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Hanley ME, Firth LB, Foggo A. Victim of changes? Marine macroalgae in a changing world. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2024; 133:1-16. [PMID: 37996092 PMCID: PMC10921835 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcad185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marine macroalgae ('seaweeds') are a diverse and globally distributed group of photosynthetic organisms that together generate considerable primary productivity, provide an array of different habitats for other organisms, and contribute many important ecosystem functions and services. As a result of continued anthropogenic stress on marine systems, many macroalgal species and habitats face an uncertain future, risking their vital contribution to global productivity and ecosystem service provision. SCOPE After briefly considering the remarkable taxonomy and ecological distribution of marine macroalgae, we review how the threats posed by a combination of anthropogenically induced stressors affect seaweed species and communities. From there we highlight five critical avenues for further research to explore (long-term monitoring, use of functional traits, focus on early ontogeny, biotic interactions and impact of marine litter on coastal vegetation). CONCLUSIONS Although there are considerable parallels with terrestrial vascular plant responses to the many threats posed by anthropogenic stressors, we note that the impacts of some (e.g. habitat loss) are much less keenly felt in the oceans than on land. Nevertheless, and in common with terrestrial plant communities, the impact of climate change will inevitably be the most pernicious threat to the future persistence of seaweed species, communities and service provision. While understanding macroalgal responses to simultaneous environmental stressors is inevitably a complex exercise, our attempt to highlight synergies with terrestrial systems, and provide five future research priorities to elucidate some of the important trends and mechanisms of response, may yet offer some small contribution to this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mick E Hanley
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, UK
| | - Louise B Firth
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, UK
| | - Andy Foggo
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, UK
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2
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Chen G, Gu X, Mo Y, Cui B. Monospecific mangrove reforestation changes relationship between benthic mollusc diversity and biomass: Implication for coastal wetland management. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 353:120140. [PMID: 38290263 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic causes are overtaking natural factors to reshape patterns of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Mangrove reforestation aimed at reversing losses of mangroves has been conducted worldwide for several decades. However, how reforestation influences the link between ecological processes that shape community diversity and the consequent effects on ecosystem functions such as biomass production is less well known. Here we used data collected before and after mangrove planting to examine the effects of reforestation on molluscan species richness and biomass production by testing the changes in species richness, compositional similarities, distance-decay effects (community similarity decreases with increasing geographical distance) in metacommunity across a regional scale of 480 km (23-27 °N) in southeast Chinese coasts. Additionally, we further detected the impact of landscape configuration caused by different intensities of reforestation on the mollusc community. After the mangrove reforestation, mollusc species richness and biomass increased significantly. The increases in species richness and biomass of mollusc community were mediated by reducing distance-decay effect, indicating an increase in relationship strength between species richness and biomass might be associated with a decrease in distance-decay effect with rising mangrove habitat. We highlight the importance of considering the effects of anthropogenic changes on the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Quantifying the distance-decay effect of these influences enables management decisions about coastal restoration to be based upon ecological mechanisms rather than wishful thinking or superficial appearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guogui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environmental Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Research and Development Center for Watershed Environmental Eco-Engineering, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Xuan Gu
- Key Laboratory of the Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems (Xiamen University) Ministry of Education, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, CN-361102, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yuanyuan Mo
- Aquatic EcoHealth Group, Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China; Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo, 315830, China.
| | - Baoshan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environmental Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Research and Development Center for Watershed Environmental Eco-Engineering, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, China.
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3
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Jackson-Bué T, Evans AJ, Lawrence PJ, Brooks PR, Ward SL, Jenkins SR, Moore PJ, Crowe TP, Neill SP, Davies AJ. Habitat structure shapes temperate reef assemblages across regional environmental gradients. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167494. [PMID: 37806568 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167494] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Intertidal artificial habitats are proliferating, but are generally simpler in structure and host lower biodiversity than natural rocky reefs. Eco-engineering aims to enhance the biodiversity of coastal infrastructure, often through physical structural modifications that mimic topographic properties of natural shores. Relationships between biotic assemblages and structural properties of natural and artificial reefs have been extensively studied at sampling scales of up to 1 m2. But evidence that quantified local structural variation has an appreciable influence on biotic assemblages, at a shore-wide scale across regional environmental gradients, is lacking. Here we addressed this knowledge gap with an observational study at 32 natural and artificial intertidal reef sites in Wales, UK. We used multivariate community analysis and permutation tests to examine associations between local physical structure, regional environmental variables and sessile biotic assemblages. A potential influence of local habitat structure on assemblage composition was evident across regional-scale environmental gradients. Compared to natural sites, artificial reefs had lower taxonomic richness, distinct and more variable assemblage composition, and different physical structure. After removing the effect of habitat (natural or artificial), canonical correspondence analysis showed that environmental variables (wave exposure, sea surface temperature and salinity variation), along with two metrics of physical structure (standard deviation in log-transformed detrended roughness and skewness of surface verticality, both at 0.5 m scale), explained 40 % of the variation in assemblage composition among sites. The two structural metrics independently explained 14.5 % of the variation. Associations identified between individual taxa and environmental variables indicated that sites with a higher proportion of horizontal surfaces hosted more canopy macroalgae, which in turn support other algae and invertebrates. Our findings provide evidence to inform scaling-up of structural eco-engineering interventions from experimental contexts to enhance the biodiversity of coastal infrastructure across regional extents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Jackson-Bué
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Askew St, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, UK.
