body length and condition (Fulton's K, phase angle from Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) with trophic and habitat shifts (differences in δ15N and δ13C between blood tissues with different turnover rates) of two abundant and culturally important species, anadromous Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus, n = 38) and sedentary Greenland cod (Gadus ogac, n = 65) during summer in coastal marine waters near Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, Canada. Habitat shifts (δ13C) increased with length (i.e., pelagic to benthic-littoral) and crossed-equilibrium (zero) at mid-sizes for both species. Seasonal trophic shifts (δ15N) were generally positive (i.e., increasing trophic level) for Arctic char and negative for Greenland cod. As hypothesised, intra-individual variation in size-based trophic shifts (δ15N-length residuals) increased with length for Arctic char. However, there were no trends with length in Greenland cod. Our findings highlight the importance of flexibility through ontogeny and mobility for Arctic char, whereas Greenland cod were generalist to localized prey and habitat across all sizes. The significant effect of body condition (phase angle) on size-based trophic shifts in Arctic char, and size-based habitat shifts in Greenland cod, highlight the potential trade-offs of contrasting life history strategies and capacity for ontogenetic niche plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harri Pettitt-Wade
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater Institute, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N6, Canada.
- Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada.
| | - Nigel E Hussey
- Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Colin P Gallagher
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater Institute, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N6, Canada
| | - Ellen V Lea
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Inuvik, NT, X0E 0T0, Canada
| | - Danielle L Orrell
- Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Lisa L Loseto
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater Institute, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N6, Canada
- Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
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5
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Fraleigh DC, Archer FI, Williard AS, Hückstädt LA, Fleming AH. Possible niche compression and individual specialization in Pacific Arctic beluga ( Delphinapterus leucas) from the 19th to 20th century. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10230. [PMID: 37408623 PMCID: PMC10318618 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cetaceans have shown a potential to be used as sentinel species for tracking environmental change in marine ecosystems, yet our assessment of change is typically limited to recent decades and lacks ecological baselines. Using historical museum specimens, we compared community niche metrics and degree of individual dietary specialization in groups of Pacific Arctic beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) from the 1800s (n = 5) to 1900s (n = 10) using stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes drilled from teeth. Beluga occupied a broader trophic niche and demonstrated a higher degree of individual specialization in the 1800s than in the 1900s. The cause of this shift is difficult to confirm given long timescales and constraints of specimen-based research but could indicate changes in the prey base or competition. The scale and nature of this detected shift provide perspective for continued research on these climate-vulnerable species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin C. Fraleigh
- Center for Marine ScienceUniversity of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmingtonNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Frederick I. Archer
- Southwest Fisheries Science CenterNational Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Amanda S. Williard
- Department of Biology and Marine BiologyUniversity of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmingtonNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Luis A. Hückstädt
- Department of Biology and Marine BiologyUniversity of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmingtonNorth CarolinaUSA
- Centre for Ecology and ConservationUniversity of ExeterCornwallUK
| | - Alyson H. Fleming
- Center for Marine ScienceUniversity of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmingtonNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Forest & Wildlife EcologyUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
- National Museum of Natural HistorySmithsonian InstitutionWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
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6
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Grémillet D, Descamps S. Ecological impacts of climate change on Arctic marine megafauna. Trends Ecol Evol 2023:S0169-5347(23)00082-4. [PMID: 37202284 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Global warming affects the Arctic more than any other region. Mass media constantly relay apocalyptic visions of climate change threatening Arctic wildlife, especially emblematic megafauna such as polar bears, whales, and seabirds. Yet, we are just beginning to understand such ecological impacts on marine megafauna at the scale of the Arctic. This knowledge is geographically and taxonomically biased, with striking deficiencies in the Russian Arctic and strong focus on exploited species such as cod. Beyond a synthesis of scientific advances in the past 5 years, we provide ten key questions to be addressed by future work and outline the requested methodology. This framework builds upon long-term Arctic monitoring inclusive of local communities whilst capitalising on high-tech and big data approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Grémillet
