1
|
Lima ALR, Macedo Pereira C, Schiavetti A, Hackradt CW, Félix-Hackradt FC. Multiple events determine the distribution of fishes' early life stages in the Abrolhos Bank, Southwestern Atlantic. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 199:106575. [PMID: 38843654 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106575] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Fluctuations in reef fish settlement and recruitment significantly impact local population dynamics and adult population size. We use light traps to evaluate reef fish settlement in inshore and offshore reefs in the Abrolhos Bank, in addition to the spatio-temporal distribution patterns, and environmental variables' influence. Data were collected from inshore and offshore reefs, and statistical analyses, including GLMs, PERMANOVA and nMDS, aimed to understand spatial-temporal species distribution patterns and the relationship between environmental variables. Results indicate greater species abundance and diversity offshore, influenced by winds, tides, and distance from shore, explaining 50% of larval patterns and highlighting the importance of spatial-temporal variations in early-life reef fish assemblages. However, several factors, including habitat type, quality, complexity, seascape configuration, and MPA location, may influence these patterns. Additionally, we provide evidence that commercially important species like Lutjanids use Abrolhos reef areas as nursery grounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André L R Lima
- Marine Ecology and Conservation Lab. Centre for Environmental Science, Universidade Federal Do Sul da Bahia, Campus Sosígenes Costa, Rod BR 367 Km 10, 45810-000, Porto Seguro, Bahia, Brazil; Programa de Pós Graduação Em Ecologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Rod Jorge Amado Km 16, Bairro Salobrinho, 45662-900, Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Cristiano Macedo Pereira
- Marine Ecology and Conservation Lab. Centre for Environmental Science, Universidade Federal Do Sul da Bahia, Campus Sosígenes Costa, Rod BR 367 Km 10, 45810-000, Porto Seguro, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Schiavetti
- Ethnoconservation and Protected Areas Lab. Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais (DCAA), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, BA, Brazil; Research Associate CESIMAR, CENPAT, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Carlos Werner Hackradt
- Marine Ecology and Conservation Lab. Centre for Environmental Science, Universidade Federal Do Sul da Bahia, Campus Sosígenes Costa, Rod BR 367 Km 10, 45810-000, Porto Seguro, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Cézar Félix-Hackradt
- Marine Ecology and Conservation Lab. Centre for Environmental Science, Universidade Federal Do Sul da Bahia, Campus Sosígenes Costa, Rod BR 367 Km 10, 45810-000, Porto Seguro, Bahia, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pinna F, Fois N, Mura F, Ruiu A, Ceccherelli G. Predation risk of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus juveniles in an overfished area reveal system stability mechanisms and restocking challenges. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301143. [PMID: 38635595 PMCID: PMC11025834 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Where sea urchin harvest has been so intense that populations have drastically regressed, concerns have arisen about the effectiveness of harvesting management. According to the theory of phase transition in shallow rocky reefs between vegetated and barren habitats, sea urchin recruitment, a key population structuring process, seems hampered by some stabilizing feedback despite an end to local human harvest of sea urchins. To shed a light on predation effects on sea urchin recruits, a 27-day field experiment was conducted using mega-predator exclusion cages (40x40x40 cm, 1 cm in mesh size) in barren and turf substrates. To facilitate this, 672 recruits (1.1 ± 0.02 cm in size) reared under control conditions were positioned in groups of 42 in each experimental unit (n = 4). Exclusion of mega-predators had a significant effect regardless the substrate, since a higher number of recruits was found under cages both in turf and barren. However, the results showed that in uncaged treatments the size of recruits that survived was larger in turf than in barren, as in the former substrate predation had reduced the abundance of the smallest recruits, highlighting that mega-predator presence affects differently the size of the recruits that had survived depending on the substrate. Overall, these results provide valuable information to address restocking actions of sea urchin populations in overharvested areas, where algal turfs are widespread, and assist studies on habitat stability mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Pinna
- Department of Chemical, Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Nicola Fois
- AGRIS Sardegna–Research Service for Fishery Products, Olmedo (SS), Italia
| | - Francesco Mura
- AGRIS Sardegna–Research Service for Fishery Products, Olmedo (SS), Italia
| | - Alberto Ruiu
- Capo Caccia–Isola Piana Marine Protected Area, Alghero, (SS), Italia
| | - Giulia Ceccherelli
- Department of Chemical, Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Peleg O, Blain CO, Shears NT. Long-term marine protection enhances kelp forest ecosystem stability. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 33:e2895. [PMID: 37282356 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Trophic downgrading destabilizes ecosystems and can drive large-scale shifts in ecosystem state. While restoring predatory interactions in marine reserves can reverse anthropogenic-driven shifts, empirical evidence of increased ecosystem stability and persistence in the presence of predators is scant. We compared temporal variation in rocky reef ecosystem state in New Zealand's oldest marine reserve to nearby fished reefs to examine whether protection of predators led to more persistent and stable reef ecosystem states in the marine reserve. Contrasting ecosystem states were found between reserve and fished sites, and this persisted over the 22-year study period. Fished sites were predominantly urchin barrens but occasionally fluctuated to short-lived turfs and mixed algal forests, while reserve sites displayed unidirectional successional trajectories toward stable kelp forests (Ecklonia radiata) taking up to three decades following protection. This provides empirical evidence that long-term protection of predators facilitates kelp forest recovery, resists shifts to denuded alternate states, and enhances kelp forest stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ohad Peleg
- Institute of Marine Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Caitlin O Blain
- Institute of Marine Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Nick T Shears
- Institute of Marine Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Elsherbini J, Corzett C, Ravaglioli C, Tamburello L, Polz M, Bulleri F. Epilithic Bacterial Assemblages on Subtidal Rocky Reefs: Variation Among Alternative Habitats at Ambient and Enhanced Nutrient Levels. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 86:1552-1564. [PMID: 36790500 PMCID: PMC10497455 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02174-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Temperate rocky reefs often support mosaics of alternative habitats such as macroalgal forests, algal turfs and sea urchin barrens. Although the composition of epilithic microbial biofilms (EMBs) is recognized as a major determinant of macroalgal recruitment, their role in regulating the stability of alternative habitats on temperate rocky reefs remains unexplored. On shallow rocky reefs of the Island of Capraia (NW Mediterranean), we compared EMB structure among canopy stands formed by the fucoid Ericaria brachycarpa, algal turfs, and urchin barrens under ambient versus experimentally enhanced nutrient levels. The three habitats shared a core microbial community consisting of 21.6 and 25.3% of total ASVs under ambient and enhanced nutrient conditions, respectively. Although Gammaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria and Flavobacteriia were the most abundant classes across habitats, multivariate analyses at the ASV level showed marked differences in EMB composition among habitats. Enhancing nutrient level had no significant effect on EMBs, although it increased their similarity between macroalgal canopy and turf habitats. At both ambient and enriched nutrient levels, ASVs mostly belonging to Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were more abundant in EMBs from macroalgal canopies than barrens. In contrast, ASVs belonging to the phylum of Proteobacteria and, in particular, to the families of Rhodobacteraceae and Flavobacteriaceae at ambient nutrient levels and of Rhodobacteraceae and Bacteriovoracaceae at enhanced nutrient levels were more abundant in turf than canopy habitats. Our results show that primary surfaces from alternative habitats that form mosaics on shallow rocky reefs in oligotrophic areas host distinct microbial communities that are, to some extent, resistant to moderate nutrient enhancement. Understanding the role of EMBs in generating reinforcing feedback under different nutrient loading regimes appears crucial to advance our understanding of the mechanisms underpinning the stability of habitats alternative to macroalgal forests as well as their role in regulating reverse shifts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Elsherbini
- MIT Microbiology Graduate Program, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Christopher Corzett
- Molecular and Computational Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Chiara Ravaglioli
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Derna 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Tamburello
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Ischia Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80077, Punta San Pietro, Ischia, (Naples), Italy
| | - Martin Polz
- MIT Microbiology Graduate Program, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Djerassiplatz 1, 1130, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fabio Bulleri
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Derna 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kraufvelin P, Bergström L, Sundqvist F, Ulmestrand M, Wennhage H, Wikström A, Bergström U. Rapid re-establishment of top-down control at a no-take artificial reef. AMBIO 2023; 52:556-570. [PMID: 36324024 PMCID: PMC9849640 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-022-01799-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Establishment of artificial reefs and no-take areas are management measures available for restoring deteriorated marine ecosystems, compensating for habitat loss and strengthening harvested populations. Following the establishment of no-take artificial reefs in western Sweden to compensate for hard bottoms lost to a shipping lane, we detected rapid positive effects on crustaceans and demersal fish compared to fished reference areas. The relative abundance and size structure of European lobster (Homarus gammarus) increased strongly in the no-take area indicating more than doubled and tripled egg production in 5 and 10 years, respectively. For benthic fish and crustacean communities, the abundances of gadoids and wrasses increased and the abundances of small decapod crustaceans decreased in the no-take area, likely indicating cascading effects of increased predation. The study demonstrates that relatively small no-take areas, enhanced by artificial reefs, can rapidly invigorate populations of lobster and fish that in turn may re-initiate local top-down control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Kraufvelin
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Skolgatan 6, 742 42 Öregrund, Sweden
- Åland University of Applied Sciences, PB 1010, AX-22111 Mariehamn, Åland, Finland
| | - Lena Bergström
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Skolgatan 6, 742 42 Öregrund, Sweden
| | - Frida Sundqvist
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Skolgatan 6, 742 42 Öregrund, Sweden
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Coastal Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Yttre Skällåkra 6, 432 65 Väröbacka, Sweden
| | - Mats Ulmestrand
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Havsfiskelaboratoriet, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Turistgatan 5, Box 4, 453 30 Lysekil, Sweden
| | - Håkan Wennhage
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Havsfiskelaboratoriet, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Turistgatan 5, Box 4, 453 30 Lysekil, Sweden
| | - Andreas Wikström
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Havsfiskelaboratoriet, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Turistgatan 5, Box 4, 453 30 Lysekil, Sweden
| | - Ulf Bergström
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Skolgatan 6, 742 42 Öregrund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Marine Noise Effects on Juvenile Sparid Fish Change among Species and Developmental Stages. DIVERSITY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/d15010092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Marine noise is an emerging pollutant inducing a variety of negative impacts on many animal taxa, including fish. Fish population persistence and dynamics rely on the supply of early life stages, which are often very sensitive to disturbance. Impacts of marine noise pollution (MNP) on juvenile fish have rarely been investigated in temperate regions. This is particularly true for the Mediterranean Sea, which is considered as an MNP hotspot due to intensive maritime traffic. In this study, we investigate the relationship between MNP related to boat traffic and (i) assemblage structure and (ii) the density of juvenile fishes (post-settlers at different stages) belonging to the Sparidae family. We quantified MNP produced by boating at four coastal locations in the French Riviera (NW Mediterranean Sea) by linearly combining five variables into a ‘noise index’ (NI): (i) boat visitation, (ii) number of boat passages/hour, (iii) the instantaneous underwater noise levels of passing boats, (iv) continuous boat underwater noise levels and (v) duration of exposure to boat noise. Then, using the NI, we identified an MNP gradient. By using juvenile fish visual censuses (running a total of 1488 counts), we found that (i) the assemblage structure and (ii) the density patterns of three fish species (i.e., Diplodus sargus, D. puntazzo, D. vulgaris) changed along the MNP gradient. Specifically, the density of early D. sargus post-settlers was negatively related to MNP, while late post-settler densities of D. puntazzo and, less evidently, D. vulgaris tended to decrease more rapidly with decreasing MNP. Our findings suggest the following potential impacts of MNP on juvenile sparids related to coastal boat traffic: (i) idiosyncratic effects on density depending on the species and the developmental stage (early vs. late post-settlers); (ii) negative effects on recruitment, due to possible alteration of late post-settlement movement patterns.
