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Whitman TN, Hoogenboom MO, Negri AP, Randall CJ. Coral-seeding devices with fish-exclusion features reduce mortality on the Great Barrier Reef. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13332. [PMID: 38858572 PMCID: PMC11165004 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64294-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Restoration methods that seed juvenile corals show promise as scalable interventions to promote population persistence through anthropogenic warming. However, challenges including predation by fishes can threaten coral survival. Coral-seeding devices with refugia from fishes offer potential solutions to limit predation-driven mortality. In an 8-month field study, we assessed the efficacy of such devices for increasing the survival of captive-reared Acropora digitifera (spat and microfragments) over control devices (featureless and caged). Devices with fish-exclusion features demonstrated a twofold increase in coral survival, while most corals seeded without protection suffered mortality within 48 h. Overall, spat faced more grazing and higher mortality compared to microfragments, and upward-facing corals were more vulnerable than side-facing corals. Grazing-induced mortality varied by site, with lower activity in locations abundant in mat-forming cyanobacteria or Scleractinian corals. Many scraping parrotfish were found feeding on or near the seeded corals; however, bites by Scarus globiceps explained the most site-related variation in grazing. Cyanobacteria may be preferred over corals as a nutritional resource for scraping parrotfish-advancing our understanding of their foraging ecology. Incorporating side-facing refugia in seeding devices and deploying to sites with nutrient-rich food sources for fish are potential strategies to enhance coral survival in restoration programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- T N Whitman
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Australia.
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia.
- AIMS@JCU, Townsville, Australia.
| | - M O Hoogenboom
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - A P Negri
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- AIMS@JCU, Townsville, Australia
| | - C J Randall
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- AIMS@JCU, Townsville, Australia
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2
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Knapp IS, Forsman ZH, Greene A, Johnston EC, Bardin CE, Chan N, Wolke C, Gulko D, Toonen RJ. Coral micro-fragmentation assays for optimizing active reef restoration efforts. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13653. [PMID: 35873907 PMCID: PMC9302430 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The global decline of coral reefs has driven considerable interest in active coral restoration. Despite their importance and dominance on mature reefs, relatively few coral restoration projects use slower growth forms like massive and encrusting coral species. Micro-fragmentation can increase coral cover by orders of magnitude faster than natural growth, which now allows cultivation of slow growing massive forms and shows promise and flexibility for active reef restoration. However, the major causes of variation in growth and survival of outplanted colonies remain poorly understood. Here, we report simple outplanting assays to aid in active reef restoration of slower growing species and increase the likelihood of restoration success. We used two different micro-fragmentation assays. Pyramid assays were used to examine variation associated with fragment size (ranging from ≈1-9 cm2), nursery residence time (for both in-situ and ex-situ nurseries), and 2D vs. 3D measurements of growth. Block assays were used to examine spatial variation among individual performance at outplanting sites in the field. We found 2D and 3D measurements correlated well, so measured survivorship and growth using top-down planar images for two of the main Hawaiian reef building corals, the plating Montipora capitata and the massive Porites compressa. Pyramid assays housed and outplanted from the in-situ nursery showed no effect of residence time or size on overall survivorship or growth for either species. Results from the ex-situ nursery, however, varied by species, with P. compressa again showing no effect of nursery residence time or size on survivorship or growth. In contrast, nursery culture resulted in improved survivorship of small M. capitata fragments, but net growth showed a weak positive effect of nursery time for medium fragments. Small fragments still suffered higher mortality than either medium or large fragments. Due to their lower mortality, medium fragments (≈3 cm2) appear to be the best compromise between growth and survivorship for outplanting. Likewise, given weak positive gains relative to the investment, our results suggest that it could be more cost-effective to simply outplant medium fragments as soon as possible, without intermediate culture in a nursery. Furthermore, the block assay revealed significant differences in survivorship and growth among sites for individuals of both species, emphasizing the importance of considering spatial variation in coral survival and growth following outplanting. These results highlight the value of using short-term micro-fragmentation assays prior to outplanting to assess size, and location specific performance, optimizing the efficiency of active reef restoration activities and maximizing the probability of success for active coral restoration projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid S.S. Knapp
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean & Earth Sciences & Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Moku o Lóe, Kānéohe, Hawai'i, USA
| | - Zac H. Forsman
