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Ani CJ, Haller-Bull V, Gilmour JP, Robson BJ. Connectivity modelling identifies sources and sinks of coral recruitment within reef clusters. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13564. [PMID: 38866879 PMCID: PMC11169499 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64388-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Connectivity aids the recovery of populations following disturbances, such as coral bleaching and tropical cyclones. Coral larval connectivity is a function of physical connectivity and larval behaviour. In this study, we used OceanParcels, a particle tracking simulator, with 2D and 3D velocity outputs from a high resolution hydrodynamic-biogeochemical marine model (RECOM) to simulate the dispersal and settlement of larvae from broadcast spawning Acropora corals in the Moore Reef cluster, northern Great Barrier Reef, following the annual spawning events in 2015, 2016 and 2017. 3D velocity simulations showed 19.40-68.80% more links and sinks than those of 2D simulations. Although the patterns of connectivity among sites vary over days and years, coral larvae consistently dispersed from east to west in the cluster domain, with some sites consistently acting as sources or sinks for local larval recruitment. Results can inform coral reef intervention plans for climate change, such as the design of marine protected areas and the deployment of proposed interventions within reef clusters. For example, the wider benefits of interventions (e.g., deployment of heat adapted corals) may be optimised when deployed at locations that are a source of larvae to others within comparable habitats across the reef cluster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinenye J Ani
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB3 Townsville, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia.
- AIMS@JCU, Australian Institute of Marine Science, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
| | - Vanessa Haller-Bull
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB3 Townsville, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - James P Gilmour
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Barbara J Robson
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB3 Townsville, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
- AIMS@JCU, Australian Institute of Marine Science, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
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2
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Doust SN, Haghshenas SA, Bishop EE, Risk MJ, Downs CA. Fine-scale geographic risk assessment of oxybenzone sunscreen pollution within Hanauma Bay using hydrodynamic characterization and modeling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167614. [PMID: 37804976 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Hanauma Bay's coral reef system is threatened by sunscreen pollution. Understanding the hydrodynamic nature of the bay is crucial for understanding the transport and fate of pollutants within the bay. This study conducted a comprehensive hydrodynamic analysis, revealing significant aspects of current patterns and their influence on sunscreen pollutant behavior. The analysis demonstrated the formation of flows that drive currents parallel to the shoreline, resulting in increased pollutant retention time over sensitive reef areas. Direct flushing currents were identified as playing a role in reducing pollution buildup. Particle dynamics analysis highlighted the importance of considering temporal dynamics and their implications for pollutant pathways, particularly through the swash zone during high tide phases. The study identified primary current patterns near the reef area and emphasized the circular behavior within the water body, affecting corals' susceptibility to bleaching in the southwestern part of Hanauma bay. To understand where oxybenzone concentrations were a threat to wildlife, we created a geographic model that integrated ecological risk assessment with hydrodynamic behavior in a given system, which we designate the Risk Quotient Plume - the geographic area where the concentration is above the threat level for a chemical. The study found high oxybenzone concentrations throughout the bay, threatening coral, fish, and algae populations. Oxybenzone's distribution indicated a serious threat to the entire back reef habitat and a hinderance to coral restoration efforts. The study also emphasizes the need to consider the hydrodynamic behavior of pollutants and their interaction with microplastics in the bay. Overall, the findings provide insights into hydrodynamics and pollutant dispersion in Hanauma Bay, supporting effective pollution management and conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadan Nasseri Doust
- Institute of Geophysics, University of Tehran, North Kargar Ave., Tehran 1439951113, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - S Abbas Haghshenas
- Institute of Geophysics, University of Tehran, North Kargar Ave., Tehran 1439951113, Islamic Republic of Iran.
| | - Elizabeth E Bishop
- Friends of Hanauma Bay, P.O. Box 25761, Honolulu, HI 96825-07610, United States of America
| | - Michael J Risk
- School of Geography and Geology, McMaster University, N0G 1R0, Canada
| | - C A Downs
- Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, P.O. Box 92, Clifford, VA 24533, United States of America.