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France; Percy FitzPatrick Institute, DST/NRF Excellence Center at the University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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7
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McKinney MA, Chételat J, Burke SM, Elliott KH, Fernie KJ, Houde M, Kahilainen KK, Letcher RJ, Morris AD, Muir DCG, Routti H, Yurkowski DJ. Climate change and mercury in the Arctic: Biotic interactions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 834:155221. [PMID: 35427623 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Global climate change has led to profound alterations of the Arctic environment and ecosystems, with potential secondary effects on mercury (Hg) within Arctic biota. This review presents the current scientific evidence for impacts of direct physical climate change and indirect ecosystem change on Hg exposure and accumulation in Arctic terrestrial, freshwater, and marine organisms. As the marine environment is elevated in Hg compared to the terrestrial environment, terrestrial herbivores that now exploit coastal/marine foods when terrestrial plants are iced over may be exposed to higher Hg concentrations. Conversely, certain populations of predators, including Arctic foxes and polar bears, have shown lower Hg concentrations related to reduced sea ice-based foraging and increased land-based foraging. How climate change influences Hg in Arctic freshwater fishes is not clear, but for lacustrine populations it may depend on lake-specific conditions, including interrelated alterations in lake ice duration, turbidity, food web length and energy sources (benthic to pelagic), and growth dilution. In several marine mammal and seabird species, tissue Hg concentrations have shown correlations with climate and weather variables, including climate oscillation indices and sea ice trends; these findings suggest that wind, precipitation, and cryosphere changes that alter Hg transport and deposition are impacting Hg concentrations in Arctic marine organisms. Ecological changes, including northward range shifts of sub-Arctic species and altered body condition, have also been shown to affect Hg levels in some populations of Arctic marine species. Given the limited number of populations and species studied to date, especially within Arctic terrestrial and freshwater systems, further research is needed on climate-driven processes influencing Hg concentrations in Arctic ecosystems and their net effects. Long-term pan-Arctic monitoring programs should consider ancillary datasets on climate, weather, organism ecology and physiology to improve interpretation of spatial variation and time trends of Hg in Arctic biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A McKinney
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3 V9, Canada.
| | - John Chételat
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Samantha M Burke
- Minnow Aquatic Environmental Services, Guelph, ON N1H 1E9, Canada
| | - Kyle H Elliott
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3 V9, Canada
| | - Kim J Fernie
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Magali Houde
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Montréal, QC H2Y 5E7, Canada
| | - Kimmo K Kahilainen
- Lammi Biological Station, University of Helsinki, FI-16900 Lammi, Finland
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Adam D Morris
- Northern Contaminants Program, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Gatineau, QC J8X 2V6, Canada
| | - Derek C G Muir
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - David J Yurkowski
- Arctic Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada
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Hamilton CD, Lydersen C, Aars J, Acquarone M, Atwood T, Baylis A, Biuw M, Boltunov AN, Born EW, Boveng P, Brown TM, Cameron M, Citta J, Crawford J, Dietz R, Elias J, Ferguson SH, Fisk A, Folkow LP, Frost KJ, Glazov DM, Granquist SM, Gryba R, Harwood L, Haug T, Heide‐Jørgensen MP, Hussey NE, Kalinek J, Laidre KL, Litovka DI, London JM, Loseto LL, MacPhee S, Marcoux M, Matthews CJD, Nilssen K, Nordøy ES, O’Corry‐Crowe G, Øien N, Olsen MT, Quakenbush L, Rosing‐Asvid A, Semenova V, Shelden KEW, Shpak OV, Stenson G, Storrie L, Sveegaard S, Teilmann J, Ugarte F, Von Duyke AL, Watt C, Wiig Ø, Wilson RR, Yurkowski DJ, Kovacs KM. Marine mammal hotspots across the circumpolar Arctic. DIVERS DISTRIB 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Alp M, Cucherousset J. Food webs speak of human impact: Using stable isotope-based tools to measure ecological consequences of environmental change. FOOD WEBS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2021.e00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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10