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean & Earth Sciences & Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Moku o Lóe, Kānéohe, Hawai'i, USA,Environmental Science and Monitoring, The Red Sea Development Company, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Austin Greene
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean & Earth Sciences & Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Moku o Lóe, Kānéohe, Hawai'i, USA
| | - Erika C. Johnston
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean & Earth Sciences & Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Moku o Lóe, Kānéohe, Hawai'i, USA,Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States
| | - Claire E. Bardin
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean & Earth Sciences & Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Moku o Lóe, Kānéohe, Hawai'i, USA
| | - Norton Chan
- Hawai'i Coral Restoration Nursery, Hawai'i Division of Aquatic Resources, Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA
| | - Chelsea Wolke
- Hawai'i Coral Restoration Nursery, Hawai'i Division of Aquatic Resources, Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA
| | - David Gulko
- Hawai'i Coral Restoration Nursery, Hawai'i Division of Aquatic Resources, Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA
| | - Robert J. Toonen
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean & Earth Sciences & Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Moku o Lóe, Kānéohe, Hawai'i, USA
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3
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A Risk Screening of Potential Invasiveness of Alien and Neonative Marine Fishes in the Mediterranean Sea: Implications for Sustainable Management. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su132413765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Biological invasions have posed a major threat to global and regional biodiversity. The Mediterranean Sea, one of the major biodiversity hotspots in the world, has long suffered multiple and frequent invasion events. This paper represents the screening results of the potential invasiveness of 23 introduced marine fish species, which are classified as neonative and alien. To predict the invasiveness potential of species under current and predicted climate conditions, the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS-ISK) is applied. Thresholds have been constituted to classify low, medium and high-risk species by receiver operative characteristic curve analysis (ROC). The calibrated basic and climate-change threshold assessment scores used to classify species from low, to medium to high risk were computed between 27.5 and 33.0 respectively. Based on these thresholds, under current climatic conditions, 15 species were high risk, while the remaining species were medium risk, and the Chaetodipterus faber and the Holocentrus adscensionis switched from the medium-risk to the high-risk group under future climatic conditions. The highest score belonged to Fistularia petimba, followed by Siganus fuscescens, Abudefduf spp., Acanthurus monroviae and Lutjanus argentimaculatus. This study focused on the species that have not been assessed for their invasiveness potential, and the results can provide important insights into their sustainable management in the future.
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4
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Koval G, Rivas N, D'Alessandro M, Hesley D, Santos R, Lirman D. Fish predation hinders the success of coral restoration efforts using fragmented massive corals. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9978. [PMID: 33062430 PMCID: PMC7534677 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
As coral reefs continue to decline globally, coral restoration practitioners have explored various approaches to return coral cover and diversity to decimated reefs. While branching coral species have long been the focus of restoration efforts, the recent development of the microfragmentation coral propagation technique has made it possible to incorporate massive coral species into restoration efforts. Microfragmentation (i.e., the process of cutting large donor colonies into small fragments that grow fast) has yielded promising early results. Still, best practices for outplanting fragmented corals of massive morphologies are continuing to be developed and modified to maximize survivorship. Here, we compared outplant success among four species of massive corals (Orbicella faveolata, Montastraea cavernosa, Pseudodiploria clivosa, and P. strigosa) in Southeast Florida, US. Within the first week following coral deployment, predation impacts by fish on the small (<5 cm2) outplanted colonies resulted in both the complete removal of colonies and significant tissue damage, as evidenced by bite marks. In our study, 8–27% of fragments from four species were removed by fish within one week, with removal rates slowing down over time. Of the corals that remained after one week, over 9% showed signs of fish predation. Our findings showed that predation by corallivorous fish taxa like butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), parrotfishes (Scaridae), and damselfishes (Pomacentridae) is a major threat to coral outplants, and that susceptibility varied significantly among coral species and outplanting method. Moreover, we identify factors that reduce predation impacts such as: (1) using cement instead of glue to attach corals, (2) elevating fragments off the substrate, and (3) limiting the amount of skeleton exposed at the time of outplanting. These strategies are essential to maximizing the efficiency of outplanting techniques and enhancing the impact of reef restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gammon Koval
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Nicolas Rivas
