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Wang Y, Wang Y, Yang Y, Ni G, Li Y, Chen M. Chromosome-level genome assembly of the northern Pacific seastar Asterias amurensis. Sci Data 2023; 10:767. [PMID: 37925473 PMCID: PMC10625585 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02688-w] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Asterias amurensis has attracted widespread concern because of its population outbreaks, which has impacted fisheries and aquaculture, as well as disrupting local ecosystems. A high-quality reference genome is necessary to better investigate mechanisms of outbreak and adaptive changes. Combining PacBio HiFi and Hi-C sequencing data, we generated a chromosome-level A. amurensis genome with a size of 491.53 Mb. The contig N50 and scaffold N50 were 8.05 and 23.75 Mb, respectively. The result of BUSCO analysis revealed a completeness score of 98.85%. A total of 16,531 protein-coding genes were predicted in the genome, of which 94.63% were functionally annotated. The high-quality genome assembly resulting from this study will provide a valuable genetic resource for future research on the mechanism of population outbreaks and invasion ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlin Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yixin Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yujia Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Gang Ni
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yulong Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Muyan Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.
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2
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Giakoumis M, Pinilla-Buitrago GE, Musher LJ, Wares JP, Baird SJE, Hickerson MJ. Evidence of introgression, ecological divergence and adaptation in Asterias sea stars. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:5541-5557. [PMID: 37691604 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Hybrid zones are important windows into the evolutionary dynamics of populations, revealing how processes like introgression and adaptation structure population genomic variation. Importantly, they are useful for understanding speciation and how species respond to their environments. Here, we investigate two closely related sea star species, Asterias rubens and A. forbesi, distributed along rocky European and North American coastlines of the North Atlantic, and use genome-wide molecular markers to infer the distribution of genomic variation within and between species in this group. Using genomic data and environmental niche modelling, we document hybridization occurring between northern New England and the southern Canadian Maritimes. We investigate the factors that maintain this hybrid zone, as well as the environmental variables that putatively drive selection within and between species. We find that the two species differ in their environmental niche breadth; Asterias forbesi displays a relatively narrow environmental niche while conversely, A. rubens has a wider niche breadth. Species distribution models accurately predict hybrids to occur within environmental niche overlap, thereby suggesting environmental selection plays an important role in the maintenance of the hybrid zone. Our results imply that the distribution of genomic variation in North Atlantic sea stars is influenced by the environment, which will be crucial to consider as the climate changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Giakoumis
- The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, New York City, USA
- The City College of New York, New York, New York City, USA
- The American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York City, USA
| | - Gonzalo E Pinilla-Buitrago
- The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, New York City, USA
- The City College of New York, New York, New York City, USA
| | - Lukas J Musher
- The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - John P Wares
- Odum School of Ecology and Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Georgia, Athens, USA
| | - Stuart J E Baird
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
| | - Michael J Hickerson
- The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, New York City, USA
- The City College of New York, New York, New York City, USA
- The American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York City, USA
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3
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Ceylan Y, Gül S. Potential habitats of an alien species (Asterias rubens Linnaeus, 1758) in the Black Sea: its current and future distribution patterns. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:19563-19571. [PMID: 34718955 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17171-5] [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: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The Atlantic common starfish, Asterias rubens, has arrived firstly at the Marmara Sea in 1996 and to the Black Sea in 2007. In this study, we have exhibited the possible potential distribution of Asterias rubens throughout the Black Sea. For this, we predicted and determined the present and future distributions, and habitat preferences of this starfish in the Black Sea using environmental variables. The ecological niche modeling was used to detect the suitable habitat of A. rubens. In the current model, shallow areas seem to be the suitable habitat for A. rubens. However, this trend may change in the future distribution pattern. For the future projection, two representative concentration pathways (RCPs) that are a greenhouse gas concentration was used: RCP2.6 that is likely to keep global temperature rise below 2 °C by 2100 and RCP8.5 that will happen approximately 5 °C in range of global mean temperature increase in 2100 from pre-industrial baseline. According to RCP2.6 scenarios as well as the RCP8.5 scenario in 2040-2050, the suitable habitats in the Black Sea will probably decrease due to climate change. The most suitable habitats in these scenarios will remain the western and southern coasts of the Black Sea because these areas will be less affected by the change in the climate. In contrast, for the 2090-2100 periods of the RCP8.5, there will likely be a significant unsuitable habitat throughout the Black Sea. Therefore, the suitable habitat for A. rubens will be restricted to the western and southern coasts of the Black Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Ceylan
- Department of Fishing Technology, Faculty of Fisheries, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, 53100, Rize, Turkey
| | - Serkan Gül
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, 53100, Rize, Turkey.
