1
|
Winston M, Fuller K, Neilson BJ, Donovan MK. Complex drivers of invasive macroalgae boom and bust in Kāne'ohe Bay, Hawai'i. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115744. [PMID: 37951125 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Invasive macroalgae Eucheuma sp. and Kappaphycus spp. (E/K) became a dominant benthic feature in Kāne'ohe Bay throughout the past four decades - occurring on up to 74 ha of reef area and growing up to three meters thick, which prompted intensive management action. In 2013, E/K cover began decreasing at managed and unmanaged sites. This study examined the extent and timing of the E/K decline and evaluated environmental and ecological drivers beyond management contributing to the decline. E/K continued to recede into 2017 and remains sparse in Kāne'ohe Bay today. Increasing over the sampling period, herbivore biomass was negatively correlated with E/K cover, and other significant, non-linear relationships emerged between E/K cover and coral cover, sea surface temperature, wind, and rainfall. This study uncovers several possible mechanisms explaining a boom and bust in E/K abundance, emphasizes the importance of herbivory, and highlights the resilience of coral reefs in Kāne'ohe Bay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Winston
- School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science, Arizona State University, Hilo, HI, USA 96720.
| | - Kimberly Fuller
- State of Hawai'i Division of Aquatic Resources, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Brian J Neilson
- State of Hawai'i Division of Aquatic Resources, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Mary K Donovan
- School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science, Arizona State University, Hilo, HI, USA 96720
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
McCosker E, Stuart‐Smith RD, Edgar GJ, Steinberg PD, Vergés A. Sea temperature and habitat effects on juvenile reef fishes along a tropicalizing coastline. DIVERS DISTRIB 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Erin McCosker
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences Centre for Marine Science and Innovation University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Rick D. Stuart‐Smith
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Graham J. Edgar
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Peter D. Steinberg
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences Centre for Marine Science and Innovation University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science Mosman New South Wales Australia
| | - Adriana Vergés
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences Centre for Marine Science and Innovation University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science Mosman New South Wales Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hall AE, Kingsford MJ. Habitat type and complexity drive fish assemblages in a tropical seascape. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2021; 99:1364-1379. [PMID: 34240745 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14843] [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: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Inshore marine seascapes support a diversity of interconnected habitats and are an important focus for biodiversity conservation. This study examines the importance of habitat attributes to fish assemblages across a mosaic of inshore habitats: coral reefs, rocky reefs, macroalgae beds and sand/rubble beds. Fishes and benthic habitats were surveyed at 34 sites around continental islands of the central Great Barrier Reef using baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS). Species richness was influenced foremost by habitat type and also by structural complexity within habitat types. The most speciose assemblages occurred in coral and rocky reef habitats with high structural complexity, provided by the presence of coral bommies/overhangs, boulders and rock crevices. Nonetheless, macroalgae and sand/rubble beds also supported unique species, and therefore contributed to the overall richness of fish assemblages in the seascape. Most trophic groups had positive associations with complexity, which was the most important predictor for abundance of piscivorous fishes and mobile planktivores. There was significant differentiation of fish assemblages among habitats, with the notable exception of coral and rocky reefs. Species assemblages overlapped substantially between coral and rocky reefs, which had 60% common species, despite coral cover being lower on rocky reefs. This suggests that, for many species, rocky and coral substrates can provide equivalent habitat structure, emphasizing the importance of complexity in providing habitat refuges, and highlighting the contribution of rocky reefs to habitat provision within tropical seascapes. The results of this study support an emerging recognition of the collective value of habitat mosaics in inshore marine ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- April E Hall
- College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael J Kingsford
- College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nanami A. Spatial distribution of parrotfishes and groupers in an Okinawan coral reef: size-related associations in relation to habitat characteristics. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12134. [PMID: 34557361 PMCID: PMC8420873 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Parrotfishes (Labridae: Scarini) and groupers (Epinephelidae) are important fish groups that are regarded as the fisheries targets of primary importance in coral reefs. In order to establish ecosystem-based management of these two fish groups, clarifying the spatial distribution relative to habitat characteristics is of central importance. The present study investigated the spatial distributions of 12 parrotfishes species and seven groupers species in relation to environmental characteristics in an Okinawan coral reef. Ten out of the 12 parrotfish species and all seven grouper species showed species-specific spatial distributions. Four substrate types in the inner reefs (branching Acropora, bottlebrush Acropora, dead branching Acropora, and dead bottlebrush Acropora), three substrate types in the exposed reefs (massive coral, other coral, and calcium carbonate substratum), and water depth showed significant associations with the spatial distribution of fishes. Among the 12 parrotfish species, two species (Scarus spinus and S. forsteni) and four species (S. psittacus, S. hypselopterus, S. dimidiatus and S. ghobban) were primarily found in exposed reefs and inner reefs, respectively. Among the seven grouper species, two species (Cephalopholis argus and C. urodeta) and two other species (C. miniata and Epinephelus ongus) were primarily found in exposed reefs and inner reefs, respectively. Size-related spatial distribution was also found for three parrotfish species (Chlorurus microrhinos, Scarus rivulatus and S. hypselopterus), indicating that smaller-sized and larger-sized individuals were respectively found at sites with greater coverage of substrates with fine structure (live bottlebrush Acropora and dead bottlebrush Acropora) and coarse structure (live branching Acropora, dead branching Acropora and calcium carbonate substratum). The present study suggested that the spatial distribution of parrotfishes and groupers is not necessarily associated with the higher coverage of living corals, but positively associated with high substrate complexity. Thus, actual spatial distributional patterns of species should be considered to select candidate sites for protection and conservation for the two fish groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Nanami
