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Coppo GC, Pereira AP, Netto SA, Bernardino AF. Meiofauna at a tropical sandy beach in the SW Atlantic: the influence of seasonality on diversity. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17727. [PMID: 39011380 PMCID: PMC11249015 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Sandy beaches are dynamic environments housing a large diversity of organisms and providing important environmental services. Meiofaunal metazoan are small organisms that play a key role in the sediment. Their diversity, distribution and composition are driven by sedimentary and oceanographic parameters. Understanding the diversity patterns of marine meiofauna is critical in a changing world. Methods In this study, we investigate if there is seasonal difference in meiofaunal assemblage composition and diversity along 1 year and if the marine seascapes dynamics (water masses with particular biogeochemical features, characterized by temperature, salinity, absolute dynamic topography, chromophoric dissolved organic material, chlorophyll-a, and normalized fluorescent line height), rainfall, and sediment parameters (total organic matter, carbonate, carbohydrate, protein, lipids, protein-to-carbohydrate, carbohydrate-to-lipids, and biopolymeric carbon) affect significatively meiofaunal diversity at a tropical sandy beach. We tested two hypotheses here: (i) meiofaunal diversity is higher during warmer months and its composition changes significatively among seasons along a year at a tropical sandy beach, and (ii) meiofaunal diversity metrics are significantly explained by marine seascapes characteristics and sediment parameters. We used metabarcoding (V9 hypervariable region from 18S gene) from sediment samples to assess the meiofaunal assemblage composition and diversity (phylogenetic diversity and Shannon's diversity) over a period of 1 year. Results Meiofauna was dominated by Crustacea (46% of sequence reads), Annelida (28% of sequence reads) and Nematoda (12% of sequence reads) in periods of the year with high temperatures (>25 °C), high salinity (>31.5 ppt), and calm waters. Our data support our initial hypotheses revealing a higher meiofaunal diversity (phylogenetic and Shannon's Diversity) and different composition during warmer periods of the year. Meiofaunal diversity was driven by a set of multiple variables, including biological variables (biopolymeric carbon) and organic matter quality (protein content, lipid content, and carbohydrate-to-lipid ratio).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel C Coppo
- Grupo de Ecologia Bentônica, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Araiene P Pereira
- Grupo de Ecologia Bentônica, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Sergio A Netto
- Marítima Estudos Bênticos, Laguna, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Angelo F Bernardino
- Grupo de Ecologia Bentônica, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
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2
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Jiménez-Ramos R, Brun FG, Pérez-Lloréns JL, Vergara JJ, Delgado-Cabezas F, Sena-Soria N, Egea LG. Resistance and recovery of benthic marine macrophyte communities to light reduction: Insights from carbon metabolism and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) fluxes, and implications for resilience. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114630. [PMID: 36708615 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A crucial factor in the long-term survival of benthic macrophyte communities under light-reduction stress is how they balance carbon metabolism during photosynthesis and respiration. In turn, the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) released by these communities, which can be highly light-dependent, stands as a source of carbon, fuelling marine communities and playing an important role in the ocean carbon sequestration. This is the first study to evaluate light-reduction stress and recovery in the seagrass Zostera noltei and the macroalga Caulerpa prolifera. Light reduction led to a significant decrease in the production of both communities from autotrophic to heterotrophic. Results indicated that most of the DOC released by vegetated coastal communities comes from photosynthetic activity, and that the net DOC fluxes can be greatly affected by shading events. Finally, both communities showed resilience underpinned by high recovery but low resistance capacity, with C. prolifera showing the highest resilience to unfavourable light conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Jiménez-Ramos
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales Universidad de Cádiz, Campus Universitario de Puerto Real, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Fernando G Brun
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales Universidad de Cádiz, Campus Universitario de Puerto Real, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - José L Pérez-Lloréns
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales Universidad de Cádiz, Campus Universitario de Puerto Real, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Juan J Vergara
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales Universidad de Cádiz, Campus Universitario de Puerto Real, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Fátima Delgado-Cabezas
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales Universidad de Cádiz, Campus Universitario de Puerto Real, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Noelia Sena-Soria
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales Universidad de Cádiz, Campus Universitario de Puerto Real, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Luis G Egea
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR), Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales Universidad de Cádiz, Campus Universitario de Puerto Real, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain.