Collapse
|
7
|
Assessing the Effect of Full Protection on the Biomass of Ericaria amentacea and Understory Assemblages: Evidence from Two Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas. DIVERSITY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/d15010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Cystoseira sensu lato marine forests, which are among the most productive and diverse systems in rocky intertidal and subtidal habitats of the Mediterranean Sea, are experiencing a widespread decline throughout the basin due to increasing human pressures. Yet it is still unclear whether Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) may represent effective tools for conservation of these important habitat formers and their associated assemblages. Here, we compared the biomass of intertidal stands of Ericaria amentacea (C. Agardh) Molinari and Guiry and their understory assemblages between the no-take zone and control sites in two Mediterranean MPAs. We did not find evidence supporting a significant effect of full protection in increasing the biomass of E. amentacea stands and associated assemblages, except for macroalgae of the understory in one of the investigated MPAs, raising concerns on the potential effectiveness of MPAs in mitigating human impacts on these marine forests. Such findings call for major efforts to implement long-term monitoring programs of protected Cystoseira s.l. forests in order to inform an adaptive management of conservation measures within MPAs and eventually to set active interventions of restoration.
Collapse
|
8
|
Kennon NA, Robertson-Jones A, Jemmett S, Hugh-Jones T, Bell MC, Sanderson WG. Rotational fishing enables biodiversity recovery and provides a model for oyster (Ostrea edulis) habitat restoration. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283345. [PMID: 36989273 PMCID: PMC10058151 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Reefs formed by Ostrea edulis, the European native oyster, are among many biogenic habitats that have declined globally. European oyster habitats are now rare, and undisturbed examples have not been described. As more is understood of the ecosystem services provided by the reefs, oyster restoration efforts are on the rise, becoming a more prominent component of Europe's portfolio of marine conservation practices. It is therefore important to establish the relationship between the development of oyster reefs and their associated biotic community if the biodiversity benefits are to be accurately predicted and the progress of restoration projects assessed. The Loch Ryan oyster fishery in Southwest Scotland is the last of its type and uses a rotational harvest system where different areas are fished each year and then left for six years before they are fished again. This provided an opportunity to study the effect of oyster reef development and biodiversity gain at different stages of habitat recovery. In this study three treatments were surveyed for faunal biodiversity, oyster shell density and oyster shell percentage cover. Treatments were plots that had been harvested one year before, two years before, and six years before the study. The treatments were surveyed with SCUBA using a combination of video transects and photo quadrats. Oyster shell density, oyster shell percent cover and macrofaunal biodiversity differed significantly between treatments, with the highest values observed in the six-year treatment. Shell density was 8.5 times higher in the six-year treatment compared to the one-year treatment, whilst Shannon-Wiener's diversity was 60.5% higher, and Margalef's richness 68.8% higher. Shell density and percent cover had a significant positive relationship with macrofaunal biodiversity. This is probably due to the provision of increased structural complexity in the matrix of live and dead oyster shells. Projecting forward the trend of biodiversity increase in relation to time since disturbance indicates that full recovery would take approximately ten years in which time diversity (Shannon-Wiener) would probably have doubled. The findings from the present study indicate the probable biodiversity benefits of oyster habitat restoration and a cost-effective metric (shell density) to judge progress in restoration projects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naomi A Kennon
- Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Robertson-Jones
- Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian Jemmett
- Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Michael C Bell
- International Centre for Island Technology, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - William G Sanderson
- Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ceccherelli G, Addis P, Atzori F, Cadoni N, Casu M, Coppa S, De Luca M, de Lucia GA, Farina S, Fois N, Frau F, Gazale V, Grech D, Guala I, Mariani M, Marras MSG, Navone A, Pansini A, Panzalis P, Pinna F, Ruiu A, Scarpa F, Piazzi L. Sea urchin harvest inside marine protected areas: an opportunity to investigate the effects of exploitation where trophic upgrading is achieved. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12971. [PMID: 35282273 PMCID: PMC8908888 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Marine protected areas (MPAs) usually have both positive effects of protection for the fisheries' target species and indirect negative effects for sea urchins. Moreover, often in MPAs sea urchin human harvest is restricted, but allowed. This study is aimed at estimating the effect of human harvest of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus within MPAs, where fish exploitation is restricted and its density is already controlled by a higher natural predation risk. The prediction we formulated was that the lowest densities of commercial sea urchins would be found where human harvest is allowed and where the harvest is restricted, compared to where the harvest is forbidden. Methods At this aim, a collaborative database gained across five MPAs in Sardinia (Western Mediterranean, Italy) and areas outside was gathered collecting sea urchin abundance and size data in a total of 106 sites at different degrees of sea urchin exploitation: no, restricted and unrestricted harvest sites (NH, RH and UH, respectively). Furthermore, as estimates made in past monitoring efforts (since 2005) were available for 75 of the sampled sites, for each of the different levels of exploitation, the rate of variation in the total sea urchin density was also estimated. Results Results have highlighted that the lowest sea urchin total and commercial density was found in RH sites, likely for the cumulative effects of human harvest and natural predation. The overall rate of change in sea urchin density over time indicates that only NH conditions promoted the increase of sea urchin abundance and that current local management of the MPAs has driven towards an important regression of populations, by allowing the harvest. Overall, results suggest that complex mechanisms, including synergistic effects between natural biotic interactions and human pressures, may occur on sea urchin populations and the assessment of MPA effects on P. lividus populations would be crucial to guide management decisions on regulating harvest permits. Overall, the need to ban sea urchin harvest in the MPAs to avoid extreme reductions is encouraged, as inside the MPAs sea urchin populations are likely under natural predation pressures for the trophic upgrading.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Ceccherelli
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Farmacia, Universitá di Sassari, Via Piandanna, Sassari, Italy
| | - Piero Addis
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Universitá di Cagliari, Via Fiorelli, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Atzori
- Capo Carbonara –Villasimius Marine Protected Area, Via Roma, Villasimius (CA), Italy
| | - Nicoletta Cadoni
- Capo Carbonara –Villasimius Marine Protected Area, Via Roma, Villasimius (CA), Italy
| | - Marco Casu
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria –Sez. Fisiologia della Nutrizione e Zoologia, Universitá di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Stefania Coppa
- Istituto per lo studio degli Impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (IAS) –Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Loc. Sa Mardini, Torre Grande (OR), Italy
| | - Mario De Luca
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Farmacia, Universitá di Sassari, Via Piandanna, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Andrea de Lucia
- Istituto per lo studio degli Impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (IAS) –Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Loc. Sa Mardini, Torre Grande (OR), Italy
| | - Simone Farina
- IMC –International Marine Centre, Loc. Sa Mardini, Torre Grande, OR, Italy,SZN –Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale Napoli, Italy
| | - Nicola Fois
- Agris –Agricultural Research Agency of Sardinia –Bonassai SS, Sassari, Italy
| | - Francesca Frau
- Capo Carbonara –Villasimius Marine Protected Area, Via Roma, Villasimius (CA), Italy
| | - Vittorio Gazale
- Isola dell’Asinara Marine Protected Area, via Ponte Romano, Porto Torres (SS), Italy
| | - Daniele Grech
- IMC –International Marine Centre, Loc. Sa Mardini, Torre Grande, OR, Italy
| | - Ivan Guala
- IMC –International Marine Centre, Loc. Sa Mardini, Torre Grande, OR, Italy
| | - Mariano Mariani
- Capo Caccia –Isola Piana Marine Protected Area, Loc. Tramariglio SP, Alghero, SS, Italy
| | - Massimo SG Marras
- Penisola del Sinis –Isola di Mal di Ventre Marine Protected Area, Corso Italia, Cabras, OR, Italy
| | - Augusto Navone
- Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area, Via S. Giovanni, Olbia (SS), Italy
| | - Arianna Pansini
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Farmacia, Universitá di Sassari, Via Piandanna, Sassari, Italy
| | - Pieraugusto Panzalis
- Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area, Via S. Giovanni, Olbia (SS), Italy
| | - Federico Pinna
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Farmacia, Universitá di Sassari, Via Piandanna, Sassari, Italy
| | - Alberto Ruiu
- Capo Caccia –Isola Piana Marine Protected Area, Loc. Tramariglio SP, Alghero, SS, Italy
| | - Fabio Scarpa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria –Sez. Fisiologia della Nutrizione e Zoologia, Universitá di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Luigi Piazzi
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Farmacia, Universitá di Sassari, Via Piandanna, Sassari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fraschetti S, Fabbrizzi E, Tamburello L, Uyarra MC, Micheli F, Sala E, Pipitone C, Badalamenti F, Bevilacqua S, Boada J, Cebrian E, Ceccherelli G, Chiantore M, D'Anna G, Di Franco A, Farina S, Giakoumi S, Gissi E, Guala I, Guidetti P, Katsanevakis S, Manea E, Montefalcone M, Sini M, Asnaghi V, Calò A, Di Lorenzo M, Garrabou J, Musco L, Oprandi A, Rilov G, Borja A. An integrated assessment of the Good Environmental Status of Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 305:114370. [PMID: 34968935 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.114370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Local, regional and global targets have been set to halt marine biodiversity loss. Europe has set its own policy targets to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) of marine ecosystems by implementing the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) across member states. We combined an extensive dataset across five Mediterranean ecoregions including 26 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), their reference unprotected areas, and a no-trawl case study. Our aim was to assess if MPAs reach GES, if their effects are local or can be detected at ecoregion level or up to a Mediterranean scale, and which are the ecosystem components driving GES achievement. This was undertaken by using the analytical tool NEAT (Nested Environmental status Assessment Tool), which allows an integrated assessment of the status of marine systems. We adopted an ecosystem approach by integrating data from several ecosystem components: the seagrass Posidonia oceanica, macroalgae, sea urchins and fish. Thresholds to define the GES were set by dedicated workshops and literature review. In the Western Mediterranean, most MPAs are in good/high status, with P. oceanica and fish driving this result within MPAs. However, GES is achieved only at a local level, and the Mediterranean Sea, as a whole, results in a moderate environmental status. Macroalgal forests are overall in bad condition, confirming their status at risk. The results are significantly affected by the assumption that discrete observations over small spatial scales are representative of the total extension investigated. This calls for large-scale, dedicated assessments to realistically detect environmental status changes under different conditions. Understanding MPAs effectiveness in reaching GES is crucial to assess their role as sentinel observatories of marine systems. MPAs and trawling bans can locally contribute to the attainment of GES and to the fulfillment of the MSFD objectives. Building confidence in setting thresholds between GES and non-GES, investing in long-term monitoring, increasing the spatial extent of sampling areas, rethinking and broadening the scope of complementary tools of protection (e.g., Natura 2000 Sites), are indicated as solutions to ameliorate the status of the basin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simonetta Fraschetti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; CoNISMa, Rome, Italy.