- Yaeyama Field Station, Coastal and Inland Fisheries Ecosystem Division, Environment and Fisheries Applied Techniques Research Department, Fisheries Technology Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sievers KT, McClure EC, Abesamis RA, Russ GR. Non-reef habitats in a tropical seascape affect density and biomass of fishes on coral reefs. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:13673-13686. [PMID: 33391672 PMCID: PMC7771147 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonreef habitats such as mangroves, seagrass, and macroalgal beds are important for foraging, spawning, and as nursery habitat for some coral reef fishes. The spatial configuration of nonreef habitats adjacent to coral reefs can therefore have a substantial influence on the distribution and composition of reef fish. We investigate how different habitats in a tropical seascape in the Philippines influence the presence, density, and biomass of coral reef fishes to understand the relative importance of different habitats across various spatial scales. A detailed seascape map generated from satellite imagery was combined with field surveys of fish and benthic habitat on coral reefs. We then compared the relative importance of local reef (within coral reef) and adjacent habitat (habitats in the surrounding seascape) variables for coral reef fishes. Overall, adjacent habitat variables were as important as local reef variables in explaining reef fish density and biomass, despite being fewer in number in final models. For adult and juvenile wrasses (Labridae), and juveniles of some parrotfish taxa (Chlorurus), adjacent habitat was more important in explaining fish density and biomass. Notably, wrasses were positively influenced by the amount of sand and macroalgae in the adjacent seascape. Adjacent habitat metrics with the highest relative importance were sand (positive), macroalgae (positive), and mangrove habitats (negative), and fish responses to these metrics were consistent across fish groups evaluated. The 500-m spatial scale was selected most often in models for seascape variables. Local coral reef variables with the greatest importance were percent cover of live coral (positive), sand (negative), and macroalgae (mixed). Incorporating spatial metrics that describe the surrounding seascape will capture more holistic patterns of fish-habitat relationships on reefs. This is important in regions where protection of reef fish habitat is an integral part of fisheries management but where protection of nonreef habitats is often overlooked.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katie T. Sievers
- College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQLDAustralia
- Australia Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef StudiesJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQLDAustralia
| | - Eva C. McClure
- College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQLDAustralia
- Australia Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef StudiesJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQLDAustralia
| | - Rene A. Abesamis
- Silliman University Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental ManagementSilliman UniversityDumaguete CityPhilippines
| | - Garry R. Russ
- College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQLDAustralia
- Australia Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef StudiesJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQLDAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fontoura L, Zawada KJA, D'agata S, Álvarez-Noriega M, Baird AH, Boutros N, Dornelas M, Luiz OJ, Madin JS, Maina JM, Pizarro O, Torres-Pulliza D, Woods RM, Madin EMP. Climate-driven shift in coral morphological structure predicts decline of juvenile reef fishes. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2020; 26:557-567. [PMID: 31697006 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Rapid intensification of environmental disturbances has sparked widespread decline and compositional shifts in foundation species in ecosystems worldwide. Now, an emergent challenge is to understand the consequences of shifts and losses in such habitat-forming species for associated communities and ecosystem processes. Recently, consecutive coral bleaching events shifted the morphological makeup of habitat-forming coral assemblages on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Considering the disparity of coral morphological growth forms in shelter provision for reef fishes, we investigated how shifts in the morphological structure of coral assemblages affect the abundance of juvenile and adult reef fishes. We used a temporal dataset from shallow reefs in the northern GBR to estimate coral convexity (a fine-scale quantitative morphological trait) and two widely used coral habitat descriptors (coral cover and reef rugosity) for disentangling the effects of coral morphology on reef fish assemblages. Changes in coral convexity, rather than live coral cover or reef rugosity, disproportionately affected juvenile reef fishes when compared to adults, and explained more than 20% of juvenile decline. The magnitude of this effect varied by fish body size with juveniles of small-bodied species showing higher vulnerability to changes in coral morphology. Our findings suggest that continued large-scale shifts in the relative abundance of morphological groups within coral assemblages are likely to affect population replenishment and dynamics of future reef fish communities. The different responses of juvenile and adult fishes according to habitat descriptors indicate that focusing on coarse-scale metrics alone may mask fine-scale ecological responses that are key to understand ecosystem functioning and resilience. Nonetheless, quantifying coral morphological traits may contribute to forecasting the structure of reef fish communities on novel reef ecosystems shaped by climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Fontoura
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i, Kāne'ohe, HI, USA
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University - Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kyle J A Zawada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University - Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Biological Diversity, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, UK
| | - Stephanie D'agata
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University - Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Marine Programs, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Mariana Álvarez-Noriega
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld., Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld., Australia
| | - Andrew H Baird
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld., Australia
| | - Nader Boutros
- Australian Centre for Field Robotics, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maria Dornelas
- Centre for Biological Diversity, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, UK
| | - Osmar J Luiz
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Joshua S Madin
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i, Kāne'ohe, HI, USA
| | - Joseph M Maina
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University - Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Oscar Pizarro
- Australian Centre for Field Robotics, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Damaris Torres-Pulliza
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i, Kāne'ohe, HI, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University - Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rachael M Woods
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University - Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth M P Madin