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Martine D'Alessandro
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Dalton Hesley
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Rolando Santos
- Department of Earth and Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Diego Lirman
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
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5
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Hata H, Takano S, Masuhara H. Herbivorous damselfishes expand their territories after causing white scars on Porites corals. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16172. [PMID: 32999358 PMCID: PMC7527513 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73232-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Turf algae become the most abundant benthic group on coral reefs after mass coral bleaching. By defending feeding territories, damselfishes enhance the growth of turf algae in so-called algal farms and affect coral communities both directly and indirectly. We found several white scars (i.e., bite lesions) on massive Porites colonies around feeding territories. In this study, we examined the occurrence of white scars on corals and their function in coral-algal competition at the boundaries between algal farms of two damselfish species-the intensive farmer Stegastes nigricans, and the intermediate farmer S. lividus-and adjacent Porites corals for 3 years around Okinawa Island, Japan. White scars occurred on Porites colonies only adjacent to the territories of both damselfish species. Of the white scars on corals around S. nigricans territories, 73% of the area was covered by algae within 2 weeks, while the remaining was re-covered by Porites tissues. The coral-algal boundaries encroached further into areas of coral when the area of white scars were larger. These results suggest that both intensive and intermediate farmers bite adjacent Porites colonies causing white scars on corals, and expand their territories onto corals using algae-covered white scars as stepping stones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Hata
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ehime University, 2-5 Bunkyo, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8577, Japan.
| | - Shota Takano
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ehime University, 2-5 Bunkyo, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Masuhara
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ehime University, 2-5 Bunkyo, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8577, Japan
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6
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Seraphim MJ, Sloman KA, Alexander ME, Janetski N, Jompa J, Ambo-Rappe R, Snellgrove D, Mars F, Harborne AR. Interactions between coral restoration and fish assemblages: implications for reef management. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2020; 97:633-655. [PMID: 32564370 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Corals create complex reef structures that provide both habitat and food for many fish species. Because of numerous natural and anthropogenic threats, many coral reefs are currently being degraded, endangering the fish assemblages they support. Coral reef restoration, an active ecological management tool, may help reverse some of the current trends in reef degradation through the transplantation of stony corals. Although restoration techniques have been extensively reviewed in relation to coral survival, our understanding of the effects of adding live coral cover and complexity on fishes is in its infancy with a lack of scientifically validated research. This study reviews the limited data on reef restoration and fish assemblages, and complements this with the more extensive understanding of complex interactions between natural reefs and fishes and how this might inform restoration efforts. It also discusses which key fish species or functional groups may promote, facilitate or inhibit restoration efforts and, in turn, how restoration efforts can be optimised to enhance coral fish assemblages. By highlighting critical knowledge gaps in relation to fishes and restoration interactions, the study aims to stimulate research into the role of reef fishes in restoration projects. A greater understanding of the functional roles of reef fishes would also help inform whether restoration projects can return fish assemblages to their natural compositions or whether alternative species compositions develop, and over what timeframe. Although alleviation of local and global reef stressors remains a priority, reef restoration is an important tool; an increased understanding of the interactions between replanted corals and the fishes they support is critical for ensuring its success for people and nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie J Seraphim
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
| | - Katherine A Sloman
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
| | - Mhairi E Alexander
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
| | | | - Jamaluddin Jompa
- Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Rohani Ambo-Rappe
- Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Donna Snellgrove
- Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, UK
| | | | - Alastair R Harborne
- Institute of Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, Florida, USA
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8
