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Carpenter S, Stamoulis KA, Mateos-Molina D, Pittman SJ, Antonopoulou M, Das HS, Evans C. Interconnectivity can be as important as habitat type in explaining carbon stocks in the coastal lagoons of arid regions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175504. [PMID: 39147060 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Coastal blue carbon ecosystems, typically comprising interconnected habitat mosaics, are globally important pathways of carbon sequestration and play a significant role in climate change regulation and mitigation. Current coastal management strategies often rely on simplified regional carbon stock estimates, that overlook the geographical variability and intricate ecological dynamics within these ecosystems. This study adopts a seascape ecology approach to evaluate the role of multiple seascape characteristics on carbon storage in two arid region coastal lagoons. We show that seascape location is the most influential driver of carbon stocks. Additionally, carbon isotopic variability, a proxy for connectivity, can be as influential as habitat type, particularly in the UAQ lagoon. This challenges the conventional reliance on data from individual habitat types (e.g., seagrass, mangrove, or tidal marsh) and highlights the context-dependency of carbon stocks. Moreover, the specific characteristics driving carbon stocks vary between seascapes: in Khor Faridah, connectivity to seagrass and mangrove habitats is crucial, while in the UAQ lagoon, sheltered and elevated areas are more influential. Our findings suggest that the interconnectivity between different habitat types, such as mangroves and saltmarshes, significantly enhances carbon storage. This is especially pronounced in large, sheltered mangrove habitat types within upper intertidal zones. Notably, small patches of mangroves, up to 10 ha, are associated with an approximate 10 % increase in carbon stocks. These results underscore the need for a more holistic, context-specific approach to designing nature-based solutions for coastal management and ecosystem restoration. By considering the specific characteristics and connectivity of seascape mosaics, we can more effectively enhance carbon stock potential in coastal ecosystems. This study contributes to a deeper spatially explicit understanding of the complex factors influencing carbon stocks in blue carbon ecosystems, highlighting the importance of tailored management strategies that reflect the unique ecological patterns of each seascape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Carpenter
- Emirates Nature - World Wide Fund for Nature, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | | | | | - Simon J Pittman
- Oxford Seascape Ecology Lab, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QY, United Kingdom; Seascape Analytics Ltd, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Marina Antonopoulou
- Emirates Nature - World Wide Fund for Nature, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Himansu S Das
- Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Claire Evans
- National Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, United Kingdom
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2
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Saavedra-Hortua D, Nagelkerken I, Estupinan-Suarez LM, Gillis LG. Effects of connectivity on carbon and nitrogen stocks in mangrove and seagrass ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 896:164829. [PMID: 37327886 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Seascape connectivity increases carbon and nitrogen exchange across coastal ecosystems through flow of particulate organic matter (POM). However, there are still critical gaps in knowledge about the drivers that mediate these processes, especially at regional seascape scales. The aim of this study was to associate three seascape-level drivers which could influence carbon and nitrogen stocks in intertidal coastal seascape: connectivity between ecosystems, ecosystem surface area, and standing vegetation biomass of ecosystems. Firstly, we compared whether connected mangrove and seagrass ecosystems contain larger carbon and nitrogen storage than isolated mangrove and seagrass ecosystems. Secondly, we compared autochthonous and allochthonous POM in mangrove patches and seagrass beds, simultaneously estimating the area and biomass relative contribution to POM of the different coastal vegetated ecosystem. Connected vs isolated mangrove and seagrass ecosystems were studied at six locations in a temperate seascape, and their carbon and nitrogen content in the standing vegetation biomass and sediments were measured. POM contributions of these and surrounding ecosystems were determined using stable isotopic tracers. In connected mangrove-seagrass seascapes, mangroves occupied 3 % of total coastal ecosystem surface area, however, their standing biomass carbon content and nitrogen per unit area was 9-12 times higher than seagrasses and twice as high as macroalgal beds (both in connected and isolated seascapes). Additionally in connected mangrove-seagrass seascapes, the largest contributors to POM were mangroves (10-50 %) and macroalgal beds (20-50 %). In isolated seagrasses, seagrass (37-77 %) and macroalgal thalli (9-43 %) contributed the most, whilst in the isolated mangrove, salt marshes were the main contributor (17-47 %). Seagrass connectivity enhances mangrove carbon sequestration per unit area, whilst internal attributes enhance seagrass carbon sequestration. Mangroves and macroalgal beds are potential critical contributors of nitrogen and carbon to other ecosystems. Considering all ecosystems as a continuing system with seascape-level connectivity will support management and improve knowledge of critical ecosystem services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Saavedra-Hortua
- Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) Fahrenheitstraße 6, 28359 Bremen GmbH, Germany; ecosecurities, Rue de la Faïencerie 2, 1227, Carouge, Switzerland.
| | - Ivan Nagelkerken
- Southern Seas Ecology Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, DX 650 418, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
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3
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Egea LG, Pérez-Estrada CJ, Jiménez-Ramos R, Hernández I, López-López S, Brun FG. Changes in carbon metabolism and dissolved organic carbon fluxes on seagrass patches (Halodule wrightii) with different ages in Southern Gulf of California. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 191:106136. [PMID: 37591164 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Seagrass meadows are highly dynamic, particularly in sites where extreme climatological events may produce a mosaic of patches with different ages. This study evaluates the community carbon metabolism, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) fluxes and associated fauna in patches of Halodule wrightii with different ages since establishment. Net community production declined as patch age increased, probably due to the increase in non-photosynthetic tissues, higher respiration rates of the community assemblage and a likely increase in self-shading of the canopy. The export of DOC was significantly higher in the youngest patches, mainly as a consequence of the lower seagrass net production recorded in older meadows. We concluded that 'colonizers' seagrass species may show higher production rates and DOC release during the first stages of colonization, which suggest that, the production, organic carbon exportation and their role as relevant blue carbon communities may be higher than expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis G Egea
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, International Campus of Excellence of the Sea (CEIMAR), 11510 Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain.
| | - Claudia J Pérez-Estrada
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, International Campus of Excellence of the Sea (CEIMAR), 11510 Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain; Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C., Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Col. Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, 23096 La Paz, BCS, Mexico
| | - Rocío Jiménez-Ramos
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, International Campus of Excellence of the Sea (CEIMAR), 11510 Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain
| | - Ignacio Hernández
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, International Campus of Excellence of the Sea (CEIMAR), 11510 Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain
| | - Silverio López-López
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR), Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional s/n, Col. Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, C. P. 23096, La Paz, BCS, Mexico
| | - Fernando G Brun
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, International Campus of Excellence of the Sea (CEIMAR), 11510 Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain
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Du Y, Zhao H, Peng X, Zhou X, Yang X, Li Y, Yan M, Cui Y, Sun G. A novel phenanthroline[9,10-d] imidazole-based fluorescent sensor for Hg2+ with “turn-on” fluorescence response. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2023.114604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Hyndes GA, Berdan EL, Duarte C, Dugan JE, Emery KA, Hambäck PA, Henderson CJ, Hubbard DM, Lastra M, Mateo MA, Olds A, Schlacher TA. The role of inputs of marine wrack and carrion in sandy-beach ecosystems: a global review. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:2127-2161. [PMID: 35950352 PMCID: PMC9804821 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Sandy beaches are iconic interfaces that functionally link the ocean with the land via the flow of organic matter from the sea. These cross-ecosystem fluxes often comprise uprooted seagrass and dislodged macroalgae that can form substantial accumulations of detritus, termed 'wrack', on sandy beaches. In addition, the tissue of the carcasses of marine animals that regularly wash up on beaches form a rich food source ('carrion') for a diversity of scavenging animals. Here, we provide a global review of how wrack and carrion provide spatial subsidies that shape the structure and functioning of sandy-beach ecosystems (sandy beaches and adjacent surf zones), which typically have little in situ primary production. We also examine the spatial scaling of the influence of these processes across the broader land- and seascape, and identify key gaps in our knowledge to guide future research directions and priorities. Large quantities of detrital kelp and seagrass can flow into sandy-beach ecosystems, where microbial decomposers and animals process it. The rates of wrack supply and its retention are influenced by the oceanographic processes that transport it, the geomorphology and landscape context of the recipient beaches, and the condition, life history and morphological characteristics of the macrophyte taxa that are the ultimate source of wrack. When retained in beach ecosystems, wrack often creates hotspots of microbial metabolism, secondary productivity, biodiversity, and nutrient remineralization. Nutrients are produced during wrack breakdown, and these can return to coastal waters in surface flows (swash) and aquifers discharging into the subtidal surf. Beach-cast kelp often plays a key trophic role, being an abundant and preferred food source for mobile, semi-aquatic invertebrates that channel imported algal matter to predatory invertebrates, fish, and birds. The role of beach-cast marine carrion is likely to be underestimated, as it can be consumed rapidly by highly mobile scavengers (e.g. foxes, coyotes, raptors, vultures). These consumers become important vectors in transferring marine productivity inland, thereby linking marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Whilst deposits of organic matter on sandy-beach ecosystems underpin a range of ecosystem functions and services, they can be at variance with aesthetic perceptions resulting in widespread activities, such as 'beach cleaning and grooming'. This practice diminishes the energetic base of food webs, intertidal fauna, and biodiversity. Global declines in seagrass beds and kelp forests (linked to global warming) are predicted to cause substantial reductions in the amounts of marine organic matter reaching many beach ecosystems, likely causing flow-on effects for food webs and biodiversity. Similarly, future sea-level rise and increased storm frequency are likely to alter profoundly the physical attributes of beaches, which in turn can change the rates at which beaches retain and process the influxes of wrack and animal carcasses. Conservation of the multi-faceted ecosystem services that sandy beaches provide will increasingly need to encompass a greater societal appreciation and the safeguarding of ecological functions reliant on beach-cast organic matter on innumerable ocean shores worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn A. Hyndes
- Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, School of ScienceEdith Cowan UniversityJoondalupWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Emma L. Berdan
- Department of Marine SciencesUniversity of GothenburgGöteborgSweden
| | - Cristian Duarte
- Departamento de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Facultad de Ciencias de la VidaUniversidad Andres BelloSantiagoChile
| | - Jenifer E. Dugan
- Marine Science InstituteUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCA93106USA
| | - Kyle A. Emery
- Marine Science InstituteUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCA93106USA
| | - Peter A. Hambäck
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant SciencesStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
| | - Christopher J. Henderson
- School of Science, Technology, and EngineeringUniversity of the Sunshine CoastMaroochydoreQueenslandAustralia
| | - David M. Hubbard
- Marine Science InstituteUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCA93106USA
| | - Mariano Lastra
- Centro de Investigación Mariña, Edificio CC ExperimentaisUniversidade de Vigo, Campus de Vigo36310VigoSpain
| | - Miguel A. Mateo
- Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, School of ScienceEdith Cowan UniversityJoondalupWestern AustraliaAustralia,Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Blanes, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasBlanesSpain
| | - Andrew Olds
- School of Science, Technology, and EngineeringUniversity of the Sunshine CoastMaroochydoreQueenslandAustralia
| | - Thomas A. Schlacher
- School of Science, Technology, and EngineeringUniversity of the Sunshine CoastMaroochydoreQueenslandAustralia
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6
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Olson AM, Prentice C, Monteith ZL, VanMaanen D, Juanes F, Hessing-Lewis M. Grazing preference and isotopic contributions of kelp to Zostera marina mesograzers. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:991744. [PMID: 36311148 PMCID: PMC9608150 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.991744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In seagrass food webs, small invertebrate mesograzers often exert top-down control on algal epiphytes growing on seagrass blades, which in turn releases the seagrass from competition for light and nutrients. Yet, nearshore habitat boundaries are permeable, and allochthonous subsidies can provide alternative food sources to in-situ production in seagrass meadows, which may in turn alter mesograzer-epiphyte interactions. We examined the contribution of allochthonous kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana), autochthonous epiphytic macroalgal (Smithora naiadum), Ulva lactuca, and seagrass production to mesograzer diets in a subtidal Zostera marina (eelgrass) meadow. In both choice feeding experiments and isotopic analysis, mesograzer diets revealed a preference for allochthonous N. luetkeana over Z. marina, S. naiadum, and U. lactuca. Notably, Idotea resecata showed an ~20x greater consumption rate for N. luetkeana in feeding experiments over other macrophytes. In the meadow, we found a positive relationship between epiphytic S. naiadum and gammarid amphipod biomass suggesting weak top-down control on the S. naiadum biomass. Epiphyte biomass may be driven by bottom-up factors such as environmental conditions, or the availability and preference of allochthonous kelp, though further work is needed to disentangle these interactions. Additionally, we found that gammarid and caprellid amphipod biomass were positively influenced by adjacency to kelp at seagrass meadow edges. Our findings suggest that N. luetkeana kelp subsidies are important to the diets of mesograzers in Z. marina meadows. Spatial planning and management of marine areas should consider trophic linkages between kelp and eelgrass habitats as a critical seascape feature if the goal is to conserve nearshore food web structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeleen M. Olson
- Nearshore Ecology, Hakai Institute, Heriot Bay, BC, Canada
- Fisheries Ecology and Conservation Lab, Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Francis Juanes
- Fisheries Ecology and Conservation Lab, Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Margot Hessing-Lewis
- Nearshore Ecology, Hakai Institute, Heriot Bay, BC, Canada
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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7
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Borland HP, Gilby BL, Henderson CJ, Connolly RM, Gorissen B, Ortodossi NL, Rummell AJ, Pittman SJ, Sheaves M, Olds AD. Dredging transforms the seafloor and enhances functional diversity in urban seascapes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 831:154811. [PMID: 35351501 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Landscape modification alters the condition of ecosystems and the complexity of terrain, with consequences for animal assemblages and ecosystem functioning. In coastal seascapes, dredging is routine practice for extracting sediments and maintaining navigation channels worldwide. Dredging modifies processes and assemblages by favouring species with wide trophic niches, diverse habitat requirements and tolerances to dredge-related eutrophication and sedimentation. Dredging also transforms the three-dimensional features of the seafloor, but the functional consequences of these terrain changes remain unclear. We investigated the effects of terrain modification on the functional diversity of fish assemblages in natural and dredged estuaries to examine whether dredging programs could be optimised to minimise impacts on ecological functioning. Fish assemblages were surveyed with baited remote underwater video stations and variation in functional niche space was described using species traits to calculate metrics that index functional diversity. Terrain variation was quantified with nine complementary surface metrics including depth, aspect, curvature, slope and roughness extracted from sonar-derived bathymetry maps. Functional diversity was, surprisingly, higher in dredged estuaries, which supported more generalist species with wider functional niches, and from lower trophic levels, than natural estuaries. These positive effects of dredging on functional diversity were, however, spatially restricted and were linked to both the area and orientation of terrain modification. Functional diversity was highest in urban estuaries where dredged channels were small (i.e. <1% of the estuary), and where channel slopes were orientated towards the poles (i.e. 171-189°), promoting both terrain variation and light penetration in urban estuaries. Our findings highlight previously unrecognised functional consequences of terrain modification that can easily be incorporated into dredging programs. We demonstrate that restricting the spatial extent of dredging operations and the orientation of dredged channel slopes, wherever this is practical, could help to limit impacts on ecosystem functioning and productivity in urban seascapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayden P Borland
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia.