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3
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Fang Y, Jiang Z, Li L, Li J, He J, Liu S, Wu Y, Cui L, Huang X. Response of tropical seagrass palatability based on nutritional quality, chemical deterrents and physical defence to ammonium stress and its subsequent effect on herbivory. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 182:105785. [PMID: 36308799 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Seagrass-herbivore interactions play a principal role in regulating the structure and function of coastal food webs, which were affected by nutrient enrichment. Seawater nutrient enrichment might change seagrass palatability by altering seagrass physical and chemical traits, consequently modulating herbivory patterns, but this remains elusive. In this study, the dominant tropical seagrass Thalassia hemprichii was cultured in different ammonium concentrations to examine the response of seagrass nutritional quality, deterrent secondary metabolites, and leaf toughness, as well as the subsequent effect of the changed physical (e.g., leaf toughness) and chemical traits (e.g., nitrogen content; total phenol) on the grazing activity of the herbivorous snail Cerithidea rhizophorarum. Ammonium enrichment enhanced seagrass nutritional quality and decreased physical defence. Low ammonium enrichment increased total phenol content, while high ammonium enrichment reduced it. Both low and high ammonium enrichment enhanced the grazing intensity of C. rhizophorarum on seagrass. Interestingly, nutritional quality mostly determined the herbivory preference of C. rhizophorarum on the intact seagrass having physical structure, with a chemical deterrent (total phenol) playing a secondary role. In contrast, chemical deterrent mainly determined the grazing intensity on agar seagrass food which was made artificially to exclude physical structure. This indicated that seagrass leaf physical structure might hinder phenol compounds from deterring herbivores. Overall, the results presented here demonstrate that ammonium enrichment remarkably increased seagrass palatability and subsequently induced higher susceptibility to herbivory, which might induce seagrass loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Fang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Zhijian Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, PR China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), 511458, PR China; Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, PR China.
| | - Linglan Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Jinlong Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Jialu He
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China; Marine Development Planning and Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510220, PR China
| | - Songlin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, PR China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), 511458, PR China; Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, PR China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, PR China
| | - Yunchao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, PR China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), 511458, PR China; Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, PR China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, PR China
| | - Lijun Cui
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Xiaoping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, PR China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), 511458, PR China; Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, PR China.
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4
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Egea LG, Jiménez-Ramos R, Hernández I, Brun FG. Differential effects of nutrient enrichment on carbon metabolism and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) fluxes in macrophytic benthic communities. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 162:105179. [PMID: 33065520 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Nutrient enrichment can alter negatively benthic communities and reduce their ecological services. This study explores in two contrasting seasons (winter and summer), the effects of in situ nutrient enrichment at the community level on carbon metabolism and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) fluxes in two benthic communities dominated by the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa and by the macroalga Caulerpa prolifera. Under nutrient enrichment, C. nodosa increased total community biomass and diversity in summer, while net community production shifted from net autotrophic to net heterotrophic in winter. In contrast, C. prolifera became heterotrophic in summer, while no significant effects were found in winter. Regarding DOC fluxes, nutrient enrichment shifted C. nodosa from net DOC consumer in winter to a strong net DOC producer in summer, while C. prolifera seemed unaffected. Therefore, nutrient enrichment can promote conditional effects (positive, negative or neutral) in coastal areas depending both on macrophyte assemblages and season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis G Egea
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, International Campus of Excellence of the Sea (CEIMAR), 11510, Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain.
| | - Rocío Jiménez-Ramos
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, International Campus of Excellence of the Sea (CEIMAR), 11510, Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain; Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (UIB-CSIC), C/ Miquel Marquès, 21 07190, Esporles Illes Balears, Spain
| | - Ignacio Hernández
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, International Campus of Excellence of the Sea (CEIMAR), 11510, Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain
| | - Fernando G Brun
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, International Campus of Excellence of the Sea (CEIMAR), 11510, Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain
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5
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Anton A, Geraldi NR, Lovelock CE, Apostolaki ET, Bennett S, Cebrian J, Krause-Jensen D, Marbà N, Martinetto P, Pandolfi JM, Santana-Garcon J, Duarte CM. Reply to: Indiscriminate data aggregation in ecological meta-analysis underestimates impacts of invasive species. Nat Ecol Evol 2020; 4:315-317. [PMID: 32066890 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-020-1118-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Anton
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC) and Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Nathan R Geraldi
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC) and Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Catherine E Lovelock
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Eugenia T Apostolaki
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Scott Bennett
- Global Change Research Group, Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats, CSIC-UIB, Esporles, Spain
| | - Just Cebrian
- Dauphin Island Sea Laboratory, Dauphin Island, AL, USA.,Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA.,Northern Gulf Institute, Mississippi State University, Stennis Space Center, MS, USA
| | - Dorte Krause-Jensen
- Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Nuria Marbà
- Global Change Research Group, Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats, CSIC-UIB, Esporles, Spain
| | - Paulina Martinetto
- Laboratorio de Ecologia, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras CONICET-UNMdP, Mar de Plata, Argentina
| | - John M Pandolfi
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Julia Santana-Garcon
- Global Change Research Group, Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats, CSIC-UIB, Esporles, Spain
| | - Carlos M Duarte
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC) and Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
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6
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Sun X, Tang H, Yang P, Hu G, Liu Z, Wu J. Spatiotemporal patterns and drivers of ecosystem service supply and demand across the conterminous United States: A multiscale analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 703:135005. [PMID: 31733497 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Land-use and land-cover changes associated with urbanization have significantly influenced biodiversity and ecosystem functions, as well as the supply and demand of ecosystem services (ESs). Assessing ESs and exploring their drivers are critical for regional land-use planning and ecological sustainability. In this study, the supply-demand matrix approach was used to quantify ES supply, demand, and their gap at multiple scales across the conterminous United States from 1940 to 2011. A new integrated measurement framework was proposed to offset ES deficits by identifying an optimal land-use conversion strategy. We focused on exploring the scale and spatial effects of the impacts of various drivers on ESs using ordination and regression analysis. The results showed that the expansion of developed land led to decreased ES supply and increased ES demand during the past seven decades, generating growing ES deficits at different scales, especially in highly urbanized metropolitan areas. To alleviate or offset ES deficits, promoting the intensive utilization of developed land and converting cropland, pasture, and barren land into forests would be the optimal land use strategies. Moreover, the drivers of ESs exhibited not only scale dependence but also spatial heterogeneity. The smaller the scale, the more diverse the drivers. The natural and socioeconomic drivers explained less variation at the metropolitan scale than at the state scale. Economic factors were key drivers for ESs at the state scale, while social factors were key drivers at the metropolitan scale. The regression coefficients for the drivers of ESs in the geographically weighted regression (GWR) model showed remarkable spatial heterogeneity. The GWR coefficients might have important implications for decision making in ES management. Localized and efficient land-use strategies and management policies are needed to reduce the ecological footprints of urban areas and thus achieve regional sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Remote Sensing (AGRIRS), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Huajun Tang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Remote Sensing (AGRIRS), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Peng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Remote Sensing (AGRIRS), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Guang Hu
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Zhenhuan Liu
- School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Jianguo Wu
- School of Life Sciences and School of Sustainability, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA.