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3
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Saint-Amand A, Lambrechts J, Hanert E. Biophysical models resolution affects coral connectivity estimates. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9414. [PMID: 37296146 PMCID: PMC10256739 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36158-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Estimating connectivity between coral reefs is essential to inform reef conservation and restoration. Given the vastness of coral reef ecosystems, connectivity can only be simulated with biophysical models whose spatial resolution is often coarser than the reef scale. Here, we assess the impact of biophysical models resolution on connectivity estimates by comparing the outputs of five different setups of the same model with resolutions ranging from 250 m to 4 km. We show that increasing the model resolution around reefs yields more complex and less directional dispersal patterns. With a fine-resolution model, connectivity graphs have more connections but of weaker strength. The resulting community structure therefore shows larger clusters of well-connected reefs. Virtual larvae also tend to stay longer close to their source reef with a fine-resolution model, leading to an increased local retention and self-recruitment for species with a short pre-competency period. Overall, only about half of the reefs with the largest connectivity indicator values are similar for the finest and coarsest resolution models. Our results suggest that reef management recommendations should only be made at scales coarser than the model resolution. Reef-scale recommendations can hence only be made with models not exceeding about 500 m resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Saint-Amand
- Earth and Life Institute (ELI), Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 2, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
| | - Jonathan Lambrechts
- Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering (IMMC), Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Georges Lemaître 4-6, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Hanert
- Earth and Life Institute (ELI), Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 2, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering (IMMC), Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Georges Lemaître 4-6, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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4
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Contrasting hydrodynamic regimes of submerged pinnacle and emergent coral reefs. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273092. [PMID: 35972945 PMCID: PMC9380949 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrodynamics on coral reefs vary with depth, reef morphology and seascape position. Differences in hydrodynamic regimes strongly influence the structure and function of coral reef ecosystems. Submerged coral reefs on steep-sided, conical bathymetric features like seamounts experience enhanced water circulation as a result of interactions between currents and the abrupt physical structure. There may also be similar interactions between smaller pinnacles and regional water currents in offshore locations (crests > 10 m), while shallow reefs (crests <10 m) may be more subject to surface currents driven by wind, waves and tide. Here we tested whether coral pinnacles experienced stronger and more variable currents compared to emergent reefs at the same depth in both nearshore and offshore positions. Current speeds and temperature were monitored for 12 months at 11 reefs, representing the three different reef categories: submerged offshore pinnacles, emergent offshore reefs and emergent nearshore reefs. We found different patterns in current speeds and temperature among reef types throughout the year and between seasons. Submerged pinnacles exhibited stronger, more variable current speeds compared to both near and offshore emergent reefs. We found seasonal changes in current speeds for pinnacle and nearshore reefs but no variation in current strength on offshore reefs. Whilst instantaneous current directions did reflect the seascape position of individual sites, there was no difference in the directional variability of current speeds between reef types. Annual daily average temperatures at all reef types were not strongly seasonal, changing by less than 2 °C throughout the year. Daily temperature ranges at specific sites however, exhibited considerable variability (annual range of up to 6.5 °C), particularly amongst offshore emergent reefs which experienced the highest temperatures despite greater exposure to regional-scale circulation patterns. Additionally, we found a consistent mismatch between satellite sea surface temperatures and in-situ temperature data, which was on average 2 °C cooler throughout the annual study period. Our results suggest that distinct hydrodynamic processes occur on smaller submerged structures that are physically analogous to seamounts. Our findings highlight important nuances in environmental processes that occur on morphologically distinct coral reef habitats and these are likely to be important drivers for the community dynamics of organisms that inhabit these reefs.