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4
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Holland O, Shaw J, Stark JS, Wilson KA. Hull fouling marine invasive species pose a very low, but plausible, risk of introduction to East Antarctica in climate change scenarios. DIVERS DISTRIB 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Oakes Holland
- Institute for Future Environments Queensland University of Technology Brisbane Australia
| | - Justine Shaw
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland St. Lucia QLD Australia
- Australian Antarctic Division Kingston TAS Australia
| | | | - Kerrie A. Wilson
- Institute for Future Environments Queensland University of Technology Brisbane Australia
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5
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Barrett LT, Swearer SE, Dempster T. Native predator limits the capacity of an invasive seastar to exploit a food-rich habitat. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 162:105152. [PMID: 32956970 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Biodiverse ecosystems are sometimes inherently resistant to invasion, but environmental change can facilitate invasion by disturbing natural communities and providing resources that are underutilised by native species. In such cases, sufficiently abundant native predators may help to limit invasive population growth. We studied native and invasive seastars feeding under two mussel aquaculture sites in south-east Australia, to determine whether food-rich farm habitats are likely to be reproductive hotspots for the invasive seastar (Asterias amurensis) and whether the larger native seastar (Coscinasterias muricata) reduces the value of the farms for the invader. We found that invaders were not significantly more abundant inside the farms, despite individuals residing within the farms having higher body condition metrics and reproductive investment than those outside. By contrast, the native seastar was 25 × more abundant inside the two farms than outside. We observed several intraguild predation events and an absence of small invaders at the farms despite reports of high larval recruitment to these environments, consistent with some level of biotic control by the native predator. A laboratory choice experiment showed that invaders were strongly attracted to mussels except when the native predator was present. Together, these findings indicate that a combination of predation and predator evasion may play a role in reducing the value of food-rich anthropogenic habitats for this invasive species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke T Barrett
- Sustainable Aquaculture Laboratory - Temperate and Tropical (SALTT), School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010 Victoria, Australia; National Centre for Coasts and Climate (NCCC), University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010 Victoria, Australia.
| | - Stephen E Swearer
- National Centre for Coasts and Climate (NCCC), University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010 Victoria, Australia
| | - Tim Dempster
- Sustainable Aquaculture Laboratory - Temperate and Tropical (SALTT), School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010 Victoria, Australia
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6
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Ling SD, Cowan ZL, Boada J, Flukes EB, Pratchett MS. Homing behaviour by destructive crown-of-thorns starfish is triggered by local availability of coral prey. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201341. [PMID: 33143585 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Corallivorous crown-of-thorns starfishes (Acanthaster spp.) can decimate coral assemblages on Indo-Pacific coral reefs during population outbreaks. While initial drivers of population irruptions leading to outbreaks remain largely unknown, subsequent dispersal of outbreaks appears coincident with depletion of coral prey. Here, we used in situ time-lapse photography to characterize movement of the Pacific crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster cf. solaris) in the northern and southern Great Barrier Reef in 2015, during the fourth recorded population outbreak of the starfish, but prior to widespread coral bleaching. Daily tracking of 58 individuals over a total of 1117 h revealed all starfish to move a minimum of 0.52 m, with around half of all tracked starfish showing negligible daily displacement (less than 1 m day-1), ranging up to a maximum of 19 m day-1. Movement was primarily nocturnal and daily displacement varied spatially with variation in local availability of Acropora spp., which is the preferred coral prey. Two distinct behavioural modes emerged: (i) homing movement, whereby tracked paths (as tested against a random-walk-model) involved short displacement distances following distinct 'outward' movement to Acropora prey (typically displaying 'feeding scars') and 'homebound' movement to nearby shelter; versus (ii) roaming movement, whereby individuals showed directional movement beyond initial tracking positions without return. Logistic modelling revealed more than half of all tracked starfish demonstrated homing when local abundance (percentage cover) of preferred Acropora coral prey was greater than 33%. Our results reveal facultative homing by Acanthaster with the prey-dependent behavioural switch to roaming forays providing a mechanism explaining localized aggregations and diffusion of these population irruptions as prey is locally depleted.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Ling
