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Davis RA, Greenwell C, Davis BJ, Bateman PW. Liked to death: the impacts of social media and photography on biodiversity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 949:175106. [PMID: 39074758 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175106] [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: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
The advent and everyday prominence of social media has fuelled a rise in nature tourism and photography to share experiences online. This is increasingly resulting in disturbance to natural environments and causing a range of direct and indirect impacts to native species. We highlight the key negative impacts of social media on biodiversity and determine which characteristics predispose some taxa to a greater threat from social media than others. Direct disturbances arising from social media use include behavioural and physiological impacts, such as disruptions to breeding and feeding and increased predation risk. The use of call playback, drones and baiting of animals for photographs also have a range of negative impacts. Other direct impacts include the capture and handling of animals for photographs and damage and trampling to plants. Indirect impacts include the spread of diseases and increased poaching of flora and fauna. We advocate for the instigation of codes of ethics and tighter controls around the use and promotion of flora and fauna on social media. We propose a framework that considers species most at risk from social media activities, especially those that are rare, sessile and have restricted ranges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Davis
- School of Science, Edith Cowan University, 100 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia.
| | - Claire Greenwell
- Environmental and Conservation Sciences, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Belinda J Davis
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, 2 Kattidj Close, Kings Park, WA 6005, Australia
| | - Philip W Bateman
- Behavioural Ecology Lab, School of Molecular and Life Science, Curtin University, Australia
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2
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Mason HD, Rose E, Gonzalez JE, O'Brien DA. Nocturnal surveys of lined seahorses reveal increased densities and seasonal recruitment patterns. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e9573. [PMID: 36644702 PMCID: PMC9834011 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the nighttime ecology of organisms remains understudied, nocturnal surveys play an integral part in assessing fish assemblages and the selective forces shaping them. Eleuthera (Bahamas) contains an unusual population of lined seahorses (Hippocampus erectus) in an anchialine lake, possessing morphological characteristics distinct from those found in the ocean. Population surveys for seahorses and their potential predators were conducted at midnight and midday during wet and dry seasons, with belt transects perpendicular to the shoreline that increased in depth away from shore. Nocturnal surveys uncovered seahorse densities 259% higher than daytime transects on average. Sex ratios were consistently male-biased, and the frequency of animals from different reproductive categories varied significantly by time of day, with gravid males observed around the clock but females and nongravid males observed more often at night. Spatial and seasonal recruitment was detected for the first time in this species, with an increase in juveniles detected in the shallow ends of transects during dry season surveys. Juvenile recruitment is poorly understood across syngnathid fishes, so the detection of early recruits at night has broad implications for this fish family. Seahorses from all reproductive categories were perched significantly higher in the water column during the night regardless of their depth or season. Predator densities followed a similar pattern with higher densities observed at night, indicating that elevated nocturnal perch height may be a response to predator presence. However, the selective agents driving these nocturnal behaviors have yet to be identified. Considering H. erectus is listed on the IUCN Red List as "Vulnerable," the increase in nocturnal population size and the detection of juveniles has crucial implications for understanding their ecology, recruitment, and conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily Rose
- The University of TampaTampaFloridaUSA,Present address:
Department of BiologyValdosta State UniversityValdostaGeorgiaUSA
| | | | - Duncan A. O'Brien
- The Center for Ocean Research and EducationGregorytown, EleutheraThe Bahamas,Present address:
School of Biological SciencesUniversity of BristolBristolUK
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3
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Harasti D. Getting old: an endangered seahorse (Hippocampus whitei) lives for up to 7 years in the wild. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2021; 99:1752-1754. [PMID: 34312859 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14859] [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: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A long-term monitoring programme from 2005 to 2021 has allowed the assessment of age and longevity in an endangered seahorse Hippocampus whitei in the wild. Seahorses were marked using visible implant fluorescent elastomer (VIFE) which allows for individual identification. The longest period from marking to last sighting was 6 years 8 months and 17 days for a female. Using a von Bertalanffy growth function model for the species, this individual would have been approximately 7 years 7 months old on last sighting. These observations suggest that seahorses in the wild can live for over 7 years and demonstrate the benefits of using VIFE in long-term movement, population abundance and life-history studies of seahorses.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Harasti