| | - Erika Fabbrizzi
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Tamburello
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - María C Uyarra
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia, Portualdea S/n, 20110, Pasaia, Spain
| | - Fiorenza Micheli
- Hopkins Marine Station and Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, United States
| | - Enric Sala
- National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Carlo Pipitone
- CNR-IAS, Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo 4521, 90149, Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabio Badalamenti
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy; CNR-IAS, Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo 4521, 90149, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Jordi Boada
- GrMAR Institut d'Ecologia Aquàtica, Universitat de Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Emma Cebrian
- GrMAR Institut d'Ecologia Aquàtica, Universitat de Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain; Centre d'estudis Avançats de Blanes CEAB-CSIC, Blanes, 17300, Girona, Spain
| | - Giulia Ceccherelli
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, via Piandanna 4, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Chiantore
- DiSTAV, Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giovanni D'Anna
- CNR-IAS, via Giovanni da Verrazzano 17, 91014, Castellammare del Golfo, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Franco
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Sicily, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo, 90149, Palermo, Italy
| | - Simone Farina
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Sylvaine Giakoumi
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Gissi
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, 120 Ocean View Boulevard, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, USA; National Research Council, Institute of Marine Science, CNR ISMAR, Arsenale, Tesa 104 - Castello 2737/F, 30122, Venice, Italy
| | - Ivan Guala
- IMC - International Marine Centre, Loc. Sa Mardini, Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
| | - Paolo Guidetti
- ECOSEAS UMR 7035, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Parc Valrose, 28 Avenue Valrose, 06108, Nice, France; Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn-National Institute of Marine Biology, Ecology and Biotechnology, Genoa Marine Centre, 16126, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stelios Katsanevakis
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean, 81100, Mytilene, Greece
| | - Elisabetta Manea
- Institute of Marine Sciences, National Research Council (ISMAR-CNR), Arsenale, Tesa 104, Castello 2737/F, 30122, Venice, Italy
| | - Monica Montefalcone
- DiSTAV, Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Sini
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean, 81100, Mytilene, Greece
| | - Valentina Asnaghi
- DiSTAV, Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonio Calò
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, via Archirafi 20-22, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Manfredi Di Lorenzo
- Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies, National Research Council (IRBIM-CNR), Via L. Vaccara, Mazara del Vallo 61, 91026, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Musco
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy; Laboratory of Marine Biology and Zoology, DiSTeBA, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Alice Oprandi
- DiSTAV, Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gil Rilov
- National Institute of Oceanography, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (IOLR), PO Box 8030, Haifa, 31080, Israel
| | - Angel Borja
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia, Portualdea S/n, 20110, Pasaia, Spain; King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bevilacqua S, Airoldi L, Ballesteros E, Benedetti-Cecchi L, Boero F, Bulleri F, Cebrian E, Cerrano C, Claudet J, Colloca F, Coppari M, Di Franco A, Fraschetti S, Garrabou J, Guarnieri G, Guerranti C, Guidetti P, Halpern BS, Katsanevakis S, Mangano MC, Micheli F, Milazzo M, Pusceddu A, Renzi M, Rilov G, Sarà G, Terlizzi A. Mediterranean rocky reefs in the Anthropocene: Present status and future concerns. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2021; 89:1-51. [PMID: 34583814 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Global change is striking harder and faster in the Mediterranean Sea than elsewhere, where high levels of human pressure and proneness to climate change interact in modifying the structure and disrupting regulative mechanisms of marine ecosystems. Rocky reefs are particularly exposed to such environmental changes with ongoing trends of degradation being impressive. Due to the variety of habitat types and associated marine biodiversity, rocky reefs are critical for the functioning of marine ecosystems, and their decline could profoundly affect the provision of essential goods and services which human populations in coastal areas rely upon. Here, we provide an up-to-date overview of the status of rocky reefs, trends in human-driven changes undermining their integrity, and current and upcoming management and conservation strategies, attempting a projection on what could be the future of this essential component of Mediterranean marine ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stanislao Bevilacqua
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Rome, Italy.
| | - Laura Airoldi
- Stazione Idrobiologica di Chioggia "Umberto D'Ancona", Dipartimento di Biologia, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Dipartimento di Beni Culturali, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | | | - Lisandro Benedetti-Cecchi
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Biologia, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Boero
- Dipartimento di Biologia, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy; Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy; National Research Council, Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (CNR-IAS), Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabio Bulleri
- Dipartimento di Biologia, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Emma Cebrian
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes-CSIC, Girona, Spain
| | - Carlo Cerrano
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Rome, Italy; Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Joachim Claudet
- National Center for Scientific Research, PSL Université Paris, CRIOBE, USR 3278 CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Maison des Océans, Paris, France
| | - Francesco Colloca
- Department of Integrative Ecology, Stazione Zoologica A. Dohrn-National Institute of Marine Biology, Ecology and Biotechnology, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Coppari
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Franco
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily, Palermo, Italy
| | - Simonetta Fraschetti
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Biologia, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy; Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Joaquim Garrabou
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
| | - Giuseppe Guarnieri
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Guidetti
- National Research Council, Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (CNR-IAS), Genoa, Italy; Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica A. Dohrn-National Institute of Marine Biology, Ecology and Biotechnology, Naples, Italy
| | - Benjamin S Halpern
- National Center for Ecological Analysis & Synthesis, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States; Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | | | - Maria Cristina Mangano
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily, Palermo, Italy
| | - Fiorenza Micheli
- Hopkins Marine Station and Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, United States
| | - Marco Milazzo
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Rome, Italy; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Pusceddu
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Monia Renzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Rome, Italy
| | - Gil Rilov
- National Institute of Oceanography, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, Haifa, Israel
| | - Gianluca Sarà
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Terlizzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Rome, Italy; Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Grorud-Colvert K, Sullivan-Stack J, Roberts C, Constant V, Horta E Costa B, Pike EP, Kingston N, Laffoley D, Sala E, Claudet J, Friedlander AM, Gill DA, Lester SE, Day JC, Gonçalves EJ, Ahmadia GN, Rand M, Villagomez A, Ban NC, Gurney GG, Spalding AK, Bennett NJ, Briggs J, Morgan LE, Moffitt R, Deguignet M, Pikitch EK, Darling ES, Jessen S, Hameed SO, Di Carlo G, Guidetti P, Harris JM, Torre J, Kizilkaya Z, Agardy T, Cury P, Shah NJ, Sack K, Cao L, Fernandez M, Lubchenco J. The MPA Guide: A framework to achieve global goals for the ocean. Science 2021; 373:eabf0861. [PMID: 34516798 DOI: 10.1126/science.abf0861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Grorud-Colvert
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, 3029 Cordley Hall, Corvallis, OR, USA.,Marine Conservation Institute, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Jenna Sullivan-Stack
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, 3029 Cordley Hall, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Callum Roberts
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Vanessa Constant
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, 3029 Cordley Hall, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Barbara Horta E Costa
- Center of Marine Sciences, CCMAR, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal.,School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Elizabeth P Pike
- Marine Protection Atlas, Marine Conservation Institute, Seattle, WA, 98103-9090, USA.,Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy Project, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Washington, DC 20004-2008, USA
| | - Naomi Kingston
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, 3029 Cordley Hall, Corvallis, OR, USA.,UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Dan Laffoley
- IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland.,School of Public Policy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA
| | - Enric Sala
- National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Geography, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-2190, USA
| | - Joachim Claudet
- National Center for Scientific Research, PSL Université Paris, CRIOBE, USR 3278 CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Maison des Océans, 75005 Paris, France.,Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460, USA
| | - Alan M Friedlander
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, USA.,Pristine Seas, National Geography Society, Washington, DC 20036, USA
| | - David A Gill
- Duke University Marine Laboratory, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - Sarah E Lester
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, 3029 Cordley Hall, Corvallis, OR, USA.,Department of Geography, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-2190, USA
| | - Jon C Day
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Emanuel J Gonçalves
- Pristine Seas, National Geography Society, Washington, DC 20036, USA.,Duke University Marine Laboratory, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA.,Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), ISPA-Instituto Universitário, 1149-041 Lisbon, Portugal.,Oceano Azul Foundation, Oceanário de Lisboa, Esplanada D. Carlos I,1990-005 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gabby N Ahmadia
- Ocean Conservation, World Wildlife Fund, Washington, DC 20037, USA.,School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Matt Rand
- IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland.,Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy Project, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Washington, DC 20004-2008, USA
| | - Angelo Villagomez
- IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland.,Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy Project, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Washington, DC 20004-2008, USA
| | - Natalie C Ban
- UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Cambridge, UK.,School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Georgina G Gurney
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Ana K Spalding
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville QLD 4811, Australia.,Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), ISPA-Instituto Universitário, 1149-041 Lisbon, Portugal.,School of Public Policy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama; Coiba Scientific Station (Coiba AIP), Panama City, Panama.,Marine Conservation Institute, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Nathan J Bennett
- National Center for Scientific Research, PSL Université Paris, CRIOBE, USR 3278 CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Maison des Océans, 75005 Paris, France.,The Peopled Seas Initiative, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Johnny Briggs
- Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy Project, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Washington, DC 20004-2008, USA
| | | | - Russell Moffitt
- Marine Protection Atlas, Marine Conservation Institute, Seattle, WA, 98103-9090, USA.,Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy Project, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Washington, DC 20004-2008, USA
| | - Marine Deguignet
- UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ellen K Pikitch
- National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, USA.,School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Emily S Darling