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Z-L Cowan
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.,Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing St, Cambridge, UK
| | - J Boada
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes, Carrer d'Accés a la cala Sant Francesc, Blanes, Spain
| | - E B Flukes
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - M S Pratchett
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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7
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Ling SD, Kriegisch N, Woolley B, Reeves SE. Density-dependent feedbacks, hysteresis, and demography of overgrazing sea urchins. Ecology 2019; 100:e02577. [PMID: 30707451 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Sea urchin grazing can result in regime shift from productive kelp beds to sea urchin barren grounds that represent an alternative and stable reef state. Here we examine the stability of urchin barrens by defining the demographics of the Australian urchin Heliocidaris erythrogramma during regime shift to, and maintenance of, barrens. Inverse-logistic modeling of calibrated in situ annual growth increments for five urchin populations, two from kelp beds and three from barrens, demonstrate slowing of urchin growth as availability and consumption of standing and/or drift kelp declines. Population age structures were predicted from observed sizes over four years (2012-2015, n = 5,864 individuals), which indicated stable age distributions for populations both maintaining barrens and actively grazing among kelp beds. Younger age distributions occurred on barrens whereas more mature populations existed within kelp beds, indicating that high recruitment facilitates maintenance of barrens while overgrazing appeared more reliant on adult urchins grazing from the edges of kelp beds, as opposed to juvenile recruitment among kelp. Leslie-matrix projections indicated potential for unchecked population growth for all study populations, but which varied depending on whether local or regional recruitment rates were modeled. Ultimately, strong density dependence was observed to check population growth; with high-recruitment/high-density populations offset by reduced growth rates and decreased longevity. Increasing disease rates among older urchins in high-density populations were consistent with observed density-dependent mortality, while tethering of healthy urchins revealed highest predation on small urchins within kelp beds, suggesting some remnant resilience of declining kelp habitat. Results demonstrate that the greatest opportunity for urchin population control is when reefs exist in the kelp bed state, at which point urchin populations are prone to negative feedback. Conversely, control of urchins on barrens is demonstrably difficult given positive density-dependent feedbacks that act to stabilize population size and which evidently underpin the hysteresis effect governing the persistence of this alternative stable state.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Ling
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - N Kriegisch
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - B Woolley
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - S E Reeves
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
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8
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Fowles AE, Stuart-Smith RD, Hill NA, Thomson RJ, Strain EMA, Alexander TJ, Kirkpatrick J, Edgar GJ. Interactive responses of primary producers and grazers to pollution on temperate rocky reefs. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 237:388-395. [PMID: 29502001 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.02.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Macroalgal beds provide important habitat structure and support primary production for rocky reef communities, but are increasingly degraded as a result of human pressures. Various sources of pollution can have both direct and interactive effects on stressed ecosystems. In particular, interactions involving invertebrate grazers could potentially weaken or strengthen the overall impact of pollution on macroalgal beds. Using a paired impact-control experimental design, we tested the effects of multiple pollution sources (fish farms, marinas, sewerage, and stormwater) on translocated and locally established algal assemblages, while also considering the influence of invertebrate grazers. Marinas directly affected algal assemblages and also reduced densities of amphipods and other invertebrate mesograzers. Fish farms and sewerage outfalls tended to directly increase local establishment of foliose and leathery algae without any indication of changes in herbivory. Overall, pollution impacts on algae did not appear to be strongly mediated by changes in grazer abundance. Instead, mesograzer abundance was closely linked to availability of more complex algal forms, with populations likely to decline concurrently with loss of complex algal habitats. Macrograzers, such as sea urchins, showed no signs of a negative impact from any pollution source; hence, the influence of this group on algal dynamics is probably persistent and independent of moderate pollution levels, potentially adding to the direct impacts of pollution on algal beds in urbanised environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia E Fowles
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 49, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - Rick D Stuart-Smith
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 49, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia.