| | - Ally J Evans
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Peter J Lawrence
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Cumbria, Ambleside LA22 9BB, UK
| | - Paul R Brooks
- Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sophie L Ward
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Askew St, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Stuart R Jenkins
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Askew St, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Pippa J Moore
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; Dove Marine Laboratory, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Tasman P Crowe
- Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Simon P Neill
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Askew St, Menai Bridge LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Andrew J Davies
- University of Rhode Island, Department of Biological Sciences, 120 Flagg Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA; University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Oceanography, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
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Farrugia Drakard V, Brooks PR, Crowe TP. Colonisation after disturbance on artificial structures: The influence of timing and grazing. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 187:105956. [PMID: 36958198 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.105956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Artificial structures are poor surrogates of natural rocky shores, meaning they generally support depauperate assemblages. These differences may result from a combination of recruitment processes, biotic interactions, and structuring by environmental factors. In this study, plots were cleared on two seawalls and two natural shores at two separate timepoints - in August 2020 (summer) and February 2021 (winter) - and monitored over one year to determine the influence of timing of disturbance on recruitment and succession. Additional plots were cleared at one of the seawalls at a single timepoint in August 2020, and exclusion cages were installed to determine the influence of grazing pressure on colonisation; these were monitored for 18 months. Disturbance during winter resulted in higher concentrations of all biofilm components up to 3 months, but did not impact benthic community composition beyond this point. Grazer exclusion on artificial structures increased biofilm concentrations and influenced community composition in comparison to plots on artificial structures without exclusion, while communities on natural surfaces differed in terms of species composition to those on artificial plots at 12 months. We conclude that the timing of routine maintenance works on artificial structures may impact initial biofilm abundances. Furthermore, while grazing pressure does influence community structure on artificial structures, this alone is not sufficient to explain biological differences between artificial structures and natural shores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Farrugia Drakard
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Paul R Brooks
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Tasman P Crowe
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Tamburello L, Chiarore A, Fabbrizzi E, Colletti A, Franzitta G, Grech D, Rindi F, Rizzo L, Savinelli B, Fraschetti S. Can we preserve and restore overlooked macroalgal forests? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150855. [PMID: 34678362 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Habitat degradation and loss are severely affecting macroalgal forests worldwide, and their successful mitigation depends on the identification of the drivers of loss and the implementation of effective conservation and restoration actions. We made an extensive literature review 1- to document the historical (1789-1999) and recent (2000-2020) occurrence of the genus Cystoseira, Ericaria and Gongolaria reported in the literature along the 8000 km of the coasts of Italy, 2- to assess their decline and patterns of extinction, 3- to ascertain the drivers responsible for these changes, 4- to highlight the existence of success stories in their conservation and natural recovery. In the last twenty years, overall information on the distribution of Cystoseira s.l. exponentially increased, although research focused almost exclusively on intertidal reefs. Despite the lack of systematic monitoring programs, the local extinction of 371 populations of 19 different species of Cystoseira s.l. was documented across several regions, since 2000. Coastal engineering and poor quality of waters due to urban, agricultural or industrial activities were often documented as leading causes of habitat loss. However, the drivers of extinction were actually unknown for the majority of the populations and cause-effects relationships are scarcely documented. Although the proportion of protected populations increased to 77.8%, Marine Protected Areas are unlikely to guarantee adequate conservation efficacy, possibly also for the widespread lack of management and monitoring plans dealing specifically with Cystoseira s.l. species, and few evidences of natural recovery were observed. Our review shows the dramatic lack of baseline information for macroalgal forests, highlighting the urgent need for the monitoring of less accessible habitats, the collection of long-term data to unveil drivers of loss, and an updated reporting about the conservation status of the species of interest to plan future interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tamburello
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Ischia Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Punta San Pietro, Ischia, NA, Italy.
| | - Antonia Chiarore
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Erika Fabbrizzi
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Ischia Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Punta San Pietro, Ischia, NA, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Colletti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giulio Franzitta
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources (RIMAR), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Daniele Grech
- IMC - International Marine Centre, Loc. Sa Mardini, Torre Grande, 09170 Oristano, Italy
| | - Fabio Rindi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Lucia Rizzo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Ischia Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Punta San Pietro, Ischia, NA, Italy
| | | | - Simonetta Fraschetti
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Ischia Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Punta San Pietro, Ischia, NA, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Ng D, Taira D, Heery EC, Todd PA. Antagonistic effects of seawalls and urban sedimentation on epilithic algal matrix (EAM)-feeding fishes. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113098. [PMID: 34768194 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Marine urbanisation often results in the proliferation of artificial coastal defences and heavy sedimentation, adversely impacting coral reef systems in tropical coastal cities. Knowledge of how motile organisms, such as reef fish, respond to novel human-made habitats and high sedimentation is limited. Here, we examine the role of sloping granite seawalls in supporting reef fishes that utilise the epilithic algal matrix (EAM) as a food resource. We surveyed fish assemblages and feeding activities on seawalls and reef flats, and conducted a field experiment to examine the effects of sediment on EAM feeding rates. Seawalls and reef flats supported distinct fish assemblage composition with significantly greater feeding activity on seawalls. However, reduced feeding activity on EAM with elevated sediment loads suggests that urban sedimentation may limit the utility of this novel feeding ground for nearshore communities. These findings illustrate the complexities and interactive effects of anthropogenic changes driven by coastal urbanisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillen Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Daisuke Taira
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore.
| | - Eliza C Heery
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Peter A Todd
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore.
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7
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Aiken CM, Mulloy R, Dwane G, Jackson EL. Working With Nature Approaches for the Creation of Soft Intertidal Habitats. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.682349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As the artificial defenses often required for urban and industrial development, such as seawalls, breakwaters, and bund walls, directly replace natural habitats, they may produce population fragmentation and a disruption of ecological connectivity, compromising the delivery of ecosystem services. Such problems have increasingly been addressed through “Working with Nature” (WwN) techniques, wherein natural features such as species and habitats are included as additional functional components within the design of built infrastructure. There now exists a convincing body of empirical evidence that WwN techniques can enhance the structural integrity of coastal works, and at the same time promote biodiversity and ecosystem services. While these benefits have often been achieved through modification of the hard surfaces of the coastal defense structures themselves, the desired ecological and engineering goals may often demand the creation of new soft substrates from sediment. Here we discuss the design considerations for creating new sediment habitats in the intertidal zone within new coastal infrastructure works. We focus on the sediment control structures required to satisfy the physiological and ecological requirements of seagrass and mangroves – two keystone intertidal species that are common candidates for restoration – and illustrate the concepts by discussing the case study of soft habitat creation within a major multi-commodity port.