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Ware M, Garfield EN, Nedimyer K, Levy J, Kaufman L, Precht W, Winters RS, Miller SL. Survivorship and growth in staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis) outplanting projects in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231817. [PMID: 32374734 PMCID: PMC7202597 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant population declines in Acropora cervicornis and A. palmata began in the 1970s and now exceed over 90%. The losses were caused by a combination of coral disease and bleaching, with possible contributions from other stressors, including pollution and predation. Reproduction in the wild by fragment regeneration and sexual recruitment is inadequate to offset population declines. Starting in 2007, the Coral Restoration Foundation™ evaluated the feasibility of outplanting A. cervicornis colonies to reefs in the Florida Keys to restore populations at sites where the species was previously abundant. Reported here are the results of 20 coral outplanting projects with each project defined as a cohort of colonies outplanted at the same time and location. Photogrammetric analysis and in situ monitoring (2007 to 2015) measured survivorship, growth, and condition of 2419 colonies. Survivorship was initially high but generally decreased after two years. Survivorship among projects based on colony counts ranged from 4% to 89% for seven cohorts monitored at least five years. Weibull survival models were used to estimate survivorship beyond the duration of the projects and ranged from approximately 0% to over 35% after five years and 0% to 10% after seven years. Growth rate averaged 10 cm/year during the first two years then plateaued in subsequent years. After four years, approximately one-third of surviving colonies were ≥ 50 cm in maximum diameter. Projects used three to sixteen different genotypes and significant differences did not occur in survivorship, condition, or growth. Restoration times for three reefs were calculated based on NOAA Recovery Plan (NRP) metrics (colony abundance and size) and the findings from projects reported here. Results support NRP conclusions that reducing stressors is required before significant population growth and recovery will occur. Until then, outplanting protects against local extinction and helps to maintain genetic diversity in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Ware
- Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States of America
| | - Eliza N. Garfield
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, United States of America
| | - Ken Nedimyer
- Reef Renewal, LLC, Tavernier, FL, United States of America
| | - Jessica Levy
- Coral Restoration Foundation, Key Largo, FL, United States of America
| | - Les Kaufman
- Marine Program and Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - William Precht
- Marine and Coastal Programs, Dial Cordy and Associates, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - R. Scott Winters
- Coral Restoration Foundation, Key Largo, FL, United States of America
| | - Steven L. Miller
- Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, FL, United States of America
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Ladd MC, Burkepile DE, Shantz AA. Near‐term impacts of coral restoration on target species, coral reef community structure, and ecological processes. Restor Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark C. Ladd
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology University of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara CA 93106 U.S.A
| | - Deron E. Burkepile
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology University of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara CA 93106 U.S.A
- Marine Science Institute University of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara CA 93106 U.S.A
| | - Andrew A. Shantz
- Eberly College of Science Pennsylvania State University State College PA 16802 U.S.A
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10
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Kamath A, Pruitt JN, Brooks AJ, Ladd MC, Cook DT, Gallagher JP, Vickers ME, Holbrook SJ, Schmitt RJ. Potential feedback between coral presence and farmerfish collective behavior promotes coral recovery. OIKOS 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.05854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ambika Kamath
- Dept of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology Univ. of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara CA 93106 USA
- Dept of Environmental Science, Policy and Management & Miller Inst. for Basic Research in Science Univ. of California Berkeley Berkeley CA 94720 USA
| | - Jonathan N. Pruitt
- Dept of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology Univ. of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara CA 93106 USA
- Dept of Pyschology, Neuroscience and Behaviour McMaster Univ. Hamilton ON L8N 1A8 Canada
- Marine Science Inst. Univ. of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Andrew J. Brooks
- Marine Science Inst. Univ. of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Mark C. Ladd
- Dept of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology Univ. of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara CA 93106 USA
- Marine Science Inst. Univ. of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Dana T. Cook
- Dept of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology Univ. of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara CA 93106 USA
- Marine Science Inst. Univ. of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Jordan P. Gallagher
- Dept of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology Univ. of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara CA 93106 USA
- Marine Science Inst. Univ. of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara CA USA
| | | | - Sally J. Holbrook
- Dept of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology Univ. of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara CA 93106 USA
- Marine Science Inst. Univ. of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Russell J. Schmitt