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Desforges JP, Outridge P, Hobson KA, Heide-Jørgensen MP, Dietz R. Anthropogenic and Climatic Drivers of Long-Term Changes of Mercury and Feeding Ecology in Arctic Beluga ( Delphinapterus leucas) Populations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:271-281. [PMID: 34914363 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c05389] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We assessed long-term changes in the feeding ecology and mercury (Hg) accumulation in Eastern High Arctic-Baffin Bay beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) using total Hg and stable isotope (δ13C, δ15N) assays in teeth samples from historical (1854-1905) and modern (1985-2000) populations. Mean δ13C values in teeth declined significantly over time, from -13.01 ± 0.55‰ historically to -14.41 ± 0.28‰ in 2000, while no consistent pattern was evident for δ15N due to high individual variability within each period. The temporal shift in isotopic niche is consistent with beluga feeding ecology changing in recent decades to a more pelagic and less isotopically diverse diet or an ecosystem wide change in isotope profiles. Mercury concentrations in modern beluga teeth were 3-5 times higher on average than those in historical beluga. These results are similar to the long-term trends of Hg and feeding ecology reported in other beluga populations and in other Arctic marine predators. Similar feeding ecology shifts across regions and species indicate a consistent increased pelagic diet response to climate change as the Arctic Ocean progressively warmed and lost sea ice. Previously, significant temporal Hg increase in beluga and other Arctic animals was attributed solely to direct inputs of anthropogenic Hg from long-range sources. Recent advances in understanding the Arctic marine Hg cycle suggest an additional, complementary possibility─increased inputs of terrestrial Hg of mixed anthropogenic-natural origin, mobilized from permafrost and other Arctic soils by climate warming. At present, it is not possible to assign relative importance to the two processes in explaining the rise of Hg concentrations in modern Arctic marine predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2E9, Canada
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Peter Outridge
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0E8, Canada
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N6, Canada
| | - Keith A Hobson
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0X4, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada
| | | | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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11
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Ogloff WR, Anderson RA, Yurkowski DJ, Debets CD, Anderson WG, Ferguson SH. OUP accepted manuscript. J Mammal 2022; 103:1208-1220. [PMID: 36262800 PMCID: PMC9562108 DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyac047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David J Yurkowski
- Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, 66 Chancellors Circle, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Cassandra D Debets
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, 66 Chancellors Circle, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - W Gary Anderson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, 66 Chancellors Circle, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Steven H Ferguson
- Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, 66 Chancellors Circle, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
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12
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Lameris TK, Hoekendijk J, Aarts G, Aarts A, Allen AM, Bienfait L, Bijleveld AI, Bongers MF, Brasseur S, Chan YC, de Ferrante F, de Gelder J, Derksen H, Dijkgraaf L, Dijkhuis LR, Dijkstra S, Elbertsen G, Ernsten R, Foxen T, Gaarenstroom J, Gelhausen A, van Gils JA, Grosscurt S, Grundlehner A, Hertlein ML, van Heumen AJ, Heurman M, Huffeldt NP, Hutter WH, Kamstra YJJ, Keij F, van Kempen S, Keurntjes G, Knap H, Loonstra AJ, Nolet BA, Nuijten RJ, Mattijssen D, Oosterhoff H, Paarlberg N, Parekh M, Pattyn J, Polak C, Quist Y, Ras S, Reneerkens J, Ruth S, van der Schaar E, Schroen G, Spikman F, van Velzen J, Voorn E, Vos J, Wang D, Westdijk W, Wind M, Zhemchuzhnikov MK, van Langevelde F. Migratory vertebrates shift migration timing and distributions in a warming Arctic. ANIMAL MIGRATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1515/ami-2020-0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Climate warming in the Arctic has led to warmer and earlier springs, and as a result, many food resources for migratory animals become available earlier in the season, as well as become distributed further northwards. To optimally profit from these resources, migratory animals are expected to arrive earlier in the Arctic, as well as shift their own spatial distributions northwards. Here, we review literature to assess whether Arctic migratory birds and mammals already show shifts in migration timing or distribution in response to the warming climate. Distribution shifts were most prominent in marine mammals, as expected from observed northward shifts of their resources. At least for many bird species, the ability to shift distributions is likely constrained by available habitat further north. Shifts in timing have been shown in many species of terrestrial birds and ungulates, as well as for polar bears. Within species, we found strong variation in shifts in timing and distributions between populations. Ou r review thus shows that many migratory animals display shifts in migration timing and spatial distribution in reaction to a warming Arctic. Importantly, we identify large knowledge gaps especially concerning distribution shifts and timing of autumn migration, especially for marine mammals. Our understanding of how migratory animals respond to climate change appears to be mostly limited by the lack of long-term monitoring studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas K. Lameris
- Department of Coastal Systems , NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research , Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands ; Department of Animal Ecology , Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) , Wageningen , the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Hoekendijk
- Department of Coastal Systems , NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research , Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Aarts