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7
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Anton A, Geraldi NR, Lovelock CE, Apostolaki ET, Bennett S, Cebrian J, Krause-Jensen D, Marbà N, Martinetto P, Pandolfi JM, Santana-Garcon J, Duarte CM. Global ecological impacts of marine exotic species. Nat Ecol Evol 2019; 3:787-800. [DOI: 10.1038/s41559-019-0851-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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8
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White L, Donohue I, Emmerson MC, O'Connor NE. Combined effects of warming and nutrients on marine communities are moderated by predators and vary across functional groups. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2018; 24:5853-5866. [PMID: 30246490 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Warming, nutrient enrichment and biodiversity modification are among the most pervasive components of human-induced global environmental change. We know little about their cumulative effects on ecosystems; however, even though this knowledge is fundamental to predicting and managing their consequences in a changing world. Here, we show that shifts in predator species composition can moderate both the individual and combined effects of warming and nutrient enrichment in marine systems. However, all three aspects of global change also acted independently to alter different functional groups in our flow-through marine rock-pool mesocosms. Specifically, warming reduced macroalgal biomass and assemblage productivity, whereas enrichment led to increased abundance of meso-invertebrate consumers, and loss of predator species led to increased gastropod grazer biomass. This disparity in responses, both across trophic levels (macroalgae and intermediate consumers), and between detecting additive effects on aggregate measures of ecosystem functioning, yet interactive effects on community composition, illustrates that our forecasting ability depends strongly on the level of ecological complexity incorporated within global change experiments. We conclude that biodiversity change-and loss of predator species in particular-plays a critical and overarching role in determining how ecological communities respond to stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia White
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Ian Donohue
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mark C Emmerson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Nessa E O'Connor
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Egea LG, Jiménez-Ramos R, Vergara JJ, Hernández I, Brun FG. Interactive effect of temperature, acidification and ammonium enrichment on the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 134:14-26. [PMID: 29475735 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Global (e.g. climate change) and local factors (e.g. nutrient enrichment) act together in nature strongly hammering coastal ecosystems, where seagrasses play a critical ecological role. This experiment explores the combined effects of warming, acidification and ammonium enrichment on the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa under a full factorial mesocosm design. Warming increased plant production but at the expense of reducing carbon reserves. Meanwhile, acidification had not effects on plant production but increased slightly carbon reserves, while a slight stimulation of net production and a slight decrease on carbon reserves under ammonium supply were recorded. When all the factors were combined together improved the production and carbon reserves of Cymodocea nodosa, indicating that acidification improved ammonium assimilation and buffered the enhanced respiration promoted by temperature. Therefore, it could indicate that this temperate species may benefit under the simulated future scenarios, but indirect effects (e.g. herbivory, mechanical stress, etc.) may counteract this balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- L G Egea
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510, Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain.
| | - R Jiménez-Ramos
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510, Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain
| | - J J Vergara
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510, Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain
| | - I Hernández
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510, Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain
| | - F G Brun
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, 11510, Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain
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10
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Nutrient and herbivore alterations cause uncoupled changes in producer diversity, biomass and ecosystem function, but not in overall multifunctionality. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2639. [PMID: 28572596 PMCID: PMC5454014 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02764-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered nutrient cycles and consumer populations are among the top anthropogenic influences on ecosystems. However, studies on the simultaneous impacts of human-driven environmental alterations on ecosystem functions, and the overall change in system multifunctionality are scarce. We used estuarine tidal flats to study the effects of changes in herbivore density and nutrient availability on benthic microalgae (diversity, abundance and biomass) and ecosystem functions (N2-fixation, denitrification, extracellular polymeric substances -EPS- as a proxy for sediment cohesiveness, sediment water content as a proxy of water retention capacity and sediment organic matter). We found consistent strong impacts of modified herbivory and weak effects of increased nutrient availability on the abundance, biomass and diversity of benthic microalgae. However, the effects on specific ecosystem functions were disparate. Some functions were independently affected by nutrient addition (N2-fixation), modified herbivory (sediment organic matter and water content), or their interaction (denitrification), while others were not affected (EPS). Overall system multifunction remained invariant despite changes in specific functions. This study reveals that anthropogenic pressures can induce decoupled effects between community structure and specific ecosystem functions. Our results highlight the need to address several ecosystem functions simultaneously for better ecosystem characterization and management.