- Dept of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology Univ. of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara CA 93106 USA
- Marine Science Inst. Univ. of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara CA USA
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11
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Shaver EC, Shantz AA, McMinds R, Burkepile DE, Vega Thurber RL, Silliman BR. Effects of predation and nutrient enrichment on the success and microbiome of a foundational coral. Ecology 2018; 98:830-839. [PMID: 28027580 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.1709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
By inflicting damage to prey tissues, consumer species may increase stress in prey hosts and reduce overall fitness (i.e., primary effects, such as growth or reproduction) or cause secondary effects by affecting prey interactions with other species such as microbes. However, little is known about how abiotic conditions affect the outcomes of these biotic interactions. In coral reef communities, both nutrient enrichment and predation have been linked to reduced fitness and disease facilitation in corals, yet no study to date has tested their combined effects on corals or their associated microbial communities (i.e., microbiomes). Here, we assess the effects of grazing by a prevalent coral predator (the short coral snail, Coralliophila abbreviata) and nutrient enrichment on staghorn coral, Acropora cervicornis, and its microbiomes using a factorial experiment and high-throughput DNA sequencing. We found that predation, but not nutrients, significantly reduced coral growth and increased mortality, tissue loss, and turf algae colonization. Partial predation and nutrient enrichment both independently altered coral microbiomes such that one bacterial genus came to dominate the microbial community. Nutrient-enriched corals were associated with significant increases in Rickettsia-like organisms, which are currently one of several microbial groups being investigated as a disease agent in this coral species. However, we found no effects of nutrient enrichment on coral health, disease, or their predators. This research suggests that in the several months following coral transplantation (i.e., restoration) or disturbance (i.e., recovery), Caribbean acroporid corals appear to be highly susceptible to negative effects caused by predators, but not or not yet susceptible to nutrient enrichment despite changes to their microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Shaver
- Division of Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Beaufort, North Carolina, 28516, USA
| | - Andrew A Shantz
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, & Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, 93106, USA
| | - Ryan McMinds
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, 454 Nash Hall, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, USA
| | - Deron E Burkepile
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, & Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, 93106, USA
| | - Rebecca L Vega Thurber
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, 454 Nash Hall, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, USA
| | - Brian R Silliman
- Division of Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Beaufort, North Carolina, 28516, USA
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12
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CO 2 emissions boost the benefits of crop production by farming damselfish. Nat Ecol Evol 2018; 2:1223-1226. [PMID: 29988168 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-018-0607-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Farming is a technique employed by both humans and animals to enhance crop yields, allowing their populations to increase beyond the natural carrying capacity of the environment. Using volcanic CO2 vents, we investigate how a species of herbivorous fish (the black scalyfin Parma alboscapularis) may use increasing anthropogenic CO2 emissions to enhance its crop yields. We found that these farming fish can take advantage of this resource enrichment, to grow crops within smaller territories and increase the capacity of the environment to support more densely packed fish populations.
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13
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van Woesik R, Ripple K, Miller SL. Macroalgae reduces survival of nursery-rearedAcroporacorals in the Florida reef tract. Restor Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert van Woesik
- Department of Biological Sciences; Florida Institute of Technology, 150 West University Boulevard; Melbourne FL 32901 U.S.A
| | - Kayla Ripple
- Science Program, Coral Restoration Foundation, 5 Seagate Boulevard; Key Largo FL 33037 U.S.A
| | - Steven L. Miller
- Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography; Nova Southeastern University, 8000 North Ocean Drive; Dania Beach FL 33314 U.S.A
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14
