1
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Xu MD, Dong WJ, Long XZ, Yang XW, Han XY, Cui LY, Tong Q. Impact of wildfire ash on skin and gut microbiomes and survival of Rana dybowskii. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 474:134729. [PMID: 38805811 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134729] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Climate change and human activities escalate the frequency and intensity of wildfires, threatening amphibian habitats and survival; yet, research on these impacts remains limited. Wildfire ash alters water quality, introduces contaminants, and may disrupt microbial communities, impacting gut and skin microbiota; however, the effects on gut and skin microbiota remain unclear. Rana dybowskii were exposed to five concentrations (0 g L-1, 1.25 g L-1, 2.5 g L-1, 5 g L-1, and 10 g L-1) of aqueous extracts of wildfire ashes (AEAs) for 30 days to assess AEAs' metal content, survival, and microbiota diversity via Illumina sequencing. Our results showed that the major elements in ash were Ca > K > Mg > Al > Fe > Na > Mn, while in AEA they were K > Ca > Na > Mg > As > Al > Cu. A significant decrease in amphibian survival rates with increased AEA concentration was shown. The beta diversity analysis revealed distinct shifts in microbiota composition. Notably, bacterial genera associated with potential health risks showed increased abundance in skin microbiota, emphasising the potential for ash exposure to affect amphibian health. Functional prediction analyses revealed significant shifts in metabolic pathways related to health and disease, indicating that wildfire ash exposure may influence amphibian health through changes in microbial functions. This study highlights the urgent need for strategies to mitigate wildfire ash impacts on amphibians, as it significantly alters microbiota and affects their survival and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-da Xu
- School of Biology and Agriculture, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi 154007, China
| | - Wen-Jing Dong
- School of Biology and Agriculture, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi 154007, China
| | - Xin-Zhou Long
- School of Biology and Agriculture, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi 154007, China
| | - Xue-Wen Yang
- School of Biology and Agriculture, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi 154007, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Han
- School of Biology and Agriculture, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi 154007, China
| | - Li-Yong Cui
- Jiamusi Branch of Heilongjiang Academy of Forestry Sciences, Jiamusi 154002, China
| | - Qing Tong
- School of Biology and Agriculture, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi 154007, China; Jiamusi Branch of Heilongjiang Academy of Forestry Sciences, Jiamusi 154002, China.
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2
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Ochwada-Doyle FA, Miles N, Hughes JM, Murphy JJ, Lowry MB, West L, Taylor MD. Exploring spatio-temporal changes in coastal recreational fisheries and potential links to extreme weather events. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305106. [PMID: 38848391 PMCID: PMC11161121 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Extreme weather events across coastal environments are expected to increase in frequency under predicted climate change scenarios. These events can impact coastal recreational fisheries and their supporting ecosystems by influencing the productivity of fish stocks or altering behaviours and decision-making among fishers. Using off-site telephone/diary survey data on estuarine and oceanic recreational fishing activity in eastern Australia, we analyse interannual and geographic variability in bream (Acanthopagrus spp) and snapper (Chrysophrys auratus) catch, total effort and total catch per unit effort (CPUE) through a period (2013/2014, 2017/2018 and 2019/2020) that encompassed severe drought, bushfires and flooding. Interacting spatial and temporal differences were detected for bream and may reflect spatial variation in the intensity and extent of some of the extreme weather events. The catch of snapper did not change temporally, providing little evidence that this species' catch may be influenced by the extreme weather events. Independent bioregional and temporal effects on effort were detected, while CPUE only showed significant bioregional differences. Although adverse conditions created by the extreme weather events may have dissuaded fisher participation and impacted effort, we propose that the observed temporal patterns in effort reflect the early influence of socio-economic changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic on coastal recreational fishing, over and above the impacts of extreme weather events. This study demonstrates how interrelated ecological, social and economic factors can shape coastal recreational fisheries and facilitates development of management strategies to address future threats to the sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith A. Ochwada-Doyle
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW, Australia
- Kewagama Research, Doonan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nathan Miles
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Narrandera, NSW, Australia
| | - Julian M. Hughes
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeffrey J. Murphy
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael B. Lowry
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Laurie West
- Kewagama Research, Doonan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Matthew D. Taylor
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens, New South Wales, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