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i, Kāne'ohe, HI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Low JKY, Fong J, Todd PA, Chou LM, Bauman AG. Seasonal variation of Sargassum ilicifolium (Phaeophyceae) growth on equatorial coral reefs. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2019; 55:289-296. [PMID: 30506680 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.12818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Temporal and spatial variations in Sargassum ilicifolium thallus density and length were investigated on equatorial coral reefs in Singapore from November 2011 to October 2012. Thalli density varied little throughout the year, however, we found strong seasonal patterns in thallus length and identified temperature as the significant driver. Sargassum ilicifolium reached maximum length in December (110.39 ± 2.37 cm) during periods of cooler water temperatures, and minimum length in May (9.88 ± 0.48 cm) during periods of warmer water temperatures. Significant spatial variation was also observed for both thallus density and length of S. ilicifolium among reefs. Within reefs, densities of S. ilicifolium were higher on reef flats (20.40 ± 0.40 individuals · 0.25 m-2 ) compared to upper reef slopes (5.66 ± 0.23 individuals · 0.25 m-2 ). Our findings highlight that marked seasonality in the growth of canopy-forming macroalgae can occur within equatorial reef systems where temperature ranges are restricted (<3°C).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jenny Fong
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117558
| | - Peter A Todd
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117558
| | - Loke Ming Chou
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119227
| | - Andrew G Bauman
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117558
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Vergés A, McCosker E, Mayer‐Pinto M, Coleman MA, Wernberg T, Ainsworth T, Steinberg PD. Tropicalisation of temperate reefs: Implications for ecosystem functions and management actions. Funct Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Vergés
- Centre for Marine Science & Innovation and Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences UNSW Australia Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science Mosman New South Wales Australia
| | - Erin McCosker
- Centre for Marine Science & Innovation and Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences UNSW Australia Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science Mosman New South Wales Australia
| | - Mariana Mayer‐Pinto
- Centre for Marine Science & Innovation and Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences UNSW Australia Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science Mosman New South Wales Australia
| | - Melinda A. Coleman
- Department of Primary Industries New South Wales Fisheries Coffs Harbour, New South Wales Australia
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University Coffs Harbour, New South Wales Australia
| | - Thomas Wernberg
- School of Biological Sciences, UWA Oceans Institute University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia Australia
- Department of Science and Environment (DSE) Roskilde University Roskilde Denmark
| | - Tracy Ainsworth
- Centre for Marine Science & Innovation and Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences UNSW Australia Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science Mosman New South Wales Australia
| | - Peter D. Steinberg
- Centre for Marine Science & Innovation and Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences UNSW Australia Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science Mosman New South Wales Australia
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering Nanyang Technical University Singapore City Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Cross-shelf Heterogeneity of Coral Assemblages in Northwest Australia. DIVERSITY-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/d11020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the spatial and temporal distribution of coral assemblages and the processes structuring those patterns is fundamental to managing reef assemblages. Cross-shelf marine systems exhibit pronounced and persistent gradients in environmental conditions; however, these gradients are not always reliable predictors of coral distribution or the degree of stress that corals are experiencing. This study used information from government, industry and scientific datasets spanning 1980–2017, to explore temporal trends in coral cover in the geographically complex system of the Dampier Archipelago, northwest Australia. Coral composition at 15 sites surveyed in 2017 was also modelled against environmental and spatial variables (including turbidity, degree heat weeks, wave exposure, and distance to land/mainland/isobath) to assess their relative importance in structuring coral assemblages. High spatial and temporal heterogeneity was observed in coral cover and recovery trajectories, with reefs located an intermediate distance from the shore maintaining high cover over the past 20 years. The abundance of some prominent genera in 2017 (Acropora, Porites, and Turbinaria spp.) decreased with the distance from the mainland, suggesting that inshore processes play an important role in dictating the distribution of these genera. The atypical distributions of these key reef-building corals and spatial heterogeneity of historical recovery trajectories highlight the risks in making assumptions regarding cross-shelf patterns in geographically complex systems.
Collapse
|
10
|
Bond T, Partridge JC, Taylor MD, Langlois TJ, Malseed BE, Smith LD, McLean DL. Fish associated with a subsea pipeline and adjacent seafloor of the North West Shelf of Western Australia. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 141:53-65. [PMID: 30107887 DOI: 10.1016/j.csr.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Information on the potential ecological value of offshore oil and gas infrastructure is required as it reaches the end of its operational life and decisions must be made regarding the best practice option for decommissioning. This study uses baited remote underwater stereo-video systems to assess fish assemblages along an offshore subsea pipeline and in adjacent natural seabed habitats at ∼140 m depth on the North West Shelf of Western Australia. A total of 955 fish from 40 species and 25 families were recorded. Species richness was, on average 25% higher on the pipeline (6.48 ± 0.37 SE) than off (4.81 ± 0.28 SE) while relative abundance of fish was nearly double on the pipeline (20.38 ± 2.81 SE) than in adjacent natural habitats (10.97 ± 1.02 SE). The pipeline was characterised by large, commercially important species known to associate with complex epibenthic habitat and, as such, possessed a biomass of commercial fish ca 7.5 × higher and catch value ca. 8.6 × ($65.11 ± $11.14 SE) than in adjacent natural habitats ($7.57 ± $2.41 SE). This study has added to the knowledge of fish assemblage associations with subsea infrastructure and provides a greater understanding of the ecological and fisheries implications of decommissioning, helping to better inform decision-making on the fate of infrastructure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Bond
- The UWA Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - J C Partridge
- The UWA Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - M D Taylor
- The UWA Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - T J Langlois
- The UWA Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - B E Malseed
- Woodside Energy, GPO Box D188, Perth, WA, 6840, Australia
| | - L D Smith
- Woodside Energy, GPO Box D188, Perth, WA, 6840, Australia; The UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - D L McLean