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Saint-Amand A, Grech A, Choukroun S, Hanert E. Quantifying the environmental impact of a major coal mine project on the adjacent Great Barrier Reef ecosystems. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 179:113656. [PMID: 35468470 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113656] [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: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A major coal mine project in Queensland, Australia, is currently under review. It is planned to be located about 10 km away from the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA). Sediment dispersal patterns and their impact on marine ecosystems have not been properly assessed yet. Here, we simulate the dispersal of different sediment types with a high-resolution ocean model, and derive their environmental footprint. We show that sediments finer than 32 μm could reach dense seagrass meadows and a dugong sanctuary within a few weeks. The intense tidal circulation leads to non-isotropic and long-distance sediment dispersal patterns along the coast. Our results suggest that the sediments released by this project will not be quickly mixed but rather be concentrated where the most valuable ecosystems are located. If accepted, this coal mine could therefore have a far-reaching impact on the GBRWHA and its iconic marine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Saint-Amand
- Earth and Life Institute (ELI), Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
| | - A Grech
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - S Choukroun
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - E Hanert
- Earth and Life Institute (ELI), Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering (IMMC), Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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6
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Godefroid M, Hédouin L, Mercière A, Dubois P. Thermal stress responses of the antipatharian Stichopathes sp. from the mesophotic reef of Mo'orea, French Polynesia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 820:153094. [PMID: 35051469 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153094] [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: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Antipatharians, also called black corals, are present in almost all oceans of the world, until extreme depths. In several regions, they aggregate in higher densities to form black coral beds that support diverse animal communities and create biodiversity hotspots. These recently discovered ecosystems are currently threatened by fishing activities and illegal harvesting for commercial purposes. Despite this, studies dedicated to the physiology of antipatharians are scarce and their responses to global change stressors have remained hardly explored since recently. Here, we present the first study on the physiological responses of a mesophotic antipatharian Stichopathes sp. (70-90 m) to thermal stress through a 16-d laboratory exposure (from 26 to 30.5 °C). Oxygen consumption measurements allowed identifying the physiological tipping point of Stichopathes sp. (Topt = 28.3 °C; 2.7 °C above mean ambient condition). Our results follow theoretical predictions as performances start to decrease beyond Topt, with lowered oxygen consumption rates, impairment of the healing capacities, increased probability of tissue necrosis and stress responses activated as a function of temperature (i.e. increase in mucocyte density and total antioxidant capacity). Altogether, our work indicates that Stichopathes sp. lives at suboptimal performances during the coldest months of the year, but also that it is likely to have low acclimatization capacity and a narrow thermal breadth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Godefroid
- Laboratoire de Biologie marine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 50, CP160/15, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium.
| | - Laetitia Hédouin
- PSL Research University: EPHE-CNRS-UPVD, USR 3278 CRIOBE, BP 1013, 98729 Papetoai, Mo'orea, French Polynesia; Laboratoire d'Excellence « CORAIL», Mo'orea, French Polynesia
| | - Alexandre Mercière
- PSL Research University: EPHE-CNRS-UPVD, USR 3278 CRIOBE, BP 1013, 98729 Papetoai, Mo'orea, French Polynesia; Laboratoire d'Excellence « CORAIL», Mo'orea, French Polynesia
| | - Philippe Dubois
- Laboratoire de Biologie marine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 50, CP160/15, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium
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7
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Downs CA, Bishop E, Diaz-Cruz MS, Haghshenas SA, Stien D, Rodrigues AMS, Woodley CM, Sunyer-Caldú A, Doust SN, Espero W, Ward G, Farhangmehr A, Tabatabaee Samimi SM, Risk MJ, Lebaron P, DiNardo JC. Oxybenzone contamination from sunscreen pollution and its ecological threat to Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, U.S.A. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 291:132880. [PMID: 34780745 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Hanauma Bay is a 101-acre bay created by the partial collapse of a volcanic cone and once supported a vibrant coral reef system. It is the most popular swimming area in the Hawaiian Islands and has been reported to have averaged between 2.8 and 3.5 million visitors a year between the 1980s and the 2010s, with visitors averaging between 3000-4000 a day and peaking around 10,000-13,000 per day. Concentrations of oxybenzone and other common UV filters were measured in subsurface water samples and in sands from the beach-shower areas in Hanauma Bay. Results demonstrate that beach showers also can be a source of sunscreen environmental contamination. Hydrodynamic modeling indicates that oxybenzone contamination within Hanauma Bay's waters could be retained between 14 and 50 h from a single release event period. Focusing on only oxybenzone, two different Hazard and Risk Assessment analyses were conducted to determine the danger of oxybenzone to Hanauma Bay's coral reef system. Results indicate that oxybenzone contamination poses a significant threat to the wildlife of Hanauma Bay. To recover Hanauma Bay's natural resources to a healthy condition and to satisfactorily conserve its coral reef and sea grass habitats, effective tourism management policies need to be implemented that mitigate the threat of sunscreen pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Downs
- Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, P.O. Box 92, Clifford, VA, 2453, USA; Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biodiversité et Biotechnologies Microbiennes, USR3579, Observatoire Océanologique, 66650, Banyuls-sur-mer, France.