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3
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Cooke SJ, Fulton EA, Sauer WHH, Lynch AJ, Link JS, Koning AA, Jena J, Silva LGM, King AJ, Kelly R, Osborne M, Nakamura J, Preece AL, Hagiwara A, Forsberg K, Kellner JB, Coscia I, Helyar S, Barange M, Nyboer E, Williams MJ, Chuenpagdee R, Begg GA, Gillanders BM. Towards vibrant fish populations and sustainable fisheries that benefit all: learning from the last 30 years to inform the next 30 years. REVIEWS IN FISH BIOLOGY AND FISHERIES 2023; 33:317-347. [PMID: 37122954 PMCID: PMC9985478 DOI: 10.1007/s11160-023-09765-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
A common goal among fisheries science professionals, stakeholders, and rights holders is to ensure the persistence and resilience of vibrant fish populations and sustainable, equitable fisheries in diverse aquatic ecosystems, from small headwater streams to offshore pelagic waters. Achieving this goal requires a complex intersection of science and management, and a recognition of the interconnections among people, place, and fish that govern these tightly coupled socioecological and sociotechnical systems. The World Fisheries Congress (WFC) convenes every four years and provides a unique global forum to debate and discuss threats, issues, and opportunities facing fish populations and fisheries. The 2021 WFC meeting, hosted remotely in Adelaide, Australia, marked the 30th year since the first meeting was held in Athens, Greece, and provided an opportunity to reflect on progress made in the past 30 years and provide guidance for the future. We assembled a diverse team of individuals involved with the Adelaide WFC and reflected on the major challenges that faced fish and fisheries over the past 30 years, discussed progress toward overcoming those challenges, and then used themes that emerged during the Congress to identify issues and opportunities to improve sustainability in the world's fisheries for the next 30 years. Key future needs and opportunities identified include: rethinking fisheries management systems and modelling approaches, modernizing and integrating assessment and information systems, being responsive and flexible in addressing persistent and emerging threats to fish and fisheries, mainstreaming the human dimension of fisheries, rethinking governance, policy and compliance, and achieving equity and inclusion in fisheries. We also identified a number of cross-cutting themes including better understanding the role of fish as nutrition in a hungry world, adapting to climate change, embracing transdisciplinarity, respecting Indigenous knowledge systems, thinking ahead with foresight science, and working together across scales. By reflecting on the past and thinking about the future, we aim to provide guidance for achieving our mutual goal of sustaining vibrant fish populations and sustainable fisheries that benefit all. We hope that this prospective thinking can serve as a guide to (i) assess progress towards achieving this lofty goal and (ii) refine our path with input from new and emerging voices and approaches in fisheries science, management, and stewardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J. Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6 Canada
| | - Elizabeth A. Fulton
- CSIRO Environment, Hobart, 7001 TAS Australia
- Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, 7001 TAS Australia
| | - Warwick H. H. Sauer
- Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
| | - Abigail J. Lynch
- National Climate Adaptation Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20192 USA
| | - Jason S. Link
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Woods Hole, MA USA
| | - Aaron A. Koning
- Global Water Center, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV USA
| | - Joykrushna Jena
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Krishi Anusandhan Bhawan-II, Pusa, New Delhi, 110012 India
| | - Luiz G. M. Silva
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH-Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alison J. King
- Centre for Freshwater Ecosystems, La Trobe University, Wodonga, 3690 Vic Australia
| | - Rachel Kelly
- Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, 7001 TAS Australia
| | - Matthew Osborne
- Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade, Northern Territory Government, Darwin, 0800 NT Australia
| | - Julia Nakamura
- Strathclyde Centre for Environmental Law and Governance, University of Strathclyde Law School, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Atsushi Hagiwara
- Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8521 Japan
| | | | - Julie B. Kellner
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Falmouth, MA 02453 USA
- International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, 1553 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ilaria Coscia
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Salford, M5 4WT UK
| | - Sarah Helyar
- School of Biological Sciences/Institute for Global Food Security, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Manuel Barange
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Viale Delle Terme Di Caracalla S/N, 00153 Rome, Italy
| | - Elizabeth Nyboer
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6 Canada
| | | | - Ratana Chuenpagdee
- Department of Geography, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NFLD Canada
| | - Gavin A. Begg
- Department of Primary Industries and Regions, PO Box 120, Henley Beach, 5022 SA Australia
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4