| | - Ben L Gilby
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia
| | - Christopher J Henderson
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia
| | - Rod M Connolly
- Coastal and Marine Research Centre, Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Bob Gorissen
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia
| | - Nicholas L Ortodossi
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia
| | - Ashley J Rummell
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia
| | - Simon J Pittman
- Oxford Seascape Ecology Lab, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QY, United Kingdom
| | - Marcus Sheaves
- College of Science and Engineering and Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Andrew D Olds
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia
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Hurd CL, Law CS, Bach LT, Britton D, Hovenden M, Paine ER, Raven JA, Tamsitt V, Boyd PW. Forensic carbon accounting: Assessing the role of seaweeds for carbon sequestration. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2022; 58:347-363. [PMID: 35286717 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Carbon sequestration is defined as the secure storage of carbon-containing molecules for >100 years, and in the context of carbon dioxide removal for climate mitigation, the origin of this CO2 is from the atmosphere. On land, trees globally sequester substantial amounts of carbon in woody biomass, and an analogous role for seaweeds in ocean carbon sequestration has been suggested. The purposeful expansion of natural seaweed beds and aquaculture systems, including into the open ocean (ocean afforestation), has been proposed as a method of increasing carbon sequestration and use in carbon trading and offset schemes. However, to verify whether CO2 fixed by seaweeds through photosynthesis leads to carbon sequestration is extremely complex in the marine environment compared to terrestrial systems, because of the need to jointly consider: the comparatively rapid turnover of seaweed biomass, tracing the fate of carbon via particulate and dissolved organic carbon pathways in dynamic coastal waters, and the key role of atmosphere-ocean CO2 exchange. We propose a Forensic Carbon Accounting approach, in which a thorough analysis of carbon flows between the atmosphere and ocean, and into and out of seaweeds would be undertaken, for assessing the magnitude of CO2 removal and robust attribution of carbon sequestration to seaweeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catriona L Hurd
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - Cliff S Law
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Wellington, 6021, New Zealand
- Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Lennart T Bach
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - Damon Britton
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - Mark Hovenden
- Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - Ellie R Paine
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - John A Raven
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Dundee at the James Hutton Institute, Dundee, DD2 5DA, UK
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology, Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
- School of Biological Science, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Veronica Tamsitt
- University of South Florida College of Marine Science, 830 1st St S, St Petersburg, Florida, 33701, USA
- Climate Change Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - Philip W Boyd
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
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Borland HP, Gilby BL, Henderson CJ, Connolly RM, Gorissen B, Ortodossi NL, Rummell AJ, Nagelkerken I, Pittman SJ, Sheaves M, Olds AD. Seafloor Terrain Shapes the Three-dimensional Nursery Value of Mangrove and Seagrass Habitats. Ecosystems 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10021-022-00767-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractMangroves and seagrasses are important nurseries for many marine species, and this function is linked to the complexity and context of these habitats in coastal seascapes. It is also connected to bathymetric features that influence habitat availability, and the accessibility of refuge habitats, but the significance of terrain variation for nursery function is unknown. To test whether seafloor terrain influences nursery function, we surveyed fish assemblages from mangrove and seagrass habitats in 29 estuaries in eastern Australia with unbaited underwater cameras and quantified the surrounding three-dimensional terrain with a set of complementary surface metrics (that is, depth, aspect, curvature, slope, roughness) applied to sonar-derived bathymetric maps. Terrain metrics explained variability in assemblages in both mangroves and seagrasses, with differing effects for the entire fish assemblage and nursery species composition, and between habitats. Higher depth, plan curvature (concavity or convexity) and roughness (backscatter) were negatively correlated with abundance and diversity in mangroves and positively linked to abundance and diversity in seagrass. Mangrove nursery species (6 species) were most abundant in forests adjacent to flats with concave holes, rough substrates and low-moderate depths, whereas seagrass nursery species (3 species) were most abundant in meadows adjacent to deep channels with soft mounds and ledges. These findings indicate that seafloor terrain influences nursery function and demonstrate contrasting effects of terrain variation in mangroves and seagrass. We suggest that incorporating three-dimensional terrain into coastal conservation and restoration plans could help to improve outcomes for fisheries management, but contrasting strategies might be needed for different nursery habitats.
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Ecological Role of Bacteria Involved in the Biogeochemical Cycles of Mangroves Based on Functional Genes Detected through GeoChip 5.0. mSphere 2022; 7:e0093621. [PMID: 35019668 PMCID: PMC8754168 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00936-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mangroves provide a variety of ecosystem services and contribute greatly to the global biogeochemical cycle. Microorganisms play important roles in biogeochemical cycles and maintain the dynamic balance of mangroves. However, the roles of bacteria in the biogeochemical cycles of mangroves and their ecological distribution and functions remain largely uncharacterized. This study thus sought to analyze and compare the ecological distributions and potential roles of bacteria in typical mangroves using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and GeoChip. Interestingly, the bacterial community compositions were largely similar in the studied mangroves, including Shenzhen, Yunxiao, Zhanjiang, Hainan, Hongkong, Fangchenggang, and Beihai mangroves. Moreover, gamma-proteobacterium_uncultured and Woeseia were the most abundant microorganisms in the mangroves. Furthermore, most of the bacterial communities were significantly correlated with phosphorus levels (P < 0.05; −0.93 < R < 0.93), suggesting that this nutrient is a vital driver of bacterial community composition. Additionally, GeoChip analysis indicated that the functional genes amyA, narG, dsrA, and ppx were highly abundant in the studied mangroves, suggesting that carbon degradation, denitrification, sulfite reduction, and polyphosphate degradation are crucial processes in typical mangroves. Moreover, several genera were found to synergistically participate in biogeochemical cycles in mangroves. For instance, Neisseria, Ruegeria, Rhodococcus, Desulfotomaculum, and Gordonia were synergistically involved in the carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles, whereas Neisseria and Treponema were synergistically involved in the nitrogen cycle and the sulfur cycle. Taken together, our findings provide novel insights into the ecological roles of bacteria in the biogeochemical cycles of mangroves. IMPORTANCE Bacteria have important functions in biogeochemical cycles, but studies on their function in an important ecosystem, mangroves, are still limited. Here, we investigated the ecological role of bacteria involved in biogeochemical cycles in seven representative mangroves of southern China. Furthermore, various functional genes from bacteria involved in biogeochemical cycles were identified by GeoChip 5.0. The functional genes associated with the carbon cycle (particularly carbon degradation) were the most abundant, suggesting that carbon degradation is the most active process in mangroves. Additionally, some high-abundance bacterial populations were found to synergistically mediate key biogeochemical cycles in the mangroves, including Neisseria, Pseudomonas, Treponema, Desulfotomaculum, and Nitrosospira. In a word, our study gives novel insights into the function of bacteria in biogeochemical cycles in mangroves.
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11
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Ren L, Jensen K, Porada P, Mueller P. Biota-mediated carbon cycling-A synthesis of biotic-interaction controls on blue carbon. Ecol Lett 2022; 25:521-540. [PMID: 35006633 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Research into biotic interactions has been a core theme of ecology for over a century. However, despite the obvious role that biota play in the global carbon cycle, the effects of biotic interactions on carbon pools and fluxes are poorly understood. Here we develop a conceptual framework that illustrates the importance of biotic interactions in regulating carbon cycling based on a literature review and a quantitative synthesis by means of meta-analysis. Our study focuses on blue carbon ecosystems-vegetated coastal ecosystems that function as the most effective long-term CO2 sinks of the biosphere. We demonstrate that a multitude of mutualistic, competitive and consumer-resource interactions between plants, animals and microbiota exert strong effects on carbon cycling across various spatial scales ranging from the rhizosphere to the landscape scale. Climate change-sensitive abiotic factors modulate the strength of biotic-interaction effects on carbon fluxes, suggesting that the importance of biota-mediated carbon cycling will change under future climatic conditions. Strong effects of biotic interactions on carbon cycling imply that biosphere-climate feedbacks may not be sufficiently represented in current Earth system models. Inclusion of new functional groups in these models, and new approaches to simplify species interactions, may thus improve the predictions of biotic effects on the global climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjing Ren
- Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.,State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Kai Jensen
- Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Porada
- Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peter Mueller
- Institute of Plant Science and Microbiology, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.,Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, Maryland, USA
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12
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Diversity and abundance of diazotrophic communities of seagrass Halophila ovalis based on genomic and transcript level in Daya Bay, South China Sea. Arch Microbiol 2021; 203:5577-5589. [PMID: 34436633 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-021-02544-8] [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: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Seagrass ecosystems are among the most productive marine ecosystems, and diazotrophic communities play a crucial role in sustaining the productivity and stability of such ecosystems by introducing fixed nitrogen. However, information concerning both total and active diazotrophic groups existing in different compartments of seagrass is lacking. This study comprehensively investigated the diversity, structure, and abundance of diazotrophic communities in different parts of the seagrass Halophila ovalis at the DNA and RNA level from clone libraries and real-time quantitative PCR. Our results indicated that nearly one-third of existing nitrogen-fixing bacteria were active, and their abundance might be controlled by nitrogen to phosphorus ratio (N:P). Deltaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria were dominant groups among the total and active diazotrophic communities in all samples. These two groups accounted for 82.21% and 70.96% at the DNA and RNA levels, respectively. The genus Pseudomonas and sulfate-reducing bacteria (genera: Desulfosarcina, Desulfobulbus, Desulfocapsa, and Desulfopila) constituted the significant fraction of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the seagrass ecosystem, playing an additional role in denitrification and sulfate reduction, respectively. Moreover, the abundance of the nitrogenase gene, nifH, was highest in seawater and lowest in rhizosphere sediments from all samples. This study highlighted the role of diazotropic communities in the subtropical seagrass ecosystem.
