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Bergström L, Fredriksson R, Bergström U, Rydin E, Kumblad L. Fish community responses to restoration of a eutrophic coastal bay. AMBIO 2024; 53:109-125. [PMID: 37542612 PMCID: PMC10692049 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-023-01907-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Interest in coastal restoration measures is increasing, but information about subsequent ecosystem recovery processes is limited. In Björnöfjärden on the Baltic Sea coast, Stockholm archipelago, a pioneering case study to reduce coastal eutrophication led to improvements and initially halved phosphorus levels. Here, we evaluate the effects of the restoration on the local fish assemblage over one decade after the measures. The study gives a unique possibility to evaluate responses of coastal fish to nutrient variables and abatement in a controlled natural setting. Cyprinid abundance decreased and perch partially increased with decreasing turbidity levels, while mean trophic level increased over time in the restored area. Responses were overall weak, likely attributed to an attenuation of the eutrophication abatement effect over time. The results suggest that nutrient reduction gives slow responses in fish compared to alternative measures such as fishing closures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Bergström
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7018, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Ronny Fredriksson
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7018, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ulf Bergström
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7018, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emil Rydin
- Stockholm University Baltic Sea Centre, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linda Kumblad
- Stockholm University Baltic Sea Centre, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
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2
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Synnes AW, Olsen EM, Jorde PE, Knutsen H, Moland E. Contrasting management regimes indicative of mesopredator release in temperate coastal fish assemblages. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10745. [PMID: 38077503 PMCID: PMC10710310 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The absence of functional top predators has been proposed as a mechanism acting to shape fish assemblages in temperate marine ecosystems, with cascading effects on lower trophic levels. We explore this scenario by comparing the trophic and functional status of fish assemblages in Norwegian marine national parks, open to fishing, to a nearby coastal seascape that harbors a system of marine protected areas (MPAs) including a no-take zone. Demersal fish assemblages were sampled using fyke nets over three consecutive seasons. Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) is potentially a dominant top predator in this ecosystem, and historically, this and other gadids have been targeted by the full range of former and present fisheries. In the present study, we find that average body size of the Atlantic cod was significantly larger in the zoned seascape compared to the unprotected areas (mean ± SD: 36.6 cm ± 14.38 vs. 23.4 ± 7.50; p < .001) and that the unprotected seascape was characterized by a higher abundance of mesopredator fish species. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that the protection of top predators within MPAs aids to control the mesopredator populations and provides empirical support to the notion that the present state of many coastal fish assemblages is driven by mesopredator release linked to functional depletion of large top predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann‐Elin Wårøy Synnes
- Centre for Coastal Research Department of Natural SciencesUniversity of AgderKristiansandNorway
| | - Esben Moland Olsen
- Centre for Coastal Research Department of Natural SciencesUniversity of AgderKristiansandNorway
- Institute of Marine Research, FlødevigenHisNorway
| | | | - Halvor Knutsen
- Centre for Coastal Research Department of Natural SciencesUniversity of AgderKristiansandNorway
- Institute of Marine Research, FlødevigenHisNorway
| | - Even Moland
- Centre for Coastal Research Department of Natural SciencesUniversity of AgderKristiansandNorway
- Institute of Marine Research, FlødevigenHisNorway
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3
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Zribi I, Ellouzi H, Mnasri I, Abdelkader N, Ben Hmida A, Dorai S, Debez A, Charfi-Cheikhrouha F, Zakhama-Sraieb R. Effect of shading imposed by the algae Chaeotomorpha linum loads on structure, morphology and physiology of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 188:106001. [PMID: 37121172 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In shallow coastal waters, seagrass and macroalgae occur together but under eutrophic conditions, bloom-forming algae can take over seagrasses causing an irreversible regime shift. Understanding the effect of macroalgae loads on seagrass meadows at an early stage can help prevent the loss of these ecosystems and the services they provide. In the present study, in situ experiments were conducted for 90 days in Bekalta (eastern coast of Tunisia) to assess the response of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa when challenged with shading induced by filamentous macroalgae Chaetomorpha linum. Structural, morphological and physiological variables were regularly measured during the experiment. Shaded plants showed a sharp decline in shoot density, growth rate, and above-ground biomass, the impact being more pronounced on the physiological traits. Besides, shading by C. linum induced a significant increase in the contents of leaf photosynthetic pigments and phenolic compounds, whereas causing a decrease in soluble protein and sugar concentrations. Thus, shading imposed by C. linum loads appeared to induce a phoadpatative response in C. nodosa concomitant with carbon mobilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imen Zribi
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Laboratory of Diversity, Management and Conservation of Biological Systems, LR18ES06, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - H Ellouzi
- Laboratory of Extremophile Plants (LPE), Center of Biotechnology of Borj-Cedria (CBBC), BP 901, 2050, Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
| | - I Mnasri
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Laboratory of Diversity, Management and Conservation of Biological Systems, LR18ES06, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - N Abdelkader
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Laboratory of Diversity, Management and Conservation of Biological Systems, LR18ES06, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - A Ben Hmida
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Laboratory of Diversity, Management and Conservation of Biological Systems, LR18ES06, Tunis, Tunisia; Coastal Protection and Development Agency (APAL), 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - S Dorai
- Association ''Notre Grand Bleu'' (NGB, NGO), Diar El Marina, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - A Debez
- Laboratory of Extremophile Plants (LPE), Center of Biotechnology of Borj-Cedria (CBBC), BP 901, 2050, Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
| | - F Charfi-Cheikhrouha
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Laboratory of Diversity, Management and Conservation of Biological Systems, LR18ES06, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - R Zakhama-Sraieb
- University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Laboratory of Diversity, Management and Conservation of Biological Systems, LR18ES06, Tunis, Tunisia; University of Manouba, High Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, BiotechPôle, BP-66, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Ariana, Tunisia.
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4
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McDonald AM, McDonald RB, Cebrian J, Sánchez Lizaso JL. Reconstructed life history metrics of the iconic seagrass Posidonia oceanica (L.) detect localized anthropogenic disturbance signatures. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 186:105901. [PMID: 36753882 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.105901] [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: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Substantial losses of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica have initiated investigations into localized resilience declines related to anthropogenic disturbances. In this study, we determined reconstructed shoot age and interannual growth metrics can detect anthropogenic impact effects on P. oceanica production. Interannual rhizome vertical growth, leaf production, and demographics of shoots collected from sewage and trawling impacted areas were examined using mixed effects modeling. Detected impact effects were specific to the type of impact, manifesting as an older-skewed age distribution of sewage outfall shoots and reduced vertical growth and reduced leaf production of trawling site shoots. A stress event period was also detected for all shoots >5 years old, with trawling impacted shoots indicating little recovery. Reconstructed age and growth metrics are simple to measure, incorporate multiple years of in situ shoot development, and are advantageous for identification of declining P. oceanica resilience prior to catastrophic losses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M McDonald
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL, USA; University of Florida| IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station, Cedar Key, Florida, USA.
| | | | - Just Cebrian
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL, USA; Northern Gulf Institute, Mississippi State University, Stennis Space Center, MS, USA
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5
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Kraufvelin P, Bergström L, Sundqvist F, Ulmestrand M, Wennhage H, Wikström A, Bergström U. Rapid re-establishment of top-down control at a no-take artificial reef. AMBIO 2023; 52:556-570. [PMID: 36324024 PMCID: PMC9849640 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-022-01799-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Establishment of artificial reefs and no-take areas are management measures available for restoring deteriorated marine ecosystems, compensating for habitat loss and strengthening harvested populations. Following the establishment of no-take artificial reefs in western Sweden to compensate for hard bottoms lost to a shipping lane, we detected rapid positive effects on crustaceans and demersal fish compared to fished reference areas. The relative abundance and size structure of European lobster (Homarus gammarus) increased strongly in the no-take area indicating more than doubled and tripled egg production in 5 and 10 years, respectively. For benthic fish and crustacean communities, the abundances of gadoids and wrasses increased and the abundances of small decapod crustaceans decreased in the no-take area, likely indicating cascading effects of increased predation. The study demonstrates that relatively small no-take areas, enhanced by artificial reefs, can rapidly invigorate populations of lobster and fish that in turn may re-initiate local top-down control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Kraufvelin
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Skolgatan 6, 742 42 Öregrund, Sweden
- Åland University of Applied Sciences, PB 1010, AX-22111 Mariehamn, Åland, Finland
| | - Lena Bergström
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Skolgatan 6, 742 42 Öregrund, Sweden
| | - Frida Sundqvist
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Skolgatan 6, 742 42 Öregrund, Sweden
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Coastal Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Yttre Skällåkra 6, 432 65 Väröbacka, Sweden
| | - Mats Ulmestrand
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Havsfiskelaboratoriet, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Turistgatan 5, Box 4, 453 30 Lysekil, Sweden
| | - Håkan Wennhage
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Havsfiskelaboratoriet, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Turistgatan 5, Box 4, 453 30 Lysekil, Sweden
| | - Andreas Wikström
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Havsfiskelaboratoriet, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Turistgatan 5, Box 4, 453 30 Lysekil, Sweden
| | - Ulf Bergström
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Skolgatan 6, 742 42 Öregrund, Sweden
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6
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Lane-Medeiros L, Puppin-Gonçalves CT, Angelini R, Lira AS, Lucena-Frédou F, Freire FAM. Macroalgal blooms affect the food web of tropical coastal ecosystems impacted by fisheries. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 184:105858. [PMID: 36630747 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105858] [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: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Macroalgal bloom events have been frequent in recent years. Eutrophication and overexploitation fishing may favor blooms through nutrient availability and capturing top predators. We aim to investigate the drivers of the macroalgae blooms and their consequences on the food web of the two tropical coastal ecosystems: Porto do Mangue (with high macroalgae production) and Baía Formosa (control environment, without macroalgae), both exploited by artisanal fisheries in northeastern Brazil. The food webs are modeled using the Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) approach. Our results suggest that fishing did not favor macroalgae blooms but rather the high concentration of nutrients added to the semi-arid conditions. Furthermore, the macroalgae bloom showed low trophic impact, so much of their biomass is transferred into detritus. However, when it decomposes, this accumulation of matter alters the structure and functioning of the ecosystem, affecting its main fish resources: shrimp and piscivorous fish. Investigating blooms is key to management.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Lane-Medeiros
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução de Crustáceos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), DBZ, Campus Universitário s/n, Natal, RN, 59098-970, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), DECOL, Campus Universitário s/n, Natal, RN, 59098-970, Brazil.