- School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada.,Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460, USA
| | - Sabine Jessen
- Marine Protection Atlas, Marine Conservation Institute, Seattle, WA, 98103-9090, USA.,National Ocean Program, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Ottawa, ON K2P 0A4, Canada
| | - Sarah O Hameed
- The Peopled Seas Initiative, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Blue Parks Program, Marine Conservation Institute, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | | | - Paolo Guidetti
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica A. Dohrn-National Institute of Marine Biology, Ecology and Biotechnology, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy.,National Research Council, Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (CNR-IAS), V16149 Genoa, Italy
| | - Jean M Harris
- Institute for Coastal and Marine Research (CMR), Nelson Mandela University, Gomeroy Avenue, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa
| | - Jorge Torre
- Comunidad y Biodiversidad, A.C. Isla del Peruano 215, Col. Lomas de Miramar, Guaymas, Sonora, 85454, Mexico
| | - Zafer Kizilkaya
- Mediterranean Conservation Society, Bornova, Izmir 35100 Turkey
| | - Tundi Agardy
- Oceano Azul Foundation, Oceanário de Lisboa, Esplanada D. Carlos I,1990-005 Lisbon, Portugal.,Sound Seas, Colrain, MA 01340, USA
| | - Philippe Cury
- Center of Marine Sciences, CCMAR, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal.,MARBEC, Montpellier University, CNRS, IRD, IFREMER, Sète, France
| | - Nirmal J Shah
- School of Public Policy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA.,Nature Seychelles, Centre for Environment and Education, Sanctuary at Roche Caiman, Mahe, Seychelles
| | - Karen Sack
- Ocean Conservation, World Wildlife Fund, Washington, DC 20037, USA.,Ocean Unite, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Ling Cao
- School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 230000, China
| | - Miriam Fernandez
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama; Coiba Scientific Station (Coiba AIP), Panama City, Panama.,Estación Costera de Investigaciones Marinas de Las Cruces and Departmento de Ecología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jane Lubchenco
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, 3029 Cordley Hall, Corvallis, OR, USA.,Marine Conservation Institute, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bertocci I, De Oliveira Martins MI, Meyer HS, Gómez OB, Maggi E, Arenas F. Resurvey of sea urchins and mussels at protected and harvested shores a decade after: A beyond-BACI approach. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 169:105347. [PMID: 33965722 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105347] [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: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Comparing temporal patterns of distribution and abundance of target organisms between protected and harvested shores is essential to assess the extant effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs) and whether it is maintained through time. By means of an adapted Beyond-BACI approach, we compared the short- and long-term patterns of variation in the abundance of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus and the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis at a protected shore (within the Parque Litoral Norte MPA, Portugal) and at three adjacent shores subject to intense harvesting over a decadal interval. Despite the existence of the MPA for more than 30 years, we did not obtain clear evidence of its persistent or recent effectiveness on intertidal species of commercial interest. We suggest the need for refining management options along the northern Portuguese coast, possibly by better enforcing current regulations and reconsidering the present design of protection schemes. Moreover, the adopted analytical approach may represent a methodological reference for similar investigations in systems where the perturbation of interest (protection or disturbance) would not occur at a given time during the course of the study, but has been operating since before the first sampling occasion and maintained until subsequent surveys.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iacopo Bertocci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Derna 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy; Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Marta Isabel De Oliveira Martins
- CIIMAR, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Novo Terminal de Cruzeiros, Avenida General Norton de Matos Sn, P-4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Hugo Sainz Meyer
- CIIMAR, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Novo Terminal de Cruzeiros, Avenida General Norton de Matos Sn, P-4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Oscar Babé Gómez
- CIIMAR, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Novo Terminal de Cruzeiros, Avenida General Norton de Matos Sn, P-4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Elena Maggi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Derna 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francisco Arenas
- CIIMAR, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Novo Terminal de Cruzeiros, Avenida General Norton de Matos Sn, P-4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Rojo I, Anadón JD, García-Charton JA. Exceptionally high but still growing predatory reef fish biomass after 23 years of protection in a Marine Protected Area. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246335. [PMID: 33556064 PMCID: PMC7870052 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) help replenish fish assemblages, though different trophic levels may show diverse recovery patterns. Long-term protection is required to achieve total recovery but poaching events may prevent the achievement of full carrying capacity. Here, we have analysed the effect of long-term protection on the entire reef fish community and the different trophic levels in the Cabo de Palos-Islas Hormigas MPA (SE Spain; SW Mediterranean Sea) in order to assess their recovery patterns after 23 years of protection. We compared the values for carrying capacity obtained with the maximum values achieved at regional scale, and we assessed the effect of a reduction in the surveillance over a few years, during which poaching events increased, on the recovery patterns. We found that, overall, biomass of fishes increased with time while density diminished. In particular, piscivorous and macro-invertivore fish increased while the other trophic groups remained constant or declined, suggesting top-down processes. For the entire study period, those trophic groups were approaching carrying capacity; however, when accounting only for the period in which enforcement was high and constant, they grew exponentially, indicating that full carrying capacity may have not been achieved yet. When compared to other Mediterranean MPAs, the Cabo de Palos-Islas Hormigas MPA showed values for biomass that were disproportionately higher, suggesting that local factors, such as habitat structure and associated oceanographic processes, may be responsible for the dynamics found. Our results help to understand the potential trajectories of fish assemblages over a consolidated MPA and highlight empirically how the reduction of surveillance in a period may change the recovery patterns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Rojo
- Departamento de Ecología e Hidrología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Daniel Anadón
- Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Perkins NR, Prall M, Chakraborty A, White JW, Baskett ML, Morgan SG. Quantifying the statistical power of monitoring programs for marine protected areas. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2021; 31:e2215. [PMID: 32767487 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2215] [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: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are increasingly established globally as a spatial management tool to aid in conservation and fisheries management objectives. Assessing whether MPAs are having the desired effects on populations requires effective monitoring programs. A cornerstone of an effective monitoring program is an assessment of the statistical power of sampling designs to detect changes when they occur. We present a novel approach to power assessment that combines spatial point process models, integral projection models (IPMs) and sampling simulations to assess the power of different sample designs across a network of MPAs. We focus on the use of remotely operated vehicle (ROV) video cameras as the sampling method, though the results could be extended to other sampling methods. We use empirical data from baseline surveys of an example indicator fish species across three MPAs in California, USA as a case study. Spatial models simulated time series of spatial distributions across sites that accounted for the effects of environmental covariates, while IPMs simulated expected trends over time in abundances and sizes of fish. We tested the power of different levels of sampling effort (i.e., the number of 500-m ROV transects) and temporal replication (every 1-3 yr) to detect expected post-MPA changes in fish abundance and biomass. We found that changes in biomass are detectable earlier than changes in abundance. We also found that detectability of MPA effects was higher in sites with higher initial densities. Increasing the sampling effort had a greater effect than increasing sampling frequency on the time taken to achieve high power. High power was best achieved by combining data from multiple sites. Our approach provides a powerful tool to explore the interaction between sampling effort, spatial distributions, population dynamics, and metrics for detecting change in previously fished populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R Perkins
- Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute, University of California, Davis, California, 95616, USA
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Marine Region, Eureka, California, 95501, USA
- Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, Tasmania, 7053, Australia
| | - Michael Prall
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Marine Region, Eureka, California, 95501, USA
| | - Avishek Chakraborty
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 72701, USA
| | - J Wilson White
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Newport, Oregon, 97365, USA
| | - Marissa L Baskett
- Department of Environmental Science & Policy, University of California, Davis, California, 95616, USA
| | - Steven G Morgan
- Department of Environmental Science & Policy, University of California, Davis, California, 95616, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Colletti A, Savinelli B, Di Muzio G, Rizzo L, Tamburello L, Fraschetti S, Musco L, Danovaro R. The date mussel Lithophaga lithophaga: Biology, ecology and the multiple impacts of its illegal fishery. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 744:140866. [PMID: 32674023 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140866] [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: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The date mussel Lithophaga lithophaga is an edible endolithic bivalve, protected by the EU Habitats Directive and other international agreements, living inside carbonate rocks. Its illegal harvesting is carried by breaking the rocks where the bivalve grows. The impact has cascade consequences as it causes permanent changes in the substrate characteristics, the removal of benthic species, a shift from highly complex to structurally simplified habitats. As a result, the rich biodiversity of rocky reefs turns into a biological desert, named "barren". Along with the over exploitation of fish, this practice leads to the increase of sea urchin density and grazing pressure on habitats, hampering the resilience of the associated biodiversity and functions. This paper summarizes the information on date mussel biology, ecology, ecotoxicology, fishery and the legal framework regulating its protection. Evidence indicates that illegal harvesting is still operated and widespread along the Mediterranean and has huge costs in terms of loss of natural capital and ecosystem services, and in terms of active ecological restoration. Two case study areas (the Sorrento and Salento peninsulas) were selected to assess the economic costs of this practice. Tangible economic costs in terms of ecosystems services' loss are huge (from ca. 35,000 to more than 400,000 euros/year in 6.6 km of Sorrento and ca. 1.8 million euros/year along the 69 km of Salento). These costs are, on average, ca. 30 times lower than those of ecosystem restoration. Data mining from websites indicates that date mussels are presently commercialized in hundreds of restaurants in Greece, Balkan countries, Spain and Italy, favoured also by the lack of appropriate consumer information. This practice should be controlled and contrasted at local scale, enforced by national legislations, and implemented by transnational initiatives. Social campaigns are needed to increase public awareness of the serious consequences of date-mussel fishery and consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Colletti
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Beatrice Savinelli
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Giorgia Di Muzio
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Torino, Italy
| | - Lucia Rizzo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Tamburello
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Ischia Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Punta San Pietro, 80077 Ischia, Naples, Italy
| | - Simonetta Fraschetti
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121 Naples, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Musco
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121 Naples, Italy.
