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Carneiro IM, Széchy MTMD, Bertocci I, Paiva PC. Impact of a nuclear power station effluent on marine forests: A case study in SE Brazil and insights for global warming scenarios. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123323. [PMID: 38190876 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123323] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
One of the main disturbances caused by coastal nuclear power plants is the discharge of thermal effluents capable of affecting a number of marine systems, including macroalgal forests that support key ecosystem services such as carbon uptake, fisheries increment and coastal protection. This study aimed at describing the long-term trend (1992-2022) in the abundance of Sargassum forests from sites located inside and outside areas affected by the thermal effluent discharged by the Brazilian Nuclear Power Station (BNPS) and at evaluating the relationship between Sargassum cover and seawater temperature. This information is interesting to provide insights on whether and how Sargassum populations would likely be affected by increasing temperature due to climate change. We detected a long-term decline in Sargassum cover inside, but not outside the area affected by the BNPS thermal plume. Mean summer surface seawater temperature above 30 °C was identified as an important factor driving the decline of Sargassum abundance. This study highlights the impact caused by decades of discharge of the BNPS thermal effluent on Sargassum forests, which leads to predict the likely disappearance of marine forests under a climate change scenario in other sites situated in warm temperate regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Monclaro Carneiro
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | | | - Iacopo Bertocci
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, CoNISMa, Italy; Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Paulo Cesar Paiva
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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2
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Merz E, Kitahara MV, Flores AAV. A legacy of invasive sun corals: Distinct mobile invertebrate assemblages at near-reef coral-dominated rubble. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 188:105974. [PMID: 37058776 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.105974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fast-growing and reproducing sun corals have successfully invaded rocky reefs around the Atlantic Ocean, markedly reducing the diversity of fouling invertebrates and macroalgae, and profoundly changing the composition of reef-associated mobile invertebrates. Here, we address sun-coral rubble depositions and report, for the first time, the effects of sun corals on near-reef soft-bottom invertebrate assemblages. Abundance, richness and diversity were higher at rubble habitats compared to bare sandy grounds, which could be a positive effect of substrate complexity. All those parameters were also higher at rubble patches dominated by sun-coral fragments compared to rubble patches dominated by pebbles or shell fragments, also suggesting possible additive effects of coral-borne chemical attraction (sun-coral specific, as inputs of other coral species were virtually absent). Different epifaunal groups were exclusive of rubble habitats and a subset of those exclusive of sun-coral rubble, explaining the incremental richness across habitats. The relative abundance of the two dominant groups - polychaetes (p) and amphipods (a) - contributed the most to the observed contrasts on community structure, as their proportion (p:a) changed from 10:1 in bare sand to nearly co-dominance in coral rubble. While previous research suggested that spreading sun corals reduce prey supply for fish foraging on reef walls, our results suggest they may increase prey abundance and diversity at the adjacent non-consolidated habitat, possibly reshaping trophic pathways connecting the benthic and the pelagic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Merz
- Centro de Biologia Marinha, Universidade de São Paulo - Rod. Dr. Manoel Hipólito do Rego, Km 131.5, Pitangueiras, São Sebastião, SP, Brazil; Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) - Überlandstrasse 133, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Marcelo V Kitahara
- Centro de Biologia Marinha, Universidade de São Paulo - Rod. Dr. Manoel Hipólito do Rego, Km 131.5, Pitangueiras, São Sebastião, SP, Brazil; Instituto do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - R. Silva Jardim, n° 136, Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Augusto A V Flores
- Centro de Biologia Marinha, Universidade de São Paulo - Rod. Dr. Manoel Hipólito do Rego, Km 131.5, Pitangueiras, São Sebastião, SP, Brazil.
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3
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Golo R, Vergés A, Díaz-Tapia P, Cebrian E. Implications of taxonomic misidentification for future invasion predictions: Evidence from one of the most harmful invasive marine algae. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 191:114970. [PMID: 37141800 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Invasive species have been a focus of concern in recent decades, becoming more problematic due to the cumulative impacts of climate change. Understanding the interactions among stress factors is essential to anticipate ecosystems' responses. Hereby, robust modeling frameworks must be able to identify the environmental drivers of invasion and forecast the current and future of their potential distribution. These studies are essential for the management of invasions and to be prepared for the future we are facing. Here we demonstrate that taxonomic misidentifications may lead to absolutely erroneous predictions, by using as an example one of the worst invasive species in the Mediterranean Sea (Lophocladia lallemandii), which has been misidentified for three decades and now is correctly identified. Consequently, and bearing in mind overall trends in species misidentification due to the loss of taxonomic expertise and the presence of cryptic species, among others, attempts to understand and predict species involved in invasion processes must always first consider taxonomic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Golo
- Departament de Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, C/Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - A Vergés
- Departament de Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, C/Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - P Díaz-Tapia
- Coastal Biology Research Group, Faculty of Sciences and Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (CICA), University of A Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain; Centro Nacional Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Centro Oceanográfico de A Coruña, 15001 A Coruña, Spain
| | - E Cebrian
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes, CSIC, Accés Cala Sant Francesc 14, 17300, Blanes, Girona, Spain.
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de Carvalho-Junior L, Neves LM, Teixeira-Neves TP, Cardoso SJ. Long-term changes in benthic communities following the invasion by an alien octocoral in the Southwest Atlantic, Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114386. [PMID: 36462420 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114386] [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: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Invasive alien species are considered one of the main threats to marine biodiversity. We used a BACI design to investigate the changes in rocky reef benthic communities related to the invasion of the octocoral Latissimia ningalooensis in the Southwest Atlantic. Drastic changes in benthic community structure were restricted to the invaded site and associated with the growth of L. ningalooensis on turf algae. Conversely, the zoanthid Palythoa caribaeorum remained stable coverage along the 9-year study period, indicating a greater biotic resistance against the octocoral. Latissimia ningalooensis spread from large and well-established patches to new areas of the reef, increasing turf-octocoral interactions. This study warns of the great invasive potential of the octocoral, due to its high abundance, competitive and expansion ability. The decline in abundance of turf-forming algae following the emergence of L. ningalooensis threatens the structure and functioning of macroalgal-dominated rocky reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lécio de Carvalho-Junior
- Graduate Program in Biodiversity, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, MG 36036-900, Brazil; Laboratory of Plankton Ecology, Department of Zoology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, MG 36036-900, Brazil; Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Education, Department of Environmental Sciences, Campus Três Rios, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Três Rios, RJ 25802-100, Brazil
| | - Leonardo M Neves
- Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Education, Department of Environmental Sciences, Campus Três Rios, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Três Rios, RJ 25802-100, Brazil.
| | - Tatiana P Teixeira-Neves
- Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Education, Department of Environmental Sciences, Campus Três Rios, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Três Rios, RJ 25802-100, Brazil
| | - Simone J Cardoso
- Graduate Program in Biodiversity, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, MG 36036-900, Brazil; Laboratory of Plankton Ecology, Department of Zoology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer, São Pedro, Juiz de Fora, MG 36036-900, Brazil
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Chiquillo KL, Barber PH, Vasquez MI, Cruz‐Rivera E, Willette DA, Winters G, Fong P. An invasive seagrass drives its own success in two invaded seas by both negatively affecting native seagrasses and benefiting from those costs. OIKOS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.09403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kelcie L. Chiquillo
- Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Univ. of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles CA USA
| | - Paul H. Barber
- Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Univ. of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles CA USA
| | - Marlen I. Vasquez
- Dept of Chemical Engineering, Cyprus Univ. of Technology Limassol Cyprus
| | - Edwin Cruz‐Rivera
- Dept of Biology and Bioenvironmental Science Program, Morgan State Univ. Baltimore MD USA
| | | | - Gidon Winters
- Dead Sea and Arava Science Center, Masada National Park Masada Israel
- Eilat Campus, Ben‐Gurion Univ. of the Negev Eilat Israel
| | - Peggy Fong
- Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Univ. of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles CA USA
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Ravaglioli C, Benedetti-Cecchi L, Bertocci I, Maggi E, Uyà M, Bulleri F. The role of environmental conditions in regulating long-term dynamics of an invasive seaweed. Biol Invasions 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-021-02680-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe mechanisms underpinning long-term dynamics and viability of invader populations in the receiving environment remain largely unknown. We tested the hypothesis that temporal variations in the abundance of a well-established invasive seaweed, Caulerpa cylindracea, in the NW Mediterranean, could be regulated by inter-annual fluctuations in environmental conditions. Abundance data of C. cylindracea, sampled repeatedly between 2005 and 2020 at the peak of its growing season (late summer/early fall), were related to interannual variations in seasonal seawater temperature, wind speed and rainfall recorded during different growth phases of the alga, in both subtidal and intertidal habitats. In both habitats, higher peak of C. cylindracea cover was associated with lower seawater temperature in spring and summer, when the seaweed exits the winter resting phase and starts a period of active growth. In addition, the peak abundance of subtidal C. cylindracea was positively associated with higher autumn wind speed intensity and spring daily total precipitation. Our study reveals the importance of seasonal and interannual variation of abiotic factors in shaping temporal patterns of abundance of C. cylindracea, in both subtidal and intertidal habitats. Identifying the factors underpinning invasive population temporal dynamics and viability is essential to predict the time and conditions under which an invader can thrive, and thus guide management strategies aimed to containing invasions under current and future climates.