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13
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Kahma TI, Karlson AML, Liénart C, Mörth CM, Humborg C, Norkko A, Rodil IF. Food-web comparisons between two shallow vegetated habitat types in the Baltic Sea. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 169:105402. [PMID: 34246890 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105402] [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: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Coastal vegetated habitats maintain highly diverse communities, where the contribution of macrophyte production is significant for macroinvertebrate primary consumers. In the brackish-waters of the Baltic Sea, the taxonomical diversity of different macrophytes includes both marine and limnic species. To study the basal food-web differences of two key vegetated habitat types, either dominated by a perennial brown macroalgae (Fucus vesiculosus) or by angiosperm plants, 13C and 15N compositions of different primary producers and macroinvertebrate consumers were examined, and their diets were estimated by Bayesian mixing models. Carbon isotope diversity of primary producers was high especially in the hard-bottom Fucus-dominated habitats, which was also reflected in a larger consumer isotope niche. However, consumer isotope niche among sites was similar within the same habitat type. Our models indicated that the perennial macrophyte dietary median contribution was about 25% for deposit feeders and omnivores in both habitat types, while epigrazers preferred filamentous algae (30-60%). The niche positions of the abundant clams L. balthica, M. arenaria and C. glaucum differed between the two habitats, but they showed only small (<10% units) differences in their macrophyte dietary contributions. The isotopic compositions of the dominating primary producer assemblage reflected significantly in the isotope niche structure of the associated primary consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- T I Kahma
- Tvärminne Zoological Station, University of Helsinki, Hanko, Finland.
| | - A M L Karlson
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; Baltic Sea Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - C Liénart
- Tvärminne Zoological Station, University of Helsinki, Hanko, Finland; Baltic Sea Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - C-M Mörth
- Department of Geological Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - C Humborg
- Tvärminne Zoological Station, University of Helsinki, Hanko, Finland; Baltic Sea Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - A Norkko
- Tvärminne Zoological Station, University of Helsinki, Hanko, Finland; Baltic Sea Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - I F Rodil
- Tvärminne Zoological Station, University of Helsinki, Hanko, Finland; Baltic Sea Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; Departamento de Biología, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), University of Cádiz, Spain.
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14
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Henriques M, Granadeiro JP, Piersma T, Leão S, Pontes S, Catry T. Assessing the contribution of mangrove carbon and of other basal sources to intertidal flats adjacent to one of the largest West African mangrove forests. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 169:105331. [PMID: 33878552 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mangrove forests are productive habitats and major potential exporters of organic matter and nutrients to adjacent habitats. Here we examine the extent to which mangrove carbon is transferred to adjacent intertidal food webs in the second largest mangrove-covered area in Africa, in Guinea-Bissau. Applying stable isotope analysis and mixing models, we made comparisons at two spatial scales: (1) a large scale, comparing intertidal flats with (mangrove sites) and without (control sites) adjacent mangrove forests regarding the carbon isotopic signature of macrozoobenthos and sediment organic matter (SOM), and the relative importance of potential primary food sources in sustaining macrozoobenthos, and (2) a fine scale, performing stable carbon isotope measurements along 200 m transects from the coastline out to open intertidal flats, to trace mangrove carbon in macrozoobenthos and in the SOM. We found no evidence that mangrove carbon sustains intertidal food webs, despite SOM being significantly more depleted in 13C in mangrove sites. Mangrove leaves had the lowest relative contribution to the diet of macrozoobenthos, while macroalgae, benthic microalgae and POM showed variable but overall relevant contributions. Yet, at a smaller scale, mangrove carbon was detectable in SOM and in most macrozoobenthos, being strongest within 50 m of the mangrove edge and quickly fading with increasing distance. Our results suggest that there is only a marginal input of mangrove carbon into the food webs of unvegetated intertidal flats. Still, this leaves open the possibility of mangrove forests acting as sources of dissolved inorganic carbon and processed nitrogen, which can be assimilated by the algae and subsequently fuel adjacent food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Henriques
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Conservation Ecology Group, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - José Pedro Granadeiro
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Theunis Piersma
- Conservation Ecology Group, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, the Netherlands; NIOZ - Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Coastal Systems, the Netherlands
| | - Seco Leão
- Village of Menegue, Island of Canhabaque, Bijagos archipelago, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Samuel Pontes
- Instituto da Biodiversidade e Áreas Protegidas Dr. Alfredo Simão da Silva - IBAP, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Teresa Catry
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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15
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Martins M, de los Santos CB, Masqué P, Carrasco AR, Veiga-Pires C, Santos R. Carbon and Nitrogen Stocks and Burial Rates in Intertidal Vegetated Habitats of a Mesotidal Coastal Lagoon. Ecosystems 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10021-021-00660-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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16
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Skinner C, Mill AC, Fox MD, Newman SP, Zhu Y, Kuhl A, Polunin NVC. Offshore pelagic subsidies dominate carbon inputs to coral reef predators. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/8/eabf3792. [PMID: 33608282 PMCID: PMC7895429 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf3792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs were traditionally perceived as productive hot spots in oligotrophic waters. While modern evidence indicates that many coral reef food webs are heavily subsidized by planktonic production, the pathways through which this occurs remain unresolved. We used the analytical power of carbon isotope analysis of essential amino acids to distinguish between alternative carbon pathways supporting four key reef predators across an oceanic atoll. This technique separates benthic versus planktonic inputs, further identifying two distinct planktonic pathways (nearshore reef-associated plankton and offshore pelagic plankton), and revealing that these reef predators are overwhelmingly sustained by offshore pelagic sources rather than by reef sources (including reef-associated plankton). Notably, pelagic reliance did not vary between species or reef habitats, emphasizing that allochthonous energetic subsidies may have system-wide importance. These results help explain how coral reefs maintain exceptional productivity in apparently nutrient-poor tropical settings, but also emphasize their susceptibility to future ocean productivity fluctuations.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Skinner
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK.
- Department of Ocean Science and Hong Kong Branch of the Southern Marine Science and Engineering, Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - A C Mill
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - M D Fox
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Rd, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA
| | - S P Newman
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
- Banyan Tree Marine Lab, Vabbinfaru Resort, North Malé Atoll, Republic of Maldives
| | - Y Zhu
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - A Kuhl
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - N V C Polunin
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
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17
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Spatial and Temporal Patterns in Macroherbivore Grazing in a Multi-Species Tropical Seagrass Meadow of the Great Barrier Reef. DIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/d13010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Macroherbivory is an important process in seagrass meadows worldwide; however, the impact of macroherbivores on seagrasses in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) has received little attention. We used exclusion cages and seagrass tethering assays to understand how the intensity of macroherbivory varies over space and time in the seagrass meadows around Green Island (Queensland), and what impact this has on overall meadow structure. Rates of macroherbivory were comparatively low, between 0.25–44% of daily seagrass productivity; however, rates were highly variable over a one-year period, and among sites. Loss of seagrass material to macroherbivory was predominantly due to fish; however, urchin herbivory was also taking place. Macroherbivory rates were of insufficient intensity to impact overall meadow structure. No macroherbivory events were identified on video cameras that filmed in the day, indicating that feeding may be occurring infrequently in large shoals, or at night. While relatively low compared to some meadows, seagrass macroherbivory was still an important process at this site. We suggest that in this highly protected area of the GBR, where the ecosystem and food webs remain largely intact, macroherbivory was maintained at a low level and was unlikely to cause the large-scale meadow structuring influence that can be seen in more modified seagrass systems.
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18
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Hayes HG, Kalhori PS, Weiss M, Grier SR, Fong P, Fong CR. Storms may disrupt top-down control of algal turf on fringing reefs. CORAL REEFS (ONLINE) 2021; 40:269-273. [PMID: 33424105 PMCID: PMC7784215 DOI: 10.1007/s00338-020-02045-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Storms strongly affect coral reefs; one unstudied but potentially important outcome may be a decrease in herbivory, presumably through changes to freshwater, sediment and nutrient influx. Algal turfs are sensitive early indicators of reef condition, and experimental evidence demonstrates low sediment loads and strong herbivory maintain short, healthy turf. While unknown, storms likely disrupt these controlling forces. We have observed storms that generate frequent, visible sediment plumes in Moorea, French Polynesia. To evaluate the effects of storms on herbivory, we conducted a set of field experiments manipulating herbivore access to naturally occurring turf under three rainfall regimes: no rain, light rain, and heavy rain that generated a plume event. We found strong effects of herbivores except following the storm, indicating disruption of typically strong top-down control by herbivores on algal turfs. Further research into the underlying mechanisms is critical as storm intensities and watershed development increase in many tropical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah G. Hayes
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Pooneh S. Kalhori
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Marcus Weiss
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Shalanda R. Grier
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Peggy Fong
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Caitlin R. Fong
- Department of Biology, California State University, Northridge, Los Angeles, USA
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19
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Kahma TI, Karlson AML, Sun X, Mörth CM, Humborg C, Norkko A, Rodil IF. Macroalgae fuels coastal soft-sediment macrofauna: A triple-isotope approach across spatial scales. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 162:105163. [PMID: 33137597 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Shallow coastal zones may provide cross-habitat nutrient subsidies for benthic communities offshore, as macrophyte matter can drift to deeper sediments. To study the relative importance of carbon and nutrient flows derived from different primary food sources in a coastal ecosystem, the diets of clam Macoma balthica, polychaete Marenzelleria spp. and mussel Mytilus trossulus were examined across environmental gradients in the northern Baltic Sea using a triple-isotope approach (i.e. 13C, 15N and 34S) and Bayesian mixing models (MixSIAR). Our results suggest that in shallow habitats, production from Fucus vesiculosus is the primary energy source for M. balthica. The proportion of macroalgae-derived matter in the diet of M. balthica and Marenzelleria spp. decreased following a depth gradient. Our models for M. trossulus indicate that the pelagic POM dominates its diet. Our results indicate a trophic connectivity between shallow macrophyte-dominated and deeper habitats, which receive significant amounts of nutrient subsidies from shallower areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- T I Kahma
- University of Helsinki, Tvärminne Zoological Station, J. A. Palménin Tie 260, 10900 Hanko, Finland.
| | - A M L Karlson
- Stockholm University, Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Science, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden; Stockholm University, Baltic Sea Centre, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - X Sun
- Stockholm University, Baltic Sea Centre, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - C-M Mörth
- Stockholm University, Department of Geological Sciences, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - C Humborg
- University of Helsinki, Tvärminne Zoological Station, J. A. Palménin Tie 260, 10900 Hanko, Finland; Stockholm University, Baltic Sea Centre, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - A Norkko
- University of Helsinki, Tvärminne Zoological Station, J. A. Palménin Tie 260, 10900 Hanko, Finland; Stockholm University, Baltic Sea Centre, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - I F Rodil
- University of Helsinki, Tvärminne Zoological Station, J. A. Palménin Tie 260, 10900 Hanko, Finland; Stockholm University, Baltic Sea Centre, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
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20
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Baker R, Taylor MD, Able KW, Beck MW, Cebrian J, Colombano DD, Connolly RM, Currin C, Deegan LA, Feller IC, Gilby BL, Kimball ME, Minello TJ, Rozas LP, Simenstad C, Turner RE, Waltham NJ, Weinstein MP, Ziegler SL, Zu Ermgassen PSE, Alcott C, Alford SB, Barbeau MA, Crosby SC, Dodds K, Frank A, Goeke J, Goodridge Gaines LA, Hardcastle FE, Henderson CJ, James WR, Kenworthy MD, Lesser J, Mallick D, Martin CW, McDonald AE, McLuckie C, Morrison BH, Nelson JA, Norris GS, Ollerhead J, Pahl JW, Ramsden S, Rehage JS, Reinhardt JF, Rezek RJ, Risse LM, Smith JAM, Sparks EL, Staver LW. Fisheries rely on threatened salt marshes. Science 2020; 370:670-671. [PMID: 33154131 DOI: 10.1126/science.abe9332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Baker
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL 36528 USA.