- Department of Coastal Systems , NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research , Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
- Wageningen Marine Research , Wage-ningen University and Research , Den Helder , the Netherlands
| | - Aline Aarts
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Andrew M. Allen
- Department of Animal Ecology , Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) , Wageningen , the Netherlands
| | - Louise Bienfait
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Allert I. Bijleveld
- Department of Coastal Systems , NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research , Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands
| | - Morten F. Bongers
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Sophie Brasseur
- Department of Coastal Systems , NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research , Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands
- Wageningen Marine Research , Wage-ningen University and Research , Den Helder , the Netherlands
| | - Ying-Chi Chan
- Department of Coastal Systems , NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research , Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands
- Conservation Ecology Group, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES) , University of Groningen , Groningen , the Netherlands
| | - Frits de Ferrante
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Jesse de Gelder
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Hilmar Derksen
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Lisa Dijkgraaf
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Laurens R. Dijkhuis
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Sanne Dijkstra
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Gert Elbertsen
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Roosmarijn Ernsten
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Tessa Foxen
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Jari Gaarenstroom
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Anna Gelhausen
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Jan A. van Gils
- Department of Coastal Systems , NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research , Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands
- Conservation Ecology Group, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES) , University of Groningen , Groningen , the Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan Grosscurt
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Anne Grundlehner
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Marit L. Hertlein
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Anouk J.P. van Heumen
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Moniek Heurman
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Nicholas Per Huffeldt
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources , Nuuk , Greenland & Arctic Ecosystem Ecology, Department of Bioscience , Aarhus University , Roskilde , Denmark
| | - Willemijn H. Hutter
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Ynze J. J. Kamstra
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Femke Keij
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Susanne van Kempen
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Gabi Keurntjes
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Harmen Knap
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | | | - Bart A. Nolet
- Department of Animal Ecology , Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) , Wageningen , the Netherlands
- Theoretical and Computational Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics , University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam , the Netherlands
| | - Rascha J.M. Nuijten
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science, Department of Zoology , University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Djan Mattijssen
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Hanna Oosterhoff
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Nienke Paarlberg
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Malou Parekh
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Jef Pattyn
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Celeste Polak
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Yordi Quist
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Susan Ras
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Reneerkens
- Department of Coastal Systems , NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research , Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Ruth
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Evelien van der Schaar
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Geert Schroen
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Fanny Spikman
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Joyce van Velzen
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Ezra Voorn
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Janneke Vos
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Danyang Wang
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Wilson Westdijk
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Marco Wind
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - Mikhail K. Zhemchuzhnikov
- Department of Coastal Systems , NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research , Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands
| | - Frank van Langevelde
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Group , Wageningen University , Wageningen , The Netherlands
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13