- The UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia; Oceans Graduate School, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bond T, Partridge JC, Taylor MD, Langlois TJ, Malseed BE, Smith LD, McLean DL. Fish associated with a subsea pipeline and adjacent seafloor of the North West Shelf of Western Australia. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 141:53-65. [PMID: 30107887 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Information on the potential ecological value of offshore oil and gas infrastructure is required as it reaches the end of its operational life and decisions must be made regarding the best practice option for decommissioning. This study uses baited remote underwater stereo-video systems to assess fish assemblages along an offshore subsea pipeline and in adjacent natural seabed habitats at ∼140 m depth on the North West Shelf of Western Australia. A total of 955 fish from 40 species and 25 families were recorded. Species richness was, on average 25% higher on the pipeline (6.48 ± 0.37 SE) than off (4.81 ± 0.28 SE) while relative abundance of fish was nearly double on the pipeline (20.38 ± 2.81 SE) than in adjacent natural habitats (10.97 ± 1.02 SE). The pipeline was characterised by large, commercially important species known to associate with complex epibenthic habitat and, as such, possessed a biomass of commercial fish ca 7.5 × higher and catch value ca. 8.6 × ($65.11 ± $11.14 SE) than in adjacent natural habitats ($7.57 ± $2.41 SE). This study has added to the knowledge of fish assemblage associations with subsea infrastructure and provides a greater understanding of the ecological and fisheries implications of decommissioning, helping to better inform decision-making on the fate of infrastructure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Bond
- The UWA Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - J C Partridge
- The UWA Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - M D Taylor
- The UWA Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - T J Langlois
- The UWA Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - B E Malseed
- Woodside Energy, GPO Box D188, Perth, WA, 6840, Australia
| | - L D Smith
- Woodside Energy, GPO Box D188, Perth, WA, 6840, Australia; The UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - D L McLean
- The UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia; Oceans Graduate School, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ceccarelli DM, Loffler Z, Bourne DG, Al Moajil-Cole GS, Boström-Einarsson L, Evans-Illidge E, Fabricius K, Glasl B, Marshall P, McLeod I, Read M, Schaffelke B, Smith AK, Jorda GT, Williamson DH, Bay L. Rehabilitation of coral reefs through removal of macroalgae: state of knowledge and considerations for management and implementation. Restor Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela M. Ceccarelli
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- Marine Ecology Consultant, 36 Barton Street; Magnetic Island QLD 4819 Australia
| | - Zoe Loffler
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - David G. Bourne
- College of Science and Engineering; James Cook University; Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science; Townsville QLD 4810 Australia
| | - Grace S. Al Moajil-Cole
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- College of Science and Engineering; James Cook University; Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
- AIMS@JCU; Townsville, QLD 4810 Australia
| | | | | | | | - Bettina Glasl
- College of Science and Engineering; James Cook University; Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science; Townsville QLD 4810 Australia
- AIMS@JCU; Townsville, QLD 4810 Australia
| | - Paul Marshall
- Reef Ecologic, 14 Cleveland Terrace, North Ward; Townsville, QLD 4810 Australia
| | - Ian McLeod
- TropWATER; James Cook University; Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Mark Read
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority; Townsville, QLD 4810 Australia
| | - Britta Schaffelke
- Australian Institute of Marine Science; Townsville QLD 4810 Australia
| | - Adam K. Smith
- Reef Ecologic, 14 Cleveland Terrace, North Ward; Townsville, QLD 4810 Australia
| | - Georgina T. Jorda
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - David H. Williamson
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- College of Science and Engineering; James Cook University; Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Line Bay
- Australian Institute of Marine Science; Townsville QLD 4810 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bennett S, Halford AR, Choat JH, Hobbs JA, Santana‐Garcon J, Ayling AM, Harvey ES, Newman SJ. Geography and island geomorphology shape fish assemblage structure on isolated coral reef systems. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:6242-6252. [PMID: 29988434 PMCID: PMC6024146 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We quantify the relative importance of multi-scale drivers of reef fish assemblage structure on isolated coral reefs at the intersection of the Indian and Indo-Pacific biogeographical provinces. Large (>30 cm), functionally-important and commonly targeted species of fish, were surveyed on the outer reef crest/front at 38 coral reef sites spread across three oceanic coral reef systems (i.e. Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands and the Rowley Shoals), in the tropical Indian Ocean (c. 1.126 x 106 km2). The effects of coral cover, exposure, fishing pressure, lagoon size and geographical context, on observed patterns of fish assemblage structure were modelled using Multivariate Regression Trees. Reef fish assemblages were clearly separated in space with geographical location explaining ~53 % of the observed variation. Lagoon size, within each isolated reef system was an equally effective proxy for explaining fish assemblage structure. Among local-scale variables, 'distance from port', a proxy for the influence of fishing, explained 5.2% of total variation and separated the four most isolated reefs from Cocos (Keeling) Island, from reefs with closer boating access. Other factors were not significant. Major divisions in assemblage structure were driven by sister taxa that displayed little geographical overlap between reef systems and low abundances of several species on Christmas Island corresponding to small lagoon habitats. Exclusion of geographical context from the analysis resulted in local processes explaining 47.3% of the variation, highlighting the importance of controlling for spatial correlation to understand the drivers of fish assemblage structure. Our results suggest reef fish assemblage structure on remote coral reef systems in the tropical eastern Indian Ocean reflects a biogeographical legacy of isolation between Indian and Pacific fish faunas and geomorphological variation within the region, more than local fishing pressure or reef condition. Our findings re-emphasise the importance that historical processes play in structuring contemporary biotic communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott Bennett
- Department of Global Change ResearchInstitut Mediterrani d'Estudis AvançatsUniversitat de les Illes Balears – Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasEsporlesSpain
- Department of Environment and AgricultureCurtin UniversityBentleyWAAustralia
| | | | - J. Howard Choat
- School of Marine and Tropical BiologyJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQLDAustralia
| | - Jean‐Paul A. Hobbs
- Department of Environment and AgricultureCurtin UniversityBentleyWAAustralia
| | - Julia Santana‐Garcon
- Department of Global Change ResearchInstitut Mediterrani d'Estudis AvançatsUniversitat de les Illes Balears – Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasEsporlesSpain
- Department of Environment and AgricultureCurtin UniversityBentleyWAAustralia
| | | | - Euan S. Harvey
- Department of Environment and AgricultureCurtin UniversityBentleyWAAustralia
| | - Stephen J. Newman