| | - C T Puppin-Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução de Crustáceos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), DBZ, Campus Universitário s/n, Natal, RN, 59098-970, Brazil
| | - R Angelini
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), DECOL, Campus Universitário s/n, Natal, RN, 59098-970, Brazil; Departamento de Engenharia Civil e Ambiental, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), CTec, Campus Universitário s/n, Natal, RN, 59098-970, Brazil
| | - A S Lira
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura, Av. Marechal Rondon Jardim s/n - Rosa Elze, São Cristóvão - Sergipe, 49100-000, Brazil
| | - F Lucena-Frédou
- Laboratório de Estudos de Impactos Antrópicos na Biodiversidade Marinha e Estuarina, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), DEPAq, Av. Dom Manuel s/n, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - F A M Freire
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução de Crustáceos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), DBZ, Campus Universitário s/n, Natal, RN, 59098-970, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), DECOL, Campus Universitário s/n, Natal, RN, 59098-970, Brazil
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7
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Berthold M, Schumann R, Reiff V, Wulff R, Schubert H. Mesopredator‐mediated trophic cascade can break persistent phytoplankton blooms in coastal waters. OIKOS 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.09469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Berthold
- Biological Station Zingst, Univ. of Rostock Zingst Germany
- Phytoplankton Ecophysiology, Mount Allison Univ. Sackville Canada
| | - Rhena Schumann
- Biological Station Zingst, Univ. of Rostock Zingst Germany
| | - Volker Reiff
- Biological Station Zingst, Univ. of Rostock Zingst Germany
| | - Rita Wulff
- Biological Station Zingst, Univ. of Rostock Zingst Germany
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8
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Forde AJ, Feller IC, Parker JD, Gruner DS. Insectivorous birds reduce herbivory but do not increase mangrove growth across productivity zones. Ecology 2022; 103:e3768. [PMID: 35608609 PMCID: PMC9786852 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Top-down effects of predators and bottom-up effects of resources are important drivers of community structure and function in a wide array of ecosystems. Fertilization experiments impose variation in resource availability that can mediate the strength of predator impacts, but the prevalence of such interactions across natural productivity gradients is less clear. We studied the joint impacts of top-down and bottom-up factors in a tropical mangrove forest system, leveraging fine-grained patchiness in resource availability and primary productivity on coastal cays of Belize. We excluded birds from canopies of red mangrove (Rhizophoraceae: Rhizophora mangle) for 13 months in zones of phosphorus-limited, stunted dwarf mangroves, and in adjacent zones of vigorous mangroves that receive detrital subsidies. Birds decreased total arthropod densities by 62%, herbivore densities more than fivefold, and reduced rates of leaf and bud herbivory by 45% and 52%, respectively. Despite similar arthropod densities across both zones of productivity, leaf and bud damage were 2.0 and 4.3 times greater in productive stands. Detrital subsidies strongly impacted a suite of plant traits in productive stands, potentially making leaves more nutritious and vulnerable to damage. Despite consistently strong impacts on herbivory, we did not detect top-down forcing that impacted mangrove growth, which was similar with and without birds. Our results indicated that both top-down and bottom-up forces drive arthropod community dynamics, but attenuation at the plant-herbivore interface weakens top-down control by avian insectivores.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilka C. Feller
- Smithsonian Environmental Research CenterEdgewaterMarylandUSA
| | - John D. Parker
- Smithsonian Environmental Research CenterEdgewaterMarylandUSA
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Cronau RJT, de Fouw J, van Katwijk MM, Bouma TJ, Heusinkveld JHT, Hoeijmakers D, Lamers LPM, van der Heide T. Seed‐ versus transplant‐based eelgrass (
Zostera marina
L.) restoration success in a temperate marine lake. Restor Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rens J. T. Cronau
- Department of Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, Faculty of Science 6525 AJ Heyendaalseweg 135 Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Jimmy de Fouw
- Department of Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, Faculty of Science 6525 AJ Heyendaalseweg 135 Nijmegen The Netherlands
- Department of Coastal systems. NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research and Utrecht University P.O. Box 59, 1790, AB Den Burg Texel The Netherlands
| | - Marieke M. van Katwijk
- Department of Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, Faculty of Science 6525 AJ Heyendaalseweg 135 Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Tjeerd J. Bouma
- Department of Estuarine & Delta Systems. NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research and Utrecht University 4401 Korringaweg 7, NT Yerseke The Netherlands
| | | | - Dieuwke Hoeijmakers
- The Fieldwork Company Van Schendelstraat 1, 9721 GV Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Leon P. M. Lamers
- Department of Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, Faculty of Science 6525 AJ Heyendaalseweg 135 Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Tjisse van der Heide
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES) , University of Groningen P.O. Box 11103 9700 CC Groningen The Netherlands
- Department of Coastal systems. NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research and Utrecht University P.O. Box 59, 1790, AB Den Burg Texel The Netherlands
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Berthold M, Porsche C, Hofmann A, Nowak P. Increases in temperature and freshwater inputs will shift grazing patterns of a coastal mesograzer on foundation species. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Berthold
- Applied Ecology and Phycology University of Rostock Rostock Germany
- Phytoplankton Ecophysiology Mount Allison University Sackville New Brunswick Canada
| | | | | | - Petra Nowak
- Aquatic Ecology University of Rostock Rostock Germany
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11
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Baden S, Fredriksen S, Christie H, Eriander L, Gustafsson C, Holmer M, Olesen B, Thormar J, Boström C. Effects of depth and overgrowth of ephemeral macroalgae on a remote subtidal NE Atlantic eelgrass (Zostera marina) community. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 177:113497. [PMID: 35245771 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113497] [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: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a short-term field sampling complemented with time integrating stable isotope analysis to holistically investigate status and ecological interactions in a remote NE Atlantic Zostera marina meadow. We found high nutrient water concentrations, large biomass of fast-growing, ephemeral macroalgae, low abundance, and biodiversity of epifauna and a food web with thornback ray (Raja clavata) as intermediate and cod (Gadus morhua) as top predator. We observed no variation with increasing depth (3.5-11 m) except for decreasing shoot density and biomass of Zostera and macroalgae. Our results indicate that the Finnøya Zostera ecosystem is eutrophicated. During the past three to four decades, nutrients from aquaculture have steadily increased to reach 75% of anthropogenic input while the coastal top predator cod has decreased by 50%. We conclude that bottom-up regulation is a predominant driver of change since top-down regulation is generally weak in low density and exposed Zostera ecosystems such as Finnøya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Baden
- Biology and Environmental Science, University of Gothenburg, Kristineberg 122, 45178 Fiskebäckskil, Sweden.
| | - Stein Fredriksen
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, PO Box 1066 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Hartvig Christie
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway
| | - Louise Eriander
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 461, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Camilla Gustafsson
- Tvärminne Zoological Station, University of Helsinki, J.A. Palménin tie 260, 10900 Hanko, Finland
| | - Marianne Holmer
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Birgit Olesen
- Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 1, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jonas Thormar
- Institute of Marine Research, Flødevigen Research Station, Nye Flødevigveien 20, 4817 His, Norway
| | - Christoffer Boström
- Environmental and Marine Biology, Åbo Akademi University, Henriksgatan 2, 20520 Åbo, Finland
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12
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Yang Y, Hillebrand H, Lagisz M, Cleasby I, Nakagawa S. Low statistical power and overestimated anthropogenic impacts, exacerbated by publication bias, dominate field studies in global change biology. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:969-989. [PMID: 34736291 PMCID: PMC9299651 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Field studies are essential to reliably quantify ecological responses to global change because they are exposed to realistic climate manipulations. Yet such studies are limited in replicates, resulting in less power and, therefore, potentially unreliable effect estimates. Furthermore, while manipulative field experiments are assumed to be more powerful than non-manipulative observations, it has rarely been scrutinized using extensive data. Here, using 3847 field experiments that were designed to estimate the effect of environmental stressors on ecosystems, we systematically quantified their statistical power and magnitude (Type M) and sign (Type S) errors. Our investigations focused upon the reliability of field experiments to assess the effect of stressors on both ecosystem's response magnitude and variability. When controlling for publication bias, single experiments were underpowered to detect response magnitude (median power: 18%-38% depending on effect sizes). Single experiments also had much lower power to detect response variability (6%-12% depending on effect sizes) than response magnitude. Such underpowered studies could exaggerate estimates of response magnitude by 2-3 times (Type M errors) and variability by 4-10 times. Type S errors were comparatively rare. These observations indicate that low power, coupled with publication bias, inflates the estimates of anthropogenic impacts. Importantly, we found that meta-analyses largely mitigated the issues of low power and exaggerated effect size estimates. Rather surprisingly, manipulative experiments and non-manipulative observations had very similar results in terms of their power, Type M and S errors. Therefore, the previous assumption about the superiority of manipulative experiments in terms of power is overstated. These results call for highly powered field studies to reliably inform theory building and policymaking, via more collaboration and team science, and large-scale ecosystem facilities. Future studies also require transparent reporting and open science practices to approach reproducible and reliable empirical work and evidence synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yefeng Yang
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Department of Biosystems EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public HealthJockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life SciencesCity University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Helmut Hillebrand
- Plankton Ecology LabInstitute for Chemistry and Biology of Marine Environments (ICBM)Carl‐von‐Ossietzky University OldenburgOldenburgGermany
- Helmholtz‐Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity at the University of Oldenburg (HIFMB)OldenburgGermany
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz‐Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI)BremerhavenGermany
| | - Malgorzata Lagisz
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Ian Cleasby