| | - Matthew D Taylor
- Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Nelson Bay, NSW 2315, Australia
| | - Kenneth W Able
- Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Michael W Beck
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
| | - Just Cebrian
- Northern Gulf Institute, Mississippi State University, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529, USA
| | - Denise D Colombano
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Rod M Connolly
- Australian Rivers Institute-Coast & Estuaries, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Carolyn Currin
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - Linda A Deegan
- Woodwell Climate Research Center, Falmouth, MA 02540, USA
| | - Ilka C Feller
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD 21037, USA
| | - Ben L Gilby
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia
| | - Matthew E Kimball
- Baruch Marine Field Laboratory, University of South Carolina, Georgetown, SC 29442, USA
| | - Thomas J Minello
- NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Galveston, TX 77551, USA
| | - Lawrence P Rozas
- NOAA Fisheries, Estuarine Habitats and Coastal Fisheries Center, Lafayette, LA 70506, USA
| | - Charles Simenstad
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-5020, USA
| | - R Eugene Turner
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Nathan J Waltham
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, and Marine Data Technologies Hub, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - Michael P Weinstein
- New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium, Fort Hancock, Sandy Hook, NJ 07043, USA
| | | | - Philine S E Zu Ermgassen
- Changing Oceans Group, School of Geosciences, Grant Institute, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3FE, UK
| | | | - Scott B Alford
- University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Nature Coast Biological Station, University of Florida, Cedar Key, FL 32625 USA
| | - Myriam A Barbeau
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
| | | | - Kate Dodds
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Alyssa Frank
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL 36528 USA
| | - Janelle Goeke
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77554, USA
| | - Lucy A Goodridge Gaines
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia
| | - Felicity E Hardcastle
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia
| | - Christopher J Henderson
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia
| | - W Ryan James
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, USA
| | - Matthew D Kenworthy
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Savannah State University, Savannah, GA 31404, USA
| | - Justin Lesser
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, USA
| | - Debbrota Mallick
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL 36528 USA
| | - Charles W Martin
- University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Nature Coast Biological Station, University of Florida, Cedar Key, FL 32625 USA
| | - Ashley E McDonald
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77554, USA
| | - Catherine McLuckie
- Department of Environmental Science and Management, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia
| | - Blair H Morrison
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL 36528 USA
| | - James A Nelson
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504, USA
| | - Gregory S Norris
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Jeff Ollerhead
- Geography and Environment Department, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB E4L 1E4, Canada
| | - James W Pahl
- Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, USA
| | - Sarah Ramsden
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL 36528 USA
| | - Jennifer S Rehage
- Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | | | - Ryan J Rezek
- Department of Earth and Environment, Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - L Mark Risse
- University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | | | - Eric L Sparks
- Coastal Research and Extension Center, Mississippi State University, Biloxi, MS 39532, USA.,Mississippi Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA
| | - Lorie W Staver
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Horn Point Laboratory, Cambridge, MD 21617, USA
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21
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Jiménez-Arias JL, Morris E, Rubio-de-Inglés MJ, Peralta G, García-Robledo E, Corzo A, Papaspyrou S. Tidal elevation is the key factor modulating burial rates and composition of organic matter in a coastal wetland with multiple habitats. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 724:138205. [PMID: 32251882 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study examines long-term burial rates of organic carbon (OC), organic nitrogen (ON), and total sulphur (TS) in a tidal-dominated coastal wetland with a high spatial heterogeneity and habitat diversity, and long history of human impacts, Cádiz Bay (SW Spain). Using replicate sediment cores, we quantified fluxes of these elements over a transect, extending from the lower saltmarsh (Spartina maritima, ~0.3 m mean sea level, MSL) to the lower intertidal region (Zostera noltei, ~ - 0.7 m MSL). Potential organic matter (OM) sources to the sediment were examined using an extensive dataset on carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes, and C:N molar ratios of primary producers in the region. OC burial rates decreased from the sites below MSL (~80 gC·m-2·y-1) to the lower saltmarsh (~50 gC·m-2·y-1), whereas ON burial rates showed an opposite pattern (~3 gN·m-2·y-1 and ~4 gN·m-2·y-1 observed below and above MSL, respectively). TS burial rates (0.5-46 gS·m-2·y-1) did not show any trend along the sea-land gradient. Hence, (tidal) elevation appeared to be an important determinant of sediment biogeochemical properties, and predictor of OM burial rates. The Bayesian mixing model suggested a well-mixed combination of subtidal and terrestrial/high-marsh OM sources to the surface sediments, with no clear indication of an increased contribution from the particular vegetation species inhabiting the sediments. The indication that there is substantial transport, remineralization and cycling of OM between habitats, suggests diversity may play an important role in maintaining this function, reinforcing the idea that a holistic, catchment-scale view is appropriate for understanding and preserving the long-term burial of OM in coastal wetlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Luis Jiménez-Arias
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, Poligono Río San Pedro s/n, 11510, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain.
| | - Edward Morris
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, Poligono Río San Pedro s/n, 11510, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Maria Jesus Rubio-de-Inglés
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, Poligono Río San Pedro s/n, 11510, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Gloria Peralta
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, Poligono Río San Pedro s/n, 11510, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Universidad de Cádiz, Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEIMAR) Campus Universitario de Puerto Real, 11510, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Emilio García-Robledo
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, Poligono Río San Pedro s/n, 11510, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Universidad de Cádiz, Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEIMAR) Campus Universitario de Puerto Real, 11510, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Alfonso Corzo
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, Poligono Río San Pedro s/n, 11510, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Universidad de Cádiz, Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEIMAR) Campus Universitario de Puerto Real, 11510, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Sokratis Papaspyrou
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, Poligono Río San Pedro s/n, 11510, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Universidad de Cádiz, Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEIMAR) Campus Universitario de Puerto Real, 11510, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
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22
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Tarquinio F, Hyndes GA, Laverock B, Koenders A, Säwström C. The seagrass holobiont: understanding seagrass-bacteria interactions and their role in seagrass ecosystem functioning. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2020; 366:5382495. [PMID: 30883643 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnz057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
This review shows that the presence of seagrass microbial community is critical for the development of seagrasses; from seed germination, through to phytohormone production and enhanced nutrient availability, and defence against pathogens and saprophytes. The tight seagrass-bacterial relationship highlighted in this review supports the existence of a seagrass holobiont and adds to the growing evidence for the importance of marine eukaryotic microorganisms in sustaining vital ecosystems. Incorporating a micro-scale view on seagrass ecosystems substantially expands our understanding of ecosystem functioning and may have significant implications for future seagrass management and mitigation against human disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Tarquinio
- Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia.,Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Crawley, 6009, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Glenn A Hyndes
- Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Bonnie Laverock
- Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, 2007, Australia.,School of Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Annette Koenders
- Centre for Ecosystem Management, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, 6027, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Christin Säwström
- Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
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23
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Fong CR, Gaynus CJ, Carpenter RC. Extreme rainfall events pulse substantial nutrients and sediments from terrestrial to nearshore coastal communities: a case study from French Polynesia. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2955. [PMID: 32076043 PMCID: PMC7031339 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59807-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Rainfall mobilizes and transports anthropogenic sources of sediments and nutrients from terrestrial to coastal marine ecosystems, and episodic but extreme rainfall may drive high fluxes to marine communities. Between January 13th and January 22nd, 2017, the South Pacific Island of Moorea, French Polynesia experienced an extreme rainfall event. ~57 cm of rain was delivered over a 10-day storm. We quantified pulsed sediments and nutrients transported to nearshore reefs. We determined the spatial and temporal extent of the sediment pulse with estimates of water transparency. We quantified pulsed nutrients at multiple spatial and temporal scales. To determine if terrestrial nutrients were incorporated into the benthic community, we collected macroalgae over 10 days following the storm and measured tissue nutrient concentrations and δN15. Pulsed sediments impacted water clarity for 6 days following the storm, with greatest impacts closest to the river mouth. Nitrite +nitrate concentrations were >100 times the average while phosphate was >25 times average. Macroalgal tissue nutrients were elevated, and δN15 implicates sewage as the source, demonstrating transported nutrients were transferred to producer communities. Future climate change predictions suggest extreme rainfall will become more common in this system, necessitating research on these pulses and their ramifications on marine communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin R Fong
- California State University Northridge, Department of Biology, Los Angeles, USA.
| | - Camille J Gaynus
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Robert C Carpenter
- California State University Northridge, Department of Biology, Los Angeles, USA
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24
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Cragg SM, Friess DA, Gillis LG, Trevathan-Tackett SM, Terrett OM, Watts JEM, Distel DL, Dupree P. Vascular Plants Are Globally Significant Contributors to Marine Carbon Fluxes and Sinks. ANNUAL REVIEW OF MARINE SCIENCE 2020; 12:469-497. [PMID: 31505131 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-marine-010318-095333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
More than two-thirds of global biomass consists of vascular plants. A portion of the detritus they generate is carried into the oceans from land and highly productive blue carbon ecosystems-salt marshes, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows. This large detrital input receives scant attention in current models of the global carbon cycle, though for blue carbon ecosystems, increasingly well-constrained estimates of biomass, productivity, and carbon fluxes, reviewed in this article, are now available. We show that the fate of this detritus differs markedly from that of strictly marine origin, because the former contains lignocellulose-an energy-rich polymer complex of cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin that is resistant to enzymatic breakdown. This complex can be depolymerized for nutritional purposes by specialized marine prokaryotes, fungi, protists, and invertebrates using enzymes such as glycoside hydrolases and lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases to release sugar monomers. The lignin component, however, is less readily depolymerized, and detritus therefore becomes lignin enriched, particularly in anoxic sediments, and forms a major carbon sink in blue carbon ecosystems. Eventual lignin breakdown releases a wide variety of small molecules that may contribute significantly to the oceanic pool of recalcitrant dissolved organic carbon. Marine carbon fluxes and sinks dependent on lignocellulosic detritus are important ecosystem services that are vulnerable to human interventions. These services must be considered when protecting blue carbon ecosystems and planning initiatives aimed at mitigating anthropogenic carbon emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon M Cragg
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO4 9LY, United Kingdom;
| | - Daniel A Friess
- Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117570;
| | - Lucy G Gillis
- Leibniz-Zentrum für Marine Tropenforschung (ZMT), 28359 Bremen, Germany;
| | - Stacey M Trevathan-Tackett
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Science, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia;
| | - Oliver M Terrett
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QW, United Kingdom; ,
| | - Joy E M Watts
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DY, United Kingdom;
| | - Daniel L Distel
- Ocean Genome Legacy Center of New England Biolabs, Marine Science Center, Northeastern University, Nahant, Massachusetts 01908, USA;
| | - Paul Dupree
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QW, United Kingdom; ,
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25
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Henderson CJ, Gilby BL, Schlacher TA, Connolly RM, Sheaves M, Maxwell PS, Flint N, Borland HP, Martin TSH, Olds AD. Low redundancy and complementarity shape ecosystem functioning in a low-diversity ecosystem. J Anim Ecol 2019; 89:784-794. [PMID: 31758695 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Ecosystem functioning is positively linked to biodiversity on land and in the sea. In high-diversity systems (e.g. coral reefs), species coexist by sharing resources and providing similar functions at different temporal or spatial scales. How species combine to deliver the ecological function they provide is pivotal for maintaining the structure, functioning and resilience of some ecosystems, but the significance of this is rarely examined in low-diversity systems such as estuaries. We tested whether an ecological function is shaped by biodiversity in a low-diversity ecosystem by measuring the consumption of carrion by estuarine scavengers. Carrion (e.g. decaying animal flesh) is opportunistically fed on by a large number of species across numerous ecosystems. Estuaries were chosen as the model system because carrion consumption is a pivotal ecological function in coastal seascapes, and estuaries are thought to support diverse scavenger assemblages, which are modified by changes in water quality and the urbanization of estuarine shorelines. We used baited underwater video arrays to record scavengers and measure the rate at which carrion was consumed by fish in 39 estuaries across 1,000 km of coastline in eastern Australia. Carrion consumption was positively correlated with the abundance of only one species, yellowfin bream Acanthopagrus australis, which consumed 58% of all deployed carrion. The consumption of carrion by yellowfin bream was greatest in urban estuaries with moderately hardened shorelines (20%-60%) and relatively large subtidal rock bars (>0.1 km2 ). Our findings demonstrate that an ecological function can be maintained across estuarine seascapes despite both limited redundancy (i.e. dominated by one species) and complementarity (i.e. there is no spatial context where the function is delivered significantly when yellowfin bream are not present) in the functional traits of animal assemblages. The continued functioning of estuaries, and other low-diversity ecosystems, might therefore not be tightly linked to biodiversity, and we suggest that the preservation of functionally dominant species that maintain functions in these systems could help to improve conservation outcomes for coastal seascapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Henderson