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional DevelopmentGovernment of Western AustraliaWestern Australian Fisheries and Marine Research LaboratoriesNorth BeachWAAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wilson SK, Depcyznski M, Fisher R, Holmes TH, Noble MM, Radford BT, Rule M, Shedrawi G, Tinkler P, Fulton CJ. Climatic forcing and larval dispersal capabilities shape the replenishment of fishes and their habitat-forming biota on a tropical coral reef. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:1918-1928. [PMID: 29435264 PMCID: PMC5792527 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluctuations in marine populations often relate to the supply of recruits by oceanic currents. Variation in these currents is typically driven by large-scale changes in climate, in particular ENSO (El Nino Southern Oscillation). The dependence on large-scale climatic changes may, however, be modified by early life history traits of marine taxa. Based on eight years of annual surveys, along 150 km of coastline, we examined how ENSO influenced abundance of juvenile fish, coral spat, and canopy-forming macroalgae. We then investigated what traits make populations of some fish families more reliant on the ENSO relationship than others. Abundance of juvenile fish and coral recruits was generally positively correlated with the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), higher densities recorded during La Niña years, when the ENSO-influenced Leeuwin Current is stronger and sea surface temperature higher. The relationship is typically positive and stronger among fish families with shorter pelagic larval durations and stronger swimming abilities. The relationship is also stronger at sites on the coral back reef, although the strongest of all relationships were among the lethrinids (r = .9), siganids (r = .9), and mullids (r = .8), which recruit to macroalgal meadows in the lagoon. ENSO effects on habitat seem to moderate SOI-juvenile abundance relationship. Macroalgal canopies are higher during La Niña years, providing more favorable habitat for juvenile fish and strengthening the SOI effect on juvenile abundance. Conversely, loss of coral following a La Niña-related heat wave may have compromised postsettlement survival of coral dependent species, weakening the influence of SOI on their abundance. This assessment of ENSO effects on tropical fish and habitat-forming biota and how it is mediated by functional ecology improves our ability to predict and manage changes in the replenishment of marine populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaun K. Wilson
- Marine Science ProgramDepartment of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsKensingtonWAAustralia
- Oceans InstituteUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Martial Depcyznski
- Oceans InstituteUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Rebecca Fisher
- Oceans InstituteUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Thomas H. Holmes
- Marine Science ProgramDepartment of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsKensingtonWAAustralia
- Oceans InstituteUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Mae M. Noble
- Research School of BiologyThe Australian National UniversityCanberraACTAustralia
| | - Ben T. Radford
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Michael Rule
- Marine Science ProgramDepartment of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsKensingtonWAAustralia
- Oceans InstituteUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - George Shedrawi
- Marine Science ProgramDepartment of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsKensingtonWAAustralia
| | - Paul Tinkler
- Australian Institute of Marine ScienceCrawleyWAAustralia
- Deakin UniversitySchool of Life and Environmental SciencesWarrnamboolVic.Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hempson TN, Graham NAJ, MacNeil MA, Hoey AS, Wilson SK. Ecosystem regime shifts disrupt trophic structure. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2018; 28:191-200. [PMID: 29035010 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Regime shifts between alternative stable ecosystem states are becoming commonplace due to the combined effects of local stressors and global climate change. Alternative states are characterized as substantially different in form and function from pre-disturbance states, disrupting the delivery of ecosystem services and functions. On coral reefs, regime shifts are typically characterized by a change in the benthic composition from coral to macroalgal dominance. Such fundamental shifts in the benthos are anticipated to impact associated fish communities that are reliant on the reef for food and shelter, yet there is limited understanding of how regime shifts propagate through the fish community over time, relative to initial or recovery conditions. This study addresses this knowledge gap using long-term data of coral reef regime shifts and recovery on Seychelles reefs following the 1998 mass bleaching event. It shows how trophic structure of the reef fish community becomes increasingly dissimilar between alternative reef ecosystem states (regime-shifted vs. recovering) with time since disturbance. Regime-shifted reefs developed a concave trophic structure, with increased biomass in base trophic levels as herbivorous species benefitted from increased algal resources. Mid trophic level species, including specialists such as corallivores, declined with loss of coral habitat, while biomass was retained in upper trophic levels by large-bodied, generalist invertivores. Recovering reefs also experienced an initial decline in mid trophic level biomass, but moved toward a bottom-heavy pyramid shape, with a wide range of feeding groups (e.g., planktivores, corallivores, omnivores) represented at mid trophic levels. Given the importance of coral reef fishes in maintaining the ecological function of coral reef ecosystems and their associated fisheries, understanding the effects of regime shifts on these communities is essential to inform decisions that enhance ecological resilience and economic sustainability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tessa N Hempson
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Nicholas A J Graham
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom
| | - M Aaron MacNeil
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
- Department of Biology, Ocean Frontier Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia
| | - Andrew S Hoey
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Shaun K Wilson
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Marine Science Program, 17 Dick Perry Avenue, Kensington, Perth, Western Australia, 6151, Australia
- Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Pratchett MS, Thompson CA, Hoey AS, Cowman PF, Wilson SK. Effects of Coral Bleaching and Coral Loss on the Structure and Function of Reef Fish Assemblages. ECOLOGICAL STUDIES 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-75393-5_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
17
|
Habary A, Johansen JL, Nay TJ, Steffensen JF, Rummer JL. Adapt, move or die - how will tropical coral reef fishes cope with ocean warming? GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2017; 23:566-577. [PMID: 27593976 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies hailed thermal tolerance and the capacity for organisms to acclimate and adapt as the primary pathways for species survival under climate change. Here we challenge this theory. Over the past decade, more than 365 tropical stenothermal fish species have been documented moving poleward, away from ocean warming hotspots where temperatures 2-3 °C above long-term annual means can compromise critical physiological processes. We examined the capacity of a model species - a thermally sensitive coral reef fish, Chromis viridis (Pomacentridae) - to use preference behaviour to regulate its body temperature. Movement could potentially circumvent the physiological stress response associated with elevated temperatures and may be a strategy relied upon before genetic adaptation can be effectuated. Individuals were maintained at one of six temperatures (23, 25, 27, 29, 31 and 33 °C) for at least 6 weeks. We compared the relative importance of acclimation temperature to changes in upper critical thermal limits, aerobic metabolic scope and thermal preference. While acclimation temperature positively affected the upper critical thermal limit, neither aerobic metabolic scope nor thermal preference exhibited such plasticity. Importantly, when given the choice to stay in a habitat reflecting their acclimation temperatures or relocate, fish acclimated to end-of-century predicted temperatures (i.e. 31 or 33 °C) preferentially sought out cooler temperatures, those equivalent to long-term summer averages in their natural habitats (~29 °C). This was also the temperature providing the greatest aerobic metabolic scope and body condition across all treatments. Consequently, acclimation can confer plasticity in some performance traits, but may be an unreliable indicator of the ultimate survival and distribution of mobile stenothermal species under global warming. Conversely, thermal preference can arise long before, and remain long after, the harmful effects of elevated ocean temperatures take hold and may be the primary driver of the escalating poleward migration of species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Habary