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11
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Coffin MRS, Knysh KM, Theriault EF, Pater CC, Courtenay SC, van den Heuvel MR. Are floating algal mats a refuge from hypoxia for estuarine invertebrates? PeerJ 2017; 5:e3080. [PMID: 28348927 PMCID: PMC5366062 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Eutrophic aquatic habitats are characterized by the proliferation of vegetation leading to a large standing biomass that upon decomposition may create hypoxic (low-oxygen) conditions. This is indeed the case in nutrient impacted estuaries of Prince Edward Island, Canada, where macroalgae, from the genus Ulva, form submerged ephemeral mats. Hydrological forces and gases released from photosynthesis and decomposition lead to these mats occasionally floating to the water's surface, henceforth termed floating mats. Here, we explore the hypothesis that floating mats are refugia during periods of sustained hypoxia/anoxia and examine how the invertebrate community responds to it. Floating mats were not always present, so in the first year (2013) sampling was attempted monthly and limited to when both floating and submerged mats occurred. In the subsequent year sampling was weekly, but at only one estuary due to logistical constraints from increased sampling frequency, and was not limited to when both mat types occurred. Water temperature, salinity, and pH were monitored bi-weekly with dissolved oxygen concentration measured hourly. The floating and submerged assemblages shared many of the same taxa but were statistically distinct communities; submerged mats tended to have a greater proportion of benthic animals and floating mats had more mobile invertebrates and insects. In 2014, sampling happened to occur in the weeks before the onset of anoxia, during 113 consecutive hours of sustained anoxia, and for four weeks after normoxic conditions returned. The invertebrate community on floating mats appeared to be unaffected by anoxia, indicating that these mats may be refugia during times of oxygen stress. Conversely, there was a dramatic decrease in animal abundances that remained depressed on submerged mats for two weeks. Cluster analysis revealed that the submerged mat communities from before the onset of anoxia and four weeks after anoxia were highly similar to each other, indicating recovery. When mobile animals were considered alone, there was an exponential relationship between the percentage of animals on floating mats, relative to the total number on both mat types, and hypoxia. The occupation of floating mats by invertebrates at all times, and their dominance there during hypoxia/anoxia, provides support for the hypothesis that floating mats are refugia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R S Coffin
- Canadian Rivers Institute at the Department of Biology, University of Prince Edward Island , Charlottetown , Prince Edward Island , Canada
| | - Kyle M Knysh
- Canadian Rivers Institute at the Department of Biology, University of Prince Edward Island , Charlottetown , Prince Edward Island , Canada
| | - Emma F Theriault
- Canadian Rivers Institute at the Department of Biology, University of Prince Edward Island , Charlottetown , Prince Edward Island , Canada
| | - Christina C Pater
- Canadian Rivers Institute at the Department of Biology, University of Prince Edward Island , Charlottetown , Prince Edward Island , Canada
| | - Simon C Courtenay
- Canadian Rivers Institute at the Department of Biology, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada; Canadian Rivers Institute at the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael R van den Heuvel
- Canadian Rivers Institute at the Department of Biology, University of Prince Edward Island , Charlottetown , Prince Edward Island , Canada
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12
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Knapp S, Schweiger O, Kraberg A, Asmus H, Asmus R, Brey T, Frickenhaus S, Gutt J, Kühn I, Liess M, Musche M, Pörtner HO, Seppelt R, Klotz S, Krause G. Do drivers of biodiversity change differ in importance across marine and terrestrial systems - Or is it just different research communities' perspectives? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 574:191-203. [PMID: 27636004 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Cross-system studies on the response of different ecosystems to global change will support our understanding of ecological changes. Synoptic views on the planet's two main realms, the marine and terrestrial, however, are rare, owing to the development of rather disparate research communities. We combined questionnaires and a literature review to investigate how the importance of anthropogenic drivers of biodiversity change differs among marine and terrestrial systems and whether differences perceived by marine vs. terrestrial researchers are reflected by the scientific literature. This included asking marine and terrestrial researchers to rate the relevance of different drivers of global change for either marine or terrestrial biodiversity. Land use and the associated loss of natural habitats were rated as most important in the terrestrial realm, while the exploitation of the sea by fishing was rated as most important in the marine realm. The relevance of chemicals, climate change and the increasing atmospheric concentration of CO2 were rated differently for marine and terrestrial biodiversity respectively. Yet, our literature review provided less evidence for such differences leading to the conclusion that while the history of the use of land and sea differs, impacts of global change are likely to become increasingly similar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Knapp
- UFZ - Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research, Department Community Ecology, Theodor-Lieser-Str. 4, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Oliver Schweiger
- UFZ - Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research, Department Community Ecology, Theodor-Lieser-Str. 4, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Alexandra Kraberg
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Division Biosciences/Shelf Sea System Ecology, Kurpromenade 201, Helgoland, Germany.
| | - Harald Asmus
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Wadden Sea Station Sylt, 25992 List, Germany.
| | - Ragnhild Asmus
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Wadden Sea Station Sylt, 25992 List, Germany.