| | - Nicole A Hill
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 49, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - Russell J Thomson
- Centre for Research in Mathematics, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
| | - Elisabeth M A Strain
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 49, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Chowder Bay, Mosman, NSW, 2068, Australia
| | - Timothy J Alexander
- Department of Fish Ecology and Evolution, Centre of Ecology, Evolution and Biogeochemistry, EAWAG Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Seestrasse 79, CH-6047, Kastanienbaum, Switzerland; Division of Aquatic Ecology and Evolution, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 6, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - James Kirkpatrick
- Discipline of Geography and Spatial Sciences, School of Land and Food, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 77, Hobart, Tas, 7001, Australia
| | - Graham J Edgar
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 49, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
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9
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Viola SM, Page HM, Zaleski SF, Miller RJ, Doheny B, Dugan JE, Schroeder DM, Schroeter SC. Anthropogenic disturbance facilitates a non‐native species on offshore oil platforms. J Appl Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sloane M. Viola
- Marine Science Institute University of California Santa Barbara CA USA
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology University of California Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Henry M. Page
- Marine Science Institute University of California Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Susan F. Zaleski
- U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Camarillo CA USA
| | - Robert J. Miller
- Marine Science Institute University of California Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Brandon Doheny
- Marine Science Institute University of California Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Jenifer E. Dugan
- Marine Science Institute University of California Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Donna M. Schroeder
- U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Camarillo CA USA
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10
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Ling SD, Sinclair M, Levi CJ, Reeves SE, Edgar GJ. Ubiquity of microplastics in coastal seafloor sediments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 121:104-110. [PMID: 28571629 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollutants occur in marine environments globally, however estimates of seafloor concentrations are rare. Here we apply a novel method to quantify size-graded (0.038-4.0mm diam.) concentrations of plastics in marine sediments from 42 coastal and estuarine sites spanning pollution gradients across south-eastern Australia. Acid digestion/density separation revealed 9552 individual microplastics from 2.84l of sediment across all samples; equating to a regional average of 3.4 microplastics·ml-1 sediment. Microplastics occurred as filaments (84% of total) and particle forms (16% of total). Positive correlations between microplastic filaments and wave exposure, and microplastic particles with finer sediments, indicate hydrological/sediment-matrix properties are important for deposition/retention. Contrary to expectations, positive relationships were not evident between microplastics and other pollutants (heavy metals/sewage), nor were negative relationships with neighbouring reef biota detected. Rather, microplastics were ubiquitous across sampling sites. Positive associations with some faunal-elements (i.e. invertebrate species richness) nevertheless suggest high potential for microplastic ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Ling
- Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7001, Australia.
| | - M Sinclair
- Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7001, Australia
| | - C J Levi
- Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7001, Australia
| | - S E Reeves
- Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7001, Australia
| | - G J Edgar
- Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7001, Australia
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11
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Known Predators of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster spp.) and Their Role in Mitigating, If Not Preventing, Population Outbreaks. DIVERSITY-BASEL 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/d9010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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12
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Byrne M, Gall M, Wolfe K, Agüera A. From pole to pole: the potential for the Arctic seastar Asterias amurensis to invade a warming Southern Ocean. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2016; 22:3874-3887. [PMID: 27029504 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Due to climatic warming, Asterias amurensis, a keystone boreal predatory seastar that has established extensive invasive populations in southern Australia, is a potential high-risk invader of the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic. To assess the potential range expansion of A. amurensis to the Southern Ocean as it warms, we investigated the bioclimatic envelope of the adult and larval life stages. We analysed the distribution of adult A. amurensis with respect to present-day and future climate scenarios using habitat temperature data to construct species distribution models (SDMs). To integrate the physiological response of the dispersive phase, we determined the thermal envelope of larval development to assess their performance in present-day and future thermal regimes and the potential for success of A. amurensis in poleward latitudes. The SDM indicated that the thermal 'niche' of the adult stage correlates with a 0-17 °C and 1-22.5 °C range, in winter and summer, respectively. As the ocean warms, the range of A. amurensis in Australia will contract, while more southern latitudes will have conditions favourable for range expansion. Successful fertilization occurred from 3 to 23.8 °C. By day 12, development to the early larval stage was successful from 5.5 to 18 °C. Although embryos were able to reach the blastula stage at 2 °C, they had arrested development and high mortality. The optimal thermal range for survival of pelagic stages was 3.5-19.2 °C with a lower and upper critical limit of 2.6 and 20.3 °C, respectively. Our data predict that A. amurensis faces demise in its current invasive range while more favourable conditions at higher latitudes would facilitate invasion of both larval and adult stages to the Southern Ocean. Our results show that vigilance is needed to reduce the risk that this ecologically important Arctic carnivore may invade the Southern Ocean and Antarctica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Byrne
