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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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2
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Raoult V, Phillips AA, Nelson J, Niella Y, Skinner C, Tilcock MB, Burke PJ, Szpak P, James WR, Harrod C. Why aquatic scientists should use sulfur stable isotope ratios (ẟ 34S) more often. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141816. [PMID: 38556184 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141816] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, measurements of light stable isotope ratios have been increasingly used to answer questions across physiology, biology, ecology, and archaeology. The vast majority analyse carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotopes as the 'default' isotopes, omitting sulfur (δ34S) due to time, cost, or perceived lack of benefits and instrumentation capabilities. Using just carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios can produce results that are inconclusive, uncertain, or in the worst cases, even misleading, especially for scientists that are new to the use and interpretation of stable isotope data. Using sulfur isotope values more regularly has the potential to mitigate these issues, especially given recent advancements that have lowered measurement barriers. Here we provide a review documenting case studies with real-world data, re-analysing different biological topics (i.e. niche, physiology, diet, movement and bioarchaeology) with and without sulfur isotopes to highlight the various strengths of this stable isotope for various applications. We also include a preliminary meta-analysis of the trophic discrimination factor (TDF) for sulfur isotopes, which suggest small (mean -0.4 ± 1.7 ‰ SD) but taxa-dependent mean trophic discrimination. Each case study demonstrates how the exclusion of sulfur comes at the detriment of the results, often leading to very different outputs, or missing valuable discoveries entirely. Given that studies relying on carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes currently underpin most of our understanding of various ecological processes, this has concerning implications. Collectively, these examples strongly suggest that researchers planning to use carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes for their research should incorporate sulfur where possible, and that the new 'default' isotope systems for aquatic science should now be carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Raoult
- Blue Carbon Lab, School of Life and Environmental Science, Deakin University, VIC, Australia; Marine Ecology Group, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia.
| | - Alexandra A Phillips
- National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - James Nelson
- Department of Marine Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Yuri Niella
- Marine Ecology Group, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia
| | - Christina Skinner
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Patrick J Burke
- Marine Ecology Group, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul Szpak
- Department of Anthropology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - W Ryan James
- Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Chris Harrod
- Instituto Ciencias Naturales Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile; Millennium Nucleus INVASAL, Concepción, Chile; Universidad de Antofagasta Stable Isotope Facility, Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
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3
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Audzijonyte A, Delius GW, Stuart-Smith RD, Novaglio C, Edgar GJ, Barrett NS, Blanchard JL. Changes in sea floor productivity are crucial to understanding the impact of climate change in temperate coastal ecosystems according to a new size-based model. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002392. [PMID: 38079442 PMCID: PMC10712853 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The multifaceted effects of climate change on physical and biogeochemical processes are rapidly altering marine ecosystems but often are considered in isolation, leaving our understanding of interactions between these drivers of ecosystem change relatively poor. This is particularly true for shallow coastal ecosystems, which are fuelled by a combination of distinct pelagic and benthic energy pathways that may respond to climate change in fundamentally distinct ways. The fish production supported by these systems is likely to be impacted by climate change differently to those of offshore and shelf ecosystems, which have relatively simpler food webs and mostly lack benthic primary production sources. We developed a novel, multispecies size spectrum model for shallow coastal reefs, specifically designed to simulate potential interactive outcomes of changing benthic and pelagic energy inputs and temperatures and calculate the relative importance of these variables for the fish community. Our model, calibrated using field data from an extensive temperate reef monitoring program, predicts that changes in resource levels will have much stronger impacts on fish biomass and yields than changes driven by physiological responses to temperature. Under increased plankton abundance, species in all fish trophic groups were predicted to increase in biomass, average size, and yields. By contrast, changes in benthic resources produced variable responses across fish trophic groups. Increased benthic resources led to increasing benthivorous and piscivorous fish biomasses, yields, and mean body sizes, but biomass decreases among herbivore and planktivore species. When resource changes were combined with warming seas, physiological responses generally decreased species' biomass and yields. Our results suggest that understanding changes in benthic production and its implications for coastal fisheries should be a priority research area. Our modified size spectrum model provides a framework for further study of benthic and pelagic energy pathways that can be easily adapted to other ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asta Audzijonyte