| | - Thomas Brey
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Division Biosciences/Functional Ecology, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany; University Bremen, Germany.
| | - Stephan Frickenhaus
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Division Biosciences/Scientific Computing, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany; University of Applied Sciences Bremerhaven, An der Karlstadt 8, 27568 Bremerhaven, Germany.
| | - Julian Gutt
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Division Biosciences/Bentho-Pelagic Processes, Am Alten Hafen 26, 27568 Bremerhaven, Germany.
| | - Ingolf Kühn
- UFZ - Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research, Department Community Ecology, Theodor-Lieser-Str. 4, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Matthias Liess
- UFZ - Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research, Department System-Ecotoxicology, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Martin Musche
- UFZ - Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research, Department Community Ecology, Theodor-Lieser-Str. 4, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Hans-O Pörtner
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Division Biosciences/Integrative Ecophysiology, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany.
| | - Ralf Seppelt
- UFZ - Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research, Department Computational Landscape Ecology, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Stefan Klotz
- UFZ - Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research, Department Community Ecology, Theodor-Lieser-Str. 4, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Gesche Krause
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Division Climate Sciences/Climate Dynamics, Bussestr. 24, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany.
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Seagrass Ecosystem Services and Their Variability across Genera and Geographical Regions. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163091. [PMID: 27732600 PMCID: PMC5061329 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Threats to and loss of seagrass ecosystems globally, impact not only natural resources but also the lives of people who directly or indirectly depend on these systems. Seagrass ecosystems play a multi-functional role in human well-being, e.g. food through fisheries, control of erosion and protection against floods. Quantifying these services reveals their contributions to human well-being and helps justify seagrass conservation. There has been no comprehensive assessment as to whether seagrass ecosystem services are perceived to vary over the globe or amongst genera. Our study compiles the most complete list of ecosystem services provided by seagrasses so far, including bioregional- and genus-specific information from expert opinion and published studies. Several seagrass ecosystem services vary considerably in their (known) provision across genera and over the globe. Seagrasses genera are clearly not all equal with regard to the ecosystem services they provide. As seagrass genera are not evenly distributed over all bioregions, the presence of an ecosystem service sometimes depends on the genera present. Larger sized seagrass genera (e.g. Posidonia, Enhalus) are perceived to provide more substantial and a wider variety of ecosystem services than smaller species (e.g. Halophila, Lepilaena). Nevertheless, smaller species provide important services. Our findings point out data gaps, provide new insight for more efficient management and recommend caution in economic valuation of seagrass services worldwide.
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Gough L, Bettez ND, Slavik KA, Bowden WB, Giblin AE, Kling GW, Laundre JA, Shaver GR. Effects of long-term nutrient additions on Arctic tundra, stream, and lake ecosystems: beyond NPP. Oecologia 2016; 182:653-65. [PMID: 27582122 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-016-3716-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Primary producers form the base of food webs but also affect other ecosystem characteristics, such as habitat structure, light availability, and microclimate. Here, we examine changes caused by 5-30+ years of nutrient addition and resulting increases in net primary productivity (NPP) in tundra, streams, and lakes in northern Alaska. The Arctic provides an important opportunity to examine how ecosystems characterized by low diversity and low productivity respond to release from nutrient limitation. We review how responses of algae and plants affect light availability, perennial biotic structures available for consumers, oxygen levels, and temperature. Sometimes, responses were similar across all three ecosystems; e.g., increased NPP significantly reduced light to the substrate following fertilization. Perennial biotic structures increased in tundra and streams but not in lakes, and provided important new habitat niches for consumers as well as other producers. Oxygen and temperature responses also differed. Life history traits (e.g., longevity) of the primary producers along with the fate of detritus drove the responses and recovery. As global change persists and nutrients become more available in the Arctic and elsewhere, incorporating these factors as response variables will enable better prediction of ecosystem changes and feedbacks in this biome and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gough
- Department of Biological Sciences, Towson University, Towson, MD, 21252, USA.
| | - Neil D Bettez
- Cary Institute for Ecosystem Studies, PO Box AB, Millbrook, NY, 12545, USA
| | - Karie A Slavik
- University of Michigan Biological Station, 930 N. University, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - William B Bowden
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Anne E Giblin
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Ecosystems Center, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
| | - George W Kling
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - James A Laundre
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Ecosystems Center, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
| | - Gaius R Shaver
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Ecosystems Center, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
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M Martins G, Hipólito C, Parreira F, C L Prestes A, Dionísio MA, N Azevedo JM, Neto AI. Differences in the structure and functioning of two communities: Frondose and turf-forming macroalgal dominated habitats. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 116:71-7. [PMID: 27035366 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In many coastal regions, vegetated habitats (e.g. kelps forests, seagrass beds) play a key role in the structure and functioning of shallow subtidal reef ecosystems, by modifying local environmental conditions and by providing food and habitat for a wide range of organisms. In some regions of the world, however, such idiosyncratic ecosystems are largely absent and are often replaced by less notable ecosystem formers. In the present study, we empirically compared the structure and functioning of two distinct shallow-water habitats present in the Azores: one dominated by smaller frondose brown macroalgae (Dictyotaceae and Halopteris) and one dominated by low-lying turfs. Two replicated areas of each habitat were sampled at two different times of the year, to assess spatial and temporal consistency of results. Habitats dominated by small fronds were significantly (ca. 3 times) more productive (when standardized per algal mass) compared to the turf-dominated habitats, and supported a distinct assemblage (both in terms of composition and abundance) of associated macrofauna. Unlike other well-known and studied vegetated habitats (i.e. kelp forests), however, no effects of habitat were found on the structure of benthonic fish assemblages. Results were spatially and temporally consistent suggesting that, in warmer temperate oceans, habitats dominated by species of smaller frondose brown algae can also play an important role in the structure and functioning of subtidal communities and may, to a certain extent, be considered analogous to other well-known vegetated habitats around the world (i.e. kelp forests, seagrass beds).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo M Martins
- CE3C - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, Portugal; Universidade dos Açores - Departamento de Biologia, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal.