- RSPB Centre for Conservation ScienceNorth Scotland Regional OfficeInvernessUK
| | - Shinichi Nakagawa
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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13
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Wilms TJG, Norðfoss PH, Baktoft H, Støttrup JG, Kruse BM, Svendsen JC. Restoring marine ecosystems: Spatial reef configuration triggers taxon‐specific responses among early colonizers. J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.14014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Henrik Baktoft
- Technical University of Denmark (DTU Aqua) Silkeborg Denmark
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14
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van Katwijk MM, van Tussenbroek BI, Hanssen SV, Hendriks AJ, Hanssen L. Rewilding the Sea with Domesticated Seagrass. Bioscience 2021; 71:1171-1178. [PMID: 34733118 PMCID: PMC8560307 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biab092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well known that seagrass meadows sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide, protect coasts, provide nurseries for global fisheries, and enhance biodiversity. Large-scale restoration of lost seagrass meadows is urgently needed to revive these planetary ecosystem services, but sourcing donor material from natural meadows would further decline them. Therefore, we advocate the domestication and mariculture of seagrasses in order to produce the large quantities of seed needed for successful rewilding of the sea with seagrass meadows. We provide a roadmap for our proposed solution and show that 44% of seagrass species have promising reproductive traits for domestication and rewilding by seeds. The principle of partially domesticating species to enable subsequent large-scale rewilding may form a successful shortcut to restore threatened keystone species and their vital ecosystem services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke M van Katwijk
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Brigitta I van Tussenbroek
- Reef Systems Unit, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Steef V Hanssen
- Deining Sustainable Coastal Zone Management, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A Jan Hendriks
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lucien Hanssen
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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15
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Halvorsen KT, Larsen T, Browman HI, Durif C, Aasen N, Vøllestad LA, Cresci A, Sørdalen TK, Bjelland RM, Skiftesvik AB. Movement patterns of temperate wrasses (Labridae) within a small marine protected area. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2021; 99:1513-1518. [PMID: 34159592 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14825] [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: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The movement patterns of three commercially important wrasse (Labridae) species inside a small marine protected area (~ 0.15 km2 ) on the west coast of Norway were analysed over a period of 21 months. The mean distance between capture and recapture locations varied between 10 and 187 m, and was species and season specific. The extent of movement was not related to body size or sex. These results imply that a network of small strategically located marine protected areas can be used as management tools to protect wrasses from size- and sex-selective fishing mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Tallaksen Halvorsen
- Ecosystem Acoustics Group, Institute of Marine Research, Austevoll Research Station, Storebø, Norway
| | - Torkel Larsen
- Ecosystem Acoustics Group, Institute of Marine Research, Austevoll Research Station, Storebø, Norway
| | - Howard I Browman
- Ecosystem Acoustics Group, Institute of Marine Research, Austevoll Research Station, Storebø, Norway
| | - Caroline Durif
- Ecosystem Acoustics Group, Institute of Marine Research, Austevoll Research Station, Storebø, Norway
| | - Nicolai Aasen
- Department of Biosciences, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Leif Asbjørn Vøllestad
- Department of Biosciences, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alessandro Cresci
- Ecosystem Acoustics Group, Institute of Marine Research, Austevoll Research Station, Storebø, Norway
| | | | - Reidun M Bjelland
- Ecosystem Acoustics Group, Institute of Marine Research, Austevoll Research Station, Storebø, Norway
| | - Anne Berit Skiftesvik
- Ecosystem Acoustics Group, Institute of Marine Research, Austevoll Research Station, Storebø, Norway
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16
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Kristensen ML, Olsen EM, Moland E, Knutsen H, Grønkjær P, Koed A, Källo K, Aarestrup K. Disparate movement behavior and feeding ecology in sympatric ecotypes of Atlantic cod. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:11477-11490. [PMID: 34429934 PMCID: PMC8366838 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Coexistence of ecotypes, genetically divergent population units, is a widespread phenomenon, potentially affecting ecosystem functioning and local food web stability. In coastal Skagerrak, Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) occur as two such coexisting ecotypes. We applied a combination of acoustic telemetry, genotyping, and stable isotope analysis to 72 individuals to investigate movement ecology and food niche of putative local "Fjord" and putative oceanic "North Sea" ecotypes-thus named based on previous molecular studies. Genotyping and individual origin assignment suggested 41 individuals were Fjord and 31 were North Sea ecotypes. Both ecotypes were found throughout the fjord. Seven percent of Fjord ecotype individuals left the study system during the study while 42% of North Sea individuals left, potentially homing to natal spawning grounds. Home range sizes were similar for the two ecotypes but highly variable among individuals. Fjord ecotype cod had significantly higher δ13C and δ15N stable isotope values than North Sea ecotype cod, suggesting they exploited different food niches. The results suggest coexisting ecotypes may possess innate differences in feeding and movement ecologies and may thus fill different functional roles in marine ecosystems. This highlights the importance of conserving interconnected populations to ensure stable ecosystem functioning and food web structures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Esben Moland Olsen
- Institute of Marine ResearchFlødevigen Marine Research StationHisNorway
- Centre for Coastal ResearchDepartment of Natural SciencesUniversity of AgderKristiansandNorway
| | - Even Moland
- Institute of Marine ResearchFlødevigen Marine Research StationHisNorway
- Centre for Coastal ResearchDepartment of Natural SciencesUniversity of AgderKristiansandNorway
| | - Halvor Knutsen
- Institute of Marine ResearchFlødevigen Marine Research StationHisNorway
- Centre for Coastal ResearchDepartment of Natural SciencesUniversity of AgderKristiansandNorway
| | - Peter Grønkjær
- Aquatic BiologyDepartment for BioscienceUniversity of AarhusAarhusDenmark
| | - Anders Koed
- National Institute for Aquatic ResourcesTechnical University of DenmarkSilkeborgDenmark
| | - Kristi Källo
- National Institute for Aquatic ResourcesTechnical University of DenmarkSilkeborgDenmark
| | - Kim Aarestrup
- National Institute for Aquatic ResourcesTechnical University of DenmarkSilkeborgDenmark
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17
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Holmerin I, Kiel Jensen L, Hevrøy T, Bradshaw C. Trophic Transfer of Radioactive Micronutrients in a Shallow Benthic Food Web. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:1694-1705. [PMID: 33620102 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5023] [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: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Baltic Sea is one of the most polluted seas in the world, with widespread eutrophication and radionuclide contamination. Using key species of the Baltic Sea, the effects of eutrophication on uptake and trophic transfer of the radioactive micronutrients commonly found in nuclear power plant effluents were investigated experimentally using the brown macroalgae Fucus vesiculosus and the grazers Idotea balthica and Theodoxus fluviatilis in a controlled environment. Rapid uptake of 54 Mn, 57 Co, and 65 Zn from water was observed in all biota; and eutrophication combined with grazing pressure strongly influenced the uptake in F. vesiculosus. Uptake of 54 Mn, 57 Co, and 65 Zn to I. balthica and T. fluviatilis grazing on F. vesiculosus were also observed. The results indicate that ecosystems could be open for further trophic transfer as radionuclides accumulate quickly in the producers and are transferred to primary consumers. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1694-1705. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isak Holmerin
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm, Stockholm University, Sweden
| | | | - Tanya Hevrøy
- Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, Oslo, Norway
- CERAD Center of Excellence in Environmental Radioactivity, Ås, Norway
| | - Clare Bradshaw
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm, Stockholm University, Sweden
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18
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Bao H, Wang G, Yao Y, Peng Z, Dou H, Jiang G. Warming-driven shifts in ecological control of fish communities in a large northern Chinese lake over 66 years. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 770:144722. [PMID: 33736366 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Warming, land-use change, and habitat loss are three major threats to aquatic biodiversity worldwide under the influences of anthropogenic disturbances. Positive feedback between warming and bottom-up regulation may cause irreversible ecological regime shifts. Threshold dynamics of interspecific interactions have been rarely studied in freshwater fish communities using threshold community models. Here we use 66 years (1950-2015) of data to link four ecological regime shifts of 9-species fish communities to climatic and land use changes in Lake Hulun, the largest freshwater lake of Northern China. Overfishing caused the collapse of piscivorous fish populations and an ecological regime shift of Lake Hulun in the late 1950s. The first recorded algal bloom of Lake Hulun took place in 1986, with accelerated warming and rapid increases in livestock grazing. The dominance of planktivorous minnow populations reduced fish biodiversity in a nonlinear, threshold manner when annual mean ambient temperature was >0.12 °C. Multivariate environmental vector regression demonstrated that warming, eutrophication, and water-storage reduction (i.e., habitat loss) were related to three ecological regime shifts of Lake Hulun from 1960 to 2015. Multivariate autoregressive models (MAR) did not detect predation by piscivorous fish in Lake Hulun after 1960. Threshold MAR models indicated that dominant minnow populations and other prey fish populations switched from top-down to bottom-up control during the 1980s. Sustained positive feedback between warming, the dominance of planktivorous fish populations, and bottom-up regulation caused predator-prey role reversal, and probably resulted in three regime shifts of Lake Hulun over 56 years. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of ecological regime shifts in Hulun Lake fish communities, and has potential implications for fish species living in similar environments that are subject to global warming, land-use changes, and overfishing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Bao
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China; Feline Research Center, Chinese State Administration of Forestry and Grassland, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Guiming Wang
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA.
| | - Yunlong Yao
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Zitian Peng
- Hulun Lake National Nature Reserve, Hailar, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 021008, PR China
| | - Huashan Dou
- Hulun Lake National Nature Reserve, Hailar, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 021008, PR China
| | - Guangshun Jiang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China; Feline Research Center, Chinese State Administration of Forestry and Grassland, Harbin 150040, PR China.