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
- Marine Biological Section, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Strandpromenaden 5, DK-3000, Helsingør, Denmark
| | - Jacob L Johansen
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
- Marine Science Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, TX, 78373, USA
| | - Tiffany J Nay
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - John F Steffensen
- Marine Biological Section, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Strandpromenaden 5, DK-3000, Helsingør, Denmark
| | - Jodie L Rummer
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wilson SK, Depczynski M, Fulton CJ, Holmes TH, Radford BT, Tinkler P. Influence of nursery microhabitats on the future abundance of a coral reef fish. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 283:20160903. [PMID: 27534954 PMCID: PMC5013763 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.0903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Species habitat associations are often complex, making it difficult to assess their influence on populations. Among coral reef fishes, habitat requirements vary among species and with ontogeny, but the relative importance of nursery and adult-preferred habitats on future abundances remain unclear. Moreover, adult populations may be influenced by recruitment of juveniles and assessments of habitat importance should consider relative effects of juvenile abundance. We conducted surveys across 16 sites and 200 km of reef to identify the microhabitat preferences of juveniles, sub-adults and adults of the damselfish Pomacentrus moluccensis Microhabitat preferences at different life-history stages were then combined with 6 years of juvenile abundance and microhabitat availability data to show that the availability of preferred juvenile microhabitat (corymbose corals) at the time of settlement was a strong predictor of future sub-adult and adult abundance. However, the influence of nursery microhabitats on future population size differed spatially and at some locations abundance of juveniles and adult microhabitat (branching corals) were better predictors of local populations. Our results demonstrate that while juvenile microhabitats are important nurseries, the abundance of coral-dependent fishes is not solely dependent on these microhabitats, especially when microhabitats are readily available or following large influxes of juveniles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaun K Wilson
- Department of Parks and Wildlife, Marine Science Program, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Martial Depczynski
- Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia Australian Institute of Marine Science, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Christopher J Fulton
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Thomas H Holmes
- Department of Parks and Wildlife, Marine Science Program, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ben T Radford
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Paul Tinkler
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Davies HN, Beckley LE, Kobryn HT, Lombard AT, Radford B, Heyward A. Integrating Climate Change Resilience Features into the Incremental Refinement of an Existing Marine Park. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161094. [PMID: 27529820 PMCID: PMC4986976 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine protected area (MPA) designs are likely to require iterative refinement as new knowledge is gained. In particular, there is an increasing need to consider the effects of climate change, especially the ability of ecosystems to resist and/or recover from climate-related disturbances, within the MPA planning process. However, there has been limited research addressing the incorporation of climate change resilience into MPA design. This study used Marxan conservation planning software with fine-scale shallow water (<20 m) bathymetry and habitat maps, models of major benthic communities for deeper water, and comprehensive human use information from Ningaloo Marine Park in Western Australia to identify climate change resilience features to integrate into the incremental refinement of the marine park. The study assessed the representation of benthic habitats within the current marine park zones, identified priority areas of high resilience for inclusion within no-take zones and examined if any iterative refinements to the current no-take zones are necessary. Of the 65 habitat classes, 16 did not meet representation targets within the current no-take zones, most of which were in deeper offshore waters. These deeper areas also demonstrated the highest resilience values and, as such, Marxan outputs suggested minor increases to the current no-take zones in the deeper offshore areas. This work demonstrates that inclusion of fine-scale climate change resilience features within the design process for MPAs is feasible, and can be applied to future marine spatial planning practices globally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harriet N. Davies
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Lynnath E. Beckley
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Halina T. Kobryn
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Amanda T. Lombard
- Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - Ben Radford
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Andrew Heyward
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Recent Advances in Understanding the Effects of Climate Change on Coral Reefs. DIVERSITY-BASEL 2016. [DOI: 10.3390/d8020012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
21
|
Lim IE, Wilson SK, Holmes TH, Noble MM, Fulton CJ. Specialization within a shifting habitat mosaic underpins the seasonal abundance of a tropical fish. Ecosphere 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Isis E. Lim
- Research School of Biology Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
| | - Shaun K. Wilson
- Marine Science Program Science and Conservation Division Department of Parks and Wildlife Kensington Western Australia 6151 Australia
- Oceans Institute University of Western Australia Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
| | - Thomas H. Holmes
- Marine Science Program Science and Conservation Division Department of Parks and Wildlife Kensington Western Australia 6151 Australia
| | - Mae M. Noble
- Research School of Biology Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
| | - Christopher J. Fulton