- Schools of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Mailie Gall
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Kennedy Wolfe
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Antonio Agüera
- Laboratoire de Biologie Marine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, 501050, Belgium
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13
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Stuart-Smith RD, Edgar GJ, Stuart-Smith JF, Barrett NS, Fowles AE, Hill NA, Cooper AT, Myers AP, Oh ES, Pocklington JB, Thomson RJ. Loss of native rocky reef biodiversity in Australian metropolitan embayments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 95:324-332. [PMID: 25882229 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Urbanisation of the coastal zone represents a key threat to marine biodiversity, including rocky reef communities which often possess disproportionate ecological, recreational and commercial importance. The nature and magnitude of local urban impacts on reef biodiversity near three Australian capital cities were quantified using visual census methods. The most impacted reefs in urbanised embayments were consistently characterised by smaller, faster growing species, reduced fish biomass and richness, and reduced mobile invertebrate abundance and richness. Reef faunal distribution varied significantly with heavy metals, local population density, and proximity to city ports, while native fish and invertebrate communities were most depauperate in locations where invasive species were abundant. Our study adds impetus for improved urban planning and pollution management practises, while also highlighting the potential for skilled volunteers to improve the tracking of changes in marine biodiversity values and the effectiveness of management intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick D Stuart-Smith
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia.
| | - Graham J Edgar
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Jemina F Stuart-Smith
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Neville S Barrett
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Amelia E Fowles
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Nicole A Hill
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Antonia T Cooper
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Andrew P Myers
- OceanWatch Australia, Locked Bag 247, Pyrmont, NSW 2009, Australia
| | - Elizabeth S Oh
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Jacqui B Pocklington
- Marine Plant Laboratory, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 981-8555, Japan
| | - Russell J Thomson
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
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14
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Invasion, dispersion, population persistence and ecological impacts of a freshwater mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) in the Honshu Island of Japan. Biol Invasions 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-014-0765-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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15
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Mendo T, Lyle JM, Moltschaniwskyj NA, Tracey SR, Semmens JM. Habitat characteristics predicting distribution and abundance patterns of scallops in D'Entrecasteaux Channel, Tasmania. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85895. [PMID: 24454945 PMCID: PMC3890318 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Habitat characteristics greatly influence the patterns of distribution and abundance in scallops, providing structure for the settlement of spat and influencing predation risk and rates of survival. Establishing scallop-habitat relationships is relevant to understanding the ecological processes that regulate scallop populations and to managing critical habitats. This information is particularly relevant for the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, south-eastern Tasmania (147.335 W, 43.220 S), a region that has supported significant but highly variable scallop production over many years, including protracted periods of stock collapse. Three species of scallops are present in the region; the commercial scallop Pecten fumatus, the queen scallop Equichlamys bifrons, and the doughboy scallop Mimachlamys asperrima. We used dive surveys and Generalized Additive Modelling to examine the relationship between the distribution and abundance patterns of each species and associated habitat characteristics. The aggregated distribution of each species could be predicted as a function of sediment type and species-specific habitat structural components. While P. fumatus was strongly associated with finer sediments and E. bifrons with coarse grain sediments, M. asperrima had a less selective association, possibly related to its ability to attach on a wide range of substrates. Other habitat characteristics explaining P. fumatus abundance were depth, Asterias amurensis abundance, shell and macroalgae cover. Equichlamys bifrons was strongly associated with macroalgae and seagrass cover, whereas M. asperrima abundance was greatly explained by sponge cover. The models define a set of relationships from which plausible hypotheses can be developed. We propose that these relationships are mediated by predation pressure as well as the specific behavioural characteristics of each species. The findings also highlight the specific habitat characteristics that are relevant for spatial management and habitat restoration plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Mendo
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Jeremy M. Lyle
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Natalie A. Moltschaniwskyj
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sean R. Tracey
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jayson M. Semmens
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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