| | - Roberto Danovaro
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121 Naples, Italy; Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Di Franco E, Pierson P, Di Iorio L, Calò A, Cottalorda JM, Derijard B, Di Franco A, Galvé A, Guibbolini M, Lebrun J, Micheli F, Priouzeau F, Risso-de Faverney C, Rossi F, Sabourault C, Spennato G, Verrando P, Guidetti P. Effects of marine noise pollution on Mediterranean fishes and invertebrates: A review. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 159:111450. [PMID: 32892911 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Marine noise pollution (MNP) can cause a multitude of impacts on many organisms, but information is often scattered and general outcomes difficult to assess. We have reviewed the literature on MNP impacts on Mediterranean fish and invertebrates. Both chronic and acute MNP produced by various human activities - e.g. maritime traffic, pile driving, air guns - were found to cause detectable effects on intra-specific communication, vital processes, physiology, behavioral patterns, health status and survival. These effects on individuals can extend to inducing population- and ecosystem-wide alterations, especially when MNP impacts functionally important species, such as keystone predators and habitat forming species. Curbing the threats of MNP in the Mediterranean Sea is a challenging task, but a variety of measures could be adopted to mitigate MNP impacts. Successful measures will require more accurate information on impacts and that effective management of MNP really becomes a priority in the policy makers' agenda.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Di Franco
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Nice, France.
| | - P Pierson
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Nice, France
| | - L Di Iorio
- CHORUS Institute, Phelma Minatec, 38016 Grenoble, France; Foundation of the Grenoble Institute of Technology, 38031 Grenoble, France
| | - A Calò
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Nice, France; Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 20-22, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - J M Cottalorda
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Nice, France
| | - B Derijard
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Nice, France
| | - A Di Franco
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Nice, France; Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Sicily, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo (complesso Roosevelt), 90149 Palermo, Italy
| | - A Galvé
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, IRD, Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur, Géoazur, Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - M Guibbolini
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Nice, France
| | - J Lebrun
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7271 I3S, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - F Micheli
- Hopkins Marine Station and Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
| | - F Priouzeau
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Nice, France
| | | | - F Rossi
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Nice, France
| | - C Sabourault
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Nice, France
| | - G Spennato
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Nice, France
| | - P Verrando
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV, INSERM U1091 - CNRS UMR7277), Nice, France
| | - P Guidetti
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Nice, France; CoNISMa (National Interuniversitary Consortium of Marine Sciences), P.le Flaminio 9, 00196 Rome, Italy; Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - National Institute of Marine Biology, Ecology and Biotechnology, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Mediterranean Shallow Coastal Fish Communities along a Gradient of Marine Protection. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12061537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The importance of habitat factors in designing marine reserves and evaluating their performance over time has been regularly documented. Over three biennial sampling periods, we examined the effects of vegetated coverage and habitat diversity (i.e., patchiness) on fish density, community composition, and species-specific patterns along a gradient of protection from harvest in the shallow Spanish southern Mediterranean, including portions of the Tabarca marine reserve. With the exception of two herbivores (Sarpa salpa and Symphodus tinca), vegetated cover did not significantly affect fish densities, while habitat diversity was an influential factor across all three sampling periods. Overall, fish density was more positively associated with more continuous vegetated or unvegetated habitats, and was greatest in areas of highest protection (Tabarca II – Isla Nao site). These patterns were usually observed for four abundant fish species (Boops boops, Chromis chromis, Oblada melanura, and S. salpa). Fish community composition was distinct in the most protected portion of the Tabarca reserve, where it was also most stable. Our findings align with previous investigations of the Tabarca reserve and its surrounding areas, and demonstrate its continued effectiveness in conserving fish biomass and habitat. Together with effective management, marine reserves can facilitate greater species abundance, more stable biological communities, and resilient ecosystems.
Collapse
|
19
|
Melià P, Casagrandi R, Di Franco A, Guidetti P, Gatto M. Protection reveals density-dependent dynamics in fish populations: A case study in the central Mediterranean. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228604. [PMID: 32012196 PMCID: PMC6996820 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Casting light on how the interaction between protection and density dependence affects fish population dynamics is critical for understanding the effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs). We developed a framework based on nonparametric statistics, model selection and multi-model inference to contrast alternative hypotheses about the effect of density dependence on demographic dynamics under protected and unprotected conditions. We trialed it using a 12-year long time series of white seabream (Diplodus sargus sargus) population density within the no-take zone of Torre Guaceto MPA (Italy) and at two nearby unprotected locations. Then, we showed how the demographic models obtained can be used to assess the consequences of protection on population viability. Population dynamics were significantly influenced by fish density within the MPA and at one of the unprotected locations, where demography is possibly driven by directional recruitment subsidy from the MPA. The comparison of population growth rates within and outside the MPA suggests that in unprotected conditions the fishery may remove a fraction between 40 and 70% of the population each year. The population viability analysis pointed out that, while the probability that the population becomes depleted (i.e. undergoes a local, temporary quasi-extinction) is high in unprotected locations, it is negligible within the no-take zone of the MPA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paco Melià
- Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Renato Casagrandi
- Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Franco
- Dipartimento Ecologia Marina Integrata, Sede Interdipartimentale della Sicilia, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo (complesso Roosevelt), Palermo, Italy
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Nice, France
| | - Paolo Guidetti
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Nice, France
- CoNISMa, Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Roma, Italy
| | - Marino Gatto
- Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Boudouresque CF, Verlaque M. Paracentrotus lividus. DEVELOPMENTS IN AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-819570-3.00026-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
|
21
|
Medrano A, Linares C, Aspillaga E, Capdevila P, Montero-Serra I, Pagès-Escolà M, Zabala M, Hereu B. Long-term monitoring of temperate macroalgal assemblages inside and outside a No take marine reserve. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 153:104826. [PMID: 31703945 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.104826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Macroalgal communities have an essential role in the shallow benthic habitats of temperate seas, where changes in their composition can resonate through entire coastal ecosystems. As all major ecosystems on Earth, algal beds have already been affected by multiple disturbances. Passive conservation tools, such as marine protected areas or No-take zones, have the potential to reduce some of the anthropogenic impacts by limiting human activity. However, without a good knowledge of the natural community dynamics, it is not easy to discern between changes fruit of the intrinsic variability of biological communities and the ones caused by human-related stressors. In this study, we evaluated the natural variability of macroalgal communities' composition inside and outside a Mediterranean No-Take marine reserve during 15 years. We described their temporal dynamics considering their main drivers and we tested the effect of protection in seaweed beds. We did not find differences either in the composition of the macroalgal assemblages or the total algal cover between protected and non-protected locations over the fifteen years of study. Nevertheless, we observed a positive effect of the protection increasing the cover of some specific species, such as the canopy-forming Treptacantha elegans. Our results highlight the importance of obtaining long-term data in ecological studies to better understand the natural variability of marine communities. Accordingly, a robust understanding of the community dynamics would help us to avoid misinterpretations between 'impacted' or 'in-recovery' communities when recovery times are longer than the study periods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alba Medrano
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Cristina Linares
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eneko Aspillaga
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Marine Ecology, Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats, IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), C/Miquel Marquès 21, 07190, Esporles, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Pol Capdevila
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Zoology, Oxford University, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK
| | - Ignasi Montero-Serra
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Pagès-Escolà
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mikel Zabala
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bernat Hereu
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Giakoumi S, Pey A, Thiriet P, Francour P, Guidetti P. Patterns of predation on native and invasive alien fish in Mediterranean protected and unprotected areas. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 150:104792. [PMID: 31557709 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.104792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, the loss of predatory fish due to overexploitation has altered the structure of native communities and caused ecosystem shifts. Ecosystems deprived of high-level predators may be more vulnerable to invasive alien species as the latter are subject to reduced predation control. Marine protected areas (MPAs), and particularly no-take reserves where fishing is banned, can be effective tools for the restoration of predatory relationships within their boundaries. We explored whether the restoration of high-level predatory fish populations within Mediterranean MPAs can exert top-down control on alien fish. Fish tethering experiments, including native (Sardina pilchardus, Boops boops) and alien (Siganus rivulatus) dead specimens, were conducted to quantify predation within the no-take zones of three MPAs and in unprotected areas, and to assess potential differences in predation rates and prey type preferences. A subsample of experimental units was filmed to document predation events and related fish behaviour. More high-level predators interacted with the tethered fish inside the MPAs than in unprotected areas. Yet we did not find significant differences in the consumption of alien or native fishes between MPAs and unprotected areas. The native S. pilchardus was consumed more in comparison to the other tethered fishes, regardless of protection status and location. Interestingly, the alien S. rivulatus was consumed by native predators in the western Mediterranean locations where this alien fish is not established. Despite its limitations, our study provides evidence on the ability of some native predators to feed on and potentially control certain alien species without requiring 'adaptive' time-lag periods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvaine Giakoumi
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Parc Valrose, 28 Avenue Valrose, 06108, Nice, France; ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Alexis Pey
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Parc Valrose, 28 Avenue Valrose, 06108, Nice, France; THALASSA Marine research & Environmental awareness, 17 rue Gutenberg, 06000, Nice, France
| | - Pierre Thiriet
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, UMR 7208 BOREA, Station Marine de Dinard - CRESCO, 38 Rue du Port Blanc, 35800, Dinard, France; Research Unit Biology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems (UMR 7208 BOREA) Sorbonne Universités, MNHN, UPMC, UCN, UA, CNRS, IRD - 43 Rue Cuvier, CP26, 75005, Paris, France; UMS 2006 Patrimoine Naturel - Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CRESCO, 38 Rue du Port Blanc, 35800, Dinard, France
| | - Patrice Francour
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Parc Valrose, 28 Avenue Valrose, 06108, Nice, France
| | - Paolo Guidetti