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries Research, Taylors Beach, New South Wales, Australia
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4
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Messas YF, D’Angelo GB, Guedes TB, Vasconcellos‐Neto J. Integrating citizen nature photography to natural history science: New record of bird‐lizard predation. AUSTRAL ECOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.13099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Fanchini Messas
- Department of Animal Biology University of Campinas Campinas SP 13083‐862 Brazil
| | | | - Thaís Barreto Guedes
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Biodiversidade, Ambiente e Saúde Universidade Estadual do Maranhão Caxias MA Brazil
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Center University of Gothenburg Göteborg Sweden
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5
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Claassens L, Harasti D. Life history and population dynamics of an endangered seahorse (Hippocampus capensis) within an artificial habitat. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2020; 97:974-986. [PMID: 32621517 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Species-specific life-history information is critical for successful conservation, particularly in establishing an accurate baseline status. Obtaining such information is challenging for most species, but in particular for rare and threatened marine species. To facilitate future conservation of the endangered Knysna seahorse (Hippocampus capensis) this study aimed to determine important life-history information for this species. Visible implant fluorescent elastomer (VIFE) tags were used to mark 78 seahorses within a residential marina estate in the Knysna estuary, South Africa, in February 2018. Using a mark-resight approach, the size and movement patterns of the population and growth rate of seahorses were determined over a 14-month period. The closed population estimate for H. capensis, within Thesen Islands Marina, was estimated to be 134 (118-152 95% C.I.) in February 2018 compared to only 72 (48-108 95% C.I.) in February 2019. The species showed rapid initial growth with males and females having similar rates of growth based on the specialised von Bertalanffy growth function model. The importance of Reno mattresses as a habitat for H. capensis was confirmed based on the high abundance and site fidelity of the population, which emphasises the conservation potential of heavily modified environments for threatened seahorse species. The use of VIFE tags was deemed effective in studying this endangered seahorse and allowed the collection of important information for this species which can be used in future Red List assessments and conservation actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louw Claassens
- Department of Zoology & Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, Republic of South Africa
- Knysna Basin Project, Knysna, Republic of South Africa
| | - David Harasti
- Fisheries Research, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Taylors Beach, New South Wales, Australia
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6
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Simpson M, Coleman RA, Morris RL, Harasti D. Seahorse Hotels: Use of artificial habitats to support populations of the endangered White's seahorse Hippocampus whitei. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 157:104861. [PMID: 32275502 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.104861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The provision of temporary, specially designed artificial habitat may help support populations of the Endangered Whites' seahorse Hippocampus whitei in the face of rapid coastal urbanisation and declining natural habitats. Three designs of artificial habitat (Seahorse Hotels) were installed in Port Stephens, New South Wales, Australia, where natural habitats had significantly declined. Mark recapture surveys were used to assess seahorse site fidelity and population parameters, and the effect of Seahorse Hotel design on seahorse abundance, epibiotic growth and mobile epifaunal seahorse prey was determined. The Seahorse Hotels sustained a substantial population of seahorses (64; 57-72 95% confidence intervals) in comparison to recent local population estimates. There were no significant differences in seahorse abundance, mobile epifauna or epibiotic growth among the three different hotel designs. This research demonstrated that H. whitei will inhabit Seahorse Hotels in absence of natural habitat, and additional complexity in these artificial structures was not necessary to support seahorse populations. Temporary structures such as Seahorse Hotels will be a valuable tool in supporting H. whitei and other Syngnathid populations through infrastructure maintenance or habitat modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Simpson
- University of Sydney, Coastal and Marine Ecosystems, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Ross A Coleman
- University of Sydney, Coastal and Marine Ecosystems, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Morris
- National Centre for Coasts and Climate, School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - David Harasti
- Fisheries Research, NSW - Department of Primary Industries NSW, 2315, Australia