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8
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de Pádua SMF, Botter-Carvalho ML, Gomes PB, de Oliveira CS, dos Santos JCP, Pérez CD. The alien octocoral Carijoa riisei is a biogenic substrate multiplier in artificial Brazilian shipwrecks. AQUATIC ECOLOGY 2021; 56:183-200. [PMID: 34642570 PMCID: PMC8497147 DOI: 10.1007/s10452-021-09908-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite the obvious negative effects caused by invasive species, some recent studies have shown that the impacts at local scale are diverse and not necessarily negative. Arborescent benthic organisms such as octocorals form three-dimensional structures capable of increasing the amount of substrate available and providing shelter for epibiont species. We investigated the role of the alien octocoral Carijoa riisei on the diversity of benthic communities in three shipwrecks on the north-eastern coast of Brazil. We expected that (a) the fauna associated with the octocoral are richer and more diverse compared to the adjacent; (b) some species are exclusively associated with C. riisei; (c) the species that are present both in the areas with and without C. riisei have a greater abundance when associated with the octocoral. For this, we compared the macrobenthic communities associated with C. riisei to those found in adjacent areas where the octocoral was absent. Our study showed that the communities associated with the octocoral were 1.5 times richer and 10 times more abundant than adjacent communities, with 29 exclusive taxa. The dominant taxa were the amphipods Ericthonius brasiliensis and Podocerus brasiliensis and polychaetes of the family Syllidae. These taxa were present in areas with presence and absence of C. riisei, but their abundance was significantly greater where the octocoral was present. Our results reinforce the idea that Carijoa riisei acts as an ecosystem engineer in coastal reefs, creating new habitats and increasing diversity at a local scale, even though it is an alien species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Maris Feitosa de Pádua
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade-PPGBio, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Antozoários (GPA), Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Antozoários (GPA), Centro Acadêmico da Vitória, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Vitória de Santo Antão, Pernambuco Brazil
| | - Mônica Lúcia Botter-Carvalho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade-PPGBio, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia do Bentos Costeiro (LEBENC), Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
| | - Paula Braga Gomes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade-PPGBio, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Antozoários (GPA), Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal (PPGBA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
| | - Camilla Silva de Oliveira
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Antozoários (GPA), Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal (PPGBA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
| | - José Carlos Pacheco dos Santos
- Laboratório de Operações Aquáticas e Aquicultura (LOAA), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brasil
| | - Carlos Daniel Pérez
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade-PPGBio, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal (PPGBA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco Brazil
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Antozoários (GPA), Centro Acadêmico da Vitória, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Vitória de Santo Antão, Pernambuco Brazil
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Chee SY, Yee JC, Cheah CB, Evans AJ, Firth LB, Hawkins SJ, Strain EMA. Habitat Complexity Affects the Structure but Not the Diversity of Sessile Communities on Tropical Coastal Infrastructure. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.673227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing human population, urbanisation, and climate change have resulted in the proliferation of hard coastal infrastructure such as seawalls and breakwaters. There is increasing impetus to create multifunctional coastal defence structures with the primary function of protecting people and property in addition to providing habitat for marine organisms through eco-engineering - a nature-based solutions approach. In this study, the independent and synergistic effects of physical complexity and seeding with native oysters in promoting diversity and abundances of sessile organisms were assessed at two locations on Penang Island, Malaysia. Concrete tiles with varying physical and biological complexity (flat, 2.5 cm ridges and crevices, and 5 cm ridges and crevices that were seeded or unseeded with oysters) were deployed and monitored over 12 months. The survival of the seeded oysters was not correlated with physical complexity. The addition of physical and biological complexity interacted to promote distinct community assemblages, but did not consistently increase the richness, diversity, or abundances of sessile organisms through time. These results indicate that complexity, whether physical or biological, is only one of many influences on biodiversity on coastal infrastructure. Eco-engineering interventions that have been reported to be effective in other regions may not work as effectively in others due to the highly dynamic conditions in coastal environment. Thus, it is important that other factors such as the local species pools, environmental setting (e.g., wave action), biological factors (e.g., predators), and anthropogenic stressors (e.g., pollution) should also be considered when designing habitat enhancements. Such factors acting individually or synergistically could potentially affect the outcomes of any planned eco-engineering interventions.
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Sedano F, Pavón-Paneque A, Navarro-Barranco C, Guerra-García JM, Digenis M, Sempere-Valverde J, Espinosa F. Coastal armouring affects intertidal biodiversity across the Alboran Sea (Western Mediterranean Sea). MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 171:105475. [PMID: 34525420 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Intertidal ecosystems are key habitats that are being replaced by artificial hard substrates due to the increment of human activities in coastal areas. These new substrates host generally less biodiversity mainly due to differences in complexity and composition. This is a global phenomenon and has led to the development of strategies in the framework of eco-engineering. However, mitigating measures, such as new eco-designs, must cope with the high spatial variability of the region where they are applied. Therefore, in order to assess if differences in biodiversity detected at local scales in previous studies could be scaled up to predict patterns at a wider scale, we studied taxa richness and taxonomic structure of intertidal communities across the Alboran Sea (western Mediterranean Sea). We compared four different types of artificial substrates (cubes, rip-raps, seawalls and tetrapods) to assess which produces less impact. Overall, artificial substrates host low benthic biodiversity, specially on seawalls, whereas boulder-like artificial structures such as rip-raps were more similar to natural ones. Nevertheless, the effect of a particular type of artificial structure at a regional scale seems unpredictable, highlighting the challenge that eco-engineering measures face in order to establish global protocols for biodiversity enhancement and the importance of local scale in management programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Sedano
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Biología. Universidad de Sevilla. Avda. de la Reina Mercedes, 6. 41012, Sevilla, Spain
| | - A Pavón-Paneque
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Biología. Universidad de Sevilla. Avda. de la Reina Mercedes, 6. 41012, Sevilla, Spain
| | - C Navarro-Barranco
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Biología. Universidad de Sevilla. Avda. de la Reina Mercedes, 6. 41012, Sevilla, Spain
| | - J M Guerra-García
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Biología. Universidad de Sevilla. Avda. de la Reina Mercedes, 6. 41012, Sevilla, Spain
| | - M Digenis
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, P.O Box 2214, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - J Sempere-Valverde
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Biología. Universidad de Sevilla. Avda. de la Reina Mercedes, 6. 41012, Sevilla, Spain
| | - F Espinosa
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Biología. Universidad de Sevilla. Avda. de la Reina Mercedes, 6. 41012, Sevilla, Spain.
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11
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O’Shaughnessy KA, Perkol-Finkel S, Strain EMA, Bishop MJ, Hawkins SJ, Hanley ME, Lunt P, Thompson RC, Hadary T, Shirazi R, Yunnie ALE, Amstutz A, Milliet L, Yong CLX, Firth LB. Spatially Variable Effects of Artificially-Created Physical Complexity on Subtidal Benthos. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.690413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to the environmental damage caused by urbanization, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are being implemented to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem processes with mutual benefits for society and nature. Although the field of NbS is flourishing, experiments in different geographic locations and environmental contexts have produced variable results, with knowledge particularly lacking for the subtidal zone. This study tested the effects of physical complexity on colonizing communities in subtidal habitats in two urban locations: (1) Plymouth, United Kingdom (northeast Atlantic) and (2) Tel Aviv, Israel (eastern Mediterranean) for 15- and 12-months, respectively. At each location, physical complexity was manipulated using experimental tiles that were either flat or had 2.5 or 5.0 cm ridges. In Plymouth, biological complexity was also manipulated through seeding tiles with habitat-forming mussels. The effects of the manipulations on taxon and functional richness, and community composition were assessed at both locations, and in Plymouth the survival and size of seeded mussels and abundance and size of recruited mussels were also assessed. Effects of physical complexity differed between locations. Physical complexity did not influence richness or community composition in Plymouth, while in Tel Aviv, there were effects of complexity on community composition. In Plymouth, effects of biological complexity were found with mussel seeding reducing taxon richness, supporting larger recruited mussels, and influencing community composition. Our results suggest that outcomes of NbS experiments are context-dependent and highlight the risk of extrapolating the findings outside of the context in which they were tested.