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Hollarsmith JA, Andrews K, Naar N, Starko S, Calloway M, Obaza A, Buckner E, Tonnes D, Selleck J, Therriault TW. Toward a conceptual framework for managing and conserving marine habitats: A case study of kelp forests in the Salish Sea. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8510. [PMID: 35136559 PMCID: PMC8809449 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8510] [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: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Kelp forests are in decline across much of their range due to place-specific combinations of local and global stressors. Declines in kelp abundance can lead to cascading losses of biodiversity and productivity with far-reaching ecological and socioeconomic consequences. The Salish Sea is a hotspot of kelp diversity where many species of kelp provide critical habitat and food for commercially, ecologically, and culturally important fish and invertebrate species. However, like other regions, kelp forests in much of the Salish Sea are in rapid decline. Data gaps and limited long-term monitoring have hampered attempts to identify and manage for specific drivers of decline, despite the documented urgency to protect these important habitats. To address these knowledge gaps, we gathered a focus group of experts on kelp in the Salish Sea to identify perceived direct and indirect stressors facing kelp forests. We then conducted a comprehensive literature review of peer-reviewed studies from the Salish Sea and temperate coastal ecosystems worldwide to assess the level of support for the pathways identified by the experts, and we identified knowledge gaps to prioritize future research. Our results revealed major research gaps within the Salish Sea and highlighted the potential to use expert knowledge for making informed decisions in the region. We found high support for the pathways in the global literature, with variable consensus on the relationship between stressors and responses across studies, confirming the influence of local ecological, oceanographic, and anthropogenic contexts and threshold effects on stressor-response relationships. Finally, we prioritized areas for future research in the Salish Sea. This study demonstrates the value expert opinion has to inform management decisions. These methods are readily adaptable to other ecosystem management contexts, and the results of this case study can be immediately applied to kelp management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan A. Hollarsmith
- Alaska Fisheries Science CenterNational Marine Fisheries ServiceNational Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Department of Biological SciencesSimon Fraser UniversityBurnabyBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Pacific Biological Station, Fisheries and Oceans CanadaNanaimoBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Kelly Andrews
- Conservation Biology DivisionNorthwest Fisheries Science CenterNational Marine Fisheries ServiceNational Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Nicole Naar
- Washington Sea GrantCollege of the EnvironmentUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Samuel Starko
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VictoriaVictoriaBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Max Calloway
- Aquatic Resources DivisionWashington Department of Natural ResourcesNearshore Habitat ProgramOlympiaWashingtonUSA
| | - Adam Obaza
- Paua Marine Research GroupSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Emily Buckner
- Washington Sea GrantCollege of the EnvironmentUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Puget Sound Restoration FundBainbridge IslandWashingtonUSA
| | - Daniel Tonnes
- West Coast RegionNational Marine Fisheries ServiceNational Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - James Selleck
- West Coast RegionNational Marine Fisheries ServiceNational Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Thomas W. Therriault
- Pacific Biological Station, Fisheries and Oceans CanadaNanaimoBritish ColumbiaCanada
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8
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The joint influence of environmental and anthropogenic factors on the invasion of two alien caulerpae in northwestern Mediterranean. Biol Invasions 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-021-02654-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Bradley DJ, Boada J, Gladstone W, Glasby TM, Gribben PE. Sublethal effects of a rapidly spreading native alga on a key herbivore. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:12605-12616. [PMID: 34594524 PMCID: PMC8462141 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple anthropogenic stressors are causing a global decline in foundation species, including macrophytes, often resulting in the expansion of functionally different, more stressor-tolerant macrophytes. Previously subdominant species may experience further positive demographic feedback if they are exposed to weaker plant-herbivore interactions, possibly via decreased palatability or being structurally different from the species they are replacing. However, the consequences of the spread of opportunistic macrophytes for the local distribution and life history of herbivores are unknown.The green alga, Caulerpa filiformis, previously a subdominant macrophyte on low intertidal-shallow subtidal rock shores, is becoming locally more abundant and has spread into warmer waters across the coast of New South Wales, Australia.In this study, we measured (a) the distribution and abundance of a key consumer, the sea urchin Heliocidaris erythrogramma, across a seascape at sites where C. filiformis has become dominant, (b) performed behavioral field experiments to test the role of habitat selection in determining the local distribution of H. erythrogramma, and (c) consumer experiments to test differential palatability between previously dominant higher quality species like Ecklonia radiata and Sargassum sp. and C. filiformis and the physiological consequences of consuming it.At all sites, urchin densities were positively correlated with distance away from C. filiformis beds, and they actively moved away from beds. Feeding experiments showed that, while urchins consumed C. filiformis, sometimes in equal amounts to higher quality algae, there were strong sublethal consequences associated with C. filiformis consumption, mainly on reproductive potential (gonad size). Specifically, the gonad size of urchins that fed on C. filiformis was equivalent to that in starved urchins. There was also a tendency for urchin mortality to be greater when fed C. filiformis.Overall, strong negative effects on herbivore life-history traits and potentially their survivorship may establish further positive feedback on C. filiformis abundance that contributes to its spread and may mediate shifts from top-down to bottom-up control at locations where C. filiformis has become dominant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Bradley
- School of Life SciencesFaculty of ScienceUniversity of Technology SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Centre for Marine Science and InnovationBiological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of New South Wales (UNSW)KensingtonNSWAustralia
| | - Jordi Boada
- Centre for Marine Science and InnovationBiological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of New South Wales (UNSW)KensingtonNSWAustralia
- Institute of Aquatic EcologyFaculty of SciencesUniversity of GironaGironaSpain
| | - William Gladstone
- School of Life SciencesFaculty of ScienceUniversity of Technology SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Timothy M. Glasby
- NSW Department of Primary IndustriesPort Stephens Fisheries InstituteTaylors BeachNSWAustralia
| | - Paul E. Gribben
- Centre for Marine Science and InnovationBiological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of New South Wales (UNSW)KensingtonNSWAustralia
- Sydney Institute of Marine ScienceMosmanNSWAustralia
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Ryznar ER, Smith LL, Fong P. Open space, not reduced herbivory, facilitates invasion of a marine macroalga, implying it is a disturbance-mediated "passenger" of change. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 170:105435. [PMID: 34385137 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105435] [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: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sargassum horneri, a brown macroalga, recently invaded the California coast, including into critical foundational communities such as kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) forests. Despite its rapid spread, empirical tests that evaluate mechanisms underlying S. horneri's invasion success are lacking. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted three field experiments on temperate rocky reefs in southern California using growth as a proxy for invasion success. We first tested whether S. horneri success differed with herbivory strength and native diversity by conducting a 2-factor experiment varying site (with different baseline levels of urchin densities and native algal diversity) and urchin access. We found S. horneri growth only differed among urchin treatments and not sites. We then evaluated whether S. horneri could successfully invade established algal canopies as a driver or whether it required open space as a passenger via a 2-factor experiment varying S. horneri size (small, medium, large) and canopy type (S. horneri, kelp, -canopy). We found that all S. horneri sizes grew fastest when canopy was lacking and light was high and slower in both canopy habitats with lower light; overall, small S. horneri grew slowest. Finally, we evaluated whether herbivore consumption for native species could facilitate S. horneri's invasion by conducting a 2-factor experiment varying species (M. pyrifera, S. horneri) and herbivore access. We found uncaged algae were consumed and caged algae grew, but there was no difference between species. Taken together, our results suggest that S. horneri is a "passenger" invader that will take advantage of points in time and space where light is plentiful, such as when M. pyrifera is removed via disturbance. Further, our results suggest that herbivory and native algal diversity are likely not key determining factors of the invasion success of S. horneri.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Ryznar
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 621 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1606, USA.