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Parc Valrose, 28 Avenue Valrose, 06108, Nice, France; Consorzio Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, CoNISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Riquelme-Pérez N, Musrri CA, Stotz WB, Cerda O, Pino-Olivares O, Thiel M. Coastal fish assemblages and predation pressure in northern-central Chilean Lessonia trabeculata kelp forests and barren grounds. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6964. [PMID: 31223523 PMCID: PMC6571002 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Kelp forests are declining in many parts of the globe, which can lead to the spreading of barren grounds. Increased abundances of grazers, mainly due to reduction of their predators, are among the causes of this development. Here, we compared the species richness (SR), frequency of occurrence (FO), and maximum abundance (MaxN) of predatory fish and their predation pressure between kelp forest and barren ground habitats of northern-central Chile. Sampling was done using baited underwater cameras with vertical and horizontal orientation. Two prey organisms were used as tethered baits, the black sea urchin Tetrapygus niger and the porcelanid crab Petrolisthes laevigatus. SR did not show major differences between habitats, while FO and MaxN were higher on barren grounds in vertical videos, with no major differences between habitats in horizontal videos. Predation pressure did not differ between habitats, but after 24 h consumption of porcelanid crabs was significantly higher than that of sea urchins. Scartichthys viridis/gigas was the main predator, accounting for 82% of the observed predation events on Petrolisthes laevigatus. Most of these attacks occurred on barren grounds. Scartichthys viridis/gigas was the only fish observed attacking (but not consuming) tethered sea urchins. High abundances of opportunistic predators (Scartichthys viridis/gigas) are probably related to low abundances of large predatory fishes. These results suggest that intense fishing activity on large predators, and their resulting low abundances, could result in low predation pressure on sea urchins, thereby contributing to the increase of T. niger abundances in subtidal rocky habitats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Catalina A Musrri
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Wolfgang B Stotz
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Osvaldo Cerda
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Oscar Pino-Olivares
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Martin Thiel
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile.,Millennium Nucleus Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Island (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile.,Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Coquimbo, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Cheng BS, Altieri AH, Torchin ME, Ruiz GM. Can marine reserves restore lost ecosystem functioning? A global synthesis. Ecology 2019; 100:e02617. [DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian S. Cheng
- Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network Smithsonian Institution Washington District of Columbia 20013 USA
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Edgewater Maryland 21037 USA
- Department of Environmental Conservation University of Massachusetts Amherst Massachusetts 01003 USA
| | - Andrew H. Altieri
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Apartado 0843‐03092 Balboa Republic of Panama
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences University of Florida Gainesville Florida 32611 USA
| | - Mark E. Torchin
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Apartado 0843‐03092 Balboa Republic of Panama
| | - Gregory M. Ruiz
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Edgewater Maryland 21037 USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Dunn RP, Hovel KA. Experiments reveal limited top-down control of key herbivores in southern California kelp forests. Ecology 2019; 100:e02625. [PMID: 30648729 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Predator responses to gradients in prey density have important implications for population regulation and are a potential structuring force for subtidal marine communities, particularly on rocky reefs where herbivorous sea urchins can drive community state shifts. On rocky reefs in southern California where predatory sea otters have been extirpated, top-down control of sea urchins by alternative predators has been hypothesized but rarely tested experimentally. In laboratory feeding assays, predatory spiny lobsters (Panulirus interruptus) demonstrated a saturating functional response to urchin prey, whereby urchin proportional mortality was inversely density-dependent. In field experiments on rocky reefs near San Diego, California, predators (primarily the labrid fish California sheephead, Semicossyphus pulcher) inflicted highly variable mortality on purple urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) prey across all density levels. However, at low to moderate densities commonly observed within kelp forests, purple urchin mortality increased to a peak at a density of ~11 urchins/m2 . Above that level, at densities typical of urchin barrens, purple urchin mortality was density-independent. When larger red urchins (Mesocentrotus franciscanus) were offered to predators simultaneously with purple urchins, mortality was density-independent. Underwater videography revealed a positive relationship between purple urchin density and both the number and richness of fish predators, but these correlations were not observed when red urchins were present. Our results demonstrate highly variable mortality rates across prey densities in this system and suggest that top-down control of urchins can occur only under limited circumstances. Our findings provide insight into the dynamics of alternate community states observed on rocky reefs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Dunn
- Department of Biology, Coastal and Marine Institute, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, 92182, USA
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California Davis, Davis, California, 95616, USA
| | - Kevin A Hovel
- Department of Biology, Coastal and Marine Institute, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, 92182, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Medrano A, Linares C, Aspillaga E, Capdevila P, Montero-Serra I, Pagès-Escolà M, Hereu B. No-take marine reserves control the recovery of sea urchin populations after mass mortality events. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 145:147-154. [PMID: 30862382 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how no-take zones (NTZs) shape the population dynamics of key herbivores is crucial for the conservation and management of temperate benthic communities. Here, we examine the recovery patterns of sea urchin populations following a high-intensity storm under contrasting protection regimes in the NW Mediterranean Sea. We found significant differences in the recovery trends of Paracentrotus lividus abundance and biomass in the five years following the storm. The P. lividus populations outside the NTZ recovered faster than the populations inside the NTZ, revealing that predation was the main factor controlling the sea urchin populations inside the NTZ during the study period. Arbacia lixula reached the highest abundance and biomass values ever observed outside the NTZ in 2016. Our findings reveal that predation can control the establishment of new sea urchin populations and emphasize top-down control in NTZs, confirming the important role of fully protected areas in the structure of benthic communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alba Medrano
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Avda Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Cristina Linares
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Avda Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eneko Aspillaga
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Avda Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pol Capdevila
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Avda Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Zoology, Oxford University, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK
| | - Ignasi Montero-Serra
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Avda Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Pagès-Escolà
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Avda Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bernat Hereu
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Avda Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Giakoumi S, Pey A, Di Franco A, Francour P, Kizilkaya Z, Arda Y, Raybaud V, Guidetti P. Exploring the relationships between marine protected areas and invasive fish in the world's most invaded sea. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 29:e01809. [PMID: 30325075 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 07/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are an essential tool for marine biodiversity conservation. Yet, their effectiveness in protecting marine ecosystems from global stressors is debated. Biological invasions are a major driver of global change, causing biodiversity loss and altering ecosystem functioning. Here, we explored the relationships between MPAs and alien/native range-expanding fishes in the Mediterranean Sea, the world's most invaded sea. We surveyed fish and benthic communities in nine MPAs and adjacent unprotected areas across six countries. In the South and Eastern Mediterranean MPAs, the biomass of alien and native range-expanding fishes often exceeded 50% of the total fish biomass. Conversely, in the North and Western Mediterranean, alien fishes were absent. A negative relationship was found between native and alien species richness. Average and minimum sea surface temperature (SST) over six consecutive years were positively correlated with the total biomass of alien species; no alien fishes were recorded below 20.5°C average SST and 13.8°C minimum SST. We also found a negative relationship between alien fishes' biomass and the distance from the Suez Canal, which is the main pathway for the introduction of alien fish in the Mediterranean Sea. The biomass of alien and native range-expanding fishes was found to be higher in the South and Eastern Mediterranean MPAs than in adjacent unprotected areas. The association of barrens (rocky reefs deprived of vegetation) and invasive herbivores was observed at all eastern sites, regardless of protection status. Currently, the level of fishing pressure exerted on alien and native range-expanding fishes seems to be the most influential factor determining the lower biomass of invasive fishes at unprotected sites compared to MPAs. Our findings suggest that complementary management actions, such as species-targeted removals, should be taken in MPAs to effectively control invasive fish populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvaine Giakoumi
- CNRS, FRE 3729 ECOMERS, Université Côte d'Azur, Parc Valrose 28, Avenue Valrose, 06108, Nice, France
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alexis Pey
- CNRS, FRE 3729 ECOMERS, Université Côte d'Azur, Parc Valrose 28, Avenue Valrose, 06108, Nice, France
| | - Antonio Di Franco
- CNRS, FRE 3729 ECOMERS, Université Côte d'Azur, Parc Valrose 28, Avenue Valrose, 06108, Nice, France
- Consorzio Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, CoNISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrice Francour
- CNRS, FRE 3729 ECOMERS, Université Côte d'Azur, Parc Valrose 28, Avenue Valrose, 06108, Nice, France
| | - Zafer Kizilkaya
- Mediterranean Conservation Society, Doga Park Villas No:16 Kalabak Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Virginie Raybaud
- CNRS, FRE 3729 ECOMERS, Université Côte d'Azur, Parc Valrose 28, Avenue Valrose, 06108, Nice, France
| | - Paolo Guidetti
- CNRS, FRE 3729 ECOMERS, Université Côte d'Azur, Parc Valrose 28, Avenue Valrose, 06108, Nice, France
- Consorzio Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, CoNISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Macroalgal forests and sea urchin barrens: Structural complexity loss, fisheries exploitation and catastrophic regime shifts. ECOLOGICAL COMPLEXITY 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecocom.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
29
|
Vitale RM, D'Aniello E, Gorbi S, Martella A, Silvestri C, Giuliani ME, Fellous T, Gentile A, Carbone M, Cutignano A, Grauso L, Magliozzi L, Polese G, D'Aniello B, Defranoux F, Felline S, Terlizzi A, Calignano A, Regoli F, Di Marzo V, Amodeo P, Mollo E. Fishing for Targets of Alien Metabolites: A Novel Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) Agonist from a Marine Pest. Mar Drugs 2018; 16:md16110431. [PMID: 30400299 PMCID: PMC6267082 DOI: 10.3390/md16110431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the chemical warfare between invasive and native species has become a central problem in invasion biology, the molecular mechanisms by which bioactive metabolites from invasive pests influence local communities remain poorly characterized. This study demonstrates that the alkaloid caulerpin (CAU)-a bioactive component of the green alga Caulerpa cylindracea that has invaded the entire Mediterranean basin-is an agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Our interdisciplinary study started with the in silico prediction of the ligand-protein interaction, which was then validated by in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro assays. On the basis of these results, we candidate CAU as a causal factor of the metabolic and behavioural disorders observed in Diplodus sargus, a native edible fish of high ecological and commercial relevance, feeding on C. cylindracea. Moreover, given the considerable interest in PPAR activators for the treatment of relevant human diseases, our findings are also discussed in terms of a possible nutraceutical/pharmacological valorisation of the invasive algal biomasses, supporting an innovative strategy for conserving biodiversity as an alternative to unrealistic campaigns for the eradication of invasive pests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Maria Vitale
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy.