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Sloman KA, Bouyoucos IA, Brooks EJ, Sneddon LU. Ethical considerations in fish research. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2019; 94:556-577. [PMID: 30838660 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Fishes are used in a wide range of scientific studies, from conservation research with potential benefits to the species used to biomedical research with potential human benefits. Fish research can take place in both laboratories and field environments and methods used represent a continuum from non-invasive observations, handling, through to experimental manipulation. While some countries have legislation or guidance regarding the use of fish in research, many do not and there exists a diversity of scientific opinions on the sentience of fish and how we determine welfare. Nevertheless, there is a growing pressure on the scientific community to take more responsibility for the animals they work with through maximising the benefits of their research to humans or animals while minimising welfare or survival costs to their study animals. In this review, we focus primarily on the refinement of common methods used in fish research based on emerging knowledge with the aim of improving the welfare of fish used in scientific studies. We consider the use of anaesthetics and analgesics and how we mark individuals for identification purposes. We highlight the main ethical concerns facing researchers in both laboratory and field environments and identify areas that need urgent future research. We hope that this review will help inform those who wish to refine their ethical practices and stimulate thought among fish researchers for further avenues of refinement. Improved ethics and welfare of fishes will inevitably lead to increased scientific rigour and is in the best interests of both fishes and scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Sloman
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
| | - Ian A Bouyoucos
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- PSL Research University, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, Perpignan Cedex, France
| | - Edward J Brooks
- Cape Eleuthera Island School, Rock Sound, Eleuthera, The Bahamas
| | - Lynne U Sneddon
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Short G, Harasti D, Hamilton H. Hippocampuswhitei Bleeker, 1855, a senior synonym of the southern Queensland seahorse H.procerus Kuiter, 2001: molecular and morphological evidence (Teleostei, Syngnathidae). Zookeys 2019:109-133. [PMID: 30814902 PMCID: PMC6389870 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.824.30921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The taxonomic status of the seahorse Hippocampusprocerus Kuiter, 2001, type locality Hervey Bay, QLD, Australia, was re-examined based on its strong morphological similarity and geographical proximity to its congener H.whitei Bleeker, 1855, a species recorded in ten estuaries of New South Wales, Australia. Kuiter (2001) distinguished H.procerus from H.whitei by a taller coronet, marginally lower meristics, and spinier physiognomy. Meristic, morphometric, and key diagnostic morphological character comparisons from vouchered specimens of the two purported species collected from Sydney Harbour, Nelson Bay, Port Stephens, NSW and Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, and Moreton Bay, QLD did not show diagnostic differences to support species-level classification of H.procerus. Furthermore, partial mitochondrial COI sequence data from specimens sampled from known geographical distributions in NSW and Southport, QLD failed to discriminate between populations as a result of shared haplotypes, and revealed an average intraspecific divergence of 0.002%. Hippocampusprocerus is hereby placed in the synonymy of H.whitei; a redescription is provided, with a revised record of its range across eastern Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham Short
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, USA California Academy of Sciences San Francisco United States of America
| | - David Harasti
- Fisheries Research, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, New South Wales, Australia Fisheries Research, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute Port Stephens Australia
| | - Healy Hamilton
- NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia, USA NatureServe Arlington United States of America
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9
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Behavioural and pathomorphological impacts of flash photography on benthic fishes. Sci Rep 2019; 9:748. [PMID: 30679714 PMCID: PMC6345839 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37356-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Millions of people take animal pictures during wildlife interactions, yet the impacts of photographer behaviour and photographic flashes on animals are poorly understood. We investigated the pathomorphological and behavioural impacts of photographer behaviour and photographic flashes on 14 benthic fish species that are important for scuba diving tourism and aquarium displays. We ran a field study to test effects of photography on fish behaviour, and two laboratory studies that tested effects of photographic flashes on seahorse behaviour, and ocular and retinal anatomy. Our study showed that effects of photographic flashes are negligible and do not have stronger impacts than those caused solely by human presence. Photographic flashes did not cause changes in gross ocular and retinal anatomy of seahorses and did not alter feeding success. Physical manipulation of animals by photographing scuba divers, however, elicited strong stress responses. This study provides important new information to help develop efficient management strategies that reduce environmental impacts of wildlife tourism.