| | - L L Smith
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 621 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1606, USA
| | - P Fong
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 621 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1606, USA
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Santamaría J, Tomas F, Ballesteros E, Ruiz JM, Bernardeau-Esteller J, Terrados J, Cebrian E. The role of competition and herbivory in biotic resistance against invaders: a synergistic effect. Ecology 2021; 102:e03440. [PMID: 34143423 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Invasive species pose a major threat to global diversity, and once they are well established their eradication typically becomes unfeasible. However, certain natural mechanisms can increase the resistance of native communities to invaders and can be used to guide effective management policies. Both competition and herbivory have been identified as potential biotic resistance mechanisms that can limit plant invasiveness, but it is still under debate to what extent they might be effective against well-established invaders. Surprisingly, whereas biotic mechanisms are known to interact strongly, most studies to date have examined single biotic mechanisms separately, which likely influences our understanding of the strength and effectiveness of biotic resistance against invaders. Here we use long-term field data, benthic assemblage sampling, and exclusion experiments to assess the effect of native assemblage complexity and herbivory on the invasion dynamics of a successful invasive species, the alga Caulerpa cylindracea. A higher complexity of the native algal assemblage limited C. cylindracea invasion, probably through competition by canopy-forming and erect algae. Additionally, high herbivory pressure by the fish Sarpa salpa reduced C. cylindracea abundance by more than four times. However, long-term data of the invasion reflects that biotic resistance strength can vary across the invasion process and it is only where high assemblage complexity is concomitant with high herbivory pressure, that the most significant limitation is observed (synergistic effect). Overall, the findings reported in this study highlight that neglecting the interactions between biotic mechanisms during invasive processes and restricting the studied time scales may lead to underestimations of the true capacity of native assemblages to develop resistance to invaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Santamaría
- Marine Resources and Biodiversity Research Group (GRMAR), Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, Girona, 17003, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Fiona Tomas
- Marine Ecosystems Dynamics Group-Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados (IMEDEA), Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB)-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Esporles, 07190, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Enric Ballesteros
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CEAB-CSIC), Blanes, 17300, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Juan M Ruiz
- Seagrass Ecology Group-Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), San Pedro del Pinatar, 30740, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jaime Bernardeau-Esteller
- Seagrass Ecology Group-Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), San Pedro del Pinatar, 30740, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jorge Terrados
- Marine Ecosystems Dynamics Group-Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados (IMEDEA), Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB)-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Esporles, 07190, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Emma Cebrian
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CEAB-CSIC), Blanes, 17300, Catalonia, Spain
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Double Trouble: Synergy between Habitat Loss and the Spread of the Alien Species Caulerpa cylindracea (Sonder) in Three Mediterranean Habitats. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13101342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The role of habitat degradation on the spread of the alien green alga Caulerpa cylindracea is reported here by comparing observations achieved through a multi-year assessment on three Mediterraneans habitats, namely Posidonia oceanica meadows, Phyllophora crispa turf, and coralligenous reefs. Due to the peculiarity of the study site, both natural-reference and impacted conditions were investigated. C. cylindracea occurred in all the studied habitats under impacted conditions. High susceptibility to the invasion characterized impacted P. oceanica, where Caulerpa cover reached 70.0% in summer months. C. cylindracea cover did not differ significantly among conditions in P. crispa turf, where values never exceeded 5.0%. Conversely, the invasive green algae was low in abundance and patchily distributed in coralligenous reefs. Our results confirmed that habitat loss enhances the spread of C. cylindracea, although with different magnitudes among habitats. Dead matte areas of P. oceanica represented the most vulnerable habitat among those analyzed, whereas coralligenous reefs were less susceptible to the invasion under both the studied conditions.
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Menicagli V, Balestri E, Vallerini F, De Battisti D, Lardicci C. Plastics and sedimentation foster the spread of a non-native macroalga in seagrass meadows. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 757:143812. [PMID: 33246728 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are found in marine environments worldwide, and their effects on macrophytes (seagrasses and macroalgae) colonizing sandy bottoms are still poorly known. Seagrass meadows are valuable but declining ecosystems due to local and global-change related stressors, including sediment disturbance and introduced macroalgae. Understanding whether plastics pose a further threat to seagrasses is critically important. In two simultaneous additive experiments performed in an aquaculture tank, we examined the individual and combined effects of macroplastics (non-biodegradable high-density polyethylene and biodegradable starch-based) and sedimentation (no and repeated sedimentation) on the performance (in terms of biomass and architectural variables) of a native Mediterranean seagrass (Cymodocea nodosa) and an introduced macroalga (Caulerpa cylindracea), and on the intensity of their interactions. Macroplastics were still present in sediments after 18 months. Cymodocea nodosa produced a greater biomass and longer horizontal rhizome internodes forming clones with more spaced shoots probably to escape from plastics. Plastics prevented C. nodosa to react to sedimentation by increasing vertical rhizome growth. Under C. cylindracea invasion, C. nodosa allocated more biomass to roots, particularly to fine roots. In the presence of C. nodosa, C. cylindracea performance was reduced. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic and sedimentation shifted species interactions from competitive to neutral. These results suggest that both HDPE and biodegradable starch-based macroplastics, if deposited on marine bottoms, could make seagrasses vulnerable to sedimentation and reduce plant cover within meadows. HDPE plastic and sedimentation could contribute to the decline of seagrass habitats by facilitating the spread of non-native macroalgae within meadows. Overall, the study highlights the urgent need to implement more effective post-marketing management actions to prevent a further entering of plastics in natural environments in the future, as well as to establish to conservation measures specifically tailored to protect seagrass habitats from plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Menicagli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Balestri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Flavia Vallerini
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Davide De Battisti
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudio Lardicci
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Pisa, via S. Maria 53, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via Del Borghetto 80, Pisa 56124, Italy
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14
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Rizzo L, Pusceddu A, Bianchelli S, Fraschetti S. Potentially combined effect of the invasive seaweed Caulerpa cylindracea (Sonder) and sediment deposition rates on organic matter and meiofaunal assemblages. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 159:104966. [PMID: 32662427 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.104966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The seaweed Caulerpa cylindracea (Sonder) is one of the most successful marine bioinvaders worldwide. Caulerpa cylindracea can influence the quantity and biochemical composition of sedimentary organic matter (OM). However, it is still unknown if the effects of C. cylindracea on both OM and small metazoans (i.e. meiofauna) can change according to different sediment deposition rates. To provide insights on this, we investigated the biochemical composition of sediments along with the abundance and composition of meiofaunal assemblages in sediments colonized and not-colonized by the seaweed C. cylindracea under different regimes of sediment deposition. Our results show that the presence of the invasive alga C. cylindracea could alter quantity, biochemical composition, and nutritional quality of organic detritus and influence the overall functioning of the benthic system, but also that the observed effects could be context-dependent. In particular, we show that the presence of C. cylindracea could have a positive effect on meiofaunal abundance wherever the sediment deposition rates are low, whereas the contextual presence of high to medium sedimentation rates can provoke an accumulation of sedimentary organic matter, less favourable bioavailability of food for the benthos, and consequent negative effects on meiofauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Rizzo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Napoli, Italy; CoNISMa, Piazzale Flaminio, 9 Roma, Italy.
| | - Antonio Pusceddu
- CoNISMa, Piazzale Flaminio, 9 Roma, Italy; Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via T. Fiorelli 1, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Silvia Bianchelli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Simonetta Fraschetti
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Napoli, Italy; CoNISMa, Piazzale Flaminio, 9 Roma, Italy; Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
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15
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Disturbance intensity overwhelms propagule pressure and litter resource in controlling the success of Pontoscolex corethrurus invasion in the tropics. Biol Invasions 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-020-02214-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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16
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An Alien Invader is the Cause of Homogenization in the Recipient Ecosystem: A Simulation-Like Approach. DIVERSITY-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/d11090146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Biotic homogenization is an expected effect of biological invasions. Invasive alien species typically show great adaptability to a wide range of environmental conditions and may expand into different habitats, thus reducing the dissimilarity among the recipient communities. We tested this assumption by analyzing a comprehensive database (78 species × 229 samples) collected between 2012 and 2017 in the marine protected area of Portofino (NW Italy), where Caulerpa cylindracea, one of the worst invaders in the Mediterranean Sea, exhibits high substratum cover at depths between 1 m and 45 m in 14 different communities (identified according to the European Nature Information System EUNIS for habitat classification). Five samples for each of the eight depth zones (i.e., 5 m, 10 m, 15 m, 20 m, 25 m, 30 m, 35 m, and 40 m) were randomly re-sampled from the comprehensive database to produce a dataset of 67 species × 40 samples. Then, a second dataset of 66 species × 40 samples was simulated by excluding Caulerpa cylindracea. Both re-sampled datasets underwent multivariate analysis. In the presence of C. cylindracea, the overall similarity among samples was higher, thus indicating homogenization of the rocky reef communities of Portofino Marine Protected Area. Continued monitoring activity is needed to understand and assess the pattern and extent of C. cylindracea’s inclusion in the recipient ecosystems.
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17
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Communities and Attachment Networks Associated with Primary, Secondary and Alternative Foundation Species; A Case Study of Stressed and Disturbed Stands of Southern Bull Kelp. DIVERSITY-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/d11040056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Southern bull kelps (Durvillaea spp., Fucales) are ‘primary’ foundation species that control community structures and ecosystem functions on temperate wave-exposed rocky reefs. However, these large foundation species are threatened by disturbances and stressors, including invasive species, sedimentation and heatwaves. It is unknown whether ‘alternative’ foundation species can replace lost southern bull kelps and its associated communities and networks. We compared community structure (by quantifying abundances of different species) and attachment-interaction networks (by quantifying which species were attached to other species) among plots dominated by Durvillaea spp. and plots where Durvillaea spp. were lost either through long-term repeated experimental removals or by recent stress from a marine heatwave. Long-term experimental removal plots were dominated by ‘alternative’ foundation species, the canopy-forming Cystophora spp. (Fucales), whereas the recent heatwave stressed plots were dominated by the invasive kelp Undaria pinnatifida (Laminariales). A network analysis of attachment interactions showed that communities differed among plots dominated by either Durvillaea spp., Cystophora spp. or U. pinnatifida, with different relationships between the primary, or alternative, foundation species and attached epiphytic ‘secondary’ foundation species. For example, native Cystophora spp. were more important as hosts for secondary foundation species compared to Durvillaea spp. and U. pinnatifida. Instead, Durvillaea spp. facilitated encrusting algae, which in turn provided habitat for gastropods. We conclude that (a) repeated disturbances and strong stressors can reveal ecological differences between primary and alternative foundation species, (b) analyses of abundances and attachment-networks are supplementary methods to identify linkages between primary, alternative and secondary foundation species, and (c) interspersed habitats dominated by different types of foundation species increase system-level biodiversity by supporting different species-abundance patterns and species-attachment networks.