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Qld, Australia
| | - Ben L Gilby
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Qld, Australia
| | - Thomas A Schlacher
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Qld, Australia
| | - Rod M Connolly
- Australian Rivers Institute - Coasts & Estuaries and School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld, Australia
| | - Marcus Sheaves
- School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
| | | | - Nicole Flint
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Qld, Australia
| | - Hayden P Borland
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Qld, Australia
| | - Tyson S H Martin
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Qld, Australia.,Australian Rivers Institute - Coasts & Estuaries and School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld, Australia
| | - Andrew D Olds
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Qld, Australia
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26
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Ziegler SL, Able KW, Fodrie FJ. Dietary shifts across biogeographic scales alter spatial subsidy dynamics. Ecosphere 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shelby L. Ziegler
- Institute of Marine Sciences University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Morehead City North Carolina 28557 USA
| | - Kenneth W. Able
- Rutgers University Marine Field Station Rutgers University Tuckerton New Jersey 08087 USA
| | - F. Joel Fodrie
- Institute of Marine Sciences University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Morehead City North Carolina 28557 USA
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27
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Zarco-Perello S, Langlois TJ, Holmes T, Vanderklift MA, Wernberg T. Overwintering tropical herbivores accelerate detritus production on temperate reefs. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20192046. [PMID: 31744442 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.2046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The tropicalization of temperate marine ecosystems can lead to increased herbivory rates, reducing the standing stock of seaweeds and potentially causing increases in detritus production. However, long-term studies analysing these processes associated with the persistence of tropical herbivores in temperate reefs are lacking. We assessed the seasonal variation in abundances, macrophyte consumption, feeding modes and defecation rates of the range-extending tropical rabbitfish Siganus fuscescens and the temperate silver drummer Kyphosus sydneyanus and herring cale Olisthops cyanomelas on tropicalized reefs of Western Australia. Rabbitfish overwintered in temperate reefs, consumed more kelp and other macrophytes in all feeding modes, and defecated more during both summer and winter than the temperate herbivores. Herbivory and defecation increased with rabbitfish abundance, but this was dependent on temperature, with higher rates attained by big schools during summer and lower rates in winter. Still, rabbitfish surpassed temperate herbivores, leading to a fivefold acceleration in the transformation of macrophyte standing stock to detritus, a function usually attributed to sea urchins in kelp forests. Our results suggest that further warming and tropicalization will not only increase primary consumption and affect the habitat structure of temperate reefs but also increase detritus production, with the potential to modify energy pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Zarco-Perello
- School of Biological Sciences and UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley (Perth), Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Tim J Langlois
- School of Biological Sciences and UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley (Perth), Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Thomas Holmes
- Marine Science Program, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mathew A Vanderklift
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Oceans and Atmosphere Flagship, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Thomas Wernberg
- School of Biological Sciences and UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley (Perth), Western Australia 6009, Australia.,Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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28
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Sousa AI, da Silva JF, Azevedo A, Lillebø AI. Blue Carbon stock in Zostera noltei meadows at Ria de Aveiro coastal lagoon (Portugal) over a decade. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14387. [PMID: 31591415 PMCID: PMC6779869 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50425-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This work assessed the Blue Carbon (C) stock in the seagrass meadows (Zostera noltei) of Ria de Aveiro coastal lagoon (Portugal), and evaluated its spatio-temporal trend over the 2003–2005 to 2013–2014 period. Zostera noltei spatial distribution, restricted to intertidal areas in 2014, was mapped by remote sensing using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and aerial photography. Zostera noltei biomass was also monitored in situ over a year and its Blue C stock was estimated. By 2014, intertidal meadows covered an area of 226 ± 4 ha and their Blue C stock ranged from 227 ± 6 to 453 ± 13 Mg C. Overall, Ria de Aveiro Z. noltei intertidal meadows increased in extent over the 2003–2005 to 2013–2014 period, corroborating the recent declining trend reversal observed in Europe and contrary to the global decline trend. This spatio-temporal shift might be related to a natural adjustment of the intertidal meadows to past human intervention in Ria de Aveiro, namely large-scale dredging activities, particularly in the 1996–1998 period, combined with the more accurate assessment performed in 2014 using the UAV. This recovery contributes to the effective increase of the Blue C stock in Ria de Aveiro and, ultimately, to supporting climate regulation and improving ecosystem health. However, major dredging activities are foreseen in the system’s management plan, which can again endanger the recovery trend of Z. noltei intertidal meadows in Ria de Aveiro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana I Sousa
- Department of Biology & CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - José Figueiredo da Silva
- Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana Azevedo
- Department of Physics & CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana I Lillebø
- Department of Biology & CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
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29
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Macreadie PI, Anton A, Raven JA, Beaumont N, Connolly RM, Friess DA, Kelleway JJ, Kennedy H, Kuwae T, Lavery PS, Lovelock CE, Smale DA, Apostolaki ET, Atwood TB, Baldock J, Bianchi TS, Chmura GL, Eyre BD, Fourqurean JW, Hall-Spencer JM, Huxham M, Hendriks IE, Krause-Jensen D, Laffoley D, Luisetti T, Marbà N, Masque P, McGlathery KJ, Megonigal JP, Murdiyarso D, Russell BD, Santos R, Serrano O, Silliman BR, Watanabe K, Duarte CM. The future of Blue Carbon science. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3998. [PMID: 31488846 PMCID: PMC6728345 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11693-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The term Blue Carbon (BC) was first coined a decade ago to describe the disproportionately large contribution of coastal vegetated ecosystems to global carbon sequestration. The role of BC in climate change mitigation and adaptation has now reached international prominence. To help prioritise future research, we assembled leading experts in the field to agree upon the top-ten pending questions in BC science. Understanding how climate change affects carbon accumulation in mature BC ecosystems and during their restoration was a high priority. Controversial questions included the role of carbonate and macroalgae in BC cycling, and the degree to which greenhouse gases are released following disturbance of BC ecosystems. Scientists seek improved precision of the extent of BC ecosystems; techniques to determine BC provenance; understanding of the factors that influence sequestration in BC ecosystems, with the corresponding value of BC; and the management actions that are effective in enhancing this value. Overall this overview provides a comprehensive road map for the coming decades on future research in BC science. The role of Blue Carbon in climate change mitigation and adaptation has now reached international prominence. Here the authors identified the top-ten unresolved questions in the field and find that most questions relate to the precise role blue carbon can play in mitigating climate change and the most effective management actions in maximising this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter I Macreadie
- Deakin University, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Center for Integrative Ecology, Geelong, VIC, 3125, Australia.
| | - Andrea Anton
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Red Sea Research Center and Computational Bioscience Research Center, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - John A Raven
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Dundee at the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5DQ, UK.,Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia.,School of Biological Science, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Nicola Beaumont
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth, PL1 3DH, UK
| | - Rod M Connolly
- Australian Rivers Institute-Coast & Estuaries, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia
| | - Daniel A Friess
- Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, 1 Arts Link, Singapore, 117570, Singapore
| | - Jeffrey J Kelleway
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Hilary Kennedy
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai bridge, Bangor, LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Tomohiro Kuwae
- Coastal and Estuarine Environment Research Group, Port and Airport Research Institute, 3-1-1 Nagase, Yokosuka, 239-0826, Japan
| | - Paul S Lavery
- School of Science, Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Catherine E Lovelock
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Dan A Smale
- Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, UK
| | - Eugenia T Apostolaki
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, PO Box 2214, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Trisha B Atwood
- Department of Watershed Sciences and Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322-5210, USA
| | - Jeff Baldock
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Private Mail Bag, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - Thomas S Bianchi
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2120, USA
| | - Gail L Chmura
- Department of Geography, McGill University, 805 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC, H3A 0B9, Canada
| | - Bradley D Eyre
- Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia
| | - James W Fourqurean
- School of Biological Science, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.,Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Coastal Oceans Research, Florida International University, 11200 SW8th St, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Jason M Hall-Spencer
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK.,Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Mark Huxham
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, EH11 4BN, UK
| | - Iris E Hendriks
- Global Change Research Group, IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats, Miquel Marquès 21, Esporles, 07190, Spain
| | - Dorte Krause-Jensen
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Vejlsøvej 25, Silkeborg, 8600, Denmark.,Arctic Research Centre, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, bldg. 1540, Århus C, 8000, Denmark
| | - Dan Laffoley
- World Commission on Protected Areas, IUCN, Gland, Switzerland
| | - Tiziana Luisetti
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft, UK
| | - Núria Marbà
- Global Change Research Group, IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats, Miquel Marquès 21, Esporles, 07190, Spain
| | - Pere Masque
- School of Science, Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia.,The Oceans Institute and Department of Physics, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, Australia.,Departament de Física & Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain
| | - Karen J McGlathery
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlotttesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | - J Patrick Megonigal
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater, MD, 21037, USA
| | - Daniel Murdiyarso
- Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), Jl. CIFOR, Situgede, Bogor, 16115, Indonesia.,Department of Geophysics and Meteorology, Bogor Agricultural University, Kampus Darmaga, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Bayden D Russell
- Swire Institute of Marine Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rui Santos
- Center of Marine Sciences, CCMAR, University of Algarve, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal
| | - Oscar Serrano
- School of Science, Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Brian R Silliman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC, 28516, USA
| | - Kenta Watanabe
- Coastal and Estuarine Environment Research Group, Port and Airport Research Institute, 3-1-1 Nagase, Yokosuka, 239-0826, Japan
| | - Carlos M Duarte
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Red Sea Research Center and Computational Bioscience Research Center, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
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30
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Lennox RJ, Paukert CP, Aarestrup K, Auger-Méthé M, Baumgartner L, Birnie-Gauvin K, Bøe K, Brink K, Brownscombe JW, Chen Y, Davidsen JG, Eliason EJ, Filous A, Gillanders BM, Helland IP, Horodysky AZ, Januchowski-Hartley SR, Lowerre-Barbieri SK, Lucas MC, Martins EG, Murchie KJ, Pompeu PS, Power M, Raghavan R, Rahel FJ, Secor D, Thiem JD, Thorstad EB, Ueda H, Whoriskey FG, Cooke SJ. One Hundred Pressing Questions on the Future of Global Fish Migration Science, Conservation, and Policy. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
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31
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Staveley TAB, Jacoby DMP, Perry D, van der Meijs F, Lagenfelt I, Cremle M, Gullström M. Sea surface temperature dictates movement and habitat connectivity of Atlantic cod in a coastal fjord system. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:9076-9086. [PMID: 31463005 PMCID: PMC6706200 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
While movements of organisms have been studied across a myriad of environments, information is often lacking regarding spatio-seasonal patterning in complex temperate coastal systems. Highly mobile fish form an integral part of marine food webs providing linkages within and among habitats, between patches of habitats, and at different life stages. We investigated how movement, activity, and connectivity patterns of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) are influenced by dynamic environmental conditions. Movement patterns of 39 juvenile and subadult Atlantic cod were assessed in two coastal sites in the Swedish Skagerrak for 5 months. We used passive acoustic telemetry and network analysis to assess seasonal and spatial movement patterns of cod and their relationships to different environmental factors, using statistical correlations, analysis of recurrent spatial motifs, and generalized linear mixed models. Temperature, in combination with physical barriers, precludes significant connectivity (complex motifs) within the system. Sea surface temperature had a strong influence on connectivity (node strength, degree, and motif frequency), where changes from warmer summer waters to colder winter waters significantly reduced movement activity of fish. As the seasons changed, movement of fish gradually decreased from large-scale (km) linkages in the summer to more localized movement patterns in the winter (limited to 100s m). Certain localized areas, however, were identified as important for connectivity throughout the whole study period, likely due to these multiple-habitat areas fulfilling functions required for foraging and shelter. This study provides new knowledge regarding inshore movement dynamics of juvenile and subadult Atlantic cod that use complex, coastal fjord systems. The findings show that connectivity, seasonal patterns in particular, should be carefully considered when selecting conservation areas to promote marine stewardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A. B. Staveley
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant SciencesStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
- AquaBiota Water ResearchStockholmSweden
| | | | - Diana Perry
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant SciencesStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
- Department of Aquatic ResourcesSwedish University of Agricultural SciencesLysekilSweden
| | - Felix van der Meijs
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant SciencesStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