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19
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Benkendorf DJ, Whiteman HH. Omnivore density affects community structure through multiple trophic cascades. Oecologia 2021; 195:397-407. [PMID: 33392792 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-020-04836-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Omnivores can dampen trophic cascades by feeding at multiple trophic levels, yet few studies have evaluated how intraspecific variation of omnivores influences community structure. The speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus) is a common and omnivorous minnow that consumes algae and invertebrates. We studied effects of size and size structure on top-down control by dace and how effects scaled with density. Dace were manipulated in a mesocosm experiment and changes in invertebrate and algal communities and ecosystem function were monitored. Omnivores affected experimental communities via two distinct trophic pathways (benthic and pelagic). In the benthic pathway, dace reduced macroinvertebrate biomass, thereby causing density-mediated indirect effects that led to increased benthic algal biomass. Dace also reduced pelagic predatory macroinvertebrate biomass (hemipterans), thereby increasing the abundance of emerging insects. The effect of dace and hemipterans on emerging insects was mediated by a non-linear response to dace with peak emergence at intermediate dace density. In contrast with recent studies, omnivore size and size structure had no clear effect, indicating that small and large dace in our experiment shared similar functional roles. Our results support that the degree to which omnivores dampen trophic cascades depends on their relative effect on multiple trophic levels, such that the more omnivorous a predator is, the more likely cascades will be dampened. Availability of abundant macroinvertebrates, and the absence of top predators, may have shifted dace diets from primary to secondary consumption, strengthening density-dependent trophic cascades. Both omnivore density and dietary shifts are important factors influencing omnivore-mediated communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald J Benkendorf
- Watershed Studies Institute, Murray State University, Murray, KY, 42071, USA. .,Department of Biological Sciences, Murray State University, Murray, KY, 42071, USA. .,High Lonesome Institute, De Beque, CO, 81630, USA. .,Department of Watershed Sciences, Utah State University, 5210 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, 84322-5210, USA.
| | - Howard H Whiteman
- Watershed Studies Institute, Murray State University, Murray, KY, 42071, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Murray State University, Murray, KY, 42071, USA.,High Lonesome Institute, De Beque, CO, 81630, USA
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20
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Thresholds for ecological responses to global change do not emerge from empirical data. Nat Ecol Evol 2020; 4:1502-1509. [PMID: 32807945 PMCID: PMC7614041 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-020-1256-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
To understand ecosystem responses to anthropogenic global change, a prevailing framework is the definition of threshold levels of pressure, above which response magnitudes and their variances increase disproportionately. However, we lack systematic quantitative evidence as to whether empirical data allow definition of such thresholds. Here, we summarize 36 meta-analyses measuring more than 4,600 global change impacts on natural communities. We find that threshold transgressions were rarely detectable, either within or across meta-analyses. Instead, ecological responses were characterized mostly by progressively increasing magnitude and variance when pressure increased. Sensitivity analyses with modelled data revealed that minor variances in the response are sufficient to preclude the detection of thresholds from data, even if they are present. The simulations reinforced our contention that global change biology needs to abandon the general expectation that system properties allow defining thresholds as a way to manage nature under global change. Rather, highly variable responses, even under weak pressures, suggest that 'safe-operating spaces' are unlikely to be quantifiable.
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21
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Abstract
Global fisheries are in decline, calling for urgent evidence-based action. One such action is the identification and protection of fishery-associated habitats such as seagrass meadows and kelp forests, both of which have suffered long-term loss and degradation in the North Atlantic region. Direct comparisons of the value of seagrass and kelp in supporting demersal fish assemblages are largely absent from the literature. Here, we address this knowledge gap. Demersal fish were sampled using a baited camera to test for differences between habitats in (1) the species composition of the fish assemblages, (2) the total abundance and species richness of fishes, and (3) the abundances of major commercial species. Seagrass and kelp-associated fish assemblages formed two significantly distinct groupings, which were driven by increased whiting (Merlangius merlangus) and dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula) presence in seagrass and higher abundances of pollock (Pollachius pollachius) and goby (Gobiusculus flavescens) in kelp. The abundance, diversity, and species richness did not change significantly between the two habitats. We conclude that seagrass and kelp do support unique demersal fish assemblages, providing evidence that they have different ecological value through their differing support of commercial fish species. Thus, this study improves the foundation for evidence-based policy changes.
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22
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Riera R, Vasconcelos J, Baden S, Gerhardt L, Sousa R, Infantes E. Severe shifts of Zostera marina epifauna: Comparative study between 1997 and 2018 on the Swedish Skagerrak coast. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 158:111434. [PMID: 32753217 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between bottom-up and top-down processes in coastal ecosystems has been scarcely studied so far. Temporal changes in trophic interactions of Zostera marina along the Swedish west coast are relatively well studied, with the exception of epifaunal communities. Epifauna was used as a model study to explore resource (bottom-up) or predator (top-down) regulated in a vegetated ecosystem. We conducted a 21-year comparative study (1997 and 2018) using epifauna of 19 Zostera marina meadows along the Swedish Skagerrak coast. Large changes were observed in the composition of small (0.2-1 mm) and large (>1 mm) epifauna. In the small-sized epifauna, the nematode Southernia zosterae and harpacticoids showed an increase of 90% and a decrease of 50% of their abundances, respectively. In the large-sized epifauna, the polychaete Platynereis dumerilii and chironomid larvae were absent in 1997 but thrived in 2018 (>2000 ind. m-2). Mesoherbivores (Idoteids and gammarids) were locally very abundant in 1997 but disappeared in 2018. An 83% decline of mytilids settling in Zostera marina leaves was observed. Our results showed that epifauna is predominantly top-down regulated. An integrative framework of the study area is outlined to shed light on the causes and consequences of the environmental shifts reported in Zostera meadows from the northern Skagerrak area throughout the last three decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Riera
- Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Casilla 297, Concepción, Chile.
| | - Joana Vasconcelos
- Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Casilla 297, Concepción, Chile; Secretaria Regional de Educação, Avenida Zarco, Edifício do Governo Regional, 9004-528 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal; Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), Quinta do Lorde Marina, Sítio da Piedade, 9200-044 Caniçal, Madeira, Portugal.
| | - Susanne Baden
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Fiskebäckskil, Sweden.
| | - Linda Gerhardt
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Fiskebäckskil, Sweden; Söbben 212, 47391 Henån, Sweden.
| | - Ricardo Sousa
- Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), Quinta do Lorde Marina, Sítio da Piedade, 9200-044 Caniçal, Madeira, Portugal; Oceanic Observatory of Madeira, Regional Agency for the Development of Research, Technology and Innovation (OOM/ARDITI) - Edifício Madeira Tecnopolo, Piso 0, 9020-105 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal.
| | - Eduardo Infantes
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Kristineberg, 45178 Fiskebäckskil, Sweden.
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23
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Saarinen A, Candolin U. Mechanisms behind bottom-up effects: eutrophication increases fecundity by shortening the interspawning interval in stickleback. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9521. [PMID: 32742798 PMCID: PMC7370929 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic eutrophication is altering aquatic environments by promoting primary production. This influences the population dynamics of consumers through bottom-up effects, but the underlying mechanisms and pathways are not always clear. To evaluate and mitigate effects of eutrophication on ecological communities, more research is needed on the underlying factors. Here we show that anthropogenic eutrophication increases population fecundity in the threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) by increasing the number of times females reproduce—lifetime fecundity—rather than instantaneous fecundity. When we exposed females to nutrient-enriched waters with enhanced algal growth, their interspawning interval shortened but the size of their egg clutches, or the size of their eggs, did not change. The shortening of the interspawning interval was probably caused by higher food intake, as algae growth promotes the growth of preferred prey populations. Enhanced female lifetime fecundity could increase offspring production and, hence, influence population dynamics. In support of this, earlier studies show that more offspring are emerging in habitats with denser algae growth. Thus, our results stress the importance of considering lifetime fecundity, in addition to instantaneous fecundity, when investigating the impact of human-induced eutrophication on population processes. At a broader level, our results highlight the importance of following individuals over longer time spans when evaluating the pathways and processes through which environmental changes influence individual fitness and population processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Saarinen
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ulrika Candolin
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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24
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Sánchez-Hernández J. Drivers of piscivory in a globally distributed aquatic predator (brown trout): a meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11258. [PMID: 32647243 PMCID: PMC7347837 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68207-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing interest in the delineation of feeding patterns in animals, but little is known about the interaction of multiple explanatory factors across broad geographical scales. The goal of this study was to identify the factors that together determine population-level patterns in piscivory in a globally distributed aquatic predator, the brown trout (Salmo trutta). A meta-analysis of peer-reviewed studies revealed that the prevalence (frequency of occurrence, %) of piscivory increases from riverine to marine ecosystems, with fish community type and the size-structure (ontogeny) of brown trout populations being the key drivers. Thus, piscivory was related to ecosystem-specific differences in predator body size (increasing in populations with large individuals) and fish community configurations (increasing with fish species richness). Fish species richness imposes important limitations on (i.e. in low diversity scenarios) or facilitate (i.e. in high diversity scenarios) piscivory in brown trout populations, with a low prevalence expected in low-diversity fish communities. In fresh water, piscivory is higher in lentic than lotic ecosystems and, in the former, increases with latitude. Competition in multi-species systems is expected to be higher than in simpler systems because the size-structure and species composition of fish assemblages, explaining cross-ecosystem differences in piscivory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Sánchez-Hernández
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain.