| | - Elizabeth Bishop
- Friends of Hanauma Bay, P.O. Box 25761, Honolulu, HI, 96825-07610, USA
| | - M Silvia Diaz-Cruz
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Severo Ochoa Excellence Center. Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Didier Stien
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biodiversité et Biotechnologies Microbiennes, USR3579, Observatoire Océanologique, 66650, Banyuls-sur-mer, France
| | - Alice M S Rodrigues
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biodiversité et Biotechnologies Microbiennes, USR3579, Observatoire Océanologique, 66650, Banyuls-sur-mer, France
| | - Cheryl M Woodley
- U.S. National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Coral Disease & Health Program, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Ft. Johnson Rd. Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Adrià Sunyer-Caldú
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Severo Ochoa Excellence Center. Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - William Espero
- Hawaii State Senate, Senate District 19, Hawaii State Capitol, 415 S. Beretania St. Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
| | - Gene Ward
- Hawaii State Legislature, House District 17, Hawaii State Capitol, 415 S. Beretania St. Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
| | | | | | - Michael J Risk
- Department of Earth Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4M1, Canada
| | - Philippe Lebaron
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biodiversité et Biotechnologies Microbiennes, USR3579, Observatoire Océanologique, 66650, Banyuls-sur-mer, France
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8
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Cooper AM, MacDonald C, Roberts TE, Bridge TCL. Variability in the functional composition of coral reef fish communities on submerged and emergent reefs in the central Great Barrier Reef, Australia. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216785. [PMID: 31100087 PMCID: PMC6524821 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
On coral reefs, depth and gradients related to depth (e.g. light and wave exposure) influence the composition of fish communities. However, most studies focus only on emergent reefs that break the sea surface in shallow waters (<10 m). On the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), submerged reefs (reefs that do not break the sea surface) occupy an area equivalent to all emergent reefs. However, submerged reefs have received comparatively little research attention, and fish communities associated with submerged reefs remain poorly quantified. Here, we quantify fish assemblages at each of three depths (10, 20 and 30 m) on eight submerged reefs (four mid-shelf and four outer-shelf) and two nearby emergent reefs in the central GBR where reef habitat extends from 0-~25 m depth. We examine how total fish abundance, the abundance of 13 functional groups, and the functional composition of fish communities varies among depths, reef types (submerged versus emergent reefs), and shelf position (mid-shelf versus outer-shelf). Overall fish abundance decreased sevenfold with depth, but declined less steeply (twofold) on outer-shelf submerged reefs than on both mid-shelf submerged reefs and emergent reefs. The functional composition of the fish assemblage also varied significantly among depths and reef types. Turnover in the functional composition of the fish community was also steeper on the mid-shelf, suggesting that shallow-affiliated groups extend further in deeper water on the outer-shelf. Ten of the 13 functional groups were more strongly associated with the shallowest depths (the upper reef slope of emergent reefs or the 'crests' of submerged reefs), two groups (soft coral/sponge feeders and mesopredators) were more abundant at the deepest sites. Our results confirm that submerged reefs in the central GBR support a wide range of coral reef fishes, and are an important component of the GBR ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M. Cooper
- Marine Biology and Aquaculture Science, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Chancey MacDonald
- Marine Biology and Aquaculture Science, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - T. Edward Roberts
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tom C. L. Bridge
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland Museum Network, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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9
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Moneghetti J, Figueiredo J, Baird AH, Connolly SR. High-frequency sampling and piecewise models reshape dispersal kernels of a common reef coral. Ecology 2019; 100:e02730. [PMID: 30991454 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Models of dispersal potential are required to predict connectivity between populations of sessile organisms. However, to date, such models do not allow for time-varying rates of acquisition and loss of competence to settle and metamorphose, and permit only a limited range of possible survivorship curves. We collect high-resolution observations of coral larval survival and metamorphosis, and apply a piecewise modeling approach that incorporates a broad range of temporally varying rates of mortality and loss of competence. Our analysis identified marked changes in competence loss and mortality rates, the timing of which implicates developmental failure and depletion of energy reserves. Asymmetric demographic rates suggest more intermediate-range dispersal, less local retention, and less long-distance dispersal than predicted by previously employed non-piecewise models. Because vital rates are likely temporally asymmetric, at least for nonfeeding broadcast-spawned larvae, piecewise analysis of demographic rates will likely yield more reliable predictions of dispersal potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Moneghetti
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Joana Figueiredo
- Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Nova Southeastern University, 8000 North Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, Florida, 33004, USA
| | - Andrew H Baird
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Sean R Connolly
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
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10
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Williams J, Jordan A, Harasti D, Davies P, Ingleton T. Taking a deeper look: Quantifying the differences in fish assemblages between shallow and mesophotic temperate rocky reefs. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0206778. [PMID: 30875385 PMCID: PMC6420037 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The spatial distribution of a species assemblage is often determined by habitat and climate. In the marine environment, depth can become an important factor as declining light and water temperature leads to changes in the biological habitat structure. To date, much of the focus of ecological fish research has been based on reefs in less than 40 m with little research on the ecological role of mesophotic reefs. We deployed baited remote underwater stereo video systems (stereo-BRUVS) on temperate reefs in two depth categories: shallow (20–40 m) and mesophotic (80–120 m), off Port Stephens, Australia. Sites were selected using data collected by swath acoustic sounder to ensure stereo-BRUVS were deployed on reef. The sounder also provided rugosity, slope and relief data for each stereo-BRUVS deployment. Multivariate analysis indicates that there are significant differences in the fish assemblages between shallow and mesophotic reefs, primarily driven by Ophthalmolepis lineolatus and Notolabrus gymnogenis only occurring on shallow reefs and schooling species of fish that were unique to each depth category: Atypichthys strigatus on shallow reefs and Centroberyx affinis on mesophotic reefs. While shallow reefs had a greater species richness and abundance of fish when compared to mesophotic reefs, mesophotic reefs hosted the same species richness of fishery-targeted species. Chrysophrys auratus and Nemodactylus douglassii are two highly targeted species in this region. While C. auratus was numerically more abundant on shallow reefs, mesophotic reefs provide habitat for larger fish. In comparison, N. douglassii were evenly distributed across all sites sampled. Generalized linear models revealed that depth and habitat type provided the most parsimonious model for predicting the distribution of C. auratus, while habitat type alone best predicted the distribution of N. douglassii. These results demonstrate the importance of mesophotic reefs to fishery-targeted species and therefore have implications for informing the management of these fishery resources on shelf rocky reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Williams
- Fisheries Research, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Nelson Bay, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Alan Jordan
- Fisheries Research, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Nelson Bay, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Harasti
- Fisheries Research, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Nelson Bay, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Davies
- New South Wales Office of Environment and Heritage, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tim Ingleton
- New South Wales Office of Environment and Heritage, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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11
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Mcleod E, Anthony KRN, Mumby PJ, Maynard J, Beeden R, Graham NAJ, Heron SF, Hoegh-Guldberg O, Jupiter S, MacGowan P, Mangubhai S, Marshall N, Marshall PA, McClanahan TR, Mcleod K, Nyström M, Obura D, Parker B, Possingham HP, Salm RV, Tamelander J. The future of resilience-based management in coral reef ecosystems. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 233:291-301. [PMID: 30583103 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Resilience underpins the sustainability of both ecological and social systems. Extensive loss of reef corals following recent mass bleaching events have challenged the notion that support of system resilience is a viable reef management strategy. While resilience-based management (RBM) cannot prevent the damaging effects of major disturbances, such as mass bleaching events, it can support natural processes that promote resistance and recovery. Here, we review the potential of RBM to help sustain coral reefs in the 21st century. We explore the scope for supporting resilience through existing management approaches and emerging technologies and discuss their opportunities and limitations in a changing climate. We argue that for RBM to be effective in a changing world, reef management strategies need to involve both existing and new interventions that together reduce stress, support the fitness of populations and species, and help people and economies to adapt to a highly altered ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenneth R N Anthony
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville, Qld, 4810, Australia; Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - Peter J Mumby
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Qld, 4072, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Maynard
- SymbioSeas and the Marine Applied Research Center, Wilmington, NC, 28411, United States
| | - Roger Beeden
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville, Qld, 4810, Australia
| | | | - Scott F Heron
- NOAA Coral Reef Watch, NESDIS Center for Satellite Applications and Research, College Park, MD, 20740, USA; ReefSense, Townsville, Qld 4814, Australia; Marine Geophysical Laboratory, Physics Department, College of Science, Technology and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, 4811, Australia
| | - Ove Hoegh-Guldberg
- Global Change Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4072, Qld, Australia