| | - Ingvar Lagenfelt
- The County Administrative Board of Västra GötalandGothenburgSweden
| | - Mikael Cremle
- The County Administrative Board of Västra GötalandGothenburgSweden
| | - Martin Gullström
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant SciencesStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
- Department of Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of GothenburgFiskebäckskilSweden
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Olson AM, Hessing-Lewis M, Haggarty D, Juanes F. Nearshore seascape connectivity enhances seagrass meadow nursery function. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 29:e01897. [PMID: 31125160 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Diverse habitats composing coastal seascapes occur in close proximity, connected by the flux of materials and fauna across habitat boundaries. Understanding how seascape connectivity alters important ecosystem functions for fish, however, is not well established. For a seagrass-dominant seascape, we predicted that configuration and composition of adjacent habitats would alter habitat access for fauna and trophic subsidies, enhancing nursery function for juvenile fish. In an extensive Zostera marina seagrass meadow, we established sites adjacent to (1) highly complex and productive kelp forests (Nereocystis luetkeana), (2) unvegetated sand habitats, and (3) in the seagrass meadow interior. Using SCUBA, we conducted underwater observations of young-of the-year (YOY) rockfish (Sebastes spp.) recruitment across sites. Using generalized linear mixed effects models, we assessed the role of seascape adjacency relative to seagrass provisions (habitat complexity and prey) on YOY recruitment. YOY rockfish collections were used to trace sources of allochthonous vs. autochthonous primary production in the seagrass food web, via a δ13 C and δ15 N isotopic mixing model, and prey consumption using stomach contents. Overall, seagrass nursery function was strongly influenced by adjacent habitats and associated subsidies. Allochthonous N. luetkeana was the greatest source of energy assimilated by YOY rockfish within seagrass sites. In seagrass sites adjacent to N. luetkeana kelp forests, YOYs consumed higher quality prey, which corresponded with better body condition relative to sites adjacent to sand. Moreover, kelp forest adjacency enhanced YOY rockfish recruitment within the seagrass meadow, suggesting that habitat complexity is a key seascape feature influencing the nursery function of nearshore habitats. In general, to promote seascape connectivity, the conservation and restoration of nursery habitats should prioritize the inclusion of habitat mosaics of high structural complexity and productivity. We illustrate and emphasize the importance of using a seascape-level approach that considers linkages among habitats for the management of important nearshore ecosystem functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeleen M Olson
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, British Columbia, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Hakai Institute, P.O. Box 309, Heriot Bay, British Columbia, V0P 1H0, Canada
| | | | - Dana Haggarty
- Stock Assessment and Research Division, Pacific Biological Station, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 3190 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9T 6N7, Canada
| | - Francis Juanes
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, British Columbia, V8P 5C2, Canada
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33
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Ortodossi NL, Gilby BL, Schlacher TA, Connolly RM, Yabsley NA, Henderson CJ, Olds AD. Effects of seascape connectivity on reserve performance along exposed coastlines. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2019; 33:580-589. [PMID: 30318640 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Seascape connectivity (landscape connectivity in the sea) can modify reserve performance in low-energy marine ecosystems (e.g., coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass), but it is not clear whether similar spatial linkages also shape reserve effectiveness on high-energy, exposed coastlines. We used the surf zones of ocean beaches in eastern Australia as a model system to test how seascape connectivity and reserve attributes combine to shape conservation outcomes. Spatial patterns in fish assemblages were measured using baited remote underwater video stations in 12 marine reserves and 15 fished beaches across 2000 km of exposed coastline. Reserve performance was shaped by both the characteristics of reserves and the spatial properties of the coastal seascapes in which reserves were embedded. Number of fish species and abundance of harvested fishes were highest in surf-zone reserves that encompassed >1.5 km of the surf zone; were located < 100 m to rocky headlands; and included pocket beaches in a heterogeneous seascape. Conservation outcomes for exposed coastlines may, therefore, be enhanced by prioritizing sufficiently large areas of seascapes that are strongly linked to abutting complementary habitats. Our findings have broader implications for coastal conservation planning. Empirical data to describe how the ecological features of high-energy shorelines influence conservation outcomes are lacking, and we suggest that seascape connectivity may have similar ecological effects on reserve performance on both sheltered and exposed coastlines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas L Ortodossi
- ANIMAL Research Centre and School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Ben L Gilby
- ANIMAL Research Centre and School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Thomas A Schlacher
- ANIMAL Research Centre and School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Rod M Connolly
- Australian Rivers Institute and School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia
| | - Nicholas A Yabsley
- ANIMAL Research Centre and School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Christopher J Henderson
- ANIMAL Research Centre and School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Andrew D Olds
- ANIMAL Research Centre and School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558, Australia
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Quigley LNM, Edwards A, Steen AD, Buchan A. Characterization of the Interactive Effects of Labile and Recalcitrant Organic Matter on Microbial Growth and Metabolism. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:493. [PMID: 30941109 PMCID: PMC6433851 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Geochemical models typically represent organic matter (OM) as consisting of multiple, independent pools of compounds, each accessed by microorganisms at different rates. However, recent findings indicate that organic compounds can interact within microbial metabolisms. The relevance of interactive effects within marine systems is debated and a mechanistic understanding of its complexities, including microbe-substrate relationships, is lacking. As a first step toward uncovering mediating processes, the interactive effects of distinct pools of OM on the growth and respiration of marine bacteria, individual strains and a simple, constructed community of Roseobacter lineage members were tested. Isolates were provided with natural organic matter (NOM) and different concentrations (1, 4, 40, 400 μM-C) and forms of labile OM (acetate, casamino acids, tryptone, coumarate). The microbial response to the mixed substrate regimes was assessed using viable counts and respiration in two separate experiments. Two marine bacteria and a six-member constructed community were assayed with these experiments. Both synergistic and antagonistic growth responses were evident for all strains, but all were transient. The specific substrate conditions promoting a response, and the direction of that response, varied amongst species. These findings indicate that the substrate conditions that result in OM interactive effects are both transient and species-specific and thus influenced by both the composition and metabolic potential of a microbial community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren N M Quigley
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Abigail Edwards
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Andrew D Steen
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Alison Buchan
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
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Matich P, Kiszka JJ, Heithaus MR, Le Bourg B, Mourier J. Inter-individual differences in ontogenetic trophic shifts among three marine predators. Oecologia 2019; 189:621-636. [PMID: 30796523 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-019-04357-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Ontogenetic niche shifts are widespread. However, individual differences in size at birth, morphology, sex, and personalities can cause variability in behavior. As such, inherent inter-individual differences within populations may lead to context-dependent changes in behavior with animal body size, which is of concern for understanding population dynamics and optimizing ecological monitoring. Using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values from concurrently sampled tissues, we quantified the direction and magnitude of intraspecific variation in trophic shifts among three shark species, and how these changed with body size: spurdogs (Squalus spp.) in deep-sea habitats off La Réunion, bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) in estuarine habitats of the Florida Everglades, and blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) in coral reef ecosystems of Moorea, French Polynesia. Intraspecific variation in trophic shifts was limited among spurdogs, and decreased with body size, while bull sharks exhibited greater individual differences in trophic shifts, but also decreased in variability through ontogeny. In contrast, blacktip reef sharks exhibited increased intraspecific variation in trophic interactions with body size. Variability in trophic interactions and ontogenetic shifts are known to be associated with changes in energetic requirements, but can vary with ecological context. Our results suggest that environmental stability may affect variability within populations, and ecosystems with greater spatial and/or temporal variability in environmental conditions, and those with more diverse food webs may facilitate greater individual differences in trophic interactions, and thus ontogenetic trophic shifts. In light of concerns over environmental disturbance, elucidating the contexts that promote or dampen phenotypic variability is invaluable for predicting population- and community-level responses to environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Matich
- Marine Sciences Program, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151st, North Miami, FL, 33181, USA. .,Texas Research Institute for Environmental Studies, Sam Houston State University, 2424 Sam Houston Avenue, Huntsville, TX, 77341, USA.
| | - Jeremy J Kiszka
- Marine Sciences Program, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151st, North Miami, FL, 33181, USA
| | - Michael R Heithaus
- Marine Sciences Program, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151st, North Miami, FL, 33181, USA
| | - Baptiste Le Bourg
- LIttoral ENvironnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-Université de la Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France.,Laboratory of Oceanology, MARE Centre, Université de Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Johann Mourier
- PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, 66860, Perpignan, France.,Laboratoire d'excellence 'CORAIL', EPHE, PSL Research University, UPVD, CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia.,UMR MARBEC (IRD, Ifremer, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS), 34203, Sète, France
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36
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Fulton CJ, Abesamis RA, Berkström C, Depczynski M, Graham NAJ, Holmes TH, Kulbicki M, Noble MM, Radford BT, Tano S, Tinkler P, Wernberg T, Wilson SK. Form and function of tropical macroalgal reefs in the Anthropocene. Funct Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Fulton
- Research School of Biology; Australian National University; Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Rene A. Abesamis
- SU-Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management; Silliman University; Dumaguete Philippines
| | - Charlotte Berkström
- Department of Ecology, Environment & Plant Sciences; Stockholm University; Stockholm Sweden
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Coastal Research; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Öregrund Sweden
| | - Martial Depczynski
- Australian Institute of Marine Science; Crawley Western Australia Australia
- Oceans Institute; University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
| | | | - Thomas H. Holmes
- Oceans Institute; University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
- Marine Science Program, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions; Government of Western Australia; Kensington Western Australia Australia
| | - Michel Kulbicki
- UMR “Entropie”, Labex Corail, IRD; University of Perpignan; Perpignan France
| | - Mae M. Noble
- Fenner School of Environment & Society; Australian National University; Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Ben T. Radford
- Australian Institute of Marine Science; Crawley Western Australia Australia
- Oceans Institute; University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
| | - Stina Tano
- Department of Ecology, Environment & Plant Sciences; Stockholm University; Stockholm Sweden
| | - Paul Tinkler
- School of Life & Environmental Sciences; Deakin University; Warrnambool Victoria Australia
| | - Thomas Wernberg
- Oceans Institute; University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
| | - Shaun K. Wilson
- Oceans Institute; University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia Australia
- Marine Science Program, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions; Government of Western Australia; Kensington Western Australia Australia
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37
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Bongiorni L, Nasi F, Fiorentino F, Auriemma R, Rampazzo F, Nordström MC, Berto D. Contribution of deltaic wetland food sources to coastal macrobenthic consumers (Po River Delta, north Adriatic Sea). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 643:1373-1386. [PMID: 30189554 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.06.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Estuaries are known to export huge quantities of terrigenous/riverine organic matter and nutrients to coastal areas, subsidizing food sources to their communities; however, this process is seldom investigated in complex multichannel delta-prodelta systems. Stable isotope analysis was used to investigate the contribution of organic sources originated from the Po River Delta, one of the widest deltaic wetlands in the northern Mediterranean Sea, to the diet of the nearby coastal macrobenthic consumers, and their influence on invertebrates' trophic structure and biomass. Following intense river flood events, macrofauna samples were collected in the prodelta area at increasing distance from the main river distributary mouth. Potential primary resources were collected within the delta and the prodelta areas. A terrestrial signal in the primary consumers' diet was evident as a shift in their δ13C, being this more 13C depleted near the main river distributary. The Bayesian mixing models indicated an important contribution of deltaic sources, in particular C4-grass detritus (25-57%), to primary consumers' diet, confirming a strong energetic link between delta and prodelta areas. Overall, most of the consumers' biomass were concentrated at sites close to the main distributary mouth, mainly as suspension and surface deposit feeders. A simplification of the macrobenthic community structure, accompanied by narrower transfer pathways was also evident at sites more distant from the main river distributary, in relation to changes in the quality of resources. Our data, although limited to winter season, suggest that during periods of low in situ productivity but high river flow energy, invertebrates are able to efficiently exploit terrigenous food sources, restraining the detrimental effect of increased turbidity and sedimentation. We conclude that riparian/wetland vegetation associated with river deltas can provide important food sources to marine primary consumers. These results furthermore highlight the need for integrated management and protection strategies of connected land-sea ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Bongiorni
- ISMAR-CNR, Institute of Marine Sciences, National Research Council, Arsenale - Tesa 104, Castello 2737/F, 30122 Venice, Italy.
| | - Federica Nasi
- OGS - National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics, Via A. Piccard 54, 34151 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Federica Fiorentino
- ISMAR-CNR, Institute of Marine Sciences, National Research Council, Arsenale - Tesa 104, Castello 2737/F, 30122 Venice, Italy.
| | - Rocco Auriemma
- OGS - National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics, Via A. Piccard 54, 34151 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Federico Rampazzo
- ISPRA - Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Loc. Brondolo, 30015, Chioggia, Italy.
| | - Marie C Nordström
- Åbo Akademi University, Environmental and Marine Biology, Turku, Finland.
| | - Daniela Berto
- ISPRA - Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Loc. Brondolo, 30015, Chioggia, Italy.