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Vega Fernández T, Badalamenti F, Bonaviri C, Di Trapani F, Gianguzza P, Noè S, Musco L. Synergistic reduction of a native key herbivore performance by two non-indigenous invasive algae. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 141:649-654. [PMID: 30955779 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.02.073] [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: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Native generalist grazers can control the populations of non-indigenous invasive algae (NIIA). Here, it was found that the simultaneous consumption of two co-occurring NIIA, Caulerpa cylindracea and C. taxifolia var. distichophylla, hinders the grazing ability of the main Mediterranean herbivorous, the native sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. The ingestion of any of the two NIIA alone did not produce any difference in sea urchin righting time with respect to usual algal diet. In contrast, the simultaneous consumption of both NIIA, which grow intermingled in nature and are consumed by P. lividus, retarded its righting behavior. Such result reveals substantial physiological stress in the sea urchin, which resulted in reduced motility and coordination. The reported findings reveal the potential of NIIA co-occurrence to escape the supposed control exerted by the main native generalist grazer in Mediterranean sublittoral communities, which in turn can be locked in an "invaded" state.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabio Badalamenti
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples 80121, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino, Via Giovanni da Verrazzano, 17 - 91014 Castellammare del Golfo, Italy; School of Geosciences, Grant Institute, King's Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Chiara Bonaviri
- University of Palermo, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, Via Archirafi 38, Palermo 90123, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Trapani
- University of Palermo, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, Via Archirafi 38, Palermo 90123, Italy
| | - Paola Gianguzza
- University of Palermo, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, Via Archirafi 38, Palermo 90123, Italy
| | - Simona Noè
- University of Palermo, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, Via Archirafi 38, Palermo 90123, Italy
| | - Luigi Musco
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples 80121, Italy
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Miranda RJ, Coleman MA, Tagliafico A, Rangel MS, Mamo LT, Barros F, Kelaher BP. Invasion-mediated effects on marine trophic interactions in a changing climate: positive feedbacks favour kelp persistence. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20182866. [PMID: 30900532 PMCID: PMC6452063 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.2866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The interactive effects of ocean warming and invasive species are complex and remain a source of uncertainty for projecting future ecological change. Climate-mediated change to trophic interactions can have pervasive ecological consequences, but the role of invasion in mediating trophic effects is largely unstudied. Using manipulative experiments in replicated outdoor mesocosms, we reveal how near-future ocean warming and macrophyte invasion scenarios interactively impact gastropod grazing intensity and preference for consumption of foundation macroalgae ( Ecklonia radiata and Sargassum vestitum). Elevated water temperature increased the consumption of both macroalgae through greater grazing intensity. Given the documented decline of kelp ( E. radiata) growth at higher water temperatures, enhanced grazing could contribute to the shift from kelp-dominated to Sargassum-dominated reefs that is occurring at the low-latitude margins of kelp distribution. However, the presence of a native invader ( Caulerpa filiformis) was related to low consumption by the herbivores on dominant kelp at warmer temperatures. Thus, antagonistic effects between climate change and a range expanding species can favour kelp persistence in a warmer future. Introduction of species should, therefore, not automatically be considered unfavourable under climate change scenarios. Climatic changes are increasing the need for effective management actions to address the interactive effects of multiple stressors and their ecological consequences, rather than single threats in isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo J. Miranda
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
- Laboratório de Ecologia Bentônica, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia, Centro Interdisciplinar em Energia e Meio Ambiente, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA 40170-290, Brazil
| | - Melinda A. Coleman
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
- Department of Primary Industries, New South Wales Fisheries, National Marine Science Centre, 2 Bay Drive, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
| | - Alejandro Tagliafico
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
| | - Maria S. Rangel
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
| | - Lea T. Mamo
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
| | - Francisco Barros
- Laboratório de Ecologia Bentônica, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia, Centro Interdisciplinar em Energia e Meio Ambiente, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA 40170-290, Brazil
| | - Brendan P. Kelaher
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
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20
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Watts AM, Hopkins GA, Goldstien SJ. Chimerism and population dieback alter genetic inference related to invasion pathways and connectivity of biofouling populations on artificial substrata. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:3089-3104. [PMID: 30962883 PMCID: PMC6434572 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Disentangling pathways by which nonindigenous species expand and spread regionally remains challenging. Molecular ecology tools are often employed to determine the origins and spread of introduced species, but the complexities of some organisms may be reducing the efficacy of these tools. Some colonial species exhibit complexities by way of chimerism and winter colony regression, which may alter the genetic diversity of populations and mask the connectivity occurring among them. This study uses nuclear microsatellite data and simple GIS-based modeling to investigate the influence of chimerism and winter regression on the genetic diversity and patterns of genetic population connectivity among colonies of Didemnum vexillum on artificial substrates. Colonies sampled in summer were shown to form a metapopulation, with high levels of admixture, extreme outcrossing, and some substructure. These patterns were consistent within the subsampled winter colonies and with the inclusion of chimeric data. However, allelic richness and diversity were significantly different between winter and summer samples, altering interpretations relating to population connectivity and pelagic larval duration. This study demonstrates the importance of including seasonal sampling and imperative life history traits in genetic studies for clear interpretations and the successful management of introduced species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Marie Watts
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of CanterburyCanterburyNew Zealand
- Coastal and Freshwater GroupCawthron InstituteNelsonNew Zealand
- Present address:
Tonkin + Taylor International LtdChristchurchNew Zealand
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21
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Krug PJ, Wong NLWS, Medina MR, Gosliner TM, Valdés ÁA. Cryptic speciation yields remarkable mimics: A new genus of sea slugs that masquerade as toxic algae (
Caulerpa
spp.). ZOOL SCR 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/zsc.12310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J. Krug
- Department of Biological Sciences California State University Los Angeles California
| | - Nur Leena W. S. Wong
- Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture Universiti Putra Malaysia Serdang Selangor Malaysia
| | - Melanie R. Medina
- Department of Biological Sciences California State University Los Angeles California
| | | | - Ángel A. Valdés
- Department of Biological Sciences California State Polytechnic University Pomona California
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22
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Uyà M, Bulleri F, Gribben PE. Propagules are not all equal: traits of vegetative fragments and disturbance regulate invasion success. Ecology 2018; 99:957-965. [DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Uyà
- Dipartimento di Biologia Università di Pisa Via Derna 1 Pisa 56126 Italy
- Centre for Marine Bio‐Innovation School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales New South Wales 2052 Australia
| | - Fabio Bulleri
- Dipartimento di Biologia Università di Pisa Via Derna 1 Pisa 56126 Italy
- CoNISMa Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare Piazzale Flaminio 9 Roma 00196 Italy
| | - Paul E. Gribben
- Centre for Marine Bio‐Innovation School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales New South Wales 2052 Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science 19 Chowder Bay Road Mosman New South Wales 2088 Australia
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23
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Berriman JS, Ellingson RA, Awbrey JD, Rico DM, Valdés ÁA, Wilson NG, Aguilar A, Herbert DG, Hirano YM, Trowbridge CD, Krug PJ. A biting commentary: Integrating tooth characters with molecular data doubles known species diversity in a lineage of sea slugs that consume "killer algae". Mol Phylogenet Evol 2018. [PMID: 29524652 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2018.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Predicting biotic resistance to highly invasive strains of "killer algae" (Caulerpa spp.) requires understanding the diversity and feeding preferences of native consumers, including sea slugs in family Oxynoidae. Past studies reported low algal host specificity for Oxynoe (6 spp.) and Lobiger (4 spp.), but these taxonomically challenging slugs may represent species complexes of unrecognized specialists that prefer different Caulerpa spp. Here, we assess global diversity of these genera by integrating gene sequences with morphological data from microscopic teeth and internal shells, the only hard parts in these soft-bodied invertebrates. Four delimitation methods applied to datasets comprising mtDNA and/or nuclear alleles yielded up to 16 species hypotheses for samples comprising five nominal taxa, including five highly divergent species in Lobiger and five in Oxynoe. Depending on the analysis, a further four to six species were recovered in the O. antillarum-viridis complex, a clade in which mitochondrial divergence was low and nuclear alleles were shared among lineages. Bayesian species delimitation using only morphological data supported most candidate species, however, and integrative analyses combining morphological and genetic data fully supported all complex members. Collectively, our findings double the recognized biodiversity in Oxynoidae, and illustrate the value of including data from traits that mediate fast-evolving ecological interactions during species delimitation. Preference for Caulerpa spp. and radular tooth characteristics covaried among newly delimited species, highlighting an unappreciated degree of host specialization and coevolution in these taxa that may help predict their role in containing outbreaks of invasive algae.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S Berriman
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, CA 90032-8201, USA
| | - Ryan A Ellingson
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, CA 90032-8201, USA
| | - Jaymes D Awbrey
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, CA 90032-8201, USA
| | - Diane M Rico
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, CA 90032-8201, USA
| | - Ángel A Valdés
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
| | - Nerida G Wilson
- Western Australian Museum, Kew Street, Welshpool, Perth, Western Australia 6106, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Andres Aguilar
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, CA 90032-8201, USA
| | - David G Herbert
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P. Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa
| | - Yayoi M Hirano
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, Japan
| | - Cynthia D Trowbridge
- University of Oregon, Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, PO Box 5389, Charleston, OR 97420, USA
| | - Patrick J Krug
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles, CA 90032-8201, USA.