| | - Stacy Jupiter
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Melanesia Program, Suva, Fiji
| | | | | | - Nadine Marshall
- CSIRO Land and Water and College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Q4811, Australia
| | - Paul A Marshall
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Qld, 4072, Australia; Reef Ecologic, North Ward, Townsville, Qld, 4810, Australia
| | | | - Karen Mcleod
- COMPASS, Oregon State University, Department of Zoology, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Magnus Nyström
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, SE, 10691, Sweden
| | - David Obura
- CORDIO East Africa, Mombasa, Kenya; Global Change Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4072, Qld, Australia
| | - Britt Parker
- NOAA NIDIS/Cooperative Institute for Research In Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Hugh P Possingham
- The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, VA, 22203, USA; The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
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12
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Yuan X, Guo Y, Cai WJ, Huang H, Zhou W, Liu S. Coral responses to ocean warming and acidification: Implications for future distribution of coral reefs in the South China Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 138:241-248. [PMID: 30660269 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.11.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The annual sea surface temperature increased at a rate of 0.038 to 0.074 °C/year in recent decade, and pH decreased at a rate of 0.012-0.014/year in two coastal waters of the South China Sea. Therefore, a culture experiment was conducted to study the effects of acidification and warming on coral calcification rates. The calcification of three coral species were significantly reduced during the exposure to elevated CO2, while other three coral species were not significantly affected. The reef coral Pocillopora damicornis was resistant to high CO2, but was not able to survive during the exposure to 33 °C in our culture experiments. Our findings suggested that some corals might not survive in tropical areas if coral could not adapt to warming rapidly, and subtropical coastal waters with temperature of <30 °C will serve as refugia for the corals resistant to high CO2 at the end of this century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangcheng Yuan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yajuan Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei-Jun Cai
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Hui Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China; Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China.
| | - Weihua Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China; Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, China.
| | - Sheng Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Sexual Reproduction of Scleractinian Corals in Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems vs. Shallow Reefs. CORAL REEFS OF THE WORLD 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-92735-0_35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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14
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Pyle RL, Boland R, Bolick H, Bowen BW, Bradley CJ, Kane C, Kosaki RK, Langston R, Longenecker K, Montgomery A, Parrish FA, Popp BN, Rooney J, Smith CM, Wagner D, Spalding HL. A comprehensive investigation of mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Hawaiian Archipelago. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2475. [PMID: 27761310 PMCID: PMC5068450 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the existence of coral-reef habitats at depths to 165 m in tropical regions has been known for decades, the richness, diversity, and ecological importance of mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) has only recently become widely acknowledged. During an interdisciplinary effort spanning more than two decades, we characterized the most expansive MCEs ever recorded, with vast macroalgal communities and areas of 100% coral cover between depths of 50–90 m extending for tens of km2 in the Hawaiian Archipelago. We used a variety of sensors and techniques to establish geophysical characteristics. Biodiversity patterns were established from visual and video observations and collected specimens obtained from submersible, remotely operated vehicles and mixed-gas SCUBA and rebreather dives. Population dynamics based on age, growth and fecundity estimates of selected fish species were obtained from laser-videogrammetry, specimens, and otolith preparations. Trophic dynamics were determined using carbon and nitrogen stable isotopic analyses on more than 750 reef fishes. MCEs are associated with clear water and suitable substrate. In comparison to shallow reefs in the Hawaiian Archipelago, inhabitants of MCEs have lower total diversity, harbor new and unique species, and have higher rates of endemism in fishes. Fish species present in shallow and mesophotic depths have similar population and trophic (except benthic invertivores) structures and high genetic connectivity with lower fecundity at mesophotic depths. MCEs in Hawai‘i are widespread but associated with specific geophysical characteristics. High genetic, ecological and trophic connectivity establish the potential for MCEs to serve as refugia for some species, but our results question the premise that MCEs are more resilient than shallow reefs. We found that endemism within MCEs increases with depth, and our results do not support suggestions of a global faunal break at 60 m. Our findings enhance the scientific foundations for conservation and management of MCEs, and provide a template for future interdisciplinary research on MCEs worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Pyle
- Natural Sciences, Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum , Honolulu , HI , United States