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Anderson J, Prosser RS. Investigation of the potential effects of firefighting water additives on soil invertebrates and terrestrial plants. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137496. [PMID: 36502915 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137496] [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: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The intensity and frequency of forest fires is increasing across the globe due to climate change. Additives are often added to make water more effective at extinguishing fire and preventing re-ignition. This study investigated the toxicity of nine different firefighting water additives to four species of soil invertebrates (Folsomia candida, Porcellio laevis, Porcellio scaber, and Trichorhina tomentosa) and two plant species (Agropyron cristatum and Raphanus sativus). Considerable variation in toxicity was observed among the firefighting products. The toxicity of individual products also varied considerably amongst the tested species. A hazard assessment was conducted by comparing the concentration of firefighting water additive that caused a 50% effect (LC50 or EC50) or a concentration that caused no effect (NOEC) to the concentration recommended by the manufacturer. At a rate of application representative of a forest firefighting scenario, most firefighting water additives tested in this study posed a hazard to F. candida and the three isopod species. The majority of products did not pose a risk to the two plant species included in this study. Consideration of the toxicity of firefighting water additives to terrestrial biota should be considered along with the efficacy of the product to fight fires when deciding which products to use.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Anderson
- University of Guelph, School of Environmental Sciences, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - R S Prosser
- University of Guelph, School of Environmental Sciences, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
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5
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Anderson J, Prosser RS. Potential risk to aquatic biota from aerial application of firefighting water additives. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120651. [PMID: 36395903 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The frequency and severity of forest fires is increasing due to climate change. Consequently, there will be an increased use of forest firefighting additives, which increase the ability of water to extinguish fires and prevent reignition. Increased use will potentially result in increased exposure to aquatic ecosystems within forests. This study examined the toxicity of nine firefighting water additives that are currently on the market to three species of freshwater invertebrates that occupy different niches within freshwater ecosystems. The toxicity of the water additives varied up to three orders of magnitude. Pelagic and epibenthic invertebrates are affected at lower rates of application than endobenthic invertebrates. A field relevant application rate of three of the nine water additives tested represent a hazard to freshwater ecosystems under varies exposure scenarios represented by the depth of a theoretical water body (15-200 cm). This study highlights the importance of application buffers around water bodies and the selection of water additives that pose the lowest hazard to freshwater ecosystem, assuming that the efficacy of the additives in extinguishing fires is similar.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Anderson
- University of Guelph, School of Environmental Sciences, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - R S Prosser
- University of Guelph, School of Environmental Sciences, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
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6
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Bracewell SA, Barros TL, Mayer-Pinto M, Dafforn KA, Simpson SL, Johnston EL. Contaminant pulse following wildfire is associated with shifts in estuarine benthic communities. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120533. [PMID: 36341829 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Novel combinations of climatic conditions due to climate change and prolonged fire seasons have contributed to an increased occurrence of "megafires". Such large-scale fires pose an unknown threat to biodiversity due to the increased extent and severity of burn. Assessments of wildfires often focus on terrestrial ecosystems and effects on aquatic habitats are less documented, particularly in coastal environments. In a novel application of eDNA techniques, we assessed the impacts of the 2019-2020 Australian wildfires on the diversity of estuarine benthic sediment communities in six estuaries in NSW, Australia, before and after the fires. Estuaries differed in area of catchment burnt (0-92%) and amount of vegetative buffer that remained post-fire between burnt areas and waterways. We found greater dissimilarities in the composition and abundance of eukaryotic and bacterial sediment communities in estuaries from burnt catchments with no buffer compared to those with an intact buffer or from unburnt catchments. Shifts in composition in highly burnt catchments were associated with increased concentrations of nutrients, carbon, including fire-derived pyrogenic carbon, and copper, which was representative of multiple highly correlated trace metals. Changes in the relative abundances of certain taxonomic groups, such as sulfate-reducing and nitrifying bacterial groups, in the most impacted estuaries indicate potential consequences for the functioning of sediment communities. These results provide a unique demonstration of the use of eDNA to identify wildfire impacts on ecological communities and emphasize the importance of vegetative buffers in limiting wildfire-associated impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally A Bracewell