| | - Enrico D'Aniello
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy.
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy.
| | - Stefania Gorbi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Andrea Martella
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy.
| | - Cristoforo Silvestri
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy.
- Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Maria Elisa Giuliani
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Tariq Fellous
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Gentile
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy.
| | - Marianna Carbone
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy.
| | - Adele Cutignano
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy.
| | - Laura Grauso
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy.
- Department of Agriculture, University of Naples "Federico II", 80055 Portici, Italy.
| | - Laura Magliozzi
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80126 Naples, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Polese
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80126 Naples, Italy.
| | - Biagio D'Aniello
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80126 Naples, Italy.
| | - Fanny Defranoux
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy.
| | - Serena Felline
- The National Interuniversity Consortium For Marine Sciences (CoNISMa), 00198 Rome, Italy.
- Department of Life sciences, University of Trieste, 34128 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Antonio Terlizzi
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Naples, Italy.
- The National Interuniversity Consortium For Marine Sciences (CoNISMa), 00198 Rome, Italy.
- Department of Life sciences, University of Trieste, 34128 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Antonio Calignano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Francesco Regoli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy.
- Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Pietro Amodeo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy.
| | - Ernesto Mollo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Bertocci I, Blanco A, Franco JN, Fernández-Boo S, Arenas F. Short-term variation of abundance of the purple sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck, 1816), subject to harvesting in northern Portugal. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 141:247-254. [PMID: 30249457 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Paracentrotus lividus is a common and intensely harvested sea urchin at several European locations, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula. The increasing human pressure on this resource due to the growing demand and market value of sea urchin gonads as seafood raises concerns on the ecological sustainability of present fisheries, which are showing a technological improvement and an expansion towards previously non-harvested areas. We examined the abundance of P. lividus of both commercial and non-commercial size before, during and after the harvesting season (from October to April) in the rocky shallow subtidal habitat along the northern Portuguese coast. The abundance of commercial (≥50 mm in test diameter) P. lividus individuals increased in the harvesting season, but drastically dropped by about 90% in the after-harvesting period. Such a pattern was consistent among three rocky shores spanning about 65 km of coast. The multivariate population structure and most size classes of non-commercial sea urchins did not differ depending on the period. The only exception was Class 4 (test diameter between 30 and 40 mm), which was more abundant in the harvesting than in the before- and, further, the after-harvesting period, but only at one shore. Very small (Class 1, test diameter below 10 mm) urchins were never found. The present findings suggest that human harvesting may cause considerable reductions in the abundance of target P. lividus, but that such an effect would not be evident concomitantly with harvesting, but in the subsequent period. Even if just under a precautionary principle, protection strategies focused on sea urchin populations and the harvesting period are advisable to contribute to maintain a sustainable local fishery of P. lividus populations that are likely to be negatively affected also by other natural and anthropogenic perturbations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iacopo Bertocci
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy; Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - Andreu Blanco
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Matosinhos, Portugal; Departamento de Ecología y Biología Animal, Universidad de Vigo, Campus As Lagoas-Marcosende, Vigo (Pontevedra), Spain
| | - João Nuno Franco
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Sergio Fernández-Boo
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Francisco Arenas
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Matosinhos, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Félix-Hackradt FC, Hackradt CW, Treviño-Otón J, Pérez-Ruzafa Á, García-Charton JA. Effect of marine protected areas on distinct fish life-history stages. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 140:200-209. [PMID: 29945731 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The role of Marine Protected Areas on distinct life stages of Mediterranean reef fish species (classified on the basis of their economic value and mobility categories) was assessed in a network of marine reserves in SE Spain. Only abundance and biomass of adult of both commercial and demersal species were positively affected by protection. Gradients across reserve boundaries (as a clue to the occurrence of spillover) were observed for fish abundance but not for biomass, indicating a protected fish assemblage with a predominance of small-sized individuals. Also, post-larvae of commercial species were negatively related to protected zones. Active selection of settlement preferred habitats, larval accumulation favoured by the geomorphological configuration of the coast or mixed effects has been proposed as possible explanations. Juveniles showed high spatial variability resulting in a lack of response to fishing protection measures. We highlight the need of including early life stages and overall suitable habitats for them when designing MPA networks due to the crucial importance of these stages to successful fulfillment of MPA objectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana C Félix-Hackradt
- Department of Ecology and Hydrology, University of Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Carlos W Hackradt
- Department of Ecology and Hydrology, University of Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Jorge Treviño-Otón
- Department of Ecology and Hydrology, University of Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Ángel Pérez-Ruzafa
- Department of Ecology and Hydrology, University of Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - José A García-Charton
- Department of Ecology and Hydrology, University of Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Farina S, Quattrocchi G, Guala I, Cucco A. Hydrodynamic patterns favouring sea urchin recruitment in coastal areas: A Mediterranean study case. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 139:182-192. [PMID: 29804786 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
In invertebrate fisheries, sea urchin harvesting continues to grow with dramatic consequences for benthic ecosystems. The identification of areas with a marked natural recruitment and the mechanisms regulating it is crucial for the conservation of benthic communities and for planning the sustainable harvesting. This study evaluates the spatial distribution and density of recruits of the edible sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus along the Sinis + Peninsula (Sardinia) and explores its significant relationships with the local oceanographic features. Our results reveal that recruitment is favoured in areas with slow currents and high levels of confinement and trapping of the water masses. Analysis of the residual circulation indicates that the presence of local standing circulation structures promotes the sea urchin recruitment process. Our findings emphasize the importance of managing local sea urchin harvesting as a system of populations with their demographic influence mainly dependent on the most important ecological driver that is the recruitment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Farina
- IMC - International Marine Centre, Loc. Sa Mardini, Torre Grande, 09170, Oristano, Italy.