| | - Raymond Boland
- Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, Honolulu, HI, United States; Hawai'i Pacific University, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Holly Bolick
- Natural Sciences, Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum , Honolulu , HI , United States
| | - Brian W Bowen
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Manoa , Honolulu , HI , United States
| | - Christina J Bradley
- Life and Environmental Sciences, University of California at Merced, Merced, CA, United States; Department of Oceanography, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Corinne Kane
- Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Washington State University , Pullman , WA , United States
| | - Randall K Kosaki
- Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , Honolulu , HI , United States
| | - Ross Langston
- Natural Sciences, Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum , Honolulu , HI , United States
| | - Ken Longenecker
- Natural Sciences, Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum , Honolulu , HI , United States
| | - Anthony Montgomery
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, United States; Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Frank A Parrish
- Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration , Honolulu , HI , United States
| | - Brian N Popp
- Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Hawai'i at Manoa , Honolulu , HI , United States
| | - John Rooney
- Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, University of Hawai'i at Manoa , Honolulu , HI , United States
| | - Celia M Smith
- Department of Botany, University of Hawai'i at Manoa , Honolulu , HI , United States
| | - Daniel Wagner
- Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , Honolulu , HI , United States
| | - Heather L Spalding
- Department of Botany, University of Hawai'i at Manoa , Honolulu , HI , United States
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15
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Grech A, Wolter J, Coles R, McKenzie L, Rasheed M, Thomas C, Waycott M, Hanert E. Spatial patterns of seagrass dispersal and settlement. DIVERS DISTRIB 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alana Grech
- Department of Environmental Sciences; Macquarie University; Sydney NSW 2109 Australia
| | - Jolan Wolter
- Earth and Life Institute (ELI); Université catholique de Louvain; Louvain-la-Neuve 1348 Belgium
| | - Rob Coles
- TropWATER (Centre for Tropical Water & Aquatic Ecosystem Research); James Cook University; Cairns Qld 4870 Australia
| | - Len McKenzie
- TropWATER (Centre for Tropical Water & Aquatic Ecosystem Research); James Cook University; Cairns Qld 4870 Australia
| | - Michael Rasheed
- TropWATER (Centre for Tropical Water & Aquatic Ecosystem Research); James Cook University; Cairns Qld 4870 Australia
| | - Christopher Thomas
- Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering; Université catholique de Louvain; Louvain-la-Neuve 1348 Belgium
| | - Michelle Waycott
- School of Biological Sciences; Environment Institute; Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity; The University of Adelaide; Adelaide SA 5001 Australia
| | - Emmanuel Hanert
- Earth and Life Institute (ELI); Université catholique de Louvain; Louvain-la-Neuve 1348 Belgium
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16
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Brandtneris VW, Brandt ME, Glynn PW, Gyory J, Smith TB. Seasonal Variability in Calorimetric Energy Content of Two Caribbean Mesophotic Corals. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151953. [PMID: 27050430 PMCID: PMC4822962 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Energetic responses of zooxanthellate reef corals along depth gradients have relevance to the refugia potential of mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs). Previous observations suggested that MCEs in the Caribbean are thermally buffered during the warmest parts of the year and occur within or just below the chlorophyll maximum, suggesting abundant trophic resources. However, it is not known if mesophotic corals can maintain constant energy needs throughout the year with changing environmental and biological conditions. The energetic content of tissues from the stony coral species Orbicella faveolata and Agaricia lamarcki was measured on the southern insular shelf of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands (USVI), using micro-bomb calorimetry. Three sites for each species, at depths of 6m, 25m, 38m and 63m, were selected to capture energetic differences across the major vertical range extent of both species in the USVI—and sampled over five periods from April 2013 to April 2014. Mesophotic colonies of O. faveolata exhibited a significant reduction in energetic content during the month of September 2013 compared to mid-depth and shallow colonies (p = 0.032), whereas A. lamarcki experienced similar energetic variability, but with a significant reduction in energy content that occurred in July 2013 for colonies at sites deeper than 25m (p = 0.014). The results of calorimetric analyses indicate that O. faveolata may be at risk during late summer stress events, possibly due to the timing of reproductive activities. The low-point of A. lamarcki energy content, which may also coincide with reproduction, occurs prior to seasonal stress events, indicating contrasting, species-specific responses to environmental variability on MCEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor W. Brandtneris
- Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands
- * E-mail:
| | - Marilyn E. Brandt
- Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands
| | - Peter W. Glynn
- Rosenstiel School for Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Joanna Gyory
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Tyler B. Smith
- Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands
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