- Applied Marine and Estuarine Ecology Laboratory, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Thayanne L Barros
- Applied Marine and Estuarine Ecology Laboratory, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mariana Mayer-Pinto
- Applied Marine and Estuarine Ecology Laboratory, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Katherine A Dafforn
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Stuart L Simpson
- CSIRO Land and Water, Tharawal Country, Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Emma L Johnston
- Applied Marine and Estuarine Ecology Laboratory, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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7
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Ward M, Southwell D, Gallagher RV, Raadik TA, Whiterod NS, Lintermans M, Sheridan G, Nyman P, Suárez‐Castro AF, Marsh J, Woinarski J, Legge S. Modelling the spatial extent of post‐fire sedimentation threat to estimate the impacts of fire on waterways and aquatic species. DIVERS DISTRIB 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Ward
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
- WWF‐Aus Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Darren Southwell
- Conservation Biology Research Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences The University of Newcastle Callaghan NSW Australia
| | - Rachael V. Gallagher
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment Western Sydney University Penrith New South Wales Australia
| | - Tarmo A. Raadik
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Heidelberg Victoria Australia
| | - Nick S. Whiterod
- Aquasave−Nature Glenelg Trust Victor Harbor South Australia Australia
| | - Mark Lintermans
- Centre for Applied Water Science University of Canberra Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Gary Sheridan
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Petter Nyman
- Alluvium Consulting Australia Cremorne Victoria Australia
| | - Andrés F. Suárez‐Castro
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- Australian Rivers Institute Griffith University Nathan Queensland Australia
| | - Jessica Marsh
- Harry Butler Research Institute Murdoch University Murdoch Western Australia Australia
| | - John Woinarski
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Darwin Northern Territory Australia
| | - Sarah Legge
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Darwin Northern Territory Australia
- Fenner School of Environment & Society The Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
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8
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Barros TL, Bracewell SA, Mayer-Pinto M, Dafforn KA, Simpson SL, Farrell M, Johnston EL. Wildfires cause rapid changes to estuarine benthic habitat. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 308:119571. [PMID: 35661807 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Estuaries are one of the most valuable biomes on earth. Although humans are highly dependent on these ecosystems, anthropogenic activities have impacted estuaries worldwide, altering their ecological functions and ability to provide a variety of important ecosystem services. Many anthropogenic stressors combine to affect the soft sedimentary habitats that dominate estuarine ecosystems. Now, due to climate change, estuaries and other marine areas might be increasingly exposed to the emerging threat of megafires. Here, by sampling estuaries before and after a megafire, we describe impacts of wildfires on estuarine benthic habitats and justify why megafires are a new and concerning threat to coastal ecosystems. We (1) show that wildfires change the fundamental characteristics of estuarine benthic habitat, (2) identify the factors (burnt intensity and proximity to water's edge) that influence the consequences of fires on estuaries, and (3) identify relevant indicators of wildfire impact: metals, nutrients, and pyrogenic carbon. We then discuss how fires can impact estuaries globally, regardless of local variability and differences in catchment. In the first empirical assessment of the impact of wildfires on estuarine condition, our results highlight indicators that may assist waterway managers to empirically detect wildfire impacts in estuaries and identify catchment factors that should be included in fire risk assessments for estuaries. Overall, this study highlights the importance of considering fire threats in current and future estuarine and coastal management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thayanne L Barros
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Bedegal Country, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Sally A Bracewell
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Bedegal Country, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Mariana Mayer-Pinto
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Bedegal Country, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Katherine A Dafforn
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Wallamattagal Country, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Stuart L Simpson
- CSIRO Land and Water, Tharawal Country, Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research, NSW, 2234, Australia
| | - Mark Farrell
- CSIRO Agriculture & Food, Kaurna Country, Locked Bag 2, Glen Osmond, South Australia, 5064, Australia
| | - Emma L Johnston
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Bedegal Country, NSW, 2052, Australia
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9