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12
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Drakard VF, Brooks P, Crowe TP, Earp HS, Thompson B, Bourke N, George R, Piper C, Moore PJ. Fucus vesiculosus populations on artificial structures have potentially reduced fecundity and are dislodged at greater rates than on natural shores. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 168:105324. [PMID: 33845257 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105324] [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: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Artificial structures are widespread features of coastal marine environments. These structures, however, are poor surrogates of natural rocky shores, meaning they generally support depauperate assemblages with reduced population sizes. Little is known about sub-lethal effects of such structures, for example, in terms of demographic properties and reproductive potential that may affect the dynamics and long-term viability of populations. Such understanding is particularly important for ecosystem engineer species, such as the intertidal seaweed Fucus vesiculosus. In this study, F. vesiculosus was sampled on eight artificial structures and eight natural shores along the east coast of Ireland and the west coast of Wales. Algal percentage cover, biomass, density of individuals, and growth rate did not differ between artificial and natural shores. Growth and reproductive cycles were consistent with previous studies for this species. While there was considerable variation from site to site, on average, populations on natural shores produced a higher number of mature receptacles during the peak reproductive period in April, and lower rates of dislodgement than on artificial structures. As F. vesiculosus reach peak reproductive output after 24 months, this suggests that individuals may be removed from populations on artificial structures before reaching their full reproductive potential. In this case, this did not influence density, percentage cover, or biomass, which suggests that F. vesiculosus populations on artificial structures may function similarly to those on natural shores if supported by suitable source populations, but potentially may not persist otherwise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Farrugia Drakard
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Paul Brooks
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Tasman P Crowe
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Hannah S Earp
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Bryan Thompson
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Nathan Bourke
- UCD Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, Science Centre West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Ruby George
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Chloe Piper
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Pippa J Moore
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK; School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
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13
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Firth LB, Duff L, Gribben PE, Knights AM. Do positive interactions between marine invaders increase likelihood of invasion into natural and artificial habitats? OIKOS 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.07862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Louise B. Firth
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, Univ. of Plymouth Plymouth UK
| | - Lois Duff
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, Univ. of Plymouth Plymouth UK
| | - Paul E. Gribben
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Science, Univ. of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Inst. of Marine Science Mosman New South Wales Australia
| | - Antony M. Knights
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, Univ. of Plymouth Plymouth UK
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14
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Sedano F, Navarro-Barranco C, Guerra-García JM, Espinosa F. Understanding the effects of coastal defence structures on marine biota: The role of substrate composition and roughness in structuring sessile, macro- and meiofaunal communities. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 157:111334. [PMID: 32658698 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The increasing deployment of artificial structures into the marine environment is creating new hard substrates that differ from natural ones in physical and biological aspects. However, studies of macrofaunal and meiofaunal communities associated with artificial structures are very limited. Seawalls, cubes, acropods and rip-raps in Algeciras Bay (southern Spain) were each compared with the nearest natural hard substrate and their community structure was related to substrate roughness, composition, carbonates content, crystallinity and age, using db-RDA. The results showed clear differences between substrates for the three community levels (sessile, macro- and meiofauna). Overall, rip-raps were the most similar to natural substrates. Under similar environmental conditions, substrate roughness, composition (only for sessile) and age of the structures seemed to play important roles in structuring those communities. They especially affected the sessile community, initiating strong cascading effects that were detectable at high taxonomic level in the associated fauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Sedano
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Zoología, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain.
| | - C Navarro-Barranco
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Zoología, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain
| | - J M Guerra-García
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Zoología, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain
| | - F Espinosa
- Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Zoología, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain
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15
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Strain EMA, Cumbo VR, Morris RL, Steinberg PD, Bishop MJ. Interacting effects of habitat structure and seeding with oysters on the intertidal biodiversity of seawalls. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230807. [PMID: 32673342 PMCID: PMC7365354 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The construction of artificial structures, such as seawalls, is increasing globally, resulting in loss of habitat complexity and native species biodiversity. There is increasing interest in mitigating this biodiversity loss by adding topographic habitat to these structures, and/or seeding them with habitat-forming species. Settlement tile experiments, comparing colonisation of species to more and less complex habitats, have been used to inform eco-engineering interventions prior to their large-scale implementation. Most studies have focused on applying one type of intervention (either adding habitat structure or seeding with native organisms), so it is unclear whether there are greater benefits to biodiversity when multiple interventions are combined. Using a fully orthogonal experiment, we assessed the independent and interactive effects of habitat structure (flat vs. crevice/ridges) and seeding with native oysters (unseeded vs. seeded) on the biodiversity of four different functional groups (sessile and mobile taxa, cryptobenthic and pelagic fishes). Concrete tiles (flat unseeded, flat seeded, complex unseeded and complex seeded) were deployed at two sites in Sydney Harbour and monitored over 12 months, for the survival and colonisation of oysters and the species density and abundances of the four functional groups. The survival of seeded oysters was greater on the complex than flat tiles, at one of the two sites, due to the protective role of crevices. Despite this, after 12 months, the species density of sessile invertebrates and the percentage cover of seeded and colonising oysters did not differ between complex and seeded tiles each of which supported more of these variables than the flat unseeded tiles. In contrast, the species density of mobile invertebrates and cryptobenthic fishes and the MaxN of pelagic fishes, at 1 month, were only positively influenced by seeding with oysters, which provided food as well as habitat. Within the complex seeded and unseeded tiles, there was a greater species density of sessile taxa, survival and percentage cover of oysters in the crevices, which were more humid and darker at month 12, had lower high temperature extremes at months 1 and 12, than on the ridges or flat tiles. Our results suggest that eco-engineering projects which seek to maximise the biodiversity of multiple functional groups on seawalls, should apply a variety of different microhabitats and habitat-forming species, to alter the environmental conditions available to organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Marijke Anne Strain
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Vivian Ruth Cumbo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Louise Morris
- Centre for Research on Ecological Impacts of Coastal Cities, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter David Steinberg
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melanie Jane Bishop
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, New South Wales, Australia
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16
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Gianni F, Mačić V, Bartolini F, Pey A, Laurent M, Mangialajo L. Optimizing canopy‐forming algae conservation and restoration with a new herbivorous fish deterrent device. Restor Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Gianni
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR7035 ECOSEAS Nice France
- Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale (OGS) Trieste Italy
| | - Vesna Mačić
- Institute of Marine Biology University of Montenegro Dobrota b.b., 85330 Kotor Montenegro