| | - Cláudia Hipólito
- CE3C - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, Portugal; Universidade dos Açores - Departamento de Biologia, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal
| | - Filipe Parreira
- Universidade dos Açores - Departamento de Biologia, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal
| | - Afonso C L Prestes
- CE3C - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, Portugal; Universidade dos Açores - Departamento de Biologia, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal
| | - Maria A Dionísio
- ICNF - Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas, 1050-191, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - José M N Azevedo
- CE3C - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, Portugal; Universidade dos Açores - Departamento de Biologia, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal
| | - Ana I Neto
- CE3C - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, Portugal; Universidade dos Açores - Departamento de Biologia, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal
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Warry FY, Reich P, Cook PLM, Mac Nally R, Thomson JR, Woodland RJ. Nitrogen loads influence trophic organization of estuarine fish assemblages. Funct Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Y. Warry
- Water Studies Centre School of Chemistry Monash University Clayton VIC 3800 Australia
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Heidelberg VIC 3084 Australia
| | - Paul Reich
- Water Studies Centre School of Chemistry Monash University Clayton VIC 3800 Australia
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Heidelberg VIC 3084 Australia
| | - Perran L. M. Cook
- Water Studies Centre School of Chemistry Monash University Clayton VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Ralph Mac Nally
- Institute for Applied Ecology The University of Canberra Bruce ACT 2617 Australia
| | - James R. Thomson
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Heidelberg VIC 3084 Australia
| | - Ryan J. Woodland
- Water Studies Centre School of Chemistry Monash University Clayton VIC 3800 Australia
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17
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Effect of Chronic Versus Pulse Perturbations on a Marine Ecosystem: Integration of Functional Responses Across Organization Levels. Ecosystems 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10021-015-9911-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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18
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Hessing-Lewis ML, Hacker SD, Menge BA, McConville SO, Henderson J. Are large macroalgal blooms necessarily bad? Nutrient impacts on seagrass in upwelling-influenced estuaries. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2015; 25:1330-1347. [PMID: 26485959 DOI: 10.1890/14-0548.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of nutrient pathways and their resulting ecological interactions can alleviate numerous environmental problems associated with nutrient increases in both natural and managed systems. Although not unique, coastal systems are particularly prone to complex ecological interactions resulting from nutrient inputs from both the land and sea. Nutrient inputs to coastal systems often spur ulvoid macroalgal blooms, with negative consequences for seagrasses, primarily through shading, as well as through changes in local biogeochemistry. We conducted complementary field and mesocosm experiments in an upwelling-influenced estuary, where marine-derived nutrients dominate, to understand the direct and indirect effects of nutrients on the macroalgal-eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) interaction. In the field experiment, we found weak evidence that nutrients and/or macroalgal treatments had a negative effect on eelgrass. However, in the mesocosm experiment, we found that a combination of nutrient and macroalgal treatments led to strongly negative eelgrass responses, primarily via indirect effects associated with macroalgal additions. Together, increased total light attenuation and decreased sediment oxygen levels were associated with larger effects on eelgrass than shading alone, which was evaluated using mimic algae treatments that did not alter sediment redox potential. Nutrient addition in the mesocosms directly affected seagrass density; biomass, and morphology, but not as strongly as macroalgae. We hypothesize that the contrary results from these parallel experiments are a consequence of differences in the hydrodynamics between field and mesocosm settings. We suggest that the high rates of water movement and tidal submersion of our intertidal field experiments alleviated the light reduction and negative biogeochemical changes in the sediment associated with macroalgal canopies, as well as the nutrient effects observed in the mesocosm experiments. Furthermore, adaptation of ulvoids and eelgrass to high, but variable, background nutrient concentrations in upwelling-influenced estuaries may partly explain the venue-specific results reported here. In order to manage critical seagrass habitats, nutrient criteria and macroalgal indicators must consider variability in marine-based nutrient delivery and local physical conditions among estuaries.