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25
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Sundblad G, Bergström L, Söderqvist T, Bergström U. Predicting the effects of eutrophication mitigation on predatory fish biomass and the value of recreational fisheries. AMBIO 2020; 49:1090-1099. [PMID: 31598833 PMCID: PMC7067735 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-019-01263-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Improving water clarity is a core objective for eutrophication management in the Baltic Sea, but may influence fisheries via effects on fish habitat suitability. We apply an ensemble of species distribution models coupled with habitat productivity functions and willingness-to-pay estimates to assess these effects for two coastal predatory fish species, European perch (Perca fluviatilis) and pikeperch (Sander lucioperca). The models predicted a 37% increase in perch and 59% decrease in pikeperch biomass if reaching the reference level for water clarity in the Baltic Sea Action Plan. Reaching the target level was predicted to increase perch biomass by 13%. However, the associated economic gain for the recreational fisheries sector was countervailed by an 18% pikeperch reduction. Still, a net benefit was predicted since there are six times more fishing days for perch than pikeperch. We exemplify how ecological modelling can be combined with economic analyses to map and evaluate management alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Göran Sundblad
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Freshwater Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Stångholmsvägen 2, 178 93 Drottningholm, Sweden
| | - Lena Bergström
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Coastal Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Skolgatan 6, 742 42 Öregrund, Sweden
| | | | - Ulf Bergström
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Coastal Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Skolgatan 6, 742 42 Öregrund, Sweden
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26
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Hernroth B, Tassidis H, Baden SP. Immunosuppression of aquatic organisms exposed to elevated levels of manganese: From global to molecular perspective. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 104:103536. [PMID: 31705914 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2019.103536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace metal for all organisms. However, in excess it causes toxic effects but the impact on aquatic environments has so far been highly overlooked. Manganese is abundant both in costal and deep sea sediments and becomes bioavailable (Mn2+) during redox conditions. This is an increasing phenomenon due to eutrophication-induced hypoxia and aggravated through the ongoing climate change. Intracellular accumulation of Mn2+ causes oxidative stress and activates evolutionary conserved pathways inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Here, studies are compiled on how excess of dissolved Mn suppresses the immune system of various aquatic organisms by adversely affecting both renewal of immunocytes and their functionality, such as phagocytosis and activation of pro-phenoloxidase. These impairments decrease the animal's bacteriostatic capacity, indicating higher susceptibility to infections. Increased distribution of pathogens, which is believed to accompany climate change, requires preserved immune sentinel functions and Mn can be crucial for the outcome of host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodil Hernroth
- Department of Natural Science, Kristianstad University, SE-291 88, Kristianstad, Sweden; The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Kristineberg Marine Research Station, SE-450 34, Fiskebäckskil, Sweden.
| | - Helena Tassidis
- Department of Natural Science, Kristianstad University, SE-291 88, Kristianstad, Sweden
| | - Susanne P Baden
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Kristineberg Marine Research Station, SE-45034, Fiskebäckskil, Sweden
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27
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Dunn RP, Hovel KA. Predator type influences the frequency of functional responses to prey in marine habitats. Biol Lett 2020; 16:20190758. [PMID: 31964265 PMCID: PMC7013479 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2019.0758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The functional response of a consumer to a gradient of resource density is a widespread and consistent framework used to quantify the importance of consumption to population dynamics and stability. Within benthic marine ecosystems, both crustaceans and fishes can provide strong top-down pressure on prey populations. Taxon-specific differences in biomechanics or habitat use, among other factors, may lead to variable functional response forms or parameter values (attack rate, handling time). Based on a review of 189 individual functional response fits, we find that these predator guilds differ in their frequency distribution of functional response types, with crustaceans exhibiting nearly double the proportion of sigmoidal, density-dependent functional responses (Holling type III) as predatory fishes. The implications of this finding for prey population stability are significant because type III responses allow prey persistence while type II responses are de-stabilizing and can lead to extinction. Comparing per capita predation rates across diverse taxa can provide integrative insights into predatory effects and the ability of predation to drive community structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P. Dunn
- Coastal and Marine Institute and Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
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28
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Perry D, Staveley T, Deyanova D, Baden S, Dupont S, Hernroth B, Wood H, Björk M, Gullström M. Global environmental changes negatively impact temperate seagrass ecosystems. Ecosphere 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Perry
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences Stockholm University Stockholm Sweden
- Department of Aquatic Resources Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Lysekil Sweden
| | - Thomas Staveley
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences Stockholm University Stockholm Sweden
- AquaBiota Water Research Stockholm Sweden
| | - Diana Deyanova
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences Stockholm University Stockholm Sweden
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Gothenburg Kristineberg Fiskebäckskil Sweden
| | - Susanne Baden
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Gothenburg Kristineberg Fiskebäckskil Sweden
| | - Sam Dupont
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Gothenburg Kristineberg Fiskebäckskil Sweden
| | - Bodil Hernroth
- The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences Kristineberg Fiskebäckskil Sweden
- Department of Natural Science Kristianstad University Kristianstad Sweden
| | - Hannah Wood
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Gothenburg Kristineberg Fiskebäckskil Sweden
| | - Mats Björk
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences Stockholm University Stockholm Sweden
| | - Martin Gullström
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences Stockholm University Stockholm Sweden
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Gothenburg Kristineberg Fiskebäckskil Sweden
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29
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Reynolds PL, Stachowicz JJ, Hovel K, Boström C, Boyer K, Cusson M, Eklöf JS, Engel FG, Engelen AH, Eriksson BK, Fodrie FJ, Griffin JN, Hereu CM, Hori M, Hanley TC, Ivanov M, Jorgensen P, Kruschel C, Lee KS, McGlathery K, Moksnes PO, Nakaoka M, O'Connor MI, O'Connor NE, Orth RJ, Rossi F, Ruesink J, Sotka EE, Thormar J, Tomas F, Unsworth RKF, Whalen MA, Duffy JE. Latitude, temperature, and habitat complexity predict predation pressure in eelgrass beds across the Northern Hemisphere. Ecology 2019; 99:29-35. [PMID: 29083472 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Latitudinal gradients in species interactions are widely cited as potential causes or consequences of global patterns of biodiversity. However, mechanistic studies documenting changes in interactions across broad geographic ranges are limited. We surveyed predation intensity on common prey (live amphipods and gastropods) in communities of eelgrass (Zostera marina) at 48 sites across its Northern Hemisphere range, encompassing over 37° of latitude and four continental coastlines. Predation on amphipods declined with latitude on all coasts but declined more strongly along western ocean margins where temperature gradients are steeper. Whereas in situ water temperature at the time of the experiments was uncorrelated with predation, mean annual temperature strongly positively predicted predation, suggesting a more complex mechanism than simply increased metabolic activity at the time of predation. This large-scale biogeographic pattern was modified by local habitat characteristics; predation declined with higher shoot density both among and within sites. Predation rates on gastropods, by contrast, were uniformly low and varied little among sites. The high replication and geographic extent of our study not only provides additional evidence to support biogeographic variation in predation intensity, but also insight into the mechanisms that relate temperature and biogeographic gradients in species interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela L Reynolds
- Data Science Initiative, University of California, Davis, California, 95616, USA.,Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, California, 95616, USA.,Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William & Mary, Gloucester Point, Virginia, 23062, USA
| | - John J Stachowicz
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, California, 95616, USA
| | - Kevin Hovel
- Department of Biology, Coastal & Marine Institute, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, 92182, USA
| | | | - Katharyn Boyer
- San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, 94132, USA
| | - Mathieu Cusson
- Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, Québec, G7H 2B1, Canada
| | | | - Friederike G Engel
- University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Kiel, Germany
| | | | | | - F Joel Fodrie
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Morehead City, North Carolina, 28557, USA
| | - John N Griffin
- College of Science, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Clara M Hereu
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Masakazu Hori
- National Research Institute of Fisheries and Environment of Inland Sea (FEIS) Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency (FRA) Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, 739-0452, Japan
| | - Torrance C Hanley
- Northeastern University Marine Science Center, Nahant, Massachusetts, 01908, USA
| | | | - Pablo Jorgensen
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.,Geomare, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - Per-Olav Moksnes
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Masahiro Nakaoka
- Akkeshi Marine Station, Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Hokkaido University, Akkeshi, Hokkaido, 088-1113, Japan
| | - Mary I O'Connor
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | | | - Robert J Orth
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William & Mary, Gloucester Point, Virginia, 23062, USA
| | - Francesca Rossi
- CNRS, UMR 9190 MARBEC, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Erik E Sotka
- College of Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina, 29412, USA
| | | | - Fiona Tomas
- Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, USA.,Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados, Illes Balears UIB-CSIC, Spain
| | | | - Matthew A Whalen
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, California, 95616, USA
| | - J Emmett Duffy
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William & Mary, Gloucester Point, Virginia, 23062, USA.,Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network, Smithsonian Institution, Edgewater, Maryland, 21037, USA
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30
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El-Hacen EHM, Bouma TJ, Govers LL, Piersma T, Olff H. Seagrass Sensitivity to Collapse Along a Hydrodynamic Gradient: Evidence from a Pristine Subtropical Intertidal Ecosystem. Ecosystems 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10021-018-0319-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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31
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Bergström L, Karlsson M, Bergström U, Pihl L, Kraufvelin P. Relative impacts of fishing and eutrophication on coastal fish assessed by comparing a no-take area with an environmental gradient. AMBIO 2019; 48:565-579. [PMID: 30523568 PMCID: PMC6486898 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-018-1133-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the relative impacts of pressures on coastal ecosystems is central for implementing relevant measures to reach environmental management objectives. Here, survey data on the species and size composition of coastal fish are evaluated in relation to fishing and eutrophication, by comparing a long-standing no-take area to an environmental gradient in the Baltic Sea. The no-take area represents an intermediate eutrophication level, but the species composition resembles that seen at low eutrophication in areas with fishing. The catch biomass of piscivores is 2-3 times higher in the no-take area than in the other areas, while the biomass of Cyprinids, generally benefitted by eutrophication, corresponds to that of areas with low eutrophication. The results support that fishing may generate eutrophication-like effects, and, conversely, that no-take areas may contribute to improving environmental status in impacted areas by enhancing piscivores, which in turn may contribute to further improvement in the food web.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Bergström
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Coastal Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skolgatan 6, 742 42 Öregrund, Sweden
| | - Martin Karlsson
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Coastal Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skolgatan 6, 742 42 Öregrund, Sweden
| | - Ulf Bergström
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Coastal Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skolgatan 6, 742 42 Öregrund, Sweden
| | - Leif Pihl
- University of Gothenburg, Kristineberg 566, 451 78 Fiskebäckskil, Sweden
| | - Patrik Kraufvelin
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Coastal Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skolgatan 6, 742 42 Öregrund, Sweden
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32
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Hansen JP, Sundblad G, Bergström U, Austin ÅN, Donadi S, Eriksson BK, Eklöf JS. Recreational boating degrades vegetation important for fish recruitment. AMBIO 2019; 48:539-551. [PMID: 30167979 PMCID: PMC6486933 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-018-1088-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Recreational boating increases globally and associated moorings are often placed in vegetated habitats important for fish recruitment. Meanwhile, assessments of the effects of boating on vegetation, and potential effects on associated fish assemblages are rare. Here, we analysed (i) the effect of small-boat marinas on vegetation structure, and (ii) juvenile fish abundance in relation to vegetation cover in shallow wave-sheltered coastal inlets. We found marinas to have lower vegetation cover and height, and a different species composition, compared to control inlets. This effect became stronger with increasing berth density. Moreover, there was a clear positive relationship between vegetation cover and fish abundance. We conclude that recreational boating and related moorings are associated with reduced cover of aquatic vegetation constituting important habitats for juvenile fish. We therefore recommend that coastal constructions and associated boating should be allocated to more disturbance tolerant environments (e.g. naturally wave-exposed shores), thereby minimizing negative environmental impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joakim P. Hansen
- Baltic Sea Centre, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Göran Sundblad
- AquaBiota Water Research, Löjtnantsgatan 25, 115 50 Stockholm, Sweden
- Present Address: Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Freshwater Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Stångholmsvägen 2, 178 93 Drottningholm, Sweden
| | - Ulf Bergström
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Coastal Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Skolgatan 6, 742 42 Öregrund, Sweden
| | - Åsa N. Austin
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences (DEEP), Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Serena Donadi
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences (DEEP), Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Present Address: Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Freshwater Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Stångholmsvägen 2, 178 93 Drottningholm, Sweden
| | - Britas Klemens Eriksson
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life-Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Johan S. Eklöf
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences (DEEP), Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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33
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Past and Current Trends of Coastal Predatory Fish in the Baltic Sea with a Focus on Perch, Pike, and Pikeperch. FISHES 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/fishes4010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Coastal predatory fish are of key importance for the provisioning of ecosystem services in the Baltic Sea. Worldwide, however, there has been a general and sharp decline in predatory fish populations, in turn threatening the viability and function of marine ecosystems. On the basis of the literature, the past (data until the 2000s) and current (data until early and mid 2010s) trends in abundance of coastal predatory fish in the Baltic Sea are reviewed in this paper. Potentially important impacting factors behind the temporal development of the populations and measures to strengthen and restore them are also discussed. Available data from coastal fish monitoring programs suggest a stable or increasing abundance of coastal predatory fish as a functional group and for the species perch in the majority of areas assessed in the Baltic Sea. For pike and pikeperch, data to support assessments is scarce, but suggest substantial declines in the abundance of both species in most assessed areas. The impacting factors behind these patterns vary between species and areas, but include climate, habitat exploitation, fishing, and species-interactions in the coastal food web. Measures to restore and support coastal predatory fish communities should follow an ecosystem-based approach to management and include efforts to regulate fisheries sectors in combination with habitat protection and restoration.