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24
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Piazzi L, Gennaro P, Atzori F, Cadoni N, Cinti MF, Frau F, Ceccherelli G. ALEX index enables detection of alien macroalgae invasions across habitats within a marine protected area. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 128:318-323. [PMID: 29571378 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A modified version of the ALien Biotic IndEX (ALEX) has been recently proposed to evaluate biological invasions in macroalgal assemblages. ALEX was applied in a Marine Protected Area where a recreational-fishing port is present testing the following hypotheses: ALEX increases with the distance from the port, it changes between the two directions off the port and it changes among three different habitats: Cystoseira beds, algal turf and dead matte of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica. A total of 78 native macroalgal taxa and 4 introduced species were found, the Chlorophyta Caulerpa cylindracea and the Rhodophyta Apoglossum gregarium, Acrothamnion preissii and Womersleyella setacea. All study sites were in high quality status highlighting that the assemblages investigated were at an early stage of NIS invasion. However, ALEX detected different values among conditions and habitats within the MPA, suggesting a local dynamics of NIS spread and different resistance to invasion of the investigated habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Piazzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Natura e del Territorio, Università di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - P Gennaro
- Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA ex ICRAM), Via di Castel Romano 100, 00128, Roma, Italy
| | - F Atzori
- Area Marina Protetta di Capo Carbonara-Villasimius, Via Roma 60, 09049, Villasimius (CA), Italy
| | - N Cadoni
- Area Marina Protetta di Capo Carbonara-Villasimius, Via Roma 60, 09049, Villasimius (CA), Italy
| | - M F Cinti
- Area Marina Protetta di Capo Carbonara-Villasimius, Via Roma 60, 09049, Villasimius (CA), Italy
| | - F Frau
- Area Marina Protetta di Capo Carbonara-Villasimius, Via Roma 60, 09049, Villasimius (CA), Italy
| | - G Ceccherelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Natura e del Territorio, Università di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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25
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The widespread and overlooked replacement of Spartina maritima by non-indigenous S. anglica and S. townsendii in north-western Adriatic saltmarshes. Biol Invasions 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-017-1654-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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26
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Krug PJ, Berriman JS, Valdés Á. Phylogenetic systematics of the shelled sea slug genus Oxynoe Rafinesque, 1814 (Heterobranchia : Sacoglossa), with integrative descriptions of seven new species. INVERTEBR SYST 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/is17080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
An integrative approach to investigate the species-level diversity in Oxynoe (Mollusca, Heterobranchia, Sacoglossa) revealed the existence of 11 distinct taxa. Oxynoe viridis (Pease, 1861) and Oxynoe antillarum Mörch, 1863 are redescribed; Oxynoe natalensis E. A. Smith, 1903 and Oxynoe azuropunctata Jensen, 1980 are regarded as valid. Species originally described from empty shells are regarded as nomina dubia. Seven new species are described, four from the tropical Indo-West Pacific: Oxynoe kylei, sp. nov., Oxynoe neridae, sp. nov., Oxynoe jordani, sp. nov. and Oxynoe jacksoni, sp. nov.; and two from the tropical Atlantic: Oxynoe struthioe, sp. nov. and Oxynoe ilani, sp. nov. The name Oxynoe panamensis Pilsbry & Olsson, 1943 has been applied to eastern Pacific specimens, but was introduced based on material collected from the Caribbean; therefore, the new name Oxynoe aliciae, sp. nov. is introduced for eastern Pacific specimens. Species are delineated using molecular and morphological traits, as well as algal host and reproductive biology. Results from morphological comparisons are concordant with molecular and integrative species delimitation analyses, providing robust evidence for species hypotheses. As Oxynoe is one of the few groups specialised to feed on the green algal genus Caulerpa, which includes highly invasive species, clarifying the taxonomy of Oxynoe may inform efforts to predict community response to disruptive algal invasions.
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27
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South PM, Floerl O, Forrest BM, Thomsen MS. A review of three decades of research on the invasive kelp Undaria pinnatifida in Australasia: An assessment of its success, impacts and status as one of the world's worst invaders. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 131:243-257. [PMID: 28958575 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Marine invasive macroalgae can have severe local-scale impacts on ecological communities. The kelp Undaria pinnatifida is one of the most successful marine invasive species worldwide, and is widely regarded as one of the worst. Here, we review research on Undaria in Australasia, where the kelp is established throughout much of New Zealand and south-eastern Australia. The presence of Undaria for at least three decades in these locations makes Australasia one of the longest-invaded bioregions globally, and a valuable case study for considering Undaria's invasion success and associated impacts. In Australasia, Undaria has primarily invaded open spaces, turf communities, and gaps in native canopies within a relatively narrow elevation band on rocky shores. Despite its high biomass, Undaria has relatively few direct impacts on native species, and can increase community-wide attributes such as primary productivity and the provision of biogenic habitat. Therefore, Australasian Undaria research provides an example of a decoupling between the success and impact of an invasive species. Undaria will most likely continue to spread along thousands of kilometres of rocky coastline in temperate Australasia, due to its tolerance to large variations in temperature, ability to exploit disturbances to local communities, and the continued transfer among regions via vessel movements and aquaculture activities. However, the spread of Undaria remains difficult to manage as eradication is challenging and seldom successful. Therefore, understanding potential invasion pathways, maintaining native canopy-forming species that limit Undaria success, and effectively managing anthropogenic vectors of Undaria spread, should be key management priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M South
- Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax Street East, Nelson 7010, New Zealand; Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Private bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Oliver Floerl
- Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax Street East, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
| | - Barrie M Forrest
- Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax Street East, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
| | - Mads S Thomsen
- Marine Ecology Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand; UWA Oceans Institute & School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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Voerman SE, Glasby TM, Gladstone W, Gribben PE. Habitat associations of an expanding native alga. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 131:205-214. [PMID: 29021082 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
There are many examples of native macrophytes becoming locally dominant and spreading outside their traditional distributions, but the causes and impacts are often not understood. In New South Wales, Australia, the green alga Caulerpa filiformis is undergoing a range expansion and has transitioned from a subdominant to a dominant alga on several rocky shores around the Sydney coastline. Here we investigated relationships between established patches of C. filiformis, the habitat it occupies and associated algal communities at multiple subtidal sites over the green alga's 700 km range. We tested the following predictions: 1) C. filiformis cover differs among substrata, being greatest on turf-forming algae; 2) C. filiformis cover is positively related to environmental variables linked to increased sedimentation (e.g. reduced reef width, surface slope, increased rugosity and distance from shore); 3) occurrence of C. filiformis is associated with a change in macrophyte community structure and a reduction of macrophyte richness; 4) intact native algal canopies inhibit C. filiformis spread, but turf-forming algae and bare sand are susceptible to invasion. Substratum associations were highly consistent among sites, but contrary to our prediction, C. filiformis was most commonly associated with rock or rock + sand substratum and less frequently associated with turf-forming algae substratum. C. filiformis cover was negatively correlated with reef width, which explained most of the variation observed, although local scale variables distance from shore, reef slope, and water depth were also correlated with C. filiformis cover. Algal diversity and community composition typically differed in the presence of C. filiformis, often with a reduction of algal abundances, in particular Sargassum spp., although results varied among substrata and sites. However, monitoring of borders suggested that C. filiformis does not invade and outcompete undisturbed adjacent canopy-forming algae over a 12 month period. Our results suggest that disturbance processes (possibly linked to sedimentation) acting at the site and quadrat scale are likely important determinants of C. filiformis cover and spread, and hence its potential ecological impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie E Voerman
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia(1).
| | - Tim M Glasby
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Locked Bag 1, Nelson Bay, NSW 2315, Australia
| | - William Gladstone
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Paul E Gribben
- Centre for Marine BioInnovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Science, 19 Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia
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Potential effects of an invasive seaweed (Caulerpa cylindracea, Sonder) on sedimentary organic matter and microbial metabolic activities. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12113. [PMID: 28935956 PMCID: PMC5608702 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12556-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Caulerpa cylindracea (Sonder), among the most successful marine bio-invaders on a global scale, poses severe threats to biodiversity. However, the effects of this seaweed on the quantity and the biochemical composition of sedimentary organic matter are still poorly known. Since the whole set of sedimentary features affects the availability of substrates for benthic microbial communities, we: i) investigated the biochemical composition of sediments colonized and not-colonized by C. cylindracea, and ii) compared the metabolic patterns of the microbial communities associated with C. cylindracea and in the sediments colonized and not-colonized by the seaweed. Our results show that C. cylindracea can influence the quantity and biochemical composition of sedimentary organic matter (OM), and that microbial populations associated with colonized sediments do have specific metabolic patterns and degradation capacities. Caulerpa cylindracea can also influence the metabolic patterns of the microbial community specifically adapted to degrade compounds released by the seaweed itself, with possible consequences on C cycling.