| | | | - Alexis Pey
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR7035 ECOSEAS Nice France
| | | | - Luisa Mangialajo
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR7035 ECOSEAS Nice France
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, LOV F‐06230 Villefranche‐sur‐Mer France
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17
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Fulton EA, Blanchard JL, Melbourne-Thomas J, Plagányi ÉE, Tulloch VJD. Where the Ecological Gaps Remain, a Modelers' Perspective. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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18
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Aguilera MA, Arias RM, Manzur T. Mapping microhabitat thermal patterns in artificial breakwaters: Alteration of intertidal biodiversity by higher rock temperature. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:12915-12927. [PMID: 31788225 PMCID: PMC6875675 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Urbanization is altering community structure and functioning in marine ecosystems, but knowledge about the mechanisms driving loss of species diversity is still limited. Here, we examine rock thermal patterns in artificial breakwaters and test whether they have higher and spatially less variable rock temperature than natural adjacent habitats, which corresponds with lower biodiversity patterns. We estimated rock temperatures at mid-high intertidal using infrared thermography during mid-day in summer, in both artificial (Rip-raps) and natural (boulder fields) habitats. We also conducted diurnal thermal surveys (every 4 hr) in four seasons at one study site. Concurrent sampling of air and seawater temperature, wind velocity, and topographic structure of habitats were considered to explore their influence on rock temperature. Rock temperature was in average 3.7°C higher in the artificial breakwater in two of the three study sites, while air temperature was about 1.5-4°C higher at this habitat at summer. Thermal patterns were more homogeneous across the artificial habitat. Lower species abundance and richness in the artificial breakwaters were associated with higher rock temperature. Mechanism underlying enhanced substrate temperature in the artificial structures seems related to their lower small-scale spatial heterogeneity. Our study thus highlighted that higher rock temperature in artificial breakwaters can contribute to loss of biodiversity and that integrated artificial structures may alter coastal urban microclimates, a matter that should be considered in the spatial planning of urban coastal ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisés A. Aguilera
- Departamento de Biología MarinaFacultad de Ciencias del MarUniversidad Católica del NorteCoquimboChile
| | - René M. Arias
- Departamento de Biología MarinaFacultad de Ciencias del MarUniversidad Católica del NorteCoquimboChile
| | - Tatiana Manzur
- Departamento de Biología MarinaFacultad de Ciencias del MarUniversidad Católica del NorteCoquimboChile
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19
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Tamburello L, Papa L, Guarnieri G, Basconi L, Zampardi S, Scipione MB, Terlizzi A, Zupo V, Fraschetti S. Are we ready for scaling up restoration actions? An insight from Mediterranean macroalgal canopies. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224477. [PMID: 31652294 PMCID: PMC6814225 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Extensive loss of macroalgal forests advocates for large-scale restoration interventions, to compensate habitat degradation and recover the associated ecological functions and services. Yet, restoration attempts have generally been limited to small spatial extensions, with the principal aim of developing efficient restoration techniques. Here, the success of outplanting Cystoseira amentacea v. stricta germlings cultured in aquaria was experimentally explored at a scale of tens of kms, by means of a multifactorial experimental design. In the intertidal rocky shores of SE Italy, locations with a continuous distribution for hundreds of meters or with few thalli forming patches of few centimeters of C. amentacea canopy were selected. In each location, the effects of adult conspecifics and the exclusion of macrograzers (salema fish and sea urchins) on the survival of germlings were tested. We evaluated the most critical determinants of mortality for germlings, including the overlooked pressure of mesograzers (e.g. amphipods, small mollusks, polychaetes). Despite the high mortality observed during outplanting and early settlement stages, survival of C. amentacea germlings was consistently favored by the exclusion of macrograzers, while the presence of adult conspecifics had no effects. In addition, the cost analysis of the interventions showed the feasibility of the ex-situ method, representing an essential tool for preserving Cystoseira forests. Large scale restoration is possible but requires baseline information with an in-depth knowledge of the species ecology and of the areas to be restored, together with the development of specific cultivation protocols to make consistently efficient restoration interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tamburello
- CoNISMa, Roma, Italy
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Napoli, Italy
| | - Loredana Papa
- Department of Biology, and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Guarnieri
- CoNISMa, Roma, Italy
- Department of Biology, and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Laura Basconi
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca’ Foscari University, Venice, Italy
| | | | | | - Antonio Terlizzi
- CoNISMa, Roma, Italy
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Napoli, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Simonetta Fraschetti
- CoNISMa, Roma, Italy
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Napoli, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
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20
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Mayer-Pinto M, Dafforn KA, Johnston EL. A Decision Framework for Coastal Infrastructure to Optimize Biotic Resistance and Resilience in a Changing Climate. Bioscience 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biz092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Coastal ecosystems are under growing pressure from human activities such as pollution and climate change. Although the rapidly growing numbers of humans living in coastal areas is a large part of the problem, there is great opportunity to improve the resistance and resilience of biotic communities via creative changes to the engineering design of built infrastructure. Here, we apply ecological theories to create a framework for adaptive building in marine systems that can be applied by managers worldwide. We explain how climate effects could be mitigated across different spatial scales with both physical and biological interventions. This requires an approach based on ecological theory that incorporates our understanding of how systems withstand (resistance) or recover (resilience) from impacts and takes into account future local and global environmental conditions. By translating ecological theory into practical application, we propose a framework for the choice and design of coastal infrastructure that can underpin effective, forward-looking conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Mayer-Pinto
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Katherine A Dafforn
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Emma L Johnston
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
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21
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Todd PA, Heery EC, Loke LHL, Thurstan RH, Kotze DJ, Swan C. Towards an urban marine ecology: characterizing the drivers, patterns and processes of marine ecosystems in coastal cities. OIKOS 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.05946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter A. Todd
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Dept of Biological Sciences, National Univ. of Singapore 16 Science Drive 4 Singapore 117558
| | - Eliza C. Heery
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Dept of Biological Sciences, National Univ. of Singapore 16 Science Drive 4 Singapore 117558
| | - Lynette H. L. Loke
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Dept of Biological Sciences, National Univ. of Singapore 16 Science Drive 4 Singapore 117558
| | - Ruth H. Thurstan
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Univ. of Exeter Penryn UK
| | - D. Johan Kotze
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme, Univ. of Helsinki Lahti Finland
| | - Christopher Swan
- Dept of Geography & Environmental Systems, Univ. of Maryland Baltimore County Baltimore MD USA
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22