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Shaver EC, Silliman BR. Time to cash in on positive interactions for coral restoration. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3499. [PMID: 28652942 PMCID: PMC5483042 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse and productive ecosystems on Earth, and provide critical ecosystem services such as protein provisioning, coastal protection, and tourism revenue. Despite these benefits, coral reefs have been declining precipitously across the globe due to human impacts and climate change. Recent efforts to combat these declines are increasingly turning to restoration to help reseed corals and speed-up recovery processes. Coastal restoration theory and practice has historically favored transplanting designs that reduce potentially harmful negative species interactions, such as competition between transplants. However, recent research in salt marsh ecosystems has shown that shifting this theory to strategically incorporate positive interactions significantly enhances restoration yield with little additional cost or investment. Although some coral restoration efforts plant corals in protected areas in order to benefit from the facilitative effects of herbivores that reduce competitive macroalgae, little systematic effort has been made in coral restoration to identify the entire suite of positive interactions that could promote population enhancement efforts. Here, we highlight key positive species interactions that managers and restoration practitioners should utilize to facilitate the restoration of corals, including (i) trophic facilitation, (ii) mutualisms, (iii) long-distance facilitation, (iv) positive density-dependence, (v) positive legacy effects, and (vi) synergisms between biodiversity and ecosystem function. As live coral cover continues to decline and resources are limited to restore coral populations, innovative solutions that increase efficiency of restoration efforts will be critical to conserving and maintaining healthy coral reef ecosystems and the human communities that rely on them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Shaver
- Division of Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Beaufort, NC, United States of America
| | - Brian R Silliman
- Division of Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Beaufort, NC, United States of America
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Lirman D, Schopmeyer S. Ecological solutions to reef degradation: optimizing coral reef restoration in the Caribbean and Western Atlantic. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2597. [PMID: 27781176 PMCID: PMC5075686 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Reef restoration activities have proliferated in response to the need to mitigate coral declines and recover lost reef structure, function, and ecosystem services. Here, we describe the recent shift from costly and complex engineering solutions to recover degraded reef structure to more economical and efficient ecological approaches that focus on recovering the living components of reef communities. We review the adoption and expansion of the coral gardening framework in the Caribbean and Western Atlantic where practitioners now grow and outplant 10,000’s of corals onto degraded reefs each year. We detail the steps for establishing a gardening program as well as long-term goals and direct and indirect benefits of this approach in our region. With a strong scientific basis, coral gardening activities now contribute significantly to reef and species recovery, provide important scientific, education, and outreach opportunities, and offer alternate livelihoods to local stakeholders. While challenges still remain, the transition from engineering to ecological solutions for reef degradation has opened the field of coral reef restoration to a wider audience poised to contribute to reef conservation and recovery in regions where coral losses and recruitment bottlenecks hinder natural recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Lirman
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Stephanie Schopmeyer
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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Miller MW, Kerr K, Williams DE. Reef-scale trends in Florida Acropora spp. abundance and the effects of population enhancement. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2523. [PMID: 27703862 PMCID: PMC5047146 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the listing of Acropora palmata and A. cervicornis under the US Endangered Species Act in 2006, increasing investments have been made in propagation of listed corals (primarily A. cervicornis, A. palmata to a much lesser extent) in offshore coral nurseries and outplanting cultured fragments to reef habitats. This investment is superimposed over a spatiotemporal patchwork of ongoing disturbances (especially storms, thermal bleaching, and disease) as well as the potential for natural population recovery. In 2014 and 2015, we repeated broad scale (>50 ha), low precision Acropora spp. censuses (i.e., direct observation by snorkelers documented via handheld GPS) originally conducted in appropriate reef habitats during 2005–2007 to evaluate the trajectory of local populations and the effect of population enhancement. Over the decade-long study, A. palmata showed a cumulative proportional decline of 0.4 –0.7x in colony density across all sites, despite very low levels of outplanting at some sites. A. cervicornis showed similar proportional declines at sites without outplanting. In contrast, sites that received A. cervicornis outplants showed a dramatic increase in density (over 13x). Indeed, change in A. cervicornis colony density was significantly positively correlated with cumulative numbers of outplants across sites. This study documents a substantive reef-scale benefit of Acropora spp. population enhancement in the Florida Keys, when performed at adequate levels, against a backdrop of ongoing population decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret W Miller
- Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA-National Marine Fisheries Service , Miami , FL , United States
| | - Katryna Kerr
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences/Cooperative Institute of Marine and Atmospheric Studies, University of Miami , Miami , FL , United States
| | - Dana E Williams
- Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA-National Marine Fisheries Service, Miami, FL, United States; Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences/Cooperative Institute of Marine and Atmospheric Studies, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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