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Choy ES, O'Connor RS, Gilchrist HG, Hargreaves AL, Love OP, Vézina F, Elliott KH. Limited heat tolerance in a cold-adapted seabird: implications of a warming Arctic. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:270771. [PMID: 34232314 PMCID: PMC8278010 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.242168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The Arctic is warming at approximately twice the global rate, with well-documented indirect effects on wildlife. However, few studies have examined the direct effects of warming temperatures on Arctic wildlife, leaving the importance of heat stress unclear. Here, we assessed the direct effects of increasing air temperatures on the physiology of thick-billed murres (Uria lomvia), an Arctic seabird with reported mortalities due to heat stress while nesting on sun-exposed cliffs. We used flow-through respirometry to measure the response of body temperature, resting metabolic rate, evaporative water loss and evaporative cooling efficiency (the ratio of evaporative heat loss to metabolic heat production) in murres while experimentally increasing air temperature. Murres had limited heat tolerance, exhibiting: (1) a low maximum body temperature (43.3°C); (2) a moderate increase in resting metabolic rate relative that within their thermoneutral zone (1.57 times); (3) a small increase in evaporative water loss rate relative that within their thermoneutral zone (1.26 times); and (4) a low maximum evaporative cooling efficiency (0.33). Moreover, evaporative cooling efficiency decreased with increasing air temperature, suggesting murres were producing heat at a faster rate than they were dissipating it. Larger murres also had a higher rate of increase in resting metabolic rate and a lower rate of increase in evaporative water loss than smaller murres; therefore, evaporative cooling efficiency declined with increasing body mass. As a cold-adapted bird, murres' limited heat tolerance likely explains their mortality on warm days. Direct effects of overheating on Arctic wildlife may be an important but under-reported impact of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily S Choy
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste Anne de Bellevue, QC, CanadaH9X 3V9
| | - Ryan S O'Connor
- Département de Biologie, Chimie et Géographie, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, QC, Canada95L 3A1.,Groupe de recherche sur les environnements nordiques BORÉAS, Institut nordique du Québec, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, QC, Canada95L 3A1.,Centre d'études Nordiques, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, QC, Canada95L 3A1.,Centre de la Science de la Biodiversité du Québec, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, QC, Canada95L 3A1
| | - H Grant Gilchrist
- National Wildlife Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 1125 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, ON, CanadaK1S 5B6
| | - Anna L Hargreaves
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, CanadaH3G 0B1
| | - Oliver P Love
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, CanadaN9B 3P4
| | - François Vézina
- Département de Biologie, Chimie et Géographie, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, QC, Canada95L 3A1.,Groupe de recherche sur les environnements nordiques BORÉAS, Institut nordique du Québec, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, QC, Canada95L 3A1.,Centre d'études Nordiques, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, QC, Canada95L 3A1.,Centre de la Science de la Biodiversité du Québec, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, QC, Canada95L 3A1
| | - Kyle H Elliott
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste Anne de Bellevue, QC, CanadaH9X 3V9
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14
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Dietz R, Desforges JP, Rigét FF, Aubail A, Garde E, Ambus P, Drimmie R, Heide-Jørgensen MP, Sonne C. Analysis of narwhal tusks reveals lifelong feeding ecology and mercury exposure. Curr Biol 2021; 31:2012-2019.e2. [PMID: 33705717 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The ability of animals to respond to changes in their environment is critical to their persistence. In the Arctic, climate change and mercury exposure are two of the most important environmental threats for top predators.1-3 Rapid warming is causing precipitous sea-ice loss, with consequences on the distribution, composition, and dietary ecology of species4-7 and, thus, exposure to food-borne mercury.8 Current understanding of global change and pollution impacts on Arctic wildlife relies on single-time-point individual data representing a snapshot in time. These data often lack comprehensive temporal resolution and overlook the cumulative lifelong nature of stressors as well as individual variation. To overcome these challenges, we explore the unique capacity of narwhal tusks to characterize chronological lifetime biogeochemical profiles, allowing for investigations of climate-induced dietary changes and contaminant trends. Using temporal patterns of stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) and mercury concentrations in annually deposited dentine growth layer groups in 10 tusks from Northwest Greenland (1962-2010), we show surprising plasticity in narwhal feeding ecology likely resulting from climate-induced changes in sea-ice cover, biological communities, and narwhal migration. Dietary changes consequently impacted mercury exposure primarily through trophic magnification effects. Mercury increased log-linearly over the study period, albeit with an unexpected rise in recent years, likely caused by increased emissions and/or greater bioavailability in a warmer, ice-free Arctic. Our findings are consistent with an emerging pattern in the Arctic of reduced sea-ice leading to changes in the migration, habitat use, food web, and contaminant exposure in Arctic top predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus 4000, Denmark.