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Bertolini C, Montgomery WI, O’Connor NE. Habitat with small inter-structural spaces promotes mussel survival and reef generation. MARINE BIOLOGY 2018; 165:163. [PMID: 30363846 PMCID: PMC6182589 DOI: 10.1007/s00227-018-3426-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Spatially complex habitats provide refuge for prey and mediate many predator-prey interactions. Increasing anthropogenic pressures are eroding such habitats, reducing their complexity and potentially altering ecosystem stability on a global scale. Yet, we have only a rudimentary understanding of how structurally complex habitats create ecological refuges for most ecosystems. Better informed management decisions require an understanding of the mechanisms underpinning the provision of physical refuge and this may be linked to prey size, predator size and predator identity in priority habitats. We tested each of these factors empirically in a model biogenic reef system. Specifically, we tested whether mortality rates of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) of different sizes differed among: (i) different forms of reef structural distribution (represented as 'clumped', 'patchy' and 'sparse'); (ii) predator species identity (shore crab, Carcinus maenas and starfish, Asterias rubens); and (iii) predator size. The survival rate of small mussels was greatest in the clumped experimental habitat and larger predators generally consumed more prey regardless of the structural organisation of treatment. Small mussels were protected from larger A. rubens but not from larger C. maenas in the clumped habitats. The distribution pattern of structural objects, therefore, may be considered a useful proxy for reef complexity when assessing predator-prey interactions, and optimal organisations should be considered based on both prey and predator sizes. These findings are essential to understand ecological processes underpinning predation rates in structurally complex habitats and to inform future restoration and ecological engineering practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Bertolini
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL Northern Ireland, UK
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, Utrecht University, PO Box 140, 4401 NT Yerseke, The Netherlands
| | - W. I. Montgomery
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Nessa E. O’Connor
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL Northern Ireland, UK
- School of Natural Sciences, Zoology Building, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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23
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Aguilera MA, Dobringer J, Petit IJ. Heterogeneity of ecological patterns, processes, and funding of marine manipulative field experiments conducted in Southeastern Pacific coastal ecosystems. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:8627-8638. [PMID: 30250729 PMCID: PMC6145005 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecological manipulative experiments conducted in marine coastal ecosystems have substantially improved ecological theory during the last decades and have provided useful knowledge for the management and conservation of coastal ecosystems. Although different studies report global trends in ecological patterns worldwide, Southeastern Pacific coastal ecosystems have been poorly considered. Given that the SE Pacific coast encompasses diverse coastal ecosystems, consideration of studies conducted along this range can shed light on the heterogeneity of processes regulating coastal communities. We reviewed the biotic interactions and habitat type considered, as well as the complexity in terms of spatial and temporal extent of manipulative field experimental studies conducted along the SE Pacific coast from 0°S to 56°S (Ecuador to Chile). We test the effect of funding reported by different studies as a main factor limiting experimental complexity. From field ecological studies published from 1970 to 2016, we found that 81 studies were truly manipulative, in which one or multiple factors were "manipulated." Around 77% of these studies were located between 21°S and 40°S, and conducted in intertidal rocky habitats. An increase in experimental studies was observed between 2010 and 2015, especially focused on herbivore-alga interactions, although we found that both the temporal extent and spatial extent of these studies have shown a decrease in recent decades. Funding grant amount reported had a positive effect on elapsed time of field experiments, but no effect was observed on spatial extent or in the biotic interactions considered. Elapsed time of experiments was different among the main biotic interactions considered, that is, herbivory, predation, and competition. We suggest that to further progress in applied ecological knowledge, it will be necessary to consider pollution and urbanization processes explicitly using a field experimental framework. This information could improve our understanding of how ecosystems present along the SE Pacific coast respond to climate change and increased levels of human interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisés A. Aguilera
- Departamento de Biología MarinaFacultad de Ciencias del MarUniversidad Católica del NorteCoquimboChile
| | - Johanne Dobringer
- Departamento de Biología MarinaFacultad de Ciencias del MarUniversidad Católica del NorteCoquimboChile
- Programa Doctorado en Biología y Ecología Aplicada (BEA)Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA)Universidad Católica del NorteUniversidad de La SerenaCoquimboChile
| | - Ignacio J. Petit
- Departamento de Biología MarinaFacultad de Ciencias del MarUniversidad Católica del NorteCoquimboChile
- Programa Doctorado en Biología y Ecología Aplicada (BEA)Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA)Universidad Católica del NorteUniversidad de La SerenaCoquimboChile
- Millennium Nucleus for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI)CoquimboChile
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24
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Gianni F, Bartolini F, Airoldi L, Mangialajo L. Reduction of herbivorous fish pressure can facilitate focal algal species forestation on artificial structures. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 138:102-109. [PMID: 29706367 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Coastal areas have been transformed worldwide by urbanization, so that artificial structures are now widespread. Current coastal development locally depletes many native marine species, while offering limited possibilities for their expansion. Eco-engineering interventions intend to identify ways to facilitate the presence of focal species and their associated functions on artificial habitats. An important but overlooked factor controlling restoration operations is overgrazing by herbivores. The aim of this study was to quantify the effects of different potential feeders on Cystoseira amentacea, a native canopy-forming alga of the Mediterranean infralittoral fringe, and test whether manipulation of grazing pressure can facilitate the human-guided installation of this focal species on coastal structures. Results of laboratory tests and field experiments revealed that Sarpa salpa, the only strictly native herbivorous fish in the Western Mediterranean Sea, can be a very effective grazer of C. amentacea in artificial habitats, up to as far as the infralittoral fringe, which is generally considered less accessible to fishes. S. salpa can limit the success of forestation operations in artificial novel habitats, causing up to 90% of Cystoseira loss after a few days. Other grazers, such as limpets and crabs, had only a moderate impact. Future engineering operations,intended to perform forestation of canopy-forming algae on artificial structures, should consider relevant biotic factors, such as fish overgrazing, identifying cost-effective techniques to limit their impact, as is the usual practice in restoration programmes on land.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laura Airoldi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali BIGEA, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Luisa Mangialajo
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, ECOMERS, Nice, 06108, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSU-CNRS, UMR 7093 Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche (LOV), Villefranche sur mer, 06230, France
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25
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Mancuso FP, Strain EMA, Piccioni E, De Clerck O, Sarà G, Airoldi L. Status of vulnerable Cystoseira populations along the Italian infralittoral fringe, and relationships with environmental and anthropogenic variables. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 129:762-771. [PMID: 29108739 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.10.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed the occurrence and status of infralittoral fringe populations of Cystoseira spp. (Fucales) at thirteen rocky sites around the Italian coastline, and explored the relationships with relevant environmental and anthropogenic variables. We found Cystoseira populations at 11 sites: most were scattered and comprised monospecific stands of C. compressa, and only 6 sites also supported sparse specimens of either C. amentacea var. stricta or C. brachycarpa. Coastal human population density, Chlorophyll a seawater concentrations, sea surface temperature, annual range of sea surface temperature and wave fetch explained most of the variation of the status of C. compressa. We hypothesize a generally unhealthy state of the Italian Cystoseira infralittoral fringe populations and identify multiple co-occurring anthropogenic stressors as the likely drivers of these poor conditions. Extensive baseline monitoring is needed to describe how Cystoseira populations are changing, and implement a management framework for the conservation of these valuable but vulnerable habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- F P Mancuso
- Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA), & Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali (CIRSA), UO CoNISMa, Italy; Phycology Research Group and Center for Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - E M A Strain
- Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA), & Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali (CIRSA), UO CoNISMa, Italy; Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, NSW 2061, Australia
| | - E Piccioni
- Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA), & Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali (CIRSA), UO CoNISMa, Italy
| | - O De Clerck
- Phycology Research Group and Center for Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - G Sarà
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, Palermo, Italy
| | - L Airoldi
- Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA), & Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali (CIRSA), UO CoNISMa, Italy.