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34
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Donadi S, Austin ÅN, Svartgren E, Eriksson BK, Hansen JP, Eklöf JS. Density‐dependent positive feedbacks buffer aquatic plants from interactive effects of eutrophication and predator loss. Ecology 2018; 99:2515-2524. [DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Donadi
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences Stockholm University SE‐106 91 Stockholm Sweden
- Department of Aquatic Resources Institute of Freshwater Research Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Stångholmsvägen 2 SE‐178 93 Drottningholm Sweden
| | - Å. N. Austin
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences Stockholm University SE‐106 91 Stockholm Sweden
| | - E. Svartgren
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences Stockholm University SE‐106 91 Stockholm Sweden
| | - B. K. Eriksson
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life‐Sciences University of Groningen Nijenborgh 7 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands
| | - J. P. Hansen
- Baltic Sea Centre Stockholm University SE‐106 91 Stockholm Sweden
| | - J. S. Eklöf
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences Stockholm University SE‐106 91 Stockholm Sweden
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35
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Bulleri F, Eriksson BK, Queirós A, Airoldi L, Arenas F, Arvanitidis C, Bouma TJ, Crowe TP, Davoult D, Guizien K, Iveša L, Jenkins SR, Michalet R, Olabarria C, Procaccini G, Serrão EA, Wahl M, Benedetti-Cecchi L. Harnessing positive species interactions as a tool against climate-driven loss of coastal biodiversity. PLoS Biol 2018; 16:e2006852. [PMID: 30180154 PMCID: PMC6138402 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2006852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Habitat-forming species sustain biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in harsh environments through the amelioration of physical stress. Nonetheless, their role in shaping patterns of species distribution under future climate scenarios is generally overlooked. Focusing on coastal systems, we assess how habitat-forming species can influence the ability of stress-sensitive species to exhibit plastic responses, adapt to novel environmental conditions, or track suitable climates. Here, we argue that habitat-former populations could be managed as a nature-based solution against climate-driven loss of biodiversity. Drawing from different ecological and biological disciplines, we identify a series of actions to sustain the resilience of marine habitat-forming species to climate change, as well as their effectiveness and reliability in rescuing stress-sensitive species from increasingly adverse environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Bulleri
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, CoNISMa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Britas Klemens Eriksson
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ana Queirós
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Airoldi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali, University of Bologna, CoNISMa, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Francisco Arenas
- CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Christos Arvanitidis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Thalassokosmos, Crete, Greece
| | - Tjeerd J Bouma
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems and Utrecht University, Yerseke, the Netherlands
| | - Tasman P Crowe
- Earth Institute and School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dominique Davoult
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 7144 Adaptation et Diversité en Milieu Marin, Roscoff, France
| | - Katell Guizien
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire d'Ecogéochimie des Environnements Benthiques (LECOB), Banyuls-sur-Mer, France
| | - Ljiljana Iveša
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Center for Marine Research, Rovinj, Croatia
| | - Stuart R Jenkins
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Anglesey, United Kingdom
| | | | - Celia Olabarria
- Departamento de Ecoloxía e Bioloxía Animal, Facultade de Ciencias del Mar, Campus Lagoas-Marcosende, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | | | - Ester A Serrão
- CCMAR, CIMAR, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
| | - Martin Wahl
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Kiel, Germany
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36
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Jahnke M, Jonsson PR, Moksnes P, Loo L, Nilsson Jacobi M, Olsen JL. Seascape genetics and biophysical connectivity modelling support conservation of the seagrass Zostera marina in the Skagerrak-Kattegat region of the eastern North Sea. Evol Appl 2018; 11:645-661. [PMID: 29875808 PMCID: PMC5979629 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintaining and enabling evolutionary processes within meta-populations are critical to resistance, resilience and adaptive potential. Knowledge about which populations act as sources or sinks, and the direction of gene flow, can help to focus conservation efforts more effectively and forecast how populations might respond to future anthropogenic and environmental pressures. As a foundation species and habitat provider, Zostera marina (eelgrass) is of critical importance to ecosystem functions including fisheries. Here, we estimate connectivity of Z. marina in the Skagerrak-Kattegat region of the North Sea based on genetic and biophysical modelling. Genetic diversity, population structure and migration were analysed at 23 locations using 20 microsatellite loci and a suite of analytical approaches. Oceanographic connectivity was analysed using Lagrangian dispersal simulations based on contemporary and historical distribution data dating back to the late 19th century. Population clusters, barriers and networks of connectivity were found to be very similar based on either genetic or oceanographic analyses. A single-generation model of dispersal was not realistic, whereas multigeneration models that integrate stepping-stone dispersal and extant and historic distribution data were able to capture and model genetic connectivity patterns well. Passive rafting of flowering shoots along oceanographic currents is the main driver of gene flow at this spatial-temporal scale, and extant genetic connectivity strongly reflects the "ghost of dispersal past" sensu Benzie, 1999. The identification of distinct clusters, connectivity hotspots and areas where connectivity has become limited over the last century is critical information for spatial management, conservation and restoration of eelgrass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Jahnke
- Department of Marine Sciences – TjärnöUniversity of GothenburgStrömstadSweden
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life SciencesSection: Ecology and Evolutionary Genomics in Nature (GREEN)University of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Per R. Jonsson
- Department of Marine Sciences – TjärnöUniversity of GothenburgStrömstadSweden
| | - Per‐Olav Moksnes
- Department of Marine ScienceUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Lars‐Ove Loo
- Department of Marine Sciences – TjärnöUniversity of GothenburgStrömstadSweden
| | - Martin Nilsson Jacobi
- Complex Systems GroupDepartment of Energy and EnvironmentChalmers University of TechnologyGothenburgSweden
| | - Jeanine L. Olsen
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life SciencesSection: Ecology and Evolutionary Genomics in Nature (GREEN)University of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
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37
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Molecular level responses to chronic versus pulse nutrient loading in the seagrass Posidonia oceanica undergoing herbivore pressure. Oecologia 2018; 188:23-39. [PMID: 29845353 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-018-4172-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Seagrasses are key marine foundation species, currently declining due to the compounded action of global and regional anthropogenic stressors. Eutrophication has been associated with seagrass decline, while grazing has been traditionally considered to be a natural disturbance with a relatively low impact on seagrasses. In the recent years, this assumption has been revisited. Here, by means of a 16-month field-experiment, we investigated the molecular mechanisms driving the long-term response of Posidonia oceanica to the combination of nutrient enrichment, either as a chronic (press) or pulse disturbance, and herbivory. Changes in expression levels of 19 target genes involved in key steps of photosynthesis, nutrient assimilation, chlorophyll metabolism, oxidative-stress response and plant defense were evaluated through reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). High herbivore pressure affected the molecular response of P. oceanica more dramatically than did enhanced nutrient levels, altering the expression of genes involved in plant tolerance and resistance traits, such as photosynthesis and defense mechanisms. Genes involved in carbon fixation and N assimilation modulated the response of plants to high nutrient levels. Availability of resources seems to modify P. oceanica response to herbivory, where the upregulation of a nitrate transporter gene was accompanied by the decline in the expression of nitrate reductase in the leaves, suggesting a change in plant-nutrient allocation strategy. Finally, press and pulse fertilizations altered nitrate uptake and reduction-related genes in opposite ways, suggesting that taking into account the temporal regime of nutrient loading is important to assess the physiological response of seagrasses to eutrophication.