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Luigi P, Giulia C. Eutrophication affects the resistance of fucoids to an introduced alga spread. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 129:189-194. [PMID: 28619595 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.06.001] [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: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates whether eutrophication can affect the capacity of the canopy alga Cystoseira brachycarpa to impede or limit the spread of the introduced species Caulerpa cylindracea. By means of a manipulative field study (16 months long), the effects of nutrient enrichment and C. cylindracea removal were tested on the canopy-alga and the associated macroalgal community. Results highlighted deep changes through time due to nutrient enrichment, as C. brachycarpa decreased and Halopteris scoparia increased in cover. Furthermore, C. brachycarpa was also affected by the presence of the introduced species Caulerpa cylindracea which, in turn, was found significantly advantaged by nutrient enrichment. Overall, our findings suggest that eutrophication can drive the substitution of Cystoseira with H. scoparia, leading to the shift from canopy to opportunistic species, which are unable to avoid the spread of C. cylindracea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piazzi Luigi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Natura e del Territorio, Università di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - Ceccherelli Giulia
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Natura e del Territorio, Università di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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Uyà M, Maggi E, Mori G, Nuccio C, Gribben PE, Bulleri F. Carry over effects of nutrient addition on the recovery of an invasive seaweed from the winter die-back. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 126:37-44. [PMID: 28237887 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Nutrient enrichment of coastal waters can enhance the invasibility and regrowth of non-native species. The invasive alga Caulerpa cylindracea has two distinct phases: a well-studied fast-growing summer phase, and a winter latent phase. To investigate the effects of nutrient enrichment on the regrowth of the seaweed after the winter resting-phase, a manipulative experiment was carried out in intertidal rockpools in the North-western Mediterranean. Nutrients were supplied under different temporal regimes: press (constant release from January to May), winter pulse (January to March) and spring pulse (March to May). Independently from the temporal characteristics of their addition, nutrients accelerated the re-growth of C. cylindracea after the winter die-back, resulting in increased percentage covers at the peak of the growing season. Nutrient addition did not influence the number and length of fronds and the biomass. Native components of the algal community did not respond to nutrient additions. Our results show that nutrient supply can favour the spread of C. cylindracea even when occurring at a time of the year at which the seaweed is not actively growing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Uyà
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia.
| | - Elena Maggi
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy; CoNISMa, Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196 Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanna Mori
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Firenze, Via Micheli 1, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Caterina Nuccio
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Firenze, Via Micheli 1, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Paul E Gribben
- Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Fabio Bulleri
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy; CoNISMa, Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196 Roma, Italy
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A few is enough: a low cover of a non-native seaweed reduces the resilience of Mediterranean macroalgal stands to disturbances of varying extent. Biol Invasions 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-017-1442-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Alomar C, Deudero S, Andaloro F, Castriota L, Consoli P, Falautano M, Sinopoli M. Caulerpa cylindracea Sonder invasion modifies trophic niche in infralittoral rocky benthic community. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 120:86-92. [PMID: 27454026 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2016.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The Mediterranean basin is one of the most invaded seas of the world. Invasive species have affected coastal benthic communities inducing structural changes. Since first reports, in the early 90s, Caulerpa cylindracea is considered one of the most important invasive event in the Mediterranean Sea where it has invaded large areas of soft bottoms, seagrass meadows and rocky shores. To assess effects of C. cylindracea in rocky ecosystems, benthic food webs have been compared between invaded and non-invaded coastal conditions through stable isotopes analyses. In addition, the convex hull area of the two types of conditions has been calculated as a proxy for the total extent of trophic diversity within each food web. Results have shown that the trophic niche width is at least 1.4 times wider in invaded conditions than in non-invaded conditions. In addition, this study gives further evidence of similar feeding analogies between the invasive herbivore fish, Siganus luridus and native herbivore fish Sparisoma cretense as both are feeding at the same isotopic level. This investigation provides with new scientific data to assess bionvasions in invaded and non-invaded conditions at assemblage level in coastal systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carme Alomar
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
| | - Salud Deudero
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Franco Andaloro
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Salvatore Puglisi 9, 90143 Palermo, Italy; Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Laboratory of Ichthyology and Marine Ecology, Via dei Mille 46, 98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy
| | - Luca Castriota
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Salvatore Puglisi 9, 90143 Palermo, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Consoli
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Laboratory of Ichthyology and Marine Ecology, Via dei Mille 46, 98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy
| | - Manuela Falautano
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Salvatore Puglisi 9, 90143 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mauro Sinopoli
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Salvatore Puglisi 9, 90143 Palermo, Italy
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Pusceddu A, Fraschetti S, Scopa M, Rizzo L, Danovaro R. Meiofauna communities, nematode diversity and C degradation rates in seagrass (Posidonia oceanica L.) and unvegetated sediments invaded by the algae Caulerpa cylindracea (Sonder). MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 119:88-99. [PMID: 27258353 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2016.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2015] [Revised: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We investigated meiofauna and sedimentary C cycling in seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) and unvegetated sediments invaded and not invaded by the non-indigenous tropical algae Caulerpa cylindracea. In both habitats, invaded sediments were characterized by higher organic matter contents. No effect was observed for prokaryotes and C degradation rates. In seagrass sediments, C turnover in invaded beds was about half that in not invaded ones. Meiofaunal communities varied significantly among invaded and not invaded grounds only in bare sediments. In both habitats, nematode species richness and assemblage composition were not affected by the algae. The effect of C. cylindracea on the turnover and nestedness components of the Jaccard dissimilarity varied between the two habitats. We show that the presence of C. cylindracea gives rise to variable consequences on meiofauna biodiversity and C cycling in different habitats. We conclude that further studies across different habitats and ecological components are needed to ultimately understand and predict the consequences of C. cylindracea invasion in shallow Mediterranean ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Pusceddu
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Fiorelli 1, 09126 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Simona Fraschetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, Università del Salento, V.le Gallipoli, 49, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Mariaspina Scopa
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Via Rio Vivo, 86039 Termoli, Italy
| | - Lucia Rizzo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, Università del Salento, V.le Gallipoli, 49, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Roberto Danovaro
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale I, 80121 Napoli, Italy
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Mulas M, Bertocci I. Devil's tongue weed (Grateloupia turuturu Yamada) in northern Portugal: Passenger or driver of change in native biodiversity? MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 118:1-9. [PMID: 27110653 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2016.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms underlying biological invasions is essential to separate their actual ecological effects from those of other human disturbances. This study examined experimentally whether the non-native red seaweed Grateloupia turuturu is an opportunistic species taking advantage of degraded local conditions (passenger model), or the primary driver of changes in the structure of benthic assemblages (driver model). In a first experiment, traits of G. turuturu likely associated to its invasion success were compared between unmanipulated controls and treatments subjected to the removal of canopy-forming macroalgae to test for the passenger model. In a second experiment, rock pool assemblages where G. turuturu was selectively removed were compared with initially similar control (unmanipulated) assemblages to test for the driver model. Over a period of four months, G. turuturu showed larger cover, higher number of individuals and longer fronds in the canopy-removed compared to the control pools, while no significant differences were detected between assemblages where G. turuturu was continuously removed and those where invasion was allowed to occur. Present findings suggest that G. turuturu would rely on disturbances removing potential native competitors to spread into the recipient habitat, rather than being the main driver of ecological alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Mulas