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38
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Pessarrodona A, Moore PJ, Sayer MDJ, Smale DA. Carbon assimilation and transfer through kelp forests in the NE Atlantic is diminished under a warmer ocean climate. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2018; 24:4386-4398. [PMID: 29862600 PMCID: PMC6120504 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Global climate change is affecting carbon cycling by driving changes in primary productivity and rates of carbon fixation, release and storage within Earth's vegetated systems. There is, however, limited understanding of how carbon flow between donor and recipient habitats will respond to climatic changes. Macroalgal-dominated habitats, such as kelp forests, are gaining recognition as important carbon donors within coastal carbon cycles, yet rates of carbon assimilation and transfer through these habitats are poorly resolved. Here, we investigated the likely impacts of ocean warming on coastal carbon cycling by quantifying rates of carbon assimilation and transfer in Laminaria hyperborea kelp forests-one of the most extensive coastal vegetated habitat types in the NE Atlantic-along a latitudinal temperature gradient. Kelp forests within warm climatic regimes assimilated, on average, more than three times less carbon and donated less than half the amount of particulate carbon compared to those from cold regimes. These patterns were not related to variability in other environmental parameters. Across their wider geographical distribution, plants exhibited reduced sizes toward their warm-water equatorward range edge, further suggesting that carbon flow is reduced under warmer climates. Overall, we estimated that Laminaria hyperborea forests stored ~11.49 Tg C in living biomass and released particulate carbon at a rate of ~5.71 Tg C year-1 . This estimated flow of carbon was markedly higher than reported values for most other marine and terrestrial vegetated habitat types in Europe. Together, our observations suggest that continued warming will diminish the amount of carbon that is assimilated and transported through temperate kelp forests in NE Atlantic, with potential consequences for the coastal carbon cycle. Our findings underline the need to consider climate-driven changes in the capacity of ecosystems to fix and donate carbon when assessing the impacts of climate change on carbon cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Pessarrodona
- The Citadel Hill LaboratoryMarine Biological Association of the United KingdomPlymouthUK
- Present address:
UWA Oceans Institute and School of Biological SciencesUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Pippa J. Moore
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural SciencesAberystwyth UniversityAberystwythUK
- Centre for Marine Ecosystems ResearchSchool of Natural SciencesEdith Cowan UniversityJoondalupWAAustralia
| | - Martin D. J. Sayer
- NERC National Facility for Scientific DivingScottish Association for Marine ScienceObanUK
| | - Dan A. Smale
- The Citadel Hill LaboratoryMarine Biological Association of the United KingdomPlymouthUK
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Accuracy and Precision of Tidal Wetland Soil Carbon Mapping in the Conterminous United States. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9478. [PMID: 29930337 PMCID: PMC6013439 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26948-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Tidal wetlands produce long-term soil organic carbon (C) stocks. Thus for carbon accounting purposes, we need accurate and precise information on the magnitude and spatial distribution of those stocks. We assembled and analyzed an unprecedented soil core dataset, and tested three strategies for mapping carbon stocks: applying the average value from the synthesis to mapped tidal wetlands, applying models fit using empirical data and applied using soil, vegetation and salinity maps, and relying on independently generated soil carbon maps. Soil carbon stocks were far lower on average and varied less spatially and with depth than stocks calculated from available soils maps. Further, variation in carbon density was not well-predicted based on climate, salinity, vegetation, or soil classes. Instead, the assembled dataset showed that carbon density across the conterminous united states (CONUS) was normally distributed, with a predictable range of observations. We identified the simplest strategy, applying mean carbon density (27.0 kg C m−3), as the best performing strategy, and conservatively estimated that the top meter of CONUS tidal wetland soil contains 0.72 petagrams C. This strategy could provide standardization in CONUS tidal carbon accounting until such a time as modeling and mapping advancements can quantitatively improve accuracy and precision.
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40
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Kieft B, Li Z, Bryson S, Crump BC, Hettich R, Pan C, Mayali X, Mueller RS. Microbial Community Structure-Function Relationships in Yaquina Bay Estuary Reveal Spatially Distinct Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling Capacities. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1282. [PMID: 29963029 PMCID: PMC6010575 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Linking microbial community structure to ecological processes requires understanding of the functional roles among individual populations and the factors that influence their distributions. These structure–function relationships are particularly difficult to disentangle in estuaries, due to highly variable physico-chemical conditions. Yet, examining microbe-mediated turnover of resources in these “bioreactor” ecosystems is critical for understanding estuarine ecology. In this study, a combined metagenomics and metaproteomics approach was used to show that the unequal distribution of microbial populations across the Yaquina Bay estuary led to a habitat-specific taxonomic and functional structure and a clear spatial distribution in microbe-mediated capacities for cycling of carbon and nitrogen. For example, size-fractionation revealed that communities inhabiting suspended particulate material encoded more diverse types of metabolisms (e.g., fermentation and denitrification) than those with a planktonic lifestyle, suggesting that the metabolic reactions can differ between size fractions of the same parcel of an estuarine water column. Similarly, communities inhabiting oligotrophic conditions in the lower estuary were enriched in genes involved in central carbon metabolism (e.g., TCA cycle), while communities in the upper estuary were enriched in genes typical of copiotrophic populations (e.g., cell growth, cell division). Integrating gene and protein data revealed that abundant populations of Flavobacteriales and Rhodobacterales encoded similar genomic functions, yet differed significantly in protein expression, dedicating a large proportion of their respective proteomes to rapid growth and division versus metabolic versatility and resource acquisition. This suggested potentially distinct life-strategies between these two co-occurring lineages and was concomitant with differing patterns of positive evolutionary selection on their encoded genes. Microbial communities and their functions across Yaquina Bay appear to be structured by population-level habitat preferences, resulting in spatially distinct elemental cycling, while within each community, forces such as competitive exclusion and evolutionary selection influence species life-strategies and may help maintain microbial diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Kieft
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Zhou Li
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States.,Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Samuel Bryson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Byron C Crump
- College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Robert Hettich
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States.,Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Chongle Pan
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States.,Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Xavier Mayali
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Ryan S Mueller
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
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41
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Howe E, Simenstad CA, Ogston A. Detrital shadows: estuarine food web connectivity depends on fluvial influence and consumer feeding mode. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2017; 27:2170-2193. [PMID: 28718204 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We measured the influence of landscape setting on estuarine food web connectivity in five macrotidal Pacific Northwest estuaries across a gradient of freshwater influence. We used stable isotopes (δ13 C, δ15 N, δ34 S) in combination with a Bayesian mixing model to trace primary producer contributions to suspension- and deposit-feeding bivalve consumers (Mytilus trossulus and Macoma nasuta) transplanted into three estuarine vegetation zones: emergent marsh, mudflat, and eelgrass. Eelgrass includes both Japanese eelgrass (Zostera japonica) and native eelgrass (Zostera marina). Fluvial discharge and consumer feeding mode strongly influenced the strength and spatial scale of observed food web linkages, while season played a secondary role. Mussels displayed strong cross-ecosystem connectivity in all estuaries, with decreasing marine influence in the more fluvial estuaries. Mussel diets indicated homogenization of detrital sources within the water column of each estuary. In contrast, the diets of benthic deposit-feeding clams indicated stronger compartmentalization in food web connectivity, especially in the largest river delta where clam diets were trophically disconnected from marsh sources of detritus. This suggests detritus deposition is patchy across space, and less homogenous than the suspended detritus pool. In addition to fluvial setting, other estuary-specific environmental drivers, such as marsh area or particle transport speed, influenced the degree of food web linkages across space and time, often accounting for unexpected patterns in food web connectivity. Transformations of the estuarine landscape that alter river hydrology or availability of detritus sources can thus potentially disrupt natural food web connectivity at the landscape scale, especially for sedentary organisms, which cannot track their food sources through space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Howe
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, 1122 NE Boat Street, Seattle, Washington, 98105, USA
| | - Charles A Simenstad
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, 1122 NE Boat Street, Seattle, Washington, 98105, USA
| | - Andrea Ogston
- School of Oceanography, University of Washington, Box 357940, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA
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42
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Gullström M, Lyimo LD, Dahl M, Samuelsson GS, Eggertsen M, Anderberg E, Rasmusson LM, Linderholm HW, Knudby A, Bandeira S, Nordlund LM, Björk M. Blue Carbon Storage in Tropical Seagrass Meadows Relates to Carbonate Stock Dynamics, Plant–Sediment Processes, and Landscape Context: Insights from the Western Indian Ocean. Ecosystems 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10021-017-0170-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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York PH, Smith TM, Coles RG, McKenna SA, Connolly RM, Irving AD, Jackson EL, McMahon K, Runcie JW, Sherman CDH, Sullivan BK, Trevathan-Tackett SM, Brodersen KE, Carter AB, Ewers CJ, Lavery PS, Roelfsema CM, Sinclair EA, Strydom S, Tanner JE, van Dijk KJ, Warry FY, Waycott M, Whitehead S. Identifying knowledge gaps in seagrass research and management: An Australian perspective. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 127:163-172. [PMID: 27342125 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Seagrass species form important marine and estuarine habitats providing valuable ecosystem services and functions. Coastal zones that are increasingly impacted by anthropogenic development have experienced substantial declines in seagrass abundance around the world. Australia, which has some of the world's largest seagrass meadows and is home to over half of the known species, is not immune to these losses. In 1999 a review of seagrass ecosystems knowledge was conducted in Australia and strategic research priorities were developed to provide research direction for future studies and management. Subsequent rapid evolution of seagrass research and scientific methods has led to more than 70% of peer reviewed seagrass literature being produced since that time. A workshop was held as part of the Australian Marine Sciences Association conference in July 2015 in Geelong, Victoria, to update and redefine strategic priorities in seagrass research. Participants identified 40 research questions from 10 research fields (taxonomy and systematics, physiology, population biology, sediment biogeochemistry and microbiology, ecosystem function, faunal habitats, threats, rehabilitation and restoration, mapping and monitoring, management tools) as priorities for future research on Australian seagrasses. Progress in research will rely on advances in areas such as remote sensing, genomic tools, microsensors, computer modeling, and statistical analyses. A more interdisciplinary approach will be needed to facilitate greater understanding of the complex interactions among seagrasses and their environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul H York
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, QLD, Australia.