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38
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Biodiversity influences invasion success of a facultative epiphytic seaweed in a marine forest. Biol Invasions 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-018-1736-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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39
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Donadi S, Austin ÅN, Bergström U, Eriksson BK, Hansen JP, Jacobson P, Sundblad G, van Regteren M, Eklöf JS. A cross-scale trophic cascade from large predatory fish to algae in coastal ecosystems. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 284:rspb.2017.0045. [PMID: 28724727 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Trophic cascades occur in many ecosystems, but the factors regulating them are still elusive. We suggest that an overlooked factor is that trophic interactions (TIs) are often scale-dependent and possibly interact across spatial scales. To explore the role of spatial scale for trophic cascades, and particularly the occurrence of cross-scale interactions (CSIs), we collected and analysed food-web data from 139 stations across 32 bays in the Baltic Sea. We found evidence of a four-level trophic cascade linking TIs across two spatial scales: at bay scale, piscivores (perch and pike) controlled mesopredators (three-spined stickleback), which in turn negatively affected epifaunal grazers. At station scale (within bays), grazers on average suppressed epiphytic algae, and indirectly benefitted habitat-forming vegetation. Moreover, the direction and strength of the grazer-algae relationship at station scale depended on the piscivore biomass at bay scale, indicating a cross-scale interaction effect, potentially caused by a shift in grazer assemblage composition. In summary, the trophic cascade from piscivores to algae appears to involve TIs that occur at, but also interact across, different spatial scales. Considering scale-dependence in general, and CSIs in particular, could therefore enhance our understanding of trophic cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Donadi
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden .,Baltic Sea Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Å N Austin
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - U Bergström
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Öregrund, Sweden
| | - B K Eriksson
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life-Sciences GELIFES, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J P Hansen
- Baltic Sea Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - P Jacobson
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Öregrund, Sweden
| | - G Sundblad
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Stockholm, Sweden.,AquaBiota Water Research, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M van Regteren
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life-Sciences GELIFES, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J S Eklöf
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
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40
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Ruesink JL, Stachowicz JJ, Reynolds PL, Boström C, Cusson M, Douglass J, Eklöf J, Engelen AH, Hori M, Hovel K, Iken K, Moksnes PO, Nakaoka M, O'Connor MI, Olsen JL, Sotka EE, Whalen MA, Duffy JE. Form-function relationships in a marine foundation species depend on scale: a shoot to global perspective from a distributed ecological experiment. OIKOS 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.04270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pamela L. Reynolds
- Dept of Evolution and Ecology; Univ. of California; Davis CA USA
- Virginia Inst. of Marine Science, Gloucester Point; VA USA
| | - Christoffer Boström
- Environmental and Marine Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi Univ.; Åbo Finland
| | - Mathieu Cusson
- Dépt des sciences fondamentales; Univ. du Québec à Chicoutimi; Chicoutimi QC Canada
| | | | - Johan Eklöf
- Dept of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences; Stockholm Univ.; Stockholm Sweden
| | - Aschwin H. Engelen
- Centro de Ciencias do Mar do Algarve (CCMAR), Univ. of Algarve; Faro Portugal
| | - Masakazu Hori
- Inst. of Fisheries and Environment of Inland Sea, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency; Hiroshima Japan
| | - Kevin Hovel
- Dept of Biology; San Diego State Univ.; San Diego CA USA
| | - Katrin Iken
- College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, Univ. of Alaska Fairbanks; AK USA
| | | | - Masahiro Nakaoka
- Akkeshi Marine Station, Field Sciences Center of Northern Biosphere, Hokkaido Univ.; Aikappu, Akkeshi Hokkaido Japan
| | - Mary I. O'Connor
- Dept of Zoology and Biodiversity Research Centre; Univ. of British Columbia; Vancouver BC Canada
| | - Jeanine L. Olsen
- Groningen Inst. for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Univ. of Groningen; Groningen the Netherlands
| | - Erik E. Sotka
- Grice Marine Laboratory, College of Charleston; Charleston SC USA
| | | | - J. Emmett Duffy
- Virginia Inst. of Marine Science, Gloucester Point; VA USA
- Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network, Smithsonian Inst.; Washington D.C. USA
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DNA metabarcoding reveals diverse diet of the three-spined stickleback in a coastal ecosystem. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186929. [PMID: 29059215 PMCID: PMC5653352 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus L., hereafter ‘stickleback’) is a common mesopredatory fish in marine, coastal and freshwater areas. In large parts of the Baltic Sea, stickleback densities have increased >10-fold during the last decades, and it is now one of the dominating fish species both in terms of biomass and effects on lower trophic levels. Still, relatively little is known about its diet—knowledge which is essential to understand the increasing role sticklebacks play in the ecosystem. Fish diet analyses typically rely on visual identification of stomach contents, a labour-intensive method that is made difficult by prey digestion and requires expert taxonomic knowledge. However, advances in DNA-based metabarcoding methods promise a simultaneous identification of most prey items, even from semi-digested tissue. Here, we studied the diet of stickleback from the western Baltic Sea coast using both DNA metabarcoding and visual analysis of stomach contents. Using the cytochrome oxidase (CO1) marker we identified 120 prey taxa in the diet, belonging to 15 phyla, 83 genera and 84 species. Compared to previous studies, this is an unusually high prey diversity. Chironomids, cladocerans and harpacticoids were dominating prey items. Large sticklebacks were found to feed more on benthic prey, such as amphipods, gastropods and isopods. DNA metabarcoding gave much higher taxonomic resolution (median rank genus) than visual analysis (median rank order), and many taxa identified using barcoding could not have been identified visually. However, a few taxa identified by visual inspection were not revealed by barcoding. In summary, our results suggest that the three-spined stickleback feeds on a wide variety of both pelagic and benthic organisms, indicating that the strong increase in stickleback populations may affect many parts of the Baltic Sea coastal ecosystem.
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Nelson WG. Development of an epiphyte indicator of nutrient enrichment: a critical evaluation of observational and experimental studies. ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS 2017; 79:207-227. [PMID: 30220880 PMCID: PMC6134867 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2017.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
An extensive review of the literature describing epiphytes on submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), especially seagrasses, was conducted in order to evaluate the evidence for response of epiphyte metrics to increased nutrients. Evidence from field observational studies, together with laboratory and field mesocosm experiments, was assembled from the literature and evaluated for a hypothesized positive response to nutrient addition. There was general consistency in the results to confirm that elevated nutrients tended to increase the load of epiphytes on the surface of SAV, in the absence of other limiting factors. In spite of multiple sources of uncontrolled variation, positive relationships of epiphyte load to nutrient concentration or load (either nitrogen or phosphorus) often were observed along strong anthropogenic or natural nutrient gradients in coastal regions. Such response patterns may only be evident for parts of the year. Results from both mesocosm and field experiments also generally support the increase of epiphytes with increased nutrients, although outcomes from field experiments tended to be more variable. Relatively few studies with nutrient addition in mesocosms have been done with tropical or subtropical species, and more such controlled experiments would be helpful. Experimental duration influenced results, with more positive responses of epiphytes to nutrients at shorter durations in mesocosm experiments versus more positive responses at longer durations in field experiments. In the field, response of epiphyte biomass to nutrient additions was independent of climate zone. Mesograzer activity was a critical covariate for epiphyte response under experimental nutrient elevation, but the epiphyte response was highly dependent on factors such as grazer identity and density, as well as nutrient and ambient light levels. The balance of evidence suggests that epiphytes on SAV will be a useful indicator of persistent nutrient enhancement in many situations. Careful selection of appropriate temporal and spatial constraints for data collection, and concurrent evaluation of confounding factors will help increase the signal to noise ratio for this indicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter G Nelson
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Western Ecology Division, Pacific Coastal Ecology Branch, 2111 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR, 97365, USA, Telephone: 1-541-867-5000,
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43
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Barth JMI, Berg PR, Jonsson PR, Bonanomi S, Corell H, Hemmer-Hansen J, Jakobsen KS, Johannesson K, Jorde PE, Knutsen H, Moksnes PO, Star B, Stenseth NC, Svedäng H, Jentoft S, André C. Genome architecture enables local adaptation of Atlantic cod despite high connectivity. Mol Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.14207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julia M. I. Barth
- Department of Biosciences; Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES); University of Oslo; Oslo Norway
| | - Paul R. Berg
- Department of Biosciences; Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES); University of Oslo; Oslo Norway
- Faculty of Medicine; Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM); University of Oslo; Oslo Norway
| | - Per R. Jonsson
- Department of Marine Sciences - Tjärnö; University of Gothenburg; Strömstad Sweden
| | - Sara Bonanomi
- Section for Marine Living Resources; National Institute of Aquatic Resources; Technical University of Denmark; Silkeborg Denmark
- National Research Council (CNR); Fisheries Section; Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR); Ancona Italy
| | - Hanna Corell
- Department of Marine Sciences - Tjärnö; University of Gothenburg; Strömstad Sweden
| | - Jakob Hemmer-Hansen
- Section for Marine Living Resources; National Institute of Aquatic Resources; Technical University of Denmark; Silkeborg Denmark
| | - Kjetill S. Jakobsen
- Department of Biosciences; Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES); University of Oslo; Oslo Norway
| | - Kerstin Johannesson
- Department of Marine Sciences - Tjärnö; University of Gothenburg; Strömstad Sweden
| | - Per Erik Jorde
- Department of Biosciences; Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES); University of Oslo; Oslo Norway
| | - Halvor Knutsen
- Department of Biosciences; Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES); University of Oslo; Oslo Norway
- Institute of Marine Research; Flødevigen; His Norway
- Department of Natural Sciences; Centre for Coastal Research; University of Agder; Kristiansand Norway
| | - Per-Olav Moksnes
- Department of Marine Sciences; University of Gothenburg; Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Bastiaan Star
- Department of Biosciences; Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES); University of Oslo; Oslo Norway
| | - Nils Chr. Stenseth
- Department of Biosciences; Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES); University of Oslo; Oslo Norway
- Department of Natural Sciences; Centre for Coastal Research; University of Agder; Kristiansand Norway
| | - Henrik Svedäng
- Swedish Institute for the Marine Environment (SIME); Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Sissel Jentoft
- Department of Biosciences; Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES); University of Oslo; Oslo Norway
- Department of Natural Sciences; Centre for Coastal Research; University of Agder; Kristiansand Norway
| | - Carl André
- Department of Marine Sciences - Tjärnö; University of Gothenburg; Strömstad Sweden
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44