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Rua dos Bragas, 289, 4050-123, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Iacopo Bertocci
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Rua dos Bragas, 289, 4050-123, Porto, Portugal
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Bulleri F, Benedetti‐Cecchi L, Jaklin A, Iveša L. Linking disturbance and resistance to invasion via changes in biodiversity: a conceptual model and an experimental test on rocky reefs. Ecol Evol 2016; 6:2010-21. [PMID: 27066222 PMCID: PMC4767907 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological invasions threaten biodiversity worldwide. Nonetheless, a unified theory linking disturbance and resistance to invasion through a mechanistic understanding of the changes caused to biodiversity is elusive. Building on different forms of the disturbance-biodiversity relationship and on the Biotic Resistance Hypothesis (BRH), we constructed conceptual models showing that, according to the main biodiversity mechanism generating invasion resistance (complementary vs. identity effects), disturbance can either promote or hinder invasion. Following the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis (IDH), moderate levels of disturbance (either frequency or intensity) are expected to enhance species richness. This will promote invasion resistance when complementarity is more important than species identity. Negative effects of severe disturbance on invasion resistance, due to reductions in species richness, can be either overcompensated or exacerbated by species identity effects, depending on the life-traits becoming dominant within the native species pool. Different invasion resistance scenarios are generated when the diversity-disturbance relationship is negative or positive monotonic. Predictions from these models were experimentally tested on rocky reefs. Macroalgal canopies differing in species richness (1 vs. 2 vs. 3) and identity, were exposed to either a moderate or a severe pulse disturbance. The effects of different canopy-forming species on the seaweed, Caulerpa cylindracea, varied from positive (Cystoseira crinita) to neutral (Cystoseira barbata) to negative (Cystoseira compressa). After 2 years, severely disturbed plots were monopolized by C. compressa and supported less C. cylindracea. Our study shows that the effects of disturbance on invasion depend upon its intensity, the main mechanism through which biodiversity generates invasion resistance and the life-traits selected within the native species pool. Disturbance can sustain invasion resistance when promoting the dominance of competitively subordinate species possessing traits that allow outperforming invaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Bulleri
- Dipartimento di BiologiaUniversità di PisaVia Derna 156126PisaItaly
| | | | - Andrej Jaklin
- Ruđer Bošković InstituteCenter for Marine ResearchG. Paliaga 552210RovinjCroatia
| | - Ljiljana Iveša
- Ruđer Bošković InstituteCenter for Marine ResearchG. Paliaga 552210RovinjCroatia
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Bulleri F, Badalamenti F, Iveša L, Mikac B, Musco L, Jaklin A, Rattray A, Vega Fernández T, Benedetti-Cecchi L. The effects of an invasive seaweed on native communities vary along a gradient of land-based human impacts. PeerJ 2016; 4:e1795. [PMID: 27014513 PMCID: PMC4806595 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The difficulty in teasing apart the effects of biological invasions from those of other anthropogenic perturbations has hampered our understanding of the mechanisms underpinning the global biodiversity crisis. The recent elaboration of global-scale maps of cumulative human impacts provides a unique opportunity to assess how the impact of invaders varies among areas exposed to different anthropogenic activities. A recent meta-analysis has shown that the effects of invasive seaweeds on native biota tend to be more negative in relatively pristine than in human-impacted environments. Here, we tested this hypothesis through the experimental removal of the invasive green seaweed, Caulerpa cylindracea, from rocky reefs across the Mediterranean Sea. More specifically, we assessed which out of land-based and sea-based cumulative impact scores was a better predictor of the direction and magnitude of the effects of this seaweed on extant and recovering native assemblages. Approximately 15 months after the start of the experiment, the removal of C. cylindracea from extant assemblages enhanced the cover of canopy-forming macroalgae at relatively pristine sites. This did not, however, result in major changes in total cover or species richness of native assemblages. Preventing C. cylindracea re-invasion of cleared plots at pristine sites promoted the recovery of canopy-forming and encrusting macroalgae and hampered that of algal turfs, ultimately resulting in increased species richness. These effects weakened progressively with increasing levels of land-based human impacts and, indeed, shifted in sign at the upper end of the gradient investigated. Thus, at sites exposed to intense disturbance from land-based human activities, the removal of C. cylindracea fostered the cover of algal turfs and decreased that of encrusting algae, with no net effect on species richness. Our results suggests that competition from C. cylindracea is an important determinant of benthic assemblage diversity in pristine environments, but less so in species-poor assemblages found at sites exposed to intense disturbance from land-based human activities, where either adverse physical factors or lack of propagules may constrain the number of potential native colonizers. Implementing measures to reduce the establishment and spread of C. cylindracea in areas little impacted by land-based human activities should be considered a priority for preserving the biodiversity of Mediterranean shallow rocky reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Bulleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Fabio Badalamenti
- CNR-IAMC, Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero , Castellammare del Golfo , Italy
| | - Ljiljana Iveša
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Center for Marine Research, G. Paliaga , Rovinj , Croatia
| | - Barbara Mikac
- CNR-IAMC, Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero , Castellammare del Golfo , Italy
| | - Luigi Musco
- CNR-IAMC, Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero , Castellammare del Golfo , Italy
| | - Andrej Jaklin
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Center for Marine Research, G. Paliaga , Rovinj , Croatia
| | - Alex Rattray
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Tomás Vega Fernández
- CNR-IAMC, Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero, Castellammare del Golfo, Italy; Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Napoli, Italy
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Pagnucco KS, Ricciardi A. Disentangling the influence of abiotic variables and a non-native predator on freshwater community structure. Ecosphere 2015. [DOI: 10.1890/es15-00371.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Piazzi L, Gennaro P, Ceccherelli G. Suitability of the ALien Biotic IndEX (ALEX) for assessing invasion of macroalgae across different Mediterranean habitats. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 97:234-240. [PMID: 26073799 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.06.011] [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: 03/26/2015] [Revised: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The ALien Biotic IndEX (ALEX) has been recently proposed to evaluate biological invasions in soft-bottom macro-invertebrate assemblages. The present paper proposes the use of ALEX in sessile assemblages of Mediterranean hard bottom habitats and tests it along gradients of invasion. For five invasive macroalgae a variable number of case studies per each of four habitats were examined from the available data sets. For each case study samples were attributed to four levels of invasion depending on the abundance of the invading macroalgae. Results showed that the application of ALEX to sessile assemblages of hard bottoms allows to qualify the level of invasion along the considered gradients. Moreover, the decline of index values matched the impact of invasion on species number of the assemblages. Results also suggest that the concurrent use of ALEX and indices of benthic quality status can be a valuable tool to assess biopollution in hard bottom habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Piazzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Natura e del Territorio, Università di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - Paola Gennaro
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA ex ICRAM), Roma, Italy
| | - Giulia Ceccherelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Natura e del Territorio, Università di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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Iveša L, Djakovac T, Devescovi M. Spreading patterns of the invasive Caulerpa cylindracea Sonder along the west Istrian Coast (northern Adriatic Sea, Croatia). MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 107:1-7. [PMID: 25828676 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2015.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The northern Adriatic Sea represents the northernmost and thus the coldest biogeographic sector of the Mediterranean Sea. In 2004, the invasive green alga Caulerpa cylindracea was recorded for the first time in the northern Adriatic at a site of the west Istrian Coast. Until 2010, additional C. cylindracea mats have only formed up to 7 km northward from the first colonisation site. Subsequently, the alga was also recorded at sites widespread along the entire coast. Both the first 2004 colonisation event and the 2011-2014 colonisation of distant sites occurred during periods of winter seawater temperatures higher than 9 °C. In general, algal spreading was markedly slow. Approximately 10 years after the first record, C. cylindracea has affected less than 1% of the entire west Istrian coastline. The colonisation predominantly occurred in ports and urbanised bays (seaside resorts) suggesting that anthropogenic activities might enhance algal diffusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ljiljana Iveša
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Center for Marine Research, G. Paliaga 5, 52210 Rovinj, Croatia.