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada.
| | - Frank F Rigét
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus 4000, Denmark
| | - Aurore Aubail
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus 4000, Denmark; Littoral Environnement et Sociétés, UMR 7266 CNRS/Université de La Rochelle, La Rochelle 17042, France
| | - Eva Garde
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Nuuk 3900, Greenland
| | - Per Ambus
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, Center for Permafrost (Cenperm), Copenhagen K 1350, Denmark
| | - Robert Drimmie
- Environmental Isotope Laboratory, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | | | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus 4000, Denmark
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15
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Gabara SS, Konar BH, Edwards MS. Biodiversity loss leads to reductions in community‐wide trophic complexity. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Scott S. Gabara
- Department of Biology & Coastal Marine Institute Laboratory San Diego State University San Diego California92182USA
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy University of California Davis California95616USA
| | - Brenda H. Konar
- College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks Alaska99775USA
| | - Matthew S. Edwards
- Department of Biology & Coastal Marine Institute Laboratory San Diego State University San Diego California92182USA
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16
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Yurkowski DJ, Brown TA, Blanchfield PJ, Ferguson SH. Atlantic walrus signal latitudinal differences in the long-term decline of sea ice-derived carbon to benthic fauna in the Canadian Arctic. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20202126. [PMID: 33290685 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.2126rspb20202126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change is altering the biogeochemical and physical characteristics of the Arctic marine environment, which impacts sea ice algal and phytoplankton bloom dynamics and the vertical transport of these carbon sources to benthic communities. Little is known about whether the contribution of sea ice-derived carbon to benthic fauna and nitrogen cycling has changed over multiple decades in concert with receding sea ice. We combined compound-specific stable isotope analysis of amino acids with highly branched isoprenoid diatom lipid biomarkers using archived (1982-2016) tissue of benthivorous Atlantic walrus to examine temporal trends of sea ice-derived carbon, nitrogen isotope baseline and trophic position of Atlantic walrus at high- and mid-latitudes in the Canadian Arctic. Associated with an 18% sea ice decline in the mid-Arctic, sea ice-derived carbon contribution to Atlantic walrus decreased by 75% suggesting a strong decoupling of sea ice-benthic habitats. By contrast, a nearly exclusive amount of sea ice-derived carbon was maintained in high-Arctic Atlantic walrus (98% in 1996 and 89% in 2006) despite a similar percentage in sea ice reduction. Nitrogen isotope baseline or the trophic position of Atlantic walrus did not change over time at either location. These findings indicate latitudinal differences in the restructuring of carbon energy sources used by Atlantic walrus and their benthic prey, and in turn a change in Arctic marine ecosystem functioning between sea ice-pelagic-benthic habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas A Brown
- Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban PA37 1QA, UK
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17
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Yurkowski DJ, Brown TA, Blanchfield PJ, Ferguson SH. Atlantic walrus signal latitudinal differences in the long-term decline of sea ice-derived carbon to benthic fauna in the Canadian Arctic. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20202126. [PMID: 33290685 PMCID: PMC7739943 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.2126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change is altering the biogeochemical and physical characteristics of the Arctic marine environment, which impacts sea ice algal and phytoplankton bloom dynamics and the vertical transport of these carbon sources to benthic communities. Little is known about whether the contribution of sea ice-derived carbon to benthic fauna and nitrogen cycling has changed over multiple decades in concert with receding sea ice. We combined compound-specific stable isotope analysis of amino acids with highly branched isoprenoid diatom lipid biomarkers using archived (1982-2016) tissue of benthivorous Atlantic walrus to examine temporal trends of sea ice-derived carbon, nitrogen isotope baseline and trophic position of Atlantic walrus at high- and mid-latitudes in the Canadian Arctic. Associated with an 18% sea ice decline in the mid-Arctic, sea ice-derived carbon contribution to Atlantic walrus decreased by 75% suggesting a strong decoupling of sea ice-benthic habitats. By contrast, a nearly exclusive amount of sea ice-derived carbon was maintained in high-Arctic Atlantic walrus (98% in 1996 and 89% in 2006) despite a similar percentage in sea ice reduction. Nitrogen isotope baseline or the trophic position of Atlantic walrus did not change over time at either location. These findings indicate latitudinal differences in the restructuring of carbon energy sources used by Atlantic walrus and their benthic prey, and in turn a change in Arctic marine ecosystem functioning between sea ice-pelagic-benthic habitats.