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Svensson F, Karlsson E, Gårdmark A, Olsson J, Adill A, Zie J, Snoeijs P, Eklöf JS. In situ warming strengthens trophic cascades in a coastal food web. OIKOS 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.03773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Filip Svensson
- Dept of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences; Stockholm Univ., Svante Arrhenius v g 20A; SE-114 18 Stockholm Sweden
- Dept of Aquatic Resources; Inst. of Marine Research, Swedish Univ. of Agricultural Sciences; Lysekil Sweden
| | - Erik Karlsson
- Dept of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences; Stockholm Univ., Svante Arrhenius v g 20A; SE-114 18 Stockholm Sweden
- Dept of Aquatic Resources; Inst. of Coastal Research; Öregrund Sweden
| | - Anna Gårdmark
- Dept of Aquatic Resources; Inst. of Coastal Research; Öregrund Sweden
| | - Jens Olsson
- Dept of Aquatic Resources; Inst. of Coastal Research; Öregrund Sweden
| | - Anders Adill
- Dept of Aquatic Resources; Inst. of Coastal Research; Öregrund Sweden
| | - Jenny Zie
- Dept of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences; Stockholm Univ., Svante Arrhenius v g 20A; SE-114 18 Stockholm Sweden
| | - Pauline Snoeijs
- Dept of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences; Stockholm Univ., Svante Arrhenius v g 20A; SE-114 18 Stockholm Sweden
| | - Johan S. Eklöf
- Dept of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences; Stockholm Univ., Svante Arrhenius v g 20A; SE-114 18 Stockholm Sweden
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45
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Momota K, Nakaoka M. Influence of different types of sessile epibionts on the community structure of mobile invertebrates in an eelgrass bed. PeerJ 2017; 5:e2952. [PMID: 28168116 PMCID: PMC5289102 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds are known to have high ecological and economical values within coastal ecosystems of the temperate northern hemisphere although their biodiversity and functions varied greatly from sites to sites. The variation in the biomass, abundance and diversity of mobile invertebrates in eelgrass beds has been examined in relation to various abiotic and biotic factors, such as water temperature, salinity, eelgrass biomass and epiphytic microalgae presence. However, the importance of sessile epibionts, such as macroalgae and calcific spirorbid polychaetes attached to eelgrass blades, has not been the focus of previous studies. In the present study, we examined the effects of three different sessile epibionts, namely, branched red algae, filamentous green algae, and calcific spirorbid polychaetes, on the biomass and diversity of mobile invertebrates in the eelgrass beds of Akkeshi in northeastern Japan. The relationships between seven abiotic and biotic variables including three types of epibionts, and biomass of 11 dominant mobile invertebrate species as well as three community-level variables (the total biomass of mobile invertebrates, species richness and the Shannon-Wiener species diversity index) were analyzed using a linear mixed model. Our results show that branched red algae are correlated with Pontogeneia rostrata, Lacuna spp., Nereis sp., Syllis sp. and the total biomass of mobile invertebrates, filamentous green algae with P. rostrata, Ansola angustata and the species diversity of mobile invertebrates, and spirorbid polychaetes with A. angustata, Lacuna spp., Siphonacmea oblongata, Syllis sp., the species richness and diversity of mobile invertebrates. The effect size of the epibionts was similar or even higher than that of abiotic and eelgrass factors on the total biomass of mobile invertebrates, species richness, species diversity and most of dominant invertebrate populations across the taxonomic groups. Consequently, epibiotic macroalgae and spirorbid polychaetes can be good predictors of the variation in the total biomass, species richness and species diversity of mobile invertebrates and the biomass of major dominant species, especially for species that have a relatively high dependency on eelgrass blades. These results suggest that the different functional groups of sessile epibionts have significant roles in determining the biomass and diversity of mobile invertebrates in eelgrass beds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyosuke Momota
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University , Akkeshi , Hokkaido , Japan
| | - Masahiro Nakaoka
- Akkeshi Marine Station, Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Hokkaido University , Akkeshi , Hokkaido , Japan
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46
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Bryhn AC, Dimberg PH, Bergström L, Fredriksson RE, Mattila J, Bergström U. External nutrient loading from land, sea and atmosphere to all 656 Swedish coastal water bodies. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 114:664-670. [PMID: 27780582 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.10.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Identifying the main sources of nutrient loading is a key factor for efficient mitigation of eutrophication. This study has investigated the pathways of external nutrient loading to 656 coastal water bodies along the entire Swedish coastline. The studied water bodies have been delineated to meet requirements in the European Union's Water Framework Directive, and recent status assessments have shown that 57% of them fail to attain good or high ecological status with respect to nutrients. The analysis in the study was performed on data from mass-balance based nutrient budgets computed using the modelling framework Vattenwebb. The external nutrient contribution from the sea to the water bodies was highly variable, ranging from about 1% to nearly 100%, but the median contribution was >99% of the total external loading regarding both nitrogen and phosphorus. External loading from the atmosphere and local catchment area played a minor role in general. However, 45 coastal water bodies received >25% of the external nitrogen and phosphorus from their catchments. Loading from land typically peaked in April following ice-break and snow melting and was comparatively low during summer. The results indicate that for many eutrophicated Swedish coastal water bodies, nutrient abatement is likely to be optimally effective when potential measures in all of the catchment area of the concerned sea basin are considered. Local-scale mitigation in single water bodies will likely be locally effective only in the small proportion of areas where water and thereby also nutrient input from the catchment is high compared to the influx from the sea. Future studies should include nutrient reduction scenarios in order to refine these conclusions and to identify relevant spatial scales for coastal eutrophication mitigation measures from a water body perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas C Bryhn
- Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Department of Aquatic Resources, Skolgatan 6, SE-74242 Öregrund, Sweden.
| | - Peter H Dimberg
- Uppsala University, Department of Earth Sciences, Villavägen 16, SE-75236 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lena Bergström
- Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Department of Aquatic Resources, Skolgatan 6, SE-74242 Öregrund, Sweden
| | - Ronny E Fredriksson
- Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Department of Aquatic Resources, Skolgatan 6, SE-74242 Öregrund, Sweden
| | - Johanna Mattila
- Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Department of Aquatic Resources, Skolgatan 6, SE-74242 Öregrund, Sweden
| | - Ulf Bergström
- Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Department of Aquatic Resources, Skolgatan 6, SE-74242 Öregrund, Sweden
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47
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Infantes E, Crouzy C, Moksnes PO. Seed Predation by the Shore Crab Carcinus maenas: A Positive Feedback Preventing Eelgrass Recovery? PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168128. [PMID: 27977802 PMCID: PMC5157998 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an increasing interest to restore the ecosystem services that eelgrass provides, after their continuous worldwide decline. Most attempts to restore eelgrass using seeds are challenged by very high seed losses and the reasons for these losses are not all clear. We assess the impact of predation on seed loss and eelgrass establishment, and explore methods to decrease seed loss during restoration in the Swedish northwest coast. In a laboratory study we identified three previously undescribed seed predators, the shore crab Carcinus maenas, the hermit crab Pagurus bernhardus and the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis, of which shore crabs consumed 2–7 times more seeds than the other two species. The importance of shore crabs as seed predators was supported in field cage experiments where one enclosed crab caused 73% loss of seeds over a 1-week period on average (~ 21 seeds per day). Seedling establishment was significantly higher (14%) in cages that excluded predators over an 8-month period than in uncaged plots and cages that allowed predators but prevented seed-transport (0.5%), suggesting that seed predation constitutes a major source of seed loss in the study area. Burying the seeds 2 cm below the sediment surface prevented seed predation in the laboratory and decreased predation in the field, constituting a way to decrease seed loss during restoration. Shore crabs may act as a key feedback mechanism that prevent the return of eelgrass both by direct consumption of eelgrass seeds and as a predator of algal mesograzers, allowing algal mats to overgrow eelgrass beds. This shore crab feedback mechanism could become self-generating by promoting the growth of its own nursery habitat (algal mats) and by decreasing the nursery habitat (seagrass meadow) of its dominant predator (cod). This double feedback-loop is supported by a strong increase of shore crab abundance in the last decades and may partly explain the regime shift in vegetation observed along the Swedish west coast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Infantes
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Caroline Crouzy
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Per-Olav Moksnes
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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48
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Bergström L, Karlsson M, Bergström U, Pihl L, Kraufvelin P. Distribution of mesopredatory fish determined by habitat variables in a predator-depleted coastal system. MARINE BIOLOGY 2016; 163:201. [PMID: 27656003 PMCID: PMC5014906 DOI: 10.1007/s00227-016-2977-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Shallow nearshore habitats are highly valued for supporting marine ecosystems, but are subject to intense human-induced pressures. Mesopredatory fish are key components in coastal food webs, and alterations in their abundance may have evident effects also on other parts of the ecosystem. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between the abundance of coastal mesopredatory fish, defined as mid-trophic level demersal and benthic species with a diet consisting predominantly of invertebrates, and ambient environmental variables in a fjord system influenced by both eutrophication and overfishing. A field survey was conducted over a coastal gradient comprising 300 data points sampled consistently for fish community and environmental data. Results from multivariate and univariate analyses supported each other, demonstrating that mesopredatory fish abundance at species and functional group level was positively related to the cover of structurally complex vegetation and negatively related to eutrophication, as measured by water transparency. Contrary to other studies showing an inverse relationship to piscivore abundance over time, the spatial distribution of mesopredatory fish was not locally regulated by the abundance of piscivorous fish, probably attributed to piscivores being at historically low levels due to previous overfishing. Mesopredatory fish abundance was highest in areas with high habitat quality and positively related to the abundance of piscivores, suggesting a predominance of bottom-up processes. We conclude that, in parallel with ongoing regulations of fishing pressure, measures to restore habitat function and food web productivity are important for the recovery of coastal fish communities in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Bergström
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Coastal Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skolgatan 6, 74242 Öregrund, Sweden
| | - Martin Karlsson
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Coastal Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skolgatan 6, 74242 Öregrund, Sweden
| | - Ulf Bergström
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Coastal Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skolgatan 6, 74242 Öregrund, Sweden
| | - Leif Pihl
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Gothenburg University, Kristineberg 566, 45178 Fiskebäckskil, Sweden
| | - Patrik Kraufvelin
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Coastal Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skolgatan 6, 74242 Öregrund, Sweden
- Environmental and Marine Biology, Department of Biosciences, Åbo Akademi University, Artillerigatan 6, 20520 Turku, Finland
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