| | - Tamara Djakovac
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Center for Marine Research, G. Paliaga 5, 52210 Rovinj, Croatia
| | - Massimo Devescovi
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Center for Marine Research, G. Paliaga 5, 52210 Rovinj, Croatia
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Tamburello L, Maggi E, Benedetti-Cecchi L, Bellistri G, Rattray AJ, Ravaglioli C, Rindi L, Roberts J, Bulleri F. Variation in the impact of non-native seaweeds along gradients of habitat degradation: a meta-analysis and an experimental test. OIKOS 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.02197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tamburello
- Dipto di Biologia; Univ. of Pisa, CoNISMa; via Derna 1 IT-56126 Pisa Italy
| | - Elena Maggi
- Dipto di Biologia; Univ. of Pisa, CoNISMa; via Derna 1 IT-56126 Pisa Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Bellistri
- Dipto di Biologia; Univ. of Pisa, CoNISMa; via Derna 1 IT-56126 Pisa Italy
| | - Alex James Rattray
- Dipto di Biologia; Univ. of Pisa, CoNISMa; via Derna 1 IT-56126 Pisa Italy
| | - Chiara Ravaglioli
- Dipto di Biologia; Univ. of Pisa, CoNISMa; via Derna 1 IT-56126 Pisa Italy
| | - Luca Rindi
- Dipto di Biologia; Univ. of Pisa, CoNISMa; via Derna 1 IT-56126 Pisa Italy
| | - Jason Roberts
- Marine Geospatial Ecology Laboratory, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke Univ.; Durham NC 27708 USA
| | - Fabio Bulleri
- Dipto di Biologia; Univ. of Pisa, CoNISMa; via Derna 1 IT-56126 Pisa Italy
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Caronni S, Calabretti C, Delaria MA, Bernardi G, Navone A, Occhipinti-Ambrogi A, Panzalis P, Ceccherelli G. Consumer depletion alters seagrass resistance to an invasive macroalga. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0115858. [PMID: 25723466 PMCID: PMC4344340 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Few field studies have investigated how changes at one trophic level can affect the invasibility of other trophic levels. We examined the hypothesis that the spread of an introduced alga in disturbed seagrass beds with degraded canopies depends on the depletion of large consumers. We mimicked the degradation of seagrass canopies by clipping shoot density and reducing leaf length, simulating natural and anthropogenic stressors such as fish overgrazing and water quality. Caulerpa racemosa was transplanted into each plot and large consumers were excluded from half of them using cages. Potential cage artifacts were assessed by measuring irradiance, scouring by leaf movement, water flow, and sedimentation. Algal invasion of the seagrass bed differed based on the size of consumers. The alga had higher cover and size under the cages, where the seagrass was characterized by reduced shoot density and canopy height. Furthermore, canopy height had a significant effect depending on canopy density. The alteration of seagrass canopies increased the spread of C. racemosa only when large consumers were absent. Our results suggest that protecting declining habitats and/or restoring fish populations will limit the expansion of C. racemosa. Because MPAs also enhance the abundance and size of fish consuming seagrass they can indirectly promote algal invasion. The effects of MPAs on invasive species are context dependent and require balancing opposing forces, such as the conservation of seagrass canopy structure and the protection of fish grazing the seagrass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Caronni
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via S. Epifanio14, I-27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Calabretti
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via S. Epifanio14, I-27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Anna Delaria
- Department of Science for Nature and Environmental Resources, University of Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, I-07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bernardi
- Marine Protected Area Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo, Via Dante 1, I-07026 Olbia (OT), Italy
| | - Augusto Navone
- Marine Protected Area Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo, Via Dante 1, I-07026 Olbia (OT), Italy
| | - Anna Occhipinti-Ambrogi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via S. Epifanio14, I-27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Pieraugusto Panzalis
- Marine Protected Area Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo, Via Dante 1, I-07026 Olbia (OT), Italy
| | - Giulia Ceccherelli
- Department of Science for Nature and Environmental Resources, University of Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, I-07100 Sassari, Italy
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Marín-Guirao L, Bernardeau-Esteller J, Ruiz JM, Sandoval-Gil JM. Resistance of Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows to the spread of the introduced green alga Caulerpa cylindracea: assessment of the role of light. Biol Invasions 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-015-0852-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Maggi E, Benedetti‐Cecchi L, Castelli A, Chatzinikolaou E, Crowe TP, Ghedini G, Kotta J, Lyons DA, Ravaglioli C, Rilov G, Rindi L, Bulleri F. Ecological impacts of invading seaweeds: a meta‐analysis of their effects at different trophic levels. DIVERS DISTRIB 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- E. Maggi
- Dipartimento di Biologia University of Pisa CoNISMa Pisa Italy
| | | | - A. Castelli
- Dipartimento di Biologia University of Pisa CoNISMa Pisa Italy
| | - E. Chatzinikolaou
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research Institute of Marine Biology Biotechnology and Aquaculture Crete Greece
| | - T. P. Crowe
- School of Biology and Environmental Science University College Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | - G. Ghedini
- Dipartimento di Biologia University of Pisa CoNISMa Pisa Italy
| | - J. Kotta
- Estonian Marine Institute University of Tartu Tallinn Estonia
| | - D. A. Lyons
- School of Biology and Environmental Science University College Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | - C. Ravaglioli
- Dipartimento di Biologia University of Pisa CoNISMa Pisa Italy
| | - G. Rilov
- National Institute of Oceanography Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (IOLR) Haifa Israel
| | - L. Rindi
- Dipartimento di Biologia University of Pisa CoNISMa Pisa Italy
| | - F. Bulleri
- Dipartimento di Biologia University of Pisa CoNISMa Pisa Italy
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Ceccherelli G, Pinna S, Cusseddu V, Bulleri F. The role of disturbance in promoting the spread of the invasive seaweed Caulerpa racemosa in seagrass meadows. Biol Invasions 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-014-0700-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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46
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The regime of climate-related disturbance and nutrient enrichment modulate macroalgal invasions in rockpools. Biol Invasions 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-014-0711-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Gorbi S, Giuliani ME, Pittura L, d'Errico G, Terlizzi A, Felline S, Grauso L, Mollo E, Cutignano A, Regoli F. Could molecular effects of Caulerpa racemosa metabolites modulate the impact on fish populations of Diplodus sargus? MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 96:2-11. [PMID: 24582326 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2014.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The green alga Caulerpa racemosa is a non-native, invasive species in the Mediterranean, and an important stressor for several native organisms. The algal capacity to produce secondary metabolites has been suggested to modulate success of the C. racemosa invasion, although many of potentially involved biological pathways still remain unexplored. In this respect, the aim of the present study was to investigate some molecular and cellular effects in the white seabream Diplodus sargus, an ecologically key species, which included the alien C. racemosa in its diet. Organisms were sampled in 2 seasonal periods from 3 locations of Southern Italy, each characterized by different levels of algal abundance. The level of caulerpin, one of the main secondary algal metabolites, in fish tissues has been used as an indicator of the trophic exposure to the seaweed and related with molecular and cellular responses. Chemical analyses indicated that fish from invaded sites can accumulate caulerpin, with liver concentrations ranging from a few up to hundreds of μg/g. Biomarkers analyses revealed only limited alterations of the main antioxidant defences, such as glutathione reductase and levels of glutathione; on the other hand, increased enzymatic activities of cytochrome P450, glutathione S-transferases and acyl CoA oxidase, as well as enhanced gene transcription for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, cytochrome P4501A and vitellogenin 1 were observed in fish more exposed to C. racemosa as indicated by liver concentrations of caulerpin higher than 50 μg/g. Despite a direct molecular relationship with this algal metabolite could not be established, our results suggest that a C. racemosa enriched diet can modulate biotransformation and fatty acids metabolism of D. sargus. Assessing whether similar effects represent short- or long-term effects will be of crucial importance to understand consequences on the general health status and reproductive performance of exposed key fish species in the Mediterranean region.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gorbi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - M E Giuliani
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - L Pittura
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - G d'Errico
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - A Terlizzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, Università del Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - S Felline
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, Università del Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - L Grauso
- Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - E Mollo
- Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - A Cutignano
- Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - F Regoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
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Zhang D, Glasby TM, Ralph PJ, Gribben PE. Mechanisms influencing the spread of a native marine alga. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94647. [PMID: 24722520 PMCID: PMC3983233 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Like invasive macrophytes, some native macrophytes are spreading rapidly with consequences for community structure. There is evidence that the native alga Caulerpa filiformis is spreading along intertidal rocky shores in New South Wales, Australia, seemingly at the expense of native Sargassum spp. We experimentally investigated the role physical disturbance plays in the spread of C. filiformis and its possible consequences for Sargassum spp. Cleared patches within beds of C. filiformis (Caulerpa habitat) or Sargassum spp. (Sargassum habitat) at multiple sites showed that C. filiformis had significantly higher recruitment (via propagules) into its own habitat. The recruitment of Sargassum spp. to Caulerpa habitat was rare, possibly due in part to sediment accretion within Caulerpa habitat. Diversity of newly recruited epibiotic assemblages within Caulerpa habitat was significantly less than in Sargassum habitat. In addition, more C. filiformis than Sargassum spp. recruited to Sargassum habitat at some sites. On common boundaries between these two macroalgae, the vegetative growth of adjacent C. filiformis into cleared patches was significantly higher than for adjacent Sargassum spp. In both experiments, results were largely independent of the size of disturbance (clearing). Lastly, we used PAM fluorometry to show that the photosynthetic condition of Sargassum spp. fronds adjacent to C. filiformis was generally suppressed relative to those distant from C. filiformis. Thus, physical disturbance, combined with invasive traits (e.g. high levels of recruitment and vegetative growth) most likely facilitate the spread of C. filiformis, with the ramifications being lower epibiotic diversity and possibly reduced photosynthetic condition of co-occurring native macrophytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilys Zhang
- Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tim M. Glasby
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Nelson Bay, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter J. Ralph
- Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul E. Gribben
- Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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49
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Tamburello L, Bulleri F, Balata D, Benedetti-Cecchi L. The role of overgrazing and anthropogenic disturbance in shaping spatial patterns of distribution of an invasive seaweed. J Appl Ecol 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tamburello
- Dipartimento di Biologia; Università di Pisa; CoNISMa; via Derna 1 56126 Pisa Italy
| | - Fabio Bulleri
- Dipartimento di Biologia; Università di Pisa; CoNISMa; via Derna 1 56126 Pisa Italy
| | - David Balata
- Tenuta San Beda; via Carmignani 18 55015 Montecarlo (Lu) Italy
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50
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The indirect role of nutrients in enhancing the invasion of Caulerpa racemosa var cylindracea. Biol Invasions 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-013-0620-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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