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
- Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Gustav W. Delius
- Department of Mathematics, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Rick D. Stuart-Smith
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Camilla Novaglio
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
- Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Graham J. Edgar
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Neville S. Barrett
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Julia L. Blanchard
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
- Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
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4
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Dung LV, Tue NT, Lam PV, Quy TD, Canh VM, Tam ND, Nhuan MT. Stable Isotopes (δ 13C and δ 15N) and Trace Elements of Invertebrates and Fish from the Coastal Waters of Ha Tinh Province, Central Vietnam. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2023; 85:229-244. [PMID: 37017706 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-023-00992-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Stable isotope signatures (δ13C, δ15N) and trace elements (TEs) were analyzed from invertebrates and fish to assess food web structure and the biomagnification or biodilution of Cu, Pb, Cd, Zn, Mn, Cr, Hg and As in coastal waters of Ha Tinh Province, Central Vietnam. δ13C and δ15N values of purported food sources (sediments, phytoplankton, macroalgae, and zooplankton) ranged from -21.24 ± 0.39‰ to -16.72 ± 1.02‰ and from 3.02 ± 0.70‰ to 7.30 ± 0.42‰, respectively. The δ13C and δ15N values in invertebrates and fish ranged from -19.75 ± 0.10‰ to -18.68 ± 0.40‰, and from 7.02 ± 1.21‰ to 9.10 ± 0.29‰. The δ15N values showed that the food web structure could be divided into four trophic levels. The benthic invertebrates had significantly higher concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd and As. Hg concentrations tended to accumulate higher in the crabs and fish. The biodilution of Pb, Cd, Zn, Cr was observed throughout the food web, whereas biomagnification was observed for Cr, Mn, and As in bivalves; Cd and Zn in gastropods; Pb, Cd, Zn, and As in crabs; Cd in prawns and Hg in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luu Viet Dung
- VNU Key Laboratory of Geoenvironment and Climate Change Response, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Tai Tue
- VNU Key Laboratory of Geoenvironment and Climate Change Response, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam.
- Faculty of Geology, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Pham Van Lam
- Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands, 83 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Dong Da, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Tran Dang Quy
- VNU Key Laboratory of Geoenvironment and Climate Change Response, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Faculty of Geology, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Vo Minh Canh
- VNU School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Duc Tam
- VNU School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Mai Trong Nhuan
- VNU Key Laboratory of Geoenvironment and Climate Change Response, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam
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5
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Cobain MRD, McGill RAR, Trueman CN. Stable isotopes demonstrate seasonally stable benthic-pelagic coupling as newly fixed nutrients are rapidly transferred through food chains in an estuarine fish community. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2022. [PMID: 35099820 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Seasonal differences in the availability of resources potentially result in the food web architecture also varying through time. Stable isotope analyses are a logistically simple but powerful tool for inferring trophic interactions and food web structure, but relatively few studies quantify seasonal variations in the food web structure or nutrient flux across multiple trophic levels. We determined the temporal dynamics in stable isotope compositions (carbon, nitrogen and sulphur) of a fish community from a highly seasonal, temperate estuary sampled monthly over a full annual cycle. Sulphur isotope values in fish tissues discriminated among consumers exploiting pelagic and benthic resources but showed no seasonal variation. This implied limited change in the relative consumption of pelagic and benthic resources by the fish community over the study period despite major seasonal changes in phytoplankton biomass. Conversely, carbon and nitrogen isotope values exhibited seasonality marked by the commencement of the spring phytoplankton bloom and peak chlorophyll concentration, with δ13 C values following expected trends in phytoplankton growth physiology and variation in δ15 N values coinciding with changes in major nitrogen sources to plankton between nitrate and ammonium. Isotope shifts in fish muscle were detected within 2 weeks of the peak spring phytoplankton bloom, suggesting a rapid trophic transfer of carbon and nitrogen along food chains within the estuarine food web during periods of high production. Therefore we caution against the assumption that temporal averaging effectively dampens isotopic variability in tissues of higher trophic-level animals in highly dynamic ecosystems, such as temperate estuaries. This work highlights how stable isotope analyses can be combined with environmental data to gain a broader understanding of ecosystem functioning, while emphasising the need for temporally appropriate sampling in stable isotope-based studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R D Cobain
- Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Rona A R McGill
- National Environmental Isotope Facility (formerly NERC LSMSF), Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, Glasgow, UK
| | - Clive N Trueman
- Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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6
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Kristensen ML, Olsen EM, Moland E, Knutsen H, Grønkjær P, Koed A, Källo K, Aarestrup K. Disparate movement behavior and feeding ecology in sympatric ecotypes of Atlantic cod. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:11477-11490. [PMID: 34429934 PMCID: PMC8366838 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Coexistence of ecotypes, genetically divergent population units, is a widespread phenomenon, potentially affecting ecosystem functioning and local food web stability. In coastal Skagerrak, Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) occur as two such coexisting ecotypes. We applied a combination of acoustic telemetry, genotyping, and stable isotope analysis to 72 individuals to investigate movement ecology and food niche of putative local "Fjord" and putative oceanic "North Sea" ecotypes-thus named based on previous molecular studies. Genotyping and individual origin assignment suggested 41 individuals were Fjord and 31 were North Sea ecotypes. Both ecotypes were found throughout the fjord. Seven percent of Fjord ecotype individuals left the study system during the study while 42% of North Sea individuals left, potentially homing to natal spawning grounds. Home range sizes were similar for the two ecotypes but highly variable among individuals. Fjord ecotype cod had significantly higher δ13C and δ15N stable isotope values than North Sea ecotype cod, suggesting they exploited different food niches. The results suggest coexisting ecotypes may possess innate differences in feeding and movement ecologies and may thus fill different functional roles in marine ecosystems. This highlights the importance of conserving interconnected populations to ensure stable ecosystem functioning and food web structures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Esben Moland Olsen
- Institute of Marine ResearchFlødevigen Marine Research StationHisNorway
- Centre for Coastal ResearchDepartment of Natural SciencesUniversity of AgderKristiansandNorway
| | - Even Moland
- Institute of Marine ResearchFlødevigen Marine Research StationHisNorway
- Centre for Coastal ResearchDepartment of Natural SciencesUniversity of AgderKristiansandNorway
| | - Halvor Knutsen
- Institute of Marine ResearchFlødevigen Marine Research StationHisNorway
- Centre for Coastal ResearchDepartment of Natural SciencesUniversity of AgderKristiansandNorway
| | - Peter Grønkjær
- Aquatic BiologyDepartment for BioscienceUniversity of AarhusAarhusDenmark
| | - Anders Koed
- National Institute for Aquatic ResourcesTechnical University of DenmarkSilkeborgDenmark
| | - Kristi Källo
- National Institute for Aquatic ResourcesTechnical University of DenmarkSilkeborgDenmark
| | - Kim Aarestrup
- National Institute for Aquatic ResourcesTechnical University of DenmarkSilkeborgDenmark
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7
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Riverón S, Raoult V, Baylis AMM, Jones KA, Slip DJ, Harcourt RG. Pelagic and benthic ecosystems drive differences in population and individual specializations in marine predators. Oecologia 2021; 196:891-904. [PMID: 34173892 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-021-04974-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Individual specialization, which describes whether populations are comprised of dietary generalists or specialists, has profound ecological and evolutionary implications. However, few studies have quantified individual specialization within and between sympatric species that are functionally similar but have different foraging modes. We assessed the relationship between individual specialization, isotopic niche metrics and foraging behaviour of two marine predators with contrasting foraging modes: pelagic foraging female South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis) and benthic foraging female southern sea lions (Otaria byronia). Stable isotope analysis of carbon and nitrogen was conducted along the length of adult female vibrissae to determine isotopic niche metrics and the degree of individual specialization. Vibrissae integrated time ranged between 1.1 and 5.5 years, depending on vibrissae length. We found limited overlap in dietary niche-space. Broader population niche sizes were associated with higher degrees of individual specialization, while narrower population niches with lower degrees of individual specialization. The degree of individual specialization was influenced by pelagic and benthic foraging modes. Specifically, South American fur seals, foraging in dynamic pelagic environments with abundant but similar prey, comprised specialist populations composed of generalist individuals. In contrast, benthic southern sea lions foraging in habitats with diverse but less abundant prey had more generalist populations composed of highly specialized individuals. We hypothesize that differences in specialization within and between populations were related to prey availability and habitat differences. Our study supports growing body of literature highlighting that individual specialization is a critical factor in shaping the ecological niche of higher marine predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Riverón
- Marine Predator Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia.