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Golikov AV, Ceia FR, Sabirov RM, Batalin GA, Blicher ME, Gareev BI, Gudmundsson G, Jørgensen LL, Mingazov GZ, Zakharov DV, Xavier JC. Diet and life history reduce interspecific and intraspecific competition among three sympatric Arctic cephalopods. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21506. [PMID: 33299075 PMCID: PMC7726147 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78645-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Trophic niche and diet comparisons among closely sympatric marine species are important to understand complex food webs, particularly in regions most affected by climate change. Using stable isotope analyses, all ontogenetic stages of three sympatric species of Arctic cephalopods (genus Rossia) were studied to assess inter- and intraspecific competition with niche and diet overlap and partitioning in West Greenland and the Barents Sea. Seven traits related to resource and habitat utilization were identified in Rossia: no trait was shared by all three species. High boreal R. megaptera and Arctic endemic R. moelleri shared three traits with each other, while both R. megaptera and R. moelleri shared only two unique traits each with widespread boreal-Arctic R. palpebrosa. Thus all traits formed fully uncrossing pattern with each species having unique strategy of resource and habitat utilization. Predicted climate changes in the Arctic would have an impact on competition among Rossia with one potential 'winner' (R. megaptera in the Barents Sea) but no potential 'losers'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey V Golikov
- Department of Zoology, Kazan Federal University, 420008, Kazan, Russia.
| | - Filipe R Ceia
- Department of Life Sciences, Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rushan M Sabirov
- Department of Zoology, Kazan Federal University, 420008, Kazan, Russia
| | - Georgii A Batalin
- Laboratory of Isotopic and Elemental Analysis, Kazan Federal University, 420111, Kazan, Russia
| | - Martin E Blicher
- Greenland Climate Research Centre, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, 3900, Nuuk, Greenland
| | - Bulat I Gareev
- Laboratory of Isotopic and Elemental Analysis, Kazan Federal University, 420111, Kazan, Russia
| | - Gudmundur Gudmundsson
- Collections and Systematics Department, Icelandic Institute of Natural History, 210, Gardabaer, Iceland
| | - Lis L Jørgensen
- Tromsø Branch, Institute of Marine Research, 9294, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Gazinur Z Mingazov
- Laboratory of Isotopic and Elemental Analysis, Kazan Federal University, 420111, Kazan, Russia
| | - Denis V Zakharov
- Laboratory of Hydrobiology, Polar Branch of All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography, 183038, Murmansk, Russia
- Laboratory of Zoobenthos, Murmansk Marine Biological Institute, 183010, Murmansk, Russia
| | - José C Xavier
- Department of Life Sciences, Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK
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19
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Boucher NP, Derocher AE, Richardson ES. Spatial and temporal variability in ringed seal ( Pusa hispida) stable isotopes in the Beaufort Sea. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:4178-4192. [PMID: 32489588 PMCID: PMC7246210 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Arctic ecosystem dynamics are shifting in response to warming temperatures and sea ice loss. Such ecosystems may be monitored by examining the diet of upper trophic level species, which varies with prey availability. To assess interannual variation in the Beaufort Sea ecosystem, we examined spatial and temporal trends in ringed seal (Pusa hispida) δ13C and δ15N in claw growth layers grown from 1964 to 2011. Stable isotopes were correlated with climate indices, environmental conditions, seal population productivity, and geographic location. Sex and age did not influence stable isotopes. Enriched 13C was linked to cyclonic circulation regimes, seal productivity, and westward sampling locations. Higher δ15N was linked to lower sea surface temperatures, a higher percentage of pups in the subsistence harvest, and sample locations that were eastward and further from shore. From the 1960s to 2000s, ringed seal niche width expanded, suggesting a diversification of diet due to expansion of prey and/or seal space use. Overall, trends in ringed seal stable isotopes indicate changes within the Beaufort Sea ecosystem affected by water temperatures and circulation regimes. We suggest that continued monitoring of upper trophic level species will yield insights into changing ecosystem structure with climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole P. Boucher
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
| | | | - Evan S. Richardson
- Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology BranchEnvironment and Climate Change CanadaWinnipegMBCanada
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