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Herbert-Read JE, Thornton A, Amon DJ, Birchenough SNR, Côté IM, Dias MP, Godley BJ, Keith SA, McKinley E, Peck LS, Calado R, Defeo O, Degraer S, Johnston EL, Kaartokallio H, Macreadie PI, Metaxas A, Muthumbi AWN, Obura DO, Paterson DM, Piola AR, Richardson AJ, Schloss IR, Snelgrove PVR, Stewart BD, Thompson PM, Watson GJ, Worthington TA, Yasuhara M, Sutherland WJ. A global horizon scan of issues impacting marine and coastal biodiversity conservation. Nat Ecol Evol 2022; 6:1262-1270. [PMID: 35798839 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-022-01812-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The biodiversity of marine and coastal habitats is experiencing unprecedented change. While there are well-known drivers of these changes, such as overexploitation, climate change and pollution, there are also relatively unknown emerging issues that are poorly understood or recognized that have potentially positive or negative impacts on marine and coastal ecosystems. In this inaugural Marine and Coastal Horizon Scan, we brought together 30 scientists, policymakers and practitioners with transdisciplinary expertise in marine and coastal systems to identify new issues that are likely to have a significant impact on the functioning and conservation of marine and coastal biodiversity over the next 5-10 years. Based on a modified Delphi voting process, the final 15 issues presented were distilled from a list of 75 submitted by participants at the start of the process. These issues are grouped into three categories: ecosystem impacts, for example the impact of wildfires and the effect of poleward migration on equatorial biodiversity; resource exploitation, including an increase in the trade of fish swim bladders and increased exploitation of marine collagens; and new technologies, such as soft robotics and new biodegradable products. Our early identification of these issues and their potential impacts on marine and coastal biodiversity will support scientists, conservationists, resource managers and policymakers to address the challenges facing marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ann Thornton
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Diva J Amon
- SpeSeas, D'Abadie, Trinidad and Tobago.,Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | | | - Isabelle M Côté
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Maria P Dias
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Department of Animal Biology, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,BirdLife International, The David Attenborough Building, Cambridge, UK
| | - Brendan J Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - Sally A Keith
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Emma McKinley
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Lloyd S Peck
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ricardo Calado
- ECOMARE, CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Santiago University Campus, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Omar Defeo
- Laboratory of Marine Sciences (UNDECIMAR), Faculty of Sciences, University of the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Steven Degraer
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Operational Directorate Natural Environment, Marine Ecology and Management, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Emma L Johnston
- School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Peter I Macreadie
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood Campus, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anna Metaxas
- Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - David O Obura
- Coastal Oceans Research and Development in the Indian Ocean, Mombasa, Kenya.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David M Paterson
- Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Alberto R Piola
- Servício de Hidrografía Naval, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto Franco-Argentino sobre Estudios de Clima y sus Impactos, CONICET/CNRS, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Anthony J Richardson
- School of Mathematics and Physics, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Oceans and Atmosphere, Queensland Biosciences Precinct, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Irene R Schloss
- Instituto Antártico Argentino, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas (CADIC-CONICET), Ushuaia, Argentina.,Universidad Nacional de Tierra del Fuego, Antártida e Islas del Atlántico Sur, Ushuaia, Argentina
| | - Paul V R Snelgrove
- Department of Ocean Sciences and Biology Department, Memorial University, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Bryce D Stewart
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York, UK
| | - Paul M Thompson
- Lighthouse Field Station, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Cromarty, UK
| | - Gordon J Watson
- Institute of Marine Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Thomas A Worthington
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Moriaki Yasuhara
- School of Biological Sciences, Area of Ecology and Biodiversity, Swire Institute of Marine Science, Institute for Climate and Carbon Neutrality, Musketeers Foundation Institute of Data Science, and State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, The University of Hong Kong, Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building, Hong Kong, China
| | - William J Sutherland
- Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK.,Biosecurity Research Initiative at St Catharine's (BioRISC), St Catharine's College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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10