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Maxwell PS, Pitt KA, Olds AD, Rissik D, Connolly RM. Identifying habitats at risk: simple models can reveal complex ecosystem dynamics. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2015; 25:573-587. [PMID: 26263676 DOI: 10.1890/14-0395.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between ecological impact and ecosystem structure is often strongly nonlinear, so that small increases in impact levels can cause a disproportionately large response in ecosystem structure. Nonlinear ecosystem responses can be difficult to predict because locally relevant data sets can be difficult or impossible to obtain. Bayesian networks (BN) are an emerging tool that can help managers to define ecosystem relationships using a range of data types from comprehensive quantitative data sets to expert opinion. We show how a simple BN can reveal nonlinear dynamics in seagrass ecosystems using ecological relationships sourced from the literature. We first developed a conceptual diagram by cataloguing the ecological responses of seagrasses to a range of drivers and impacts. We used the conceptual diagram to develop a BN populated with values sourced from published studies. We then applied the BN to show that the amount of initial seagrass biomass has a mitigating effect on the level of impact a meadow can withstand without loss, and that meadow recovery can often require disproportionately large improvements in impact levels. This mitigating effect resulted in the middle ranges of impact levels having a wide likelihood of seagrass presence, a situation known as bistability. Finally, we applied the model in a case study to identify the risk of loss and the likelihood of recovery for the conservation and management of seagrass meadows in Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia. We used the model to predict the likelihood of bistability in 23 locations in the Bay. The model predicted bistability in seven locations, most of which have experienced seagrass loss at some stage in the past 25 years providing essential information for potential future restoration efforts. Our results demonstrate the capacity of simple, flexible modeling tools to facilitate collation and synthesis of disparate information. This approach can be adopted in the initial stages of conservation programs as a low-cost and relatively straightforward way to provide preliminary assessments of.nonlinear dynamics in ecosystems.
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20
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Tuya F, Png-Gonzalez L, Riera R, Haroun R, Espino F. Ecological structure and function differs between habitats dominated by seagrasses and green seaweeds. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 98:1-13. [PMID: 24836641 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2014.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Revised: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Marine vegetated habitats, e.g. seagrass meadows, deliver essential functions and services to coastal ecosystems and human welfare. Impacts induced by humans, however, have facilitated the replacement of seagrasses by alternative vegetation, e.g. green rhizophytic seaweeds. The implications of habitat shifts for ecosystem attributes and processes and the services they deliver remain poorly known. In this study, we compared ecosystem structure and function between Cymodocea nodosa seagrass meadows and bottoms dominated by Caulerpa prolifera, a green, native, rhizophytic seaweed, through 5 ecological proxies: (i) primary production (via community metabolism), (ii) composition and abundance of epifauna (a proxy for provision of habitat for epifauna), composition and abundance of (iii) small-sized (juvenile) and (iv) large-sized (adult) fishes (proxies for provision of habitat for fishes), and (v) sediment retention (a proxy for sediment stabilization). Four of these proxies were greater in C. nodosa seagrass meadows than in C. prolifera beds: gross primary productivity (∼1.4 times), the total abundance, species density and biomass of small-sized fishes (∼2.1, 1.3 and 1.3 times, respectively), the total abundance and species density of large-sized fishes (∼3.6 and 1.5 times, respectively), and sediment stabilization (∼1.4 times). In contrast, the total abundance and species density of epifauna was larger (∼3.1 and 1.7 times, respectively) in C. prolifera than in C. nodosa seagrass beds. These results suggest that ecosystem structure and function may differ if seagrasses are replaced by green rhizophytic seaweeds. Importantly, ecosystem functions may not be appropriate surrogates for one another. As a result, assessments of ecosystem services associated with ecosystem functions cannot be based on exclusively one service that is expected to benefit other services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Tuya
- Centro en Biodiversidad y Gestión Ambiental, Marine Sciences Faculty, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Lydia Png-Gonzalez
- Centro en Biodiversidad y Gestión Ambiental, Marine Sciences Faculty, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Riera
- Centro de Investigaciones Medioambientales del Atlántico (CIMA SL), Arzobispo Elías Yanes 44, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; Department of Biodiversity, Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), 5825 Doha, Qatar
| | - Ricardo Haroun
- Centro en Biodiversidad y Gestión Ambiental, Marine Sciences Faculty, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Fernando Espino
- Centro en Biodiversidad y Gestión Ambiental, Marine Sciences Faculty, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain
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21
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Stevenson J. Ecological assessments with algae: a review and synthesis. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2014; 50:437-61. [PMID: 26988318 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.12189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Algae have been used for a century in environmental assessments of water bodies and are now used in countries around the world. This review synthesizes recent advances in the field around a framework for environmental assessment and management that can guide design of assessments, applications of phycology in assessments, and refinements of those applications to better support management decisions. Algae are critical parts of aquatic ecosystems that power food webs and biogeochemical cycling. Algae are also major sources of problems that threaten many ecosystems goods and services when abundances of nuisance and toxic taxa are high. Thus, algae can be used to indicate ecosystem goods and services, which complements how algal indicators are also used to assess levels of contaminants and habitat alterations (stressors). Understanding environmental managers' use of algal ecology, taxonomy, and physiology can guide our research and improve its application. Environmental assessments involve characterizing ecological condition and diagnosing causes and threats to ecosystems goods and services. Recent advances in characterizing condition include site-specific models that account for natural variability among habitats to better estimate effects of humans. Relationships between algal assemblages and stressors caused by humans help diagnose stressors and establish targets for protection and restoration. Many algal responses to stressors have thresholds that are particularly important for developing stakeholder consensus for stressor management targets. Future research on the regional-scale resilience of algal assemblages, the ecosystem goods and services they provide, and methods for monitoring and forecasting change will improve water resource management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Stevenson
- Department of Zoology and Center for Water Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
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22
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Choice ZD, Frazer TK, Jacoby CA. Light requirements of seagrasses determined from historical records of light attenuation along the Gulf coast of peninsular Florida. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2014; 81:94-102. [PMID: 24613262 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2013] [Revised: 02/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Seagrasses around the world are threatened by human activities that degrade water quality and reduce light availability. In this study, light requirements were determined for four common and abundant seagrasses along the Gulf coast of peninsular Florida using a threshold detecting algorithm. Light requirements ranged from 8% to 10% of surface irradiance for Halophila engelmannii to 25-27% of surface irradiance for Halodule wrightii. Requirements for all species differed from previous reports generated at other locations. Variations were attributed to morphological and physiological differences, as well as adaptation to light histories at specific locations. In addition, seagrasses were absent from stations with significantly higher concentrations of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, chlorophyll a and color. These results confirm the need to address links between increased anthropogenic nutrient loads, eutrophication, reduced light penetration, and loss of seagrasses and the services they provide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zanethia D Choice
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Florida, 103 Black Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Thomas K Frazer
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Florida, 103 Black Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States; Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, 7922 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, FL 32653, United States.