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De Brauwer M, Saunders BJ, Ambo-Rappe R, Jompa J, McIlwain JL, Harvey ES. Time to stop mucking around? Impacts of underwater photography on cryptobenthic fauna found in soft sediment habitats. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2018; 218:14-22. [PMID: 29660542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Scuba diving tourism is a sustainable source of income for many coastal communities, but can have negative environmental impacts if not managed effectively. Diving on soft sediment habitats, typically referred to as 'muck diving', is a growing multi-million dollar industry with a strong focus on photographing cryptobenthic fauna. We assessed how the environmental impacts of scuba divers are affected by the activity they are engaged in while diving and the habitat they dive in. To do this, we observed 66 divers on coral reefs and soft sediment habitats in Indonesia and the Philippines. We found diver activity, specifically interacting with and photographing fauna, causes greater environmental disturbances than effects caused by certification level, gender, dive experience or age. Divers touched the substrate more often while diving on soft sediment habitats than on coral reefs, but this did not result in greater environmental damage on soft sediment sites. Divers had a higher impact on the substrate and touch animals more frequently when observing or photographing cryptobenthic fauna. When using dSLR-cameras, divers spent up to five times longer interacting with fauna. With the unknown, long-term impacts on cryptobenthic fauna or soft sediment habitats, and the increasing popularity of underwater photography, we argue for the introduction of a muck diving code of conduct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten De Brauwer
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley Campus, Perth 6485, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Benjamin J Saunders
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley Campus, Perth 6485, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rohani Ambo-Rappe
- Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Hasanuddin University, Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan Km. 10, Makassar 90245, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia
| | - Jamaluddin Jompa
- Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Hasanuddin University, Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan Km. 10, Makassar 90245, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia
| | - Jennifer L McIlwain
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley Campus, Perth 6485, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Euan S Harvey
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley Campus, Perth 6485, Western Australia, Australia
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Claassens L, Hodgson AN. Gaining insights into
in situ
behaviour of an endangered seahorse using action cameras. J Zool (1987) 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Claassens
- Department of Zoology & Entomology Rhodes University Grahamstown South Africa
- Knysna Basin Project Knysna South Africa
| | - A. N. Hodgson
- Department of Zoology & Entomology Rhodes University Grahamstown South Africa
- Knysna Basin Project Knysna South Africa
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12
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Harasti D, Martin-Smith K, Gladstone W. Ontogenetic and sex-based differences in habitat preferences and site fidelity of White's seahorse Hippocampus whitei. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2014; 85:1413-1428. [PMID: 25098708 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine and compare habitat preferences for male and female adult and juvenile White's seahorse Hippocampus whitei and assess their movements and site fidelity over 4 years. Data were collected from three sites along 1.5 km of estuarine shoreline in Port Stephens, New South Wales, Australia, from 2006 to 2009 using H. whitei that had been tagged with visible implant fluorescent elastomer. Relative availability of 12 habitats and habitat preferences of H. whitei was determined, based on the habitat that H. whitei used as a holdfast. Hippocampus whitei occurred in nine different habitats; adults preferred sponge and soft coral Dendronephthya australis habitats with no difference between male and female habitat preferences whilst juveniles preferred gorgonian Euplexaura sp. habitat. There was a significant preference by adults for D. australis colonies with height >40 cm and avoidance of colonies <20 cm. Neither adults nor juveniles used sand or the seagrasses Zostera muelleri subsp. capricorni and Halophila ovalis. Hippocampus whitei showed cryptic behaviour with c. 50% of adult sightings cryptic and c. 75% for juveniles with crypsis occurring predominantly in Sargassum sp. for adults and Euplexaura sp. habitat for juveniles. Within sites, females moved significantly longer distances (maximum of 70 m) than males (maximum of 38 m) over 20 months. Strong site fidelity was displayed by H. whitei with males persisting at the same site for up to 56 months and females for 49 months and no H. whitei moved between sites. The longest period that an H. whitei was recorded on the same holdfast was 17 months for a male and 10 months for a female. As this species displays strong site fidelity, specific habitat preferences and has a limited distribution, future management needs to minimize the risk of habitat disturbance as loss of key habitats could have a negative effect on species abundance and distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Harasti
- Fisheries Research, Marine Ecosystems, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Locked Bag 1, Nelson Bay, NSW 2315, Australia; School of the Environment, University of Technology, Sydney, P. O. Box 123, Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
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Harasti D, Martin-Smith K, Gladstone W. Does a no-take marine protected area benefit seahorses? PLoS One 2014; 9:e105462. [PMID: 25137253 PMCID: PMC4138119 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Seahorses are iconic charismatic species that are often used to 'champion' marine conservation causes around the world. As they are threatened in many countries by over-exploitation and habitat loss, marine protected areas (MPAs) could help with their protection and recovery. MPAs may conserve seahorses through protecting essential habitats and removing fishing pressures. Populations of White's seahorse, Hippocampus whitei, a species endemic to New South Wales, Australia, were monitored monthly from 2006 to 2009 using diver surveys at two sites within a no-take marine protected areas established in 1983, and at two control sites outside the no-take MPA sites. Predators of H. whitei were also identified and monitored. Hippocampus whitei were more abundant at the control sites. Seahorse predators (3 species of fish and 2 species of octopus) were more abundant within the no-take MPA sites. Seahorse and predator abundances were negatively correlated. Substantial variability in the seahorse population at one of the control sites reinforced the importance of long-term monitoring and use of multiple control sites to assess the outcomes of MPAs for seahorses. MPAs should be used cautiously to conserve seahorse populations as there is the risk of a negative impact through increased predator abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Harasti
- Fisheries Research, Marine Ecosystems, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Nelson Bay, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | | | - William Gladstone
- School of the Environment, University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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