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Gomez Isaza DF, Cramp RL, Franklin CE. Fire and rain: A systematic review of the impacts of wildfire and associated runoff on aquatic fauna. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:2578-2595. [PMID: 35038772 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Climate and land-use changes are expected to increase the future occurrence of wildfires, with potentially devastating consequences for freshwater species and ecosystems. Wildfires that burn in close proximity to freshwater systems can significantly alter the physicochemical properties of water. Following wildfires and heavy rain, freshwater species must contend with complex combinations of wildfire ash components (nutrients, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and metals), altered light and thermal regimes, and periods of low oxygen that together can lead to mass mortality events. However, the responses of aquatic fauna to wildfire disturbances are poorly understood. Here we provide a systematic review of available evidence on how aquatic animals respond to and recover from wildfire disturbance. Two databases (Web of Science and Scopus) were used to identify key literature. A total of 83 studies from across 11 countries were identified to have assessed the risk of wildfires on aquatic animals. We provide a summary of the main ecosystem-level changes associated with wildfires and the main responses of aquatic fauna to such disturbances. We pay special focus to physiological tools and biomarkers used to assess how wildfires impact aquatic animals. We conclude by providing an overview of how physiological biomarkers can further our understanding of wildfire-related impacts on aquatic fauna, and how different physiological tools can be incorporated into management and conservation plans and serve as early warning signs of wildfire disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca L Cramp
- The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Craig E Franklin
- The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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11
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Carriger JF, Thompson M, Barron MG. Causal Bayesian networks in assessments of wildfire risks: Opportunities for ecological risk assessment and management. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2021; 17:1168-1178. [PMID: 33991051 PMCID: PMC10119872 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Wildfire risks and losses have increased over the last 100 years, associated with population expansion, land use and management practices, and global climate change. While there have been extensive efforts at modeling the probability and severity of wildfires, there have been fewer efforts to examine causal linkages from wildfires to impacts on ecological receptors and critical habitats. Bayesian networks are probabilistic tools for graphing and evaluating causal knowledge and uncertainties in complex systems that have seen only limited application to the quantitative assessment of ecological risks and impacts of wildfires. Here, we explore opportunities for using Bayesian networks for assessing wildfire impacts to ecological systems through levels of causal representation and scenario examination. Ultimately, Bayesian networks may facilitate understanding the factors contributing to ecological impacts, and the prediction and assessment of wildfire risks to ecosystems. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:1168-1178. Published 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F. Carriger
- Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Matthew Thompson
- Human Dimensions Program, USDA Forest Service, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Mace G. Barron
- Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Gulf Breeze, Florida, USA
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12
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Biswas TK, Karim F, Kumar A, Wilkinson S, Guerschman J, Rees G, McInerney P, Zampatti B, Sullivan A, Nyman P, Sheridan GJ, Joehnk K. 2019-2020 Bushfire impacts on sediment and contaminant transport following rainfall in the Upper Murray River catchment. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2021; 17:1203-1214. [PMID: 34264532 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4492] [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: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
During the 2019-2020 Australian bushfire season, large expanses (~47%) of agricultural and forested land in the Upper Murray River catchment of southeastern (SE) Australia were burned. Storm activity and rainfall following the fires increased sediment loads in rivers, resulting in localized fish kills and widespread water-quality deterioration. We collected water samples from the headwaters of the Murray River for sediment and contaminant analysis and assessed changes in water quality using long-term monitoring data. A robust runoff routing model was used to estimate the effect of fire on sediment loads in the Murray River. Peak turbidity in the Murray River reached values of up to 4200 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU), shown as pitch-black water coming down the river. The increase in suspended solids was accompanied by elevated nutrient concentrations during post-bushfire runoff events. The model simulations demonstrated that the sediment load could be five times greater in the first year after a bushfire than in the prefire condition. It was estimated that Lake Hume, a large reservoir downstream from fire-affected areas, would receive a maximum of 600 000 metric tonnes of sediment per month in the period immediately following the bushfire, depending on rainfall. Total zinc, arsenic, chromium, nickel, copper, and lead concentrations were above the 99% toxicant default guideline values (DGVs) for freshwater ecosystems. It is also likely that increased nutrient loads in Lake Hume will have ongoing implications for algal dynamics, in both the lake and the Murray River downstream. Information from this study provides a valuable basis for future research to support bushfire-related policy developments in fire-prone catchments and the mitigation of postfire water quality and aquatic ecosystem impacts. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:1203-1214. © 2021 Commonwealth of Australia. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management © 2021 Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapas K Biswas