| | - Charles A Jacoby
- Department of Soil and Water Science, University of Florida, 7922 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, FL 32653, United States.
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24
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Liquete C, Piroddi C, Drakou EG, Gurney L, Katsanevakis S, Charef A, Egoh B. Current status and future prospects for the assessment of marine and coastal ecosystem services: a systematic review. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67737. [PMID: 23844080 PMCID: PMC3701056 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Research on ecosystem services has grown exponentially during the last decade. Most of the studies have focused on assessing and mapping terrestrial ecosystem services highlighting a knowledge gap on marine and coastal ecosystem services (MCES) and an urgent need to assess them. Methodology/Principal Findings We reviewed and summarized existing scientific literature related to MCES with the aim of extracting and classifying indicators used to assess and map them. We found 145 papers that specifically assessed marine and coastal ecosystem services from which we extracted 476 indicators. Food provision, in particular fisheries, was the most extensively analyzed MCES while water purification and coastal protection were the most frequently studied regulating and maintenance services. Also recreation and tourism under the cultural services was relatively well assessed. We highlight knowledge gaps regarding the availability of indicators that measure the capacity, flow or benefit derived from each ecosystem service. The majority of the case studies was found in mangroves and coastal wetlands and was mainly concentrated in Europe and North America. Our systematic review highlighted the need of an improved ecosystem service classification for marine and coastal systems, which is herein proposed with definitions and links to previous classifications. Conclusions/Significance This review summarizes the state of available information related to ecosystem services associated with marine and coastal ecosystems. The cataloging of MCES indicators and the integrated classification of MCES provided in this paper establish a background that can facilitate the planning and integration of future assessments. The final goal is to establish a consistent structure and populate it with information able to support the implementation of biodiversity conservation policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camino Liquete
- Water Resources Unit, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, European Commission - Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy.
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Mulder C, Boit A, Mori S, Vonk JA, Dyer SD, Faggiano L, Geisen S, González AL, Kaspari M, Lavorel S, Marquet PA, Rossberg AG, Sterner RW, Voigt W, Wall DH. Distributional (In)Congruence of Biodiversity–Ecosystem Functioning. ADV ECOL RES 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-396992-7.00001-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Tomas F, Abbott JM, Steinberg C, Balk M, Williams SL, Stachowicz JJ. Plant genotype and nitrogen loading influence seagrass productivity, biochemistry, and plant-herbivore interactions. Ecology 2011; 92:1807-17. [PMID: 21939077 DOI: 10.1890/10-2095.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Genetic variation within and among key species can have significant ecological consequences at the population, community, and ecosystem levels. In order to understand ecological properties of systems based on habitat-forming clonal plants, it is crucial to clarify which traits vary among plant genotypes and how they influence ecological processes, and to assess their relative contribution to ecosystem functioning in comparison to other factors. Here we used a mesocosm experiment to examine the relative influence of genotypic identity and extreme levels of nitrogen loading on traits that affect ecological processes (at the population, community, and ecosystem levels) for Zostera marina, a widespread marine angiosperm that forms monospecific meadows throughout coastal areas in the Northern Hemisphere. We found effects of both genotype and nitrogen addition on many plant characteristics (e.g., aboveground and belowground biomass), and these were generally strong and similar in magnitude, whereas interactive effects were rare. Genotypes also strongly differed in susceptibility to herbivorous isopods, with isopod preference among genotypes generally matching their performance in terms of growth and survival. Chemical rather than structural differences among genotypes drove these differences in seagrass palatability. Nitrogen addition uniformly decreased plant palatability but did not greatly alter the relative preferences of herbivores among genotypes, indicating that genotype effects are strong. Our results highlight that differences in key traits among genotypes of habitat-forming species can have important consequences for the communities and ecosystems that depend on them and that such effects are not overwhelmed by known environmental stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Tomas
- Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats (IMEDEA), CSIC-UIB, C/ Miquel Marques 21, 07190 Esporles, Illes Balears, Spain.
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