| | - Timothy M Smith
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, VIC, Australia
| | - Rob G Coles
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, QLD, Australia
| | - Skye A McKenna
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, QLD, Australia
| | - Rod M Connolly
- Australian Rivers Institute - Coast and Estuaries, School of Environment, Griffith University, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrew D Irving
- School of Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, QLD, Australia
| | - Emma L Jackson
- School of Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, QLD, Australia
| | - Kathryn McMahon
- School of Science and Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, WA, Australia
| | - John W Runcie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Craig D H Sherman
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Stacy M Trevathan-Tackett
- Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kasper E Brodersen
- Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alex B Carter
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, QLD, Australia
| | - Carolyn J Ewers
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul S Lavery
- School of Science and Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, WA, Australia
| | - Chris M Roelfsema
- Remote Sensing Research Center, School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Sinclair
- School of Plant Biology and Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, WA, Australia
| | - Simone Strydom
- School of Science and Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, WA, Australia
| | - Jason E Tanner
- South Australian Research and Development Institute, SA, Australia; University of Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Fiona Y Warry
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, VIC, Australia
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Matich P, Godwin WB, Fisher M. Long-term trends in fish community composition across coastal bays and lakes in the Lavaca–Colorado Estuary. CAN J ZOOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2016-0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Human impacts continue to alter community structure, emphasizing the need to understand how spatial and temporal variability in disturbance and conservation affect ecological communities to optimize management strategies. Here, we quantify fish species richness, diversity, and community structure across five coastal bays and lakes in the Lavaca–Colorado Estuary, Texas, over 30 years to investigate spatial and temporal variability in species assemblages, and the potential effects of resource management. Results suggest that fish communities varied both spatially and temporally from 1976 to 2008, with greater temporal shifts in habitats more proximate to the Gulf of Mexico and removed from human residential areas — diversity increased in Powderhorn Lake and spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus (Cuvier, 1830)) and red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus (L., 1766)) abundances increased in Oyster Lake following changes in fishing regulations. Natural fluctuations in environmental conditions coupled with limited access to lakes by geographic restraints may have led to more pronounced changes in community structure. However, the effects of fishing management on fish communities within small lakes and bays within the Lavaca–Colorado Estuary is likely habitat- and context-specific, and continued monitoring, especially among ecologically and economically important species, will provide insight into how environmental change and anthropogenic disturbance may affect long-term trends in coastal community composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Matich
- Sam Houston State University, Texas Research Institute for Environmental Studies, 2424 Sam Houston Avenue, Huntsville, TX 77341, USA
| | - William B. Godwin
- Sam Houston State University, Texas Research Institute for Environmental Studies, 2424 Sam Houston Avenue, Huntsville, TX 77341, USA
- Sam Houston State University, Natural History Collections, 2405 Avenue I, Huntsville, TX 77341, USA
| | - Mark Fisher
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Coastal Fisheries Division, Rockport Marine Science Laboratory, Rockport, TX 78382, USA
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Hyndes GA, Heck KL, Vergés A, Harvey ES, Kendrick GA, Lavery PS, McMahon K, Orth RJ, Pearce A, Vanderklift M, Wernberg T, Whiting S, Wilson S. Accelerating Tropicalization and the Transformation of Temperate Seagrass Meadows. Bioscience 2016; 66:938-948. [PMID: 28533562 PMCID: PMC5421442 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biw111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate-driven changes are altering production and functioning of biotic assemblages in terrestrial and aquatic environments. In temperate coastal waters, rising sea temperatures, warm water anomalies and poleward shifts in the distribution of tropical herbivores have had a detrimental effect on algal forests. We develop generalized scenarios of this form of tropicalization and its potential effects on the structure and functioning of globally significant and threatened seagrass ecosystems, through poleward shifts in tropical seagrasses and herbivores. Initially, we expect tropical herbivorous fishes to establish in temperate seagrass meadows, followed later by megafauna. Tropical seagrasses are likely to establish later, delayed by more limited dispersal abilities. Ultimately, food webs are likely to shift from primarily seagrass-detritus to more direct-consumption-based systems, thereby affecting a range of important ecosystem services that seagrasses provide, including their nursery habitat role for fishery species, carbon sequestration, and the provision of organic matter to other ecosystems in temperate regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn A Hyndes
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| | - Kenneth L Heck
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| | - Adriana Vergés
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| | - Euan S Harvey
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| | - Gary A Kendrick
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| | - Paul S Lavery
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| | - Kathryn McMahon
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| | - Robert J Orth
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| | - Alan Pearce
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| | - Mathew Vanderklift
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| | - Thomas Wernberg
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| | - Scott Whiting
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
| | - Shaun Wilson
- Glenn Hyndes is an associate professor, Paul Lavery is a professor, and Kathryn MacMahon is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research of the School of Natural Sciences at Edith Cowan University, in Western Australia. Kenneth L. Heck Jr. is a professor at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and at the University of South Alabama. Euan Harvey is a professor in the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin University, in Western Australia. Gary Kendrick is a professor and Thomas Wernberg is an associate professor at the Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology at the University of Western Australia. Robert Orth is a professor in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. The late Alan Pearce was a principal research scientist at the Western Australian Department of Fisheries. Mathew Vanderklift is a research scientist at CSIRO Wealth Oceans Flagship, in Western Australia. Adriana Vergés is a senior lecturer at the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences and the Evolution and Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, in Australia. Scott Whiting and Shaun Wilson are principal research scientists at the Department of Parks and Wildlife, in Western Australia. We dedicate this article to Alan Pearce, who passed away in the late stages of this article's development
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Vargas-Fonseca E, Olds AD, Gilby BL, Connolly RM, Schoeman DS, Huijbers CM, Hyndes GA, Schlacher TA. Combined effects of urbanization and connectivity on iconic coastal fishes. DIVERS DISTRIB 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Vargas-Fonseca
- School of Science and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore DC Qld 4558 Australia
| | - Andrew D. Olds
- School of Science and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore DC Qld 4558 Australia
| | - Ben L. Gilby
- School of Science and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore DC Qld 4558 Australia
| | - Rod M. Connolly
- Australian Rivers Institute - Coast & Estuaries; School of Environment; Griffith University; Gold Coast Qld 4222 Australia
| | - David S. Schoeman
- School of Science and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore DC Qld 4558 Australia
| | - Chantal M. Huijbers
- School of Science and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore DC Qld 4558 Australia
- Australian Rivers Institute - Coast & Estuaries; School of Environment; Griffith University; Gold Coast Qld 4222 Australia
| | - Glenn A. Hyndes
- Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research; School of Natural Sciences; Edith Cowan University; Perth WA 6027 Australia
| | - Thomas A. Schlacher
- School of Science and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore DC Qld 4558 Australia
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47
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Säwström C, Hyndes GA, Eyre BD, Huggett MJ, Fraser MW, Lavery PS, Thomson PG, Tarquinio F, Steinberg PD, Laverock B. Coastal connectivity and spatial subsidy from a microbial perspective. Ecol Evol 2016; 6:6662-6671. [PMID: 27777738 PMCID: PMC5058536 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The transfer of organic material from one coastal environment to another can increase production in recipient habitats in a process known as spatial subsidy. Microorganisms drive the generation, transformation, and uptake of organic material in shallow coastal environments, but their significance in connecting coastal habitats through spatial subsidies has received limited attention. We address this by presenting a conceptual model of coastal connectivity that focuses on the flow of microbially mediated organic material in key coastal habitats. Our model suggests that it is not the difference in generation rates of organic material between coastal habitats but the amount of organic material assimilated into microbial biomass and respiration that determines the amount of material that can be exported from one coastal environment to another. Further, the flow of organic material across coastal habitats is sensitive to environmental change as this can alter microbial remineralization and respiration rates. Our model highlights microorganisms as an integral part of coastal connectivity and emphasizes the importance of including a microbial perspective in coastal connectivity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Säwström
- School of Science Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research Edith Cowan University Joondalup WA Australia
| | - Glenn A Hyndes
- School of Science Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research Edith Cowan University Joondalup WA Australia
| | - Bradley D Eyre
- School of Environment Science and Engineering Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry Research Southern Cross University Lismore NSW Australia
| | - Megan J Huggett
- School of Science Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research Edith Cowan University Joondalup WA Australia
| | - Matthew W Fraser
- The UWA Oceans Institute and the School of Plant Biology The University of Western Australia Crawley WA Australia
| | - Paul S Lavery
- School of Science Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research Edith Cowan University Joondalup WA Australia
| | - Paul G Thomson
- The School of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering and The UWA Oceans Institute The University of Western Australia Crawley WA Australia
| | - Flavia Tarquinio
- School of Science Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research Edith Cowan University Joondalup WA Australia
| | - Peter D Steinberg
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science Mosman NSW Australia; Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Bonnie Laverock
- The UWA Oceans Institute and the School of Plant Biology The University of Western Australia Crawley WA Australia; Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster University of Technology Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
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48
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Küpper FC, Peters AF, Shewring DM, Sayer MDJ, Mystikou A, Brown H, Azzopardi E, Dargent O, Strittmatter M, Brennan D, Asensi AO, van West P, Wilce RT. Arctic marine phytobenthos of northern Baffin Island. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2016; 52:532-49. [PMID: 27037790 PMCID: PMC5113804 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.12417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Global climate change is expected to alter the polar bioregions faster than any other marine environment. This study assesses the biodiversity of seaweeds and associated eukaryotic pathogens of an established study site in northern Baffin Island (72° N), providing a baseline inventory for future work assessing impacts of the currently ongoing changes in the Arctic marine environment. A total of 33 Phaeophyceae, 24 Rhodophyceae, 2 Chlorophyceae, 12 Ulvophyceae, 1 Trebouxiophyceae, and 1 Dinophyceae are reported, based on collections of an expedition to the area in 2009, complemented by unpublished records of Robert T. Wilce and the first-ever photographic documentation of the phytobenthos of the American Arctic. Molecular barcoding of isolates raised from incubated substratum samples revealed the presence of 20 species of brown seaweeds, including gametophytes of kelp and of a previously unsequenced Desmarestia closely related to D. viridis, two species of Pylaiella, the kelp endophyte Laminariocolax aecidioides and 11 previously unsequenced species of the Ectocarpales, highlighting the necessity to include molecular techniques for fully unraveling cryptic algal diversity. This study also includes the first records of Eurychasma dicksonii, a eukaryotic pathogen affecting seaweeds, from the American Arctic. Overall, this study provides both the most accurate inventory of seaweed diversity of the northern Baffin Island region to date and can be used as an important basis to understand diversity changes with climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frithjof C Küpper
- Scottish Association for Marine Science, Dunbeg, Oban, Argyll, PA37 1QA, UK
- Oceanlab, University of Aberdeen, Main Street, Newburgh, AB41 6AA, UK
| | - Akira F Peters
- BEZHIN ROSKO, 40 rue des pêcheurs, 29250, Santec, France
| | - Dawn M Shewring
- Oceanlab, University of Aberdeen, Main Street, Newburgh, AB41 6AA, UK
| | - Martin D J Sayer
- UK National Facility for Scientific Diving, Scottish Association for Marine Science, Dunbeg, Oban, Argyll, PA37 1QA, UK
| | | | - Hugh Brown
- UK National Facility for Scientific Diving, Scottish Association for Marine Science, Dunbeg, Oban, Argyll, PA37 1QA, UK
| | - Elaine Azzopardi
- UK National Facility for Scientific Diving, Scottish Association for Marine Science, Dunbeg, Oban, Argyll, PA37 1QA, UK
| | - Olivier Dargent
- Centre International de Valbonne, 190 rue Frédéric Mistral, 06560, Valbonne, France
| | | | - Debra Brennan
- Scottish Association for Marine Science, Dunbeg, Oban, Argyll, PA37 1QA, UK
| | | | - Pieter van West
- Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Aberdeen Oomycete Laboratory, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Robert T Wilce
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, USA
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Yabsley NA, Olds AD, Connolly RM, Martin TSH, Gilby BL, Maxwell PS, Huijbers CM, Schoeman DS, Schlacher TA. Resource type influences the effects of reserves and connectivity on ecological functions. J Anim Ecol 2015; 85:437-44. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A. Yabsley
- School of Science and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore Qld 4558 Australia
| | - Andrew D. Olds
- School of Science and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore Qld 4558 Australia
| | - Rod M. Connolly
- Australian Rivers Institute - Coast and Estuaries, and School of Environment; Griffith University; Gold Coast Qld 4222 Australia
| | - Tyson S. H. Martin
- Australian Rivers Institute - Coast and Estuaries, and School of Environment; Griffith University; Gold Coast Qld 4222 Australia
| | - Ben L. Gilby
- School of Science and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore Qld 4558 Australia
- Australian Rivers Institute - Coast and Estuaries, and School of Environment; Griffith University; Gold Coast Qld 4222 Australia
| | - Paul S. Maxwell
- Healthy Waterways; Brisbane Qld 4004 Australia
- School of Chemical Engineering; University of Queensland; St. Lucia Qld 4067 Australia
| | - Chantal M. Huijbers
- School of Science and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore Qld 4558 Australia
- Australian Rivers Institute - Coast and Estuaries, and School of Environment; Griffith University; Gold Coast Qld 4222 Australia
| | - David S. Schoeman
- School of Science and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore Qld 4558 Australia
| | - Thomas A. Schlacher
- School of Science and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast; Maroochydore Qld 4558 Australia
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Mangroves Enhance Reef Fish Abundance at the Caribbean Regional Scale. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142022. [PMID: 26536478 PMCID: PMC4633132 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies conducted at the scale of islands, or small sections of continental coastlines, have suggested that mangrove habitats serve to enhance fish abundances on coral reefs, mainly by providing nursery grounds for several ontogenetically-migrating species. However, evidence of such enhancement at a regional scale has not been reported, and recently, some researchers have questioned the mangrove-reef subsidy effect. In the present study, using two different regression approaches, we pursued two questions related to mangrove-reef connectivity at the Caribbean regional scale: (1) Are reef fish abundances limited by mangrove forest area?; and (2) Are mean reef fish abundances proportional to mangrove forest area after taking human population density and latitude into account? Specifically, we tested for Caribbean-wide mangrove forest area effects on the abundances of 12 reef fishes that have been previously characterized as “mangrove-dependent”. Analyzed were data from an ongoing, long-term (20-year) citizen-scientist fish monitoring program; coastal human population censuses; and several wetland forest information sources. Quantile regression results supported the notion that mangrove forest area limits the abundance of eight of the 12 fishes examined. Linear mixed-effects regression results, which considered potential human (fishing and habitat degradation) and latitudinal influences, suggested that average reef fish densities of at least six of the 12 focal fishes were directly proportional to mangrove forest area. Recent work questioning the mangrove-reef fish subsidy effect likely reflects a failure to: (1) focus analyses on species that use mangroves as nurseries, (2) consider more than the mean fish abundance response to mangrove forest extent; and/or (3) quantitatively account for potentially confounding human impacts, such as fishing pressure and habitat degradation. Our study is the first to demonstrate at a large regional scale (i.e., the Wider Caribbean) that greater mangrove forest size generally functions to increase the densities on neighboring reefs of those fishes that use these shallow, vegetated habitats as nurseries.
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