- CSIRO Land and Water, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Fazlul Karim
- CSIRO Land and Water, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Anu Kumar
- CSIRO Land and Water, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Scott Wilkinson
- CSIRO Land and Water, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Juan Guerschman
- CSIRO Land and Water, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Gavin Rees
- CSIRO Land and Water, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Paul McInerney
- CSIRO Land and Water, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Brenton Zampatti
- CSIRO Land and Water, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Andrew Sullivan
- CSIRO Land and Water, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Petter Nyman
- Alluvium Consulting, Cremorne, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Klaus Joehnk
- CSIRO Land and Water, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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13
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Legge S, Woinarski JCZ, Scheele BC, Garnett ST, Lintermans M, Nimmo DG, Whiterod NS, Southwell DM, Ehmke G, Buchan A, Gray J, Metcalfe DJ, Page M, Rumpff L, Leeuwen S, Williams D, Ahyong ST, Chapple DG, Cowan M, Hossain MA, Kennard M, Macdonald S, Moore H, Marsh J, McCormack RB, Michael D, Mitchell N, Newell D, Raadik TA, Tingley R. Rapid assessment of the biodiversity impacts of the 2019–2020 Australian megafires to guide urgent management intervention and recovery and lessons for other regions. DIVERS DISTRIB 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Legge
- Fenner School of Environment & Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Science University of Queensland St Lucia Qld Australia
| | - John C. Z. Woinarski
- Research Institute of the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Darwin NT Australia
| | - Ben C. Scheele
- Fenner School of Environment & Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Stephen T. Garnett
- Research Institute of the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Darwin NT Australia
| | - Mark Lintermans
- Centre for Applied Water Science University of Canberra Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- Institute for Land, Water and Society School of Environmental Science Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | | | - Darren M. Southwell
- Quantitative and Applied Ecology Group School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences University of Melbourne Parkville Vic. Australia
| | | | - Anne Buchan
- Biodiversity Strategy and Knowledge Branch, Biodiversity Division Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Heidelberg Vic. Australia
| | | | | | - Manda Page
- Queensland Department of Environment and Science Moggill Qld Australia
| | - Libby Rumpff
- Quantitative and Applied Ecology Group School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences University of Melbourne Parkville Vic. Australia
| | - Stephen Leeuwen
- School of Molecular & Life Sciences Curtin University Bentley WA Australia
| | - Dick Williams
- Research Institute of the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Darwin NT Australia
| | - Shane T. Ahyong
- Australian Museum Research Institute Sydney NSW Australia
- School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Kensington NSW Australia
| | - David G. Chapple
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton, Melbourne Vic. Australia
| | - Mitch Cowan
- Institute for Land, Water and Society School of Environmental Science Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | - Md Anwar Hossain
- Climatic and Metabolic Ecology Lab Quantitative and Applied Ecology Group School of BioSciences University of Melbourne Parkville Vic. Australia
| | - Mark Kennard
- Australian Rivers Institute Griffiths University Nathan Qld Australia
| | | | - Harry Moore
- Institute for Land, Water and Society School of Environmental Science Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | - Jessica Marsh
- Research Institute of the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Darwin NT Australia
| | - Robert B. McCormack
- Australian Crayfish Project Australian Aquatic Biological Pty Ltd Swan Bay NSW Australia
- Section of Invertebrate Zoology Carnegie Museum of Natural History Pittsburgh PA USA
| | - Damian Michael
- Institute for Land, Water and Society School of Environmental Science Charles Sturt University Albury NSW Australia
| | - Nicola Mitchell
- School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia Perth WA Australia
| | - David Newell
- School of Environment, Science and Engineering Southern Cross University East Lismore NSW Australia
| | - Tarmo A. Raadik
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Arthur Rylah Institute Heidelberg Vic. Australia
| | - Reid Tingley
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton, Melbourne Vic. Australia
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14