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26
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Leclerc JC, Viard F. Habitat formation prevails over predation in influencing fouling communities. Ecol Evol 2017; 8:477-492. [PMID: 29321887 PMCID: PMC5756867 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coastal human‐made structures, such as marinas and harbors, are expanding worldwide. Species assemblages described from these artificial habitats are novel relative to natural reefs, particularly in terms of the abundance of nonindigenous species (NIS). Although these fouling assemblages are clearly distinctive, the ecosystem functioning and species interactions taking place there are little understood. For instance, large predators may influence the fouling community development either directly (feeding on sessile fauna) or indirectly (feeding on small predators associated with these assemblages). In addition, by providing refuges, habitat complexity may modify the outcome of species interactions and the extent of biotic resistance (e.g., by increasing the abundance of niche‐specific competitors and predators of NIS). Using experimental settlement panels deployed in the field for 2.5 months, we tested the influence of predation (i.e., caging experiment), artificial structural complexity (i.e., mimics of turf‐forming species), and their interactions (i.e., refuge effects) on the development of sessile and mobile fauna in two marinas. In addition, we tested the role of biotic complexity—arising from the habitat‐forming species that grew on the panels during the trial—on the richness and abundance of mobile fauna. The effect of predation and artificial habitat complexity was negligible, regardless of assemblage status (i.e., native, cryptogenic, and nonindigenous). Conversely, habitat‐forming species and associated epibionts, responsible for biotic complexity, had a significant effect on mobile invertebrates (richness, abundance, and community structure). In particular, the richness and abundance of mobile NIS were positively affected by biotic complexity, with site‐dependent relationships. Altogether, our results indicate that biotic complexity prevails over artificial habitat complexity in determining the distribution of mobile species under low predation pressure. Facilitation of native and non‐native species thus seems to act upon diversity and community development: This process deserves further consideration in models of biotic resistance to invasion in urban marine habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Charles Leclerc
- UMR 7144 AD2M, Station Biologique de Roscoff Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS Roscoff France.,Departamento de Ecología Facultad de Ciencias CIBAS Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción Concepción Chile
| | - Frédérique Viard
- UMR 7144 AD2M, Station Biologique de Roscoff Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS Roscoff France
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27
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González-Rivero M, Harborne AR, Herrera-Reveles A, Bozec YM, Rogers A, Friedman A, Ganase A, Hoegh-Guldberg O. Linking fishes to multiple metrics of coral reef structural complexity using three-dimensional technology. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13965. [PMID: 29070893 PMCID: PMC5656654 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14272-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural complexity strongly influences biodiversity and ecosystem productivity. On coral reefs, structural complexity is typically measured using a single and small-scale metric (‘rugosity’) that represents multiple spatial attributes differentially exploited by species, thus limiting a complete understanding of how fish associate with reef structure. We used a novel approach to compare relationships between fishes and previously unavailable components of reef complexity, and contrasted the results against the traditional rugosity index. This study focused on damselfish to explore relationships between fishes and reef structure. Three territorial species, with contrasting trophic habits and expected use of the reef structure, were examined to infer the potential species-specific mechanisms associated with how complexity influences habitat selection. Three-dimensional reef reconstructions from photogrammetry quantified the following metrics of habitat quality: 1) visual exposure to predators and competitors, 2) density of predation refuges and 3) substrate-related food availability. These metrics explained the species distribution better than the traditional measure of rugosity, and each species responded to different complexity components. Given that a critical effect of reef degradation is loss of structure, adopting three-dimensional technologies potentially offers a new tool to both understand species-habitat association and help forecast how fishes will be affected by the flattening of reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M González-Rivero
- The Global Change Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia. .,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia. .,Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, Queensland, 4810, Australia.
| | - A R Harborne
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia.,Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, Florida, 33181, USA.,School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - A Herrera-Reveles
- Instituto de Zoología y Ecología Tropical, Universidad Central de Venezuela. Caracas, Distrito Capital, 1051, Venezuela
| | - Y-M Bozec
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - A Rogers
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - A Friedman
- Greybits Engineering, Sydney, New South Wales, 2029, Australia.,The Australian Centre for Field Robotics, University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - A Ganase
- The Global Change Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - O Hoegh-Guldberg
- The Global Change Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
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28
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Morris RL, Chapman MG, Firth LB, Coleman RA. Increasing habitat complexity on seawalls: Investigating large- and small-scale effects on fish assemblages. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:9567-9579. [PMID: 29187990 PMCID: PMC5696408 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The construction of artificial structures in the marine environment is increasing globally. Eco-engineering aims to mitigate the negative ecological impacts of built infrastructure through designing structures to be multifunctional, benefiting both humans and nature. To date, the focus of eco-engineering has largely been on benefits for benthic invertebrates and algae. Here, the potential effect of eco-engineered habitats designed for benthic species on fish was investigated. Eco-engineered habitats ("flowerpots") were added to an intertidal seawall in Sydney Harbour, Australia. Responses of fish assemblages to the added habitats were quantified at two spatial scales; large (among seawalls) and small (within a seawall). Data were collected during high tide using cameras attached to the seawall to observe pelagic and benthic fish. At the larger spatial scale, herbivores, planktivores, and invertebrate predators were generally more abundant at the seawall with the added flowerpots, although results were temporally variable. At the smaller spatial scale, certain benthic species were more abundant around flowerpots than at the adjacent control areas of seawall, although there was no general pattern of differences in species density and trophic group abundance of pelagic fish between areas of the seawall with or without added habitats. Although we did not find consistent, statistically significant findings throughout our study, the field of research to improve fish habitat within human-use constraints is promising and important, although it is in its early stages (it is experimental and requires a lot of trial and error). To advance this field, it is important to document when effects were detected, and when they were not, so that others can refine the designs or scale of habitat enhancements or their study approaches (e.g., sampling protocols).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Morris
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences Centre for Research on Ecological Impacts of Coastal Cities The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - M Gee Chapman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences Centre for Research on Ecological Impacts of Coastal Cities The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Louise B Firth
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences Plymouth University Plymouth UK
| | - Ross A Coleman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences Centre for Research on Ecological Impacts of Coastal Cities The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
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29
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Land reclamation and artificial islands: Walking the tightrope between development and conservation. Glob Ecol Conserv 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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30
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Brandl SJ, Casey JM, Knowlton N, Duffy JE. Marine dock pilings foster diverse, native cryptobenthic fish assemblages across bioregions. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:7069-7079. [PMID: 28904784 PMCID: PMC5587495 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic habitats are increasingly prevalent in coastal marine environments. Previous research on sessile epifauna suggests that artificial habitats act as a refuge for nonindigenous species, which results in highly homogenous communities across locations. However, vertebrate assemblages that live in association with artificial habitats are poorly understood. Here, we quantify the biodiversity of small, cryptic (henceforth “cryptobenthic”) fishes from marine dock pilings across six locations over 35° of latitude from Maine to Panama. We also compare assemblages from dock pilings to natural habitats in the two southernmost locations (Panama and Belize). Our results suggest that the biodiversity patterns of cryptobenthic fishes from dock pilings follow a Latitudinal Diversity Gradient (LDG), with average local and regional diversity declining sharply with increasing latitude. Furthermore, a strong correlation between community composition and spatial distance suggests distinct regional assemblages of cryptobenthic fishes. Cryptobenthic fish assemblages from dock pilings in Belize and Panama were less diverse and had lower densities than nearby reef habitats. However, dock pilings harbored almost exclusively native species, including two species of conservation concern absent from nearby natural habitats. Our results suggest that, in contrast to sessile epifaunal assemblages on artificial substrates, artificial marine habitats can harbor diverse, regionally characteristic assemblages of vertebrates that follow macroecological patterns that are well documented for natural habitats. We therefore posit that, although dock pilings cannot function as a replacement for natural habitats, dock pilings may provide cost‐effective means to preserve native vertebrate biodiversity, and provide a habitat that can be relatively easily monitored to track the status and trends of fish biodiversity in highly urbanized coastal marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J Brandl
- Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network Smithsonian Institution Edgewater MD USA
| | - Jordan M Casey
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology National Museum of Natural History Smithsonian Institution Washington DC USA
| | - Nancy Knowlton
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology National Museum of Natural History Smithsonian Institution Washington DC USA
| | - James Emmett Duffy
- Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network Smithsonian Institution Edgewater MD USA
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31
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Strain EMA, Olabarria C, Mayer-Pinto M, Cumbo V, Morris RL, Bugnot AB, Dafforn KA, Heery E, Firth LB, Brooks PR, Bishop MJ. Eco-engineering urban infrastructure for marine and coastal biodiversity: Which interventions have the greatest ecological benefit? J Appl Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Celia Olabarria
- Departamento de Ecoloxía e Bioloxía Animal; Facultade de Ciencias do Mar; Universidade de Vigo; Vigo Spain
| | - Mariana Mayer-Pinto
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science; Mosman NSW Australia
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre; School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences; University of New South Wales; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Vivian Cumbo
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science; Mosman NSW Australia
- Department of Biological Sciences; Macquarie University; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Rebecca L. Morris
- Centre for Research on Ecological Impacts of Coastal Cities; School of Life and Environmental Sciences; The University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Ana B. Bugnot
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science; Mosman NSW Australia
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre; School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences; University of New South Wales; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Katherine A. Dafforn
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science; Mosman NSW Australia
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre; School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences; University of New South Wales; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Eliza Heery
- Department of Biology; University of Washington; Seattle WA USA
| | - Louise B. Firth
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences; Plymouth University; Plymouth UK
| | - Paul R. Brooks
- School of Biology and Environmental Science; UCD Earth Institute; University College Dublin; Dublin Ireland
| | - Melanie J. Bishop
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science; Mosman NSW Australia
- Department of Biological Sciences; Macquarie University; Sydney NSW Australia
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32
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Mayer-Pinto M, Johnston EL, Bugnot AB, Glasby TM, Airoldi L, Mitchell A, Dafforn KA. Building 'blue': An eco-engineering framework for foreshore developments. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2017; 189:109-114. [PMID: 28024197 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Urbanisation in terrestrial systems has driven architects, planners, ecologists and engineers to collaborate on the design and creation of more sustainable structures. Examples include the development of 'green infrastructure' and the introduction of wildlife corridors that mitigate urban stressors and provide positive ecological outcomes. In contrast, efforts to minimise the impacts of urban developments in marine environments have been far more restricted in their extent and scope, and have often overlooked the ecological role of the built environment as potential habitat. Urban foreshore developments, i.e. those built on the interface of intertidal and/or subtidal zones, have the potential to incorporate clear multi-functional outcomes, by supporting novel ecosystems. We present a step-by-step eco-engineering framework for 'building blue' that will allow coastal managers to facilitate planning and construction of sustainable foreshore developments. Adopting such an approach will incorporate ecological principles, thereby mitigating some of the environmental impacts, creating more resilient urban infrastructure and environments, and maximising benefits to the multiple stakeholders and users of marine urban waterfronts.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mayer-Pinto
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia.
| | - E L Johnston
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia
| | - A B Bugnot
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia
| | - T M Glasby
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Taylors Beach, NSW, Australia
| | - L Airoldi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali & Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali, Università di Bologna, UO CoNISMa, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - K A Dafforn
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia
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33
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Buonomo R, Assis J, Fernandes F, Engelen AH, Airoldi L, Serrão EA. Habitat continuity and stepping-stone oceanographic distances explain population genetic connectivity of the brown alga Cystoseira amentacea. Mol Ecol 2017; 26:766-780. [PMID: 27997043 DOI: 10.1111/mec.13960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2016] [Revised: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Effective predictive and management approaches for species occurring in a metapopulation structure require good understanding of interpopulation connectivity. In this study, we ask whether population genetic structure of marine species with fragmented distributions can be predicted by stepping-stone oceanographic transport and habitat continuity, using as model an ecosystem-structuring brown alga, Cystoseira amentacea var. stricta. To answer this question, we analysed the genetic structure and estimated the connectivity of populations along discontinuous rocky habitat patches in southern Italy, using microsatellite markers at multiple scales. In addition, we modelled the effect of rocky habitat continuity and ocean circulation on gene flow by simulating Lagrangian particle dispersal based on ocean surface currents allowing multigenerational stepping-stone dynamics. Populations were highly differentiated, at scales from few metres up to thousands of kilometres. The best possible model fit to explain the genetic results combined current direction, rocky habitat extension and distance along the coast among rocky sites. We conclude that a combination of variable suitable habitat and oceanographic transport is a useful predictor of genetic structure. This relationship provides insight into the mechanisms of dispersal and the role of life-history traits. Our results highlight the importance of spatially explicit modelling of stepping-stone dynamics and oceanographic directional transport coupled with habitat suitability, to better describe and predict marine population structure and differentiation. This study also suggests the appropriate spatial scales for the conservation, restoration and management of species that are increasingly affected by habitat modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Buonomo
- CCMAR-CIMAR Laboratorio Associado, F.C.T.- Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali, UO Conisma, University of Bologna, Via S. Alberto 163, 48123, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Jorge Assis
- CCMAR-CIMAR Laboratorio Associado, F.C.T.- Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Francisco Fernandes
- CCMAR-CIMAR Laboratorio Associado, F.C.T.- Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Aschwin H Engelen
- CCMAR-CIMAR Laboratorio Associado, F.C.T.- Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Laura Airoldi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali, UO Conisma, University of Bologna, Via S. Alberto 163, 48123, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Ester A Serrão
- CCMAR-CIMAR Laboratorio Associado, F.C.T.- Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
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34
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Pardal-Souza AL, Dias GM, Jenkins SR, Ciotti ÁM, Christofoletti RA. Shading impacts by coastal infrastructure on biological communities from subtropical rocky shores. J Appl Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- André Luiz Pardal-Souza
- Center of Natural and Human Sciences; Federal University of ABC (CCNH/UFABC); Rua Santa Adélia, 166 Santo André SP 09210170 Brazil
- Institute of Marine Science; Federal University of São Paulo (IMar/UNIFESP); Rua Dr Carvalho de Mendonça 144 Santos SP 11070-100 Brazil
| | - Gustavo Muniz Dias
- Center of Natural and Human Sciences; Federal University of ABC (CCNH/UFABC); Rua Santa Adélia, 166 Santo André SP 09210170 Brazil
| | - Stuart Rees Jenkins
- School of Ocean Sciences; Bangor University; Menai Bridge Anglesey LL59 5AB UK
| | - Áurea Maria Ciotti
- Center of Marine Biology; University of São Paulo (CEBIMar/USP); Rod. Manoel Hipólito do Rego, km131,5 São Sebastião SP 1160000 Brazil
| | - Ronaldo Adriano Christofoletti
- Institute of Marine Science; Federal University of São Paulo (IMar/UNIFESP); Rua Dr Carvalho de Mendonça 144 Santos SP 11070-100 Brazil
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