| | - Vincent Raoult
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, Australia
| | - Alastair M M Baylis
- Marine Predator Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia.,South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute, Stanley Cottage, PO Box 609, Stanley, FIQQ 1ZZ, Falkland Islands
| | - Kayleigh A Jones
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Rd, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK.,University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - David J Slip
- Marine Predator Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia.,Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Bradley's Head Road, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia
| | - Robert G Harcourt
- Marine Predator Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2113, Australia
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Lira AS, Lucena-Frédou F, Ménard F, Frédou T, Gonzalez JG, Ferreira V, Filho JSR, Munaron JM, Le Loc’h F. Trophic structure of a nektobenthic community exploited by a multispecific bottom trawling fishery in Northeastern Brazil. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246491. [PMID: 33556099 PMCID: PMC7870051 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We used complementary stable isotope (SIA) and stomach content (SCA) analyses to investigate feeding relationships among species of the nektobenthic communities and the potential ecological effects of the bottom trawling of a coastal ecosystem in northeastern Brazil. Carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) compositions were determined for five basal sources and 28 consumers, from zooplankton to shrimp and fish species. Fishes and basal sources showed a broad range of δ15N (fishes: 6.49-14.94‰; sources: 2.58-6.79‰) and δ13C values (fishes: -23.86 to -13.71‰; sources: -24.32 to -13.53‰), while shrimps and crabs exhibited similar nitrogen and carbon ratios. Six trophic consumer groups were determined among zooplankton, crustaceans and fishes by SIA, with trophic pathways associated mostly with benthic sources. SCA results indicated a preference for benthic invertebrates, mainly worms, crabs and shrimps, as prey for the fish fauna, highlighting their importance in the food web. In overall, differences between SCA and the SIA approaches were observed, except for groups composed mainly for shrimps and some species of high δ15N values, mostly piscivorous and zoobenthivores. Given the absence of regulation for bottom trawling activities in the area, the cumulative effects of trawling on population parameters, species composition, potentially decreasing the abundance of benthic preys (e.g., shrimps, worms and crabs) may lead to changes in the trophic structure potentially affect the food web and the sustainability of the fishery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Souza Lira
- Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- IRD, Univ Brest, CNRS, Ifremer, LEMAR, F-29280 Plouzané, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Flávia Lucena-Frédou
- Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Frédéric Ménard
- Aix Marseille Univ, Univ Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, UM110, Marseille, France
| | - Thierry Frédou
- Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Júlio Guazzelli Gonzalez
- Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- MARBEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, 34095, Montpellier, France
| | - Valdimere Ferreira
- Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - José Souto Rosa Filho
- Departamento de Oceanografia, Laboratório de Bentos (LABEN), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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Seasonal and ontogenetic variation of whiting diet in the Eastern English Channel and the Southern North Sea. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239436. [PMID: 32966332 PMCID: PMC7511009 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
An accurate description of trophic interactions is crucial to understand ecosystem functioning and sustainably manage marine ecosystems exploitation. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes were coupled with stomach content analyses to investigate whiting (Merlangius merlangus, Linnaeus, 1758) feeding behavior in the Eastern English Channel and Southern North Sea. Whiting juveniles and adults were sampled in autumn and winter to investigate both ontogenetic and seasonal changes. In addition, queen scallops (Aequipecten opercularis) samples were collected along with fish to be used as isotopic benthic baseline. Results indicated an ontogenetic diet change from crustaceans to fish and cephalopods. In autumn, δ15N values generally increased with fish size while in winter, a decrease of δ15N values with fish size was observed, as a potential result of spatial variation in baseline δ15N values. In winter, a nutrient-poor period, an increase in feeding intensity was observed, especially on the copepod Temora longicornis. This study provides further insights into whiting trophic ecology in relation to ontogenetic and seasonal variations, and it confirms the importance of combining several trophic analysis methods to understand ecosystem functioning.
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