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Jager HI, Long JW, Malison RL, Murphy BP, Rust A, Silva LGM, Sollmann R, Steel ZL, Bowen MD, Dunham JB, Ebersole JL, Flitcroft RL. Resilience of terrestrial and aquatic fauna to historical and future wildfire regimes in western North America. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:12259-12284. [PMID: 34594498 PMCID: PMC8462151 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Wildfires in many western North American forests are becoming more frequent, larger, and severe, with changed seasonal patterns. In response, coniferous forest ecosystems will transition toward dominance by fire-adapted hardwoods, shrubs, meadows, and grasslands, which may benefit some faunal communities, but not others. We describe factors that limit and promote faunal resilience to shifting wildfire regimes for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. We highlight the potential value of interspersed nonforest patches to terrestrial wildlife. Similarly, we review watershed thresholds and factors that control the resilience of aquatic ecosystems to wildfire, mediated by thermal changes and chemical, debris, and sediment loadings. We present a 2-dimensional life history framework to describe temporal and spatial life history traits that species use to resist wildfire effects or to recover after wildfire disturbance at a metapopulation scale. The role of fire refuge is explored for metapopulations of species. In aquatic systems, recovery of assemblages postfire may be faster for smaller fires where unburned tributary basins or instream structures provide refuge from debris and sediment flows. We envision that more-frequent, lower-severity fires will favor opportunistic species and that less-frequent high-severity fires will favor better competitors. Along the spatial dimension, we hypothesize that fire regimes that are predictable and generate burned patches in close proximity to refuge will favor species that move to refuges and later recolonize, whereas fire regimes that tend to generate less-severely burned patches may favor species that shelter in place. Looking beyond the trees to forest fauna, we consider mitigation options to enhance resilience and buy time for species facing a no-analog future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henriette I. Jager
- Environmental Sciences DivisionOak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)Oak RidgeTNUSA
| | - Jonathan W. Long
- U.S. Department of AgriculturePacific Southwest Research StationDavisCAUSA
| | - Rachel L. Malison
- Flathead Lake Biological StationThe University of MontanaPolsonMTUSA
| | - Brendan P. Murphy
- School of Environmental ScienceSimon Fraser UniversityBurnabyBCCanada
| | - Ashley Rust
- Civil and Environmental Engineering DepartmentColorado School of MinesGoldenCOUSA
| | - Luiz G. M. Silva
- Institute for Land, Water and SocietyCharles Sturt UniversityAlburyNSWAustralia
- Department of CivilEnvironmental and Geomatic EngineeringStocker LabInstitute of Environmental EngineeringETH ZurichZürichSwitzerland
| | - Rahel Sollmann
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation BiologyUniversity of California DavisDavisCAUSA
| | - Zachary L. Steel
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and ManagementUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCAUSA
| | - Mark D. Bowen
- Thomas Gast & Associates Environmental ConsultantsArcataCAUSA
| | - Jason B. Dunham
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science CenterCorvallisORUSA
| | - Joseph L. Ebersole
- Center for Public Health and Environmental AssessmentPacific Ecological Systems DivisionU.S. Environmental Protection AgencyCorvallisORUSA
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15
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Bino G, Hawke T, Kingsford RT. Synergistic effects of a severe drought and fire on platypuses. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 777:146137. [PMID: 33684764 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The strong inter-dependence between terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, mediated by the character of vegetation and landscapes, can have significant impacts to freshwater species. A changing climate towards hotter and drier climates is already increasing fire frequencies and severity around the world. The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is an iconic freshwater Australia species, facing increasing threats since European colonisation and with a distribution which coincides with fire prone areas. While some evidence suggest platypuses are resilience to fires, the combination of severe wildfires and reduced water availability may significantly impact platypus populations. In this short communication we investigated the effects of fire on platypus populations in two rivers, following an extreme drought, comparing burnt and unburnt in adjacent river catchments, with similar habitat and geomorphology. Findings suggests significantly low platypus numbers in burned sites compared to those on the unburnt river, as well as to known densities across the species' range. Whether the fires directly impacted platypuses remains undetermined but the timing of the fires as well as an extreme drought likely impacted recruitment as we did not record any juveniles on both rivers. Platypuses are increasingly under threat from direct and indirect human developments across much of their range and increased frequency and severity of fires and droughts will further strain the viability of platypus populations, particularly in small streams more likely to dry out. Improving the resilience of platypus populations and their freshwater environments to both droughts and fires needs to become a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilad Bino
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, 2052, NSW, Australia.
| | - Tahneal Hawke
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, 2052, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard T Kingsford
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, 2052, NSW, Australia
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