- Research School of Biology Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Coker DJ, Hoey AS, Wilson SK, Depczynski M, Graham NAJ, Hobbs JPA, Holmes TH, Pratchett MS. Habitat Selectivity and Reliance on Live Corals for Indo-Pacific Hawkfishes (Family: Cirrhitidae). PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138136. [PMID: 26529406 PMCID: PMC4631501 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hawkfishes (family: Cirrhitidae) are small conspicuous reef predators that commonly perch on, or shelter within, the branches of coral colonies. This study examined habitat associations of hawkfishes, and explicitly tested whether hawkfishes associate with specific types of live coral. Live coral use and habitat selectivity of hawkfishes was explored at six locations from Chagos in the central Indian Ocean extending east to Fiji in the Pacific Ocean. A total of 529 hawkfishes from seven species were recorded across all locations with 63% of individuals observed perching on, or sheltering within, live coral colonies. Five species (all except Cirrhitus pinnulatus and Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus) associated with live coral habitats. Cirrhitichthys falco selected for species of Pocillopora while Paracirrhites arcatus and P. forsteri selected for both Pocillopora and Acropora, revealing that these habitats are used disproportionately more than expected based on the local cover of these coral genera. Habitat selection was consistent across geographic locations, and species of Pocillopora were the most frequently used and most consistently selected even though this coral genus never comprised more than 6% of the total coral cover at any of the locations. Across locations, Paracirrhites arcatus and P. forsteri were the most abundant species and variation in their abundance corresponded with local patterns of live coral cover and abundance of Pocilloporid corals, respectively. These findings demonstrate the link between small predatory fishes and live coral habitats adding to the growing body of literature highlighting that live corals (especially erect branching corals) are critically important for sustaining high abundance and diversity of fishes on coral reefs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darren J. Coker
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- Red Sea Research Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Andrew S. Hoey
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Shaun K. Wilson
- Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
- Marine Science Program, Department of Parks and Wildlife, Perth, Australia
| | - Martial Depczynski
- Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Nicholas A. J. Graham
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-Paul A. Hobbs
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Thomas H. Holmes
- Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
- Marine Science Program, Department of Parks and Wildlife, Perth, Australia
| | - Morgan S. Pratchett
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ticzon VS, Foster G, David LT, Mumby PJ, Samaniego BR, Madrid VR. Delineating optimal settlement areas of juvenile reef fish in Ngederrak Reef, Koror state, Republic of Palau. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2015; 187:4089. [PMID: 25394769 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-4089-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Establishing the effectiveness of habitat features to act as surrogate measures of diversity and abundance of juvenile reef fish provides information that is critical to coral reef management. When accurately set on a broader spatial context, microhabitat information becomes more meaningful and its management application becomes more explicit. The goal of the study is to identify coral reef areas potentially important to juvenile fishes in Ngederrak Reef, Republic of Palau, across different spatial scales. To achieve this, the study requires the accomplishment of the following tasks: (1) structurally differentiate the general microhabitat types using acoustics; (2) quantify microhabitat association with juvenile reef fish community structure; and (3) conduct spatial analysis of the reef-wide data and locate areas optimal for juvenile reef fish settlement. The results strongly suggest the importance of branching structures in determining species count and abundance of juvenile reef fish at the outer reef slope of Ngederrak Reef. In the acoustic map, the accurate delineation of these features allowed us to identify reef areas with the highest potential to harbor a rich aggregation of juvenile reef fish. Using a developed spatial analysis tool that ranks pixel groups based on user-defined parameters, the reef area near the Western channel of Ngederrak is predicted to have the most robust aggregation of juvenile reef fish. The results have important implications not only in management, but also in modeling the impacts of habitat loss on reef fish community. At least for Ngederrak Reef, the results advanced the utility of acoustic systems in predicting spatial distribution of juvenile fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor S Ticzon
- Animal Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines-Los Baños, College, Laguna, 4031, Philippines,
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
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.
Collapse
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
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ashworth EC, Depczynski M, Holmes TH, Wilson SK. Quantitative diet analysis of four mesopredators from a coral reef. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2014; 84:1031-1045. [PMID: 24641257 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The diets of four common mesopredator fishes were examined in the back-reef habitat of a subtropical fringing reef system during the summer months. Quantitative gut content analyses revealed that crustaceans, represented >60% of ingested prey (% mass) by the latticed sand-perch Parapercis clathrata, brown dottyback Pseudochromis fuscus and half-moon grouper Epinephelus rivulatus. Dietary analyses also provided insights into ontogenetic shifts. Juvenile P. fuscus ingested large numbers of crustaceans (amphipods and isopods); these small prey were rarely found in larger individuals (<1% of ingested mass). Fishes also made an important contribution to the diets of all three species representing 10-30% of ingested mass. Conversely, the sand lizardfish Synodus dermatogenys fed exclusively on fishes including clupeids, gobies and labrids. Differences in the gut contents of the four species recorded were not apparent using stable isotope analysis of muscle tissues. The similarity of δ(13) C values in muscle tissues suggested that carbon within prey was derived from primary producers, with comparable carbon isotope signatures to corals and macroalgae, whilst similarities in δ(15) N values indicated that all four species belonged to the same trophic level. Thus, interspecific differences between mesopredator diets were undetectable when using stable isotope analysis which suggests that detailed elucidation of trophic pathways requires gut content analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E C Ashworth
- Centre for Fish, Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology Murdoch University, 90 South St., Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; Marine Science Program, Department of Parks and Wildlife, 17 Dick Perry Ave, Kensington, WA 6151, Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ateweberhan M, Feary DA, Keshavmurthy S, Chen A, Schleyer MH, Sheppard CRC. Climate change impacts on coral reefs: synergies with local effects, possibilities for acclimation, and management implications. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2013; 74:526-539. [PMID: 23816307 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Most reviews concerning the impact of climate change on coral reefs discuss independent effects of warming or ocean acidification. However, the interactions between these, and between these and direct local stressors are less well addressed. This review underlines that coral bleaching, acidification, and diseases are expected to interact synergistically, and will negatively influence survival, growth, reproduction, larval development, settlement, and post-settlement development of corals. Interactions with local stress factors such as pollution, sedimentation, and overfishing are further expected to compound effects of climate change. Reduced coral cover and species composition following coral bleaching events affect coral reef fish community structure, with variable outcomes depending on their habitat dependence and trophic specialisation. Ocean acidification itself impacts fish mainly indirectly through disruption of predation- and habitat-associated behavior changes. Zooxanthellate octocorals on reefs are often overlooked but are substantial occupiers of space; these also are highly susceptible to bleaching but because they tend to be more heterotrophic, climate change impacts mainly manifest in terms of changes in species composition and population structure. Non-calcifying macroalgae are expected to respond positively to ocean acidification and promote microbe-induced coral mortality via the release of dissolved compounds, thus intensifying phase-shifts from coral to macroalgal domination. Adaptation of corals to these consequences of CO2 rise through increased tolerance of corals and successful mutualistic associations between corals and zooxanthellae is likely to be insufficient to match the rate and frequency of the projected changes. Impacts are interactive and magnified, and because there is a limited capacity for corals to adapt to climate change, global targets of carbon emission reductions are insufficient for coral reefs, so lower targets should be pursued. Alleviation of most local stress factors such as nutrient discharges, sedimentation, and overfishing is also imperative if sufficient overall resilience of reefs to climate change is to be achieved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mebrahtu Ateweberhan
- Department of Life Science, University of Warwick, CV4 7AL Coventry, United Kingdom.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Speed CW, Babcock RC, Bancroft KP, Beckley LE, Bellchambers LM, Depczynski M, Field SN, Friedman KJ, Gilmour JP, Hobbs JPA, Kobryn HT, Moore JAY, Nutt CD, Shedrawi G, Thomson DP, Wilson SK. Dynamic stability of coral reefs on the west Australian coast. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69863. [PMID: 23922829 PMCID: PMC3726730 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring changes in coral cover and composition through space and time can provide insights to reef health and assist the focus of management and conservation efforts. We used a meta-analytical approach to assess coral cover data across latitudes 10-35°S along the west Australian coast, including 25 years of data from the Ningaloo region. Current estimates of coral cover ranged between 3 and 44% in coral habitats. Coral communities in the northern regions were dominated by corals from the families Acroporidae and Poritidae, which became less common at higher latitudes. At Ningaloo Reef coral cover has remained relatively stable through time (∼28%), although north-eastern and southern areas have experienced significant declines in overall cover. These declines are likely related to periodic disturbances such as cyclones and thermal anomalies, which were particularly noticeable around 1998/1999 and 2010/2011. Linear mixed effects models (LME) suggest latitude explains 10% of the deviance in coral cover through time at Ningaloo. Acroporidae has decreased in abundance relative to other common families at Ningaloo in the south, which might be related to persistence of more thermally and mechanically tolerant families. We identify regions where quantitative time-series data on coral cover and composition are lacking, particularly in north-western Australia. Standardising routine monitoring methods used by management and research agencies at these, and other locations, would allow a more robust assessment of coral condition and a better basis for conservation of coral reefs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Conrad W Speed
- Science Division, Department of Environment and Conservation, Marine Science Program, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Wilson SK, Babcock RC, Fisher R, Holmes TH, Moore JAY, Thomson DP. Relative and combined effects of habitat and fishing on reef fish communities across a limited fishing gradient at Ningaloo. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2012; 81:1-11. [PMID: 22925735 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2012.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Revised: 07/27/2012] [Accepted: 08/03/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Habitat degradation and fishing are major drivers of temporal and spatial changes in fish communities. The independent effects of these drivers are well documented, but the relative importance and interaction between fishing and habitat shifts is poorly understood, particularly in complex systems such as coral reefs. To assess the combined and relative effects of fishing and habitat we examined the composition of fish communities on patch reefs across a gradient of high to low structural complexity in fished and unfished areas of the Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia. Biomass and species richness of fish were positively correlated with structural complexity of reefs and negatively related to macroalgal cover. Total abundance of fish was also positively related to structural complexity, however this relationship was stronger on fished reefs than those where fishing is prohibited. The interaction between habitat condition and fishing pressure is primarily due to the high abundance of small bodied planktivorous fish on fished reefs. However, the influence of management zones on the abundance and biomass of predators and target species is small, implying spatial differences in fishing pressure are low and unlikely to be driving this interaction. Our results emphasise the importance of habitat in structuring reef fish communities on coral reefs especially when gradients in fishing pressure are low. The influence of fishing effort on this relationship may however become more important as fishing pressure increases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaun K Wilson
- Marine Science Program, Department of Environment and Conservation, Dick Perry Avenue, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Chong-Seng KM, Mannering TD, Pratchett MS, Bellwood DR, Graham NAJ. The influence of coral reef benthic condition on associated fish assemblages. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42167. [PMID: 22870294 PMCID: PMC3411644 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2012] [Accepted: 07/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulative disturbances can erode a coral reef’s resilience, often leading to replacement of scleractinian corals by macroalgae or other non-coral organisms. These degraded reef systems have been mostly described based on changes in the composition of the reef benthos, and there is little understanding of how such changes are influenced by, and in turn influence, other components of the reef ecosystem. This study investigated the spatial variation in benthic communities on fringing reefs around the inner Seychelles islands. Specifically, relationships between benthic composition and the underlying substrata, as well as the associated fish assemblages were assessed. High variability in benthic composition was found among reefs, with a gradient from high coral cover (up to 58%) and high structural complexity to high macroalgae cover (up to 95%) and low structural complexity at the extremes. This gradient was associated with declining species richness of fishes, reduced diversity of fish functional groups, and lower abundance of corallivorous fishes. There were no reciprocal increases in herbivorous fish abundances, and relationships with other fish functional groups and total fish abundance were weak. Reefs grouping at the extremes of complex coral habitats or low-complexity macroalgal habitats displayed markedly different fish communities, with only two species of benthic invertebrate feeding fishes in greater abundance in the macroalgal habitat. These results have negative implications for the continuation of many coral reef ecosystem processes and services if more reefs shift to extreme degraded conditions dominated by macroalgae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Chong-Seng
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|