| | - G Quattrocchi
- IAMC - Institute for Coastal Marine Environment, CNR - National Research Council of Italy, Loc. Sa Mardini, Torre Grande, 09170, Oristano, Italy
| | - I Guala
- IMC - International Marine Centre, Loc. Sa Mardini, Torre Grande, 09170, Oristano, Italy
| | - A Cucco
- IAMC - Institute for Coastal Marine Environment, CNR - National Research Council of Italy, Loc. Sa Mardini, Torre Grande, 09170, Oristano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Alonso Aller E, Jiddawi NS, Eklöf JS. Marine protected areas increase temporal stability of community structure, but not density or diversity, of tropical seagrass fish communities. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183999. [PMID: 28854231 PMCID: PMC5576671 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine protected areas (MPAs) have been shown to increase long-term temporal stability of fish communities and enhance ecosystem resilience to anthropogenic disturbance. Yet, the potential ability of MPAs to buffer effects of environmental variability at shorter time scales remains widely unknown. In the tropics, the yearly monsoon cycle is a major natural force affecting marine organisms in tropical regions, and its timing and severity are predicted to change over the coming century, with potentially severe effects on marine organisms, ecosystems and ecosystem services. Here, we assessed the ability of MPAs to buffer effects of monsoon seasonality on seagrass-associated fish communities, using a field survey in two MPAs (no-take zones) and two unprotected (open-access) sites around Zanzibar (Tanzania). We assessed the temporal stability of fish density and community structure within and outside MPAs during three monsoon seasons in 2014–2015, and investigated several possible mechanisms that could regulate temporal stability. Our results show that MPAs did not affect fish density and diversity, but that juvenile fish densities were temporally more stable within MPAs. Second, fish community structure was more stable within MPAs for juvenile and adult fish, but not for subadult fish or the total fish community. Third, the observed effects may be due to a combination of direct and indirect (seagrass-mediated) effects of seasonality and, potentially, fluctuating fishing pressure outside MPAs. In summary, these MPAs may not have the ability to enhance fish density and diversity and to buffer effects of monsoon seasonality on the whole fish community. However, they may increase the temporal stability of certain groups, such as juvenile fish. Consequently, our results question whether MPAs play a general role in the maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning under changing environmental conditions in tropical seagrass fish communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Alonso Aller
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Narriman S Jiddawi
- Institute of Marine Sciences, Dar es Salaam University, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Johan S Eklöf
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Giakoumi S, Scianna C, Plass-Johnson J, Micheli F, Grorud-Colvert K, Thiriet P, Claudet J, Di Carlo G, Di Franco A, Gaines SD, García-Charton JA, Lubchenco J, Reimer J, Sala E, Guidetti P. Ecological effects of full and partial protection in the crowded Mediterranean Sea: a regional meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8940. [PMID: 28827603 PMCID: PMC5566470 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08850-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a cornerstone of marine conservation. Globally, the number and coverage of MPAs are increasing, but MPA implementation lags in many human-dominated regions. In areas with intense competition for space and resources, evaluation of the effects of MPAs is crucial to inform decisions. In the human-dominated Mediterranean Sea, fully protected areas occupy only 0.04% of its surface. We evaluated the impacts of full and partial protection on biomass and density of fish assemblages, some commercially important fishes, and sea urchins in 24 Mediterranean MPAs. We explored the relationships between the level of protection and MPA size, age, and enforcement. Results revealed significant positive effects of protection for fisheries target species and negative effects for urchins as their predators benefited from protection. Full protection provided stronger effects than partial protection. Benefits of full protection for fish biomass were only correlated with the level of MPA enforcement; fish density was higher in older, better enforced, and —interestingly— smaller MPAs. Our finding that even small, well-enforced, fully protected areas can have significant ecological effects is encouraging for “crowded” marine environments. However, more data are needed to evaluate sufficient MPA sizes for protecting populations of species with varying mobility levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvaine Giakoumi
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, FRE 3729 ECOMERS, Parc Valrose, 28 Avenue Valrose, 06108, Nice, France. .,ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Claudia Scianna
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, FRE 3729 ECOMERS, Parc Valrose, 28 Avenue Valrose, 06108, Nice, France
| | - Jeremiah Plass-Johnson
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, FRE 3729 ECOMERS, Parc Valrose, 28 Avenue Valrose, 06108, Nice, France.,Centre for Ocean Life, National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU-Aqua), Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Fiorenza Micheli
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, USA
| | | | - Pierre Thiriet
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, UMR 7208 BOREA, Station Marine de Dinard - CRESCO, 38 Rue du Port Blanc, 35800, Dinard, France.,Research Unit Biology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems (UMR 7208 BOREA) Sorbonne Universités, MNHN, UPMC, UCN, UA, CNRS, IRD - 43 Rue Cuvier, CP26, 75005, Paris, France.,UMS 2006 Patrimoine Naturel - Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CRESCO, 38 Rue du Port Blanc, 35800, Dinard, France
| | - Joachim Claudet
- National Center for Scientific Research, PSL Research University, CRIOBE, USR 3278 CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Perpignan, France.,Laboratoire d'Excellence CORAIL, Moorea, French Polynesia
| | | | - Antonio Di Franco
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, FRE 3729 ECOMERS, Parc Valrose, 28 Avenue Valrose, 06108, Nice, France
| | - Steven D Gaines
- Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93117, USA
| | - José A García-Charton
- Departamento de Ecología e Hidrología, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jane Lubchenco
- Oregon State University, 3029 Cordley Hall, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Jessica Reimer
- Oregon State University, 3029 Cordley Hall, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Enric Sala
- National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, 20036, USA
| | - Paolo Guidetti
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, FRE 3729 ECOMERS, Parc Valrose, 28 Avenue Valrose, 06108, Nice, France.,CoNISMa (Interuniversitary Consortium of Marine Sciences), Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Thibaut T, Blanfuné A, Boudouresque CF, Personnic S, Ruitton S, Ballesteros E, Bellan-Santini D, Bianchi CN, Bussotti S, Cebrian E, Cheminée A, Culioli JM, Derrien-Courtel S, Guidetti P, Harmelin-Vivien M, Hereu B, Morri C, Poggiale JC, Verlaque M. An ecosystem-based approach to assess the status of Mediterranean algae-dominated shallow rocky reefs. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 117:311-329. [PMID: 28189369 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.01.029] [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: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A conceptual model was constructed for the functioning the algae-dominated rocky reef ecosystem of the Mediterranean Sea. The Ecosystem-Based Quality Index (reef-EBQI) is based upon this model. This index meets the objectives of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive. It is based upon (i) the weighting of each compartment, according to its importance in the functioning of the ecosystem; (ii) biological parameters assessing the state of each compartment; (iii) the aggregation of these parameters, assessing the quality of the ecosystem functioning, for each site; (iv) and a Confidence Index measuring the reliability of the index, for each site. The reef-EBQI was used at 40 sites in the northwestern Mediterranean. It constitutes an efficient tool, because it is based upon a wide set of functional compartments, rather than upon just a few species; it is easy and inexpensive to implement, robust and not redundant with regard to already existing indices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Thibaut
- Aix-Marseille University, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), CNRS/INSU, IRD, UM 110, Campus universitaire de Luminy, case 901, 13288 Marseille cedex 09, France. thierry.thibaut@univ.-amu.fr
| | - Aurélie Blanfuné
- Aix-Marseille University, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), CNRS/INSU, IRD, UM 110, Campus universitaire de Luminy, case 901, 13288 Marseille cedex 09, France
| | - Charles F Boudouresque
- Aix-Marseille University, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), CNRS/INSU, IRD, UM 110, Campus universitaire de Luminy, case 901, 13288 Marseille cedex 09, France
| | - Sébastien Personnic
- Aix-Marseille University, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), CNRS/INSU, IRD, UM 110, Campus universitaire de Luminy, case 901, 13288 Marseille cedex 09, France
| | - Sandrine Ruitton
- Aix-Marseille University, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), CNRS/INSU, IRD, UM 110, Campus universitaire de Luminy, case 901, 13288 Marseille cedex 09, France
| | | | - Denise Bellan-Santini
- Aix-Marseille University, Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d'Ecologie (IMBE), UMR 7263, Station Marine d'Endoume, rue de la batterie des lions, 13007 Marseille, France
| | - Carlo Nike Bianchi
- DiSTAV, Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e della Vita, Università di Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Simona Bussotti
- Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, CNRS, FRE 3729 ECOMERS, Parc Valrose, 28 avenue Valrose, 06108 Nice cedex 02, France
| | - Emma Cebrian
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes - CSIC, 17300 Blanes, Spain
| | - Adrien Cheminée
- Aix-Marseille University, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), CNRS/INSU, IRD, UM 110, Campus universitaire de Luminy, case 901, 13288 Marseille cedex 09, France; Université de Perpignan, CNRS, Via Domitia, Centre de Formation et de Recherche sur les Environnements Méditerranéens, UMR 5110, 66860 Perpignan cedex 9, France
| | - Jean-Michel Culioli
- Office de l'Environnement de la Corse, Riserva Naturali di i Bucchi di Bunifaziu, Rundinara, 20169 Bonifacio, Corsica, France
| | | | - Paolo Guidetti
- Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, CNRS, FRE 3729 ECOMERS, Parc Valrose, 28 avenue Valrose, 06108 Nice cedex 02, France
| | - Mireille Harmelin-Vivien
- Aix-Marseille University, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), CNRS/INSU, IRD, UM 110, Campus universitaire de Luminy, case 901, 13288 Marseille cedex 09, France
| | - Bernat Hereu
- Departament d'Ecologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carla Morri
- DiSTAV, Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e della Vita, Università di Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Jean-Christophe Poggiale
- Aix-Marseille University, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), CNRS/INSU, IRD, UM 110, Campus universitaire de Luminy, case 901, 13288 Marseille cedex 09, France
| | - Marc Verlaque
- Aix-Marseille University, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), CNRS/INSU, IRD, UM 110, Campus universitaire de Luminy, case 901, 13288 Marseille cedex 09, France
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Boada J, Arthur R, Alonso D, Pagès JF, Pessarrodona A, Oliva S, Ceccherelli G, Piazzi L, Romero J, Alcoverro T. Immanent conditions determine imminent collapses: nutrient regimes define the resilience of macroalgal communities. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 284:20162814. [PMID: 28330920 PMCID: PMC5378086 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.2814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Predicting where state-changing thresholds lie can be inherently complex in ecosystems characterized by nonlinear dynamics. Unpacking the mechanisms underlying these transitions can help considerably reduce this unpredictability. We used empirical observations, field and laboratory experiments, and mathematical models to examine how differences in nutrient regimes mediate the capacity of macrophyte communities to sustain sea urchin grazing. In relatively nutrient-rich conditions, macrophyte systems were more resilient to grazing, shifting to barrens beyond 1 800 g m-2 (urchin biomass), more than twice the threshold of nutrient-poor conditions. The mechanisms driving these differences are linked to how nutrients mediate urchin foraging and algal growth: controlled experiments showed that low-nutrient regimes trigger compensatory feeding and reduce plant growth, mechanisms supported by our consumer-resource model. These mechanisms act together to halve macrophyte community resilience. Our study demonstrates that by mediating the underlying drivers, inherent conditions can strongly influence the buffer capacity of nonlinear systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Boada
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), Carrer d'Accés a la cala Sant Francesc 14, 17300 Blanes, Spain
| | - Rohan Arthur
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), Carrer d'Accés a la cala Sant Francesc 14, 17300 Blanes, Spain
- Nature Conservation Foundation, 3076/5, 4th Cross, Gokulam Park, 570002 Mysore, Karnataka, India
| | - David Alonso
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), Carrer d'Accés a la cala Sant Francesc 14, 17300 Blanes, Spain
| | - Jordi F Pagès
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Wales LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Albert Pessarrodona
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), Carrer d'Accés a la cala Sant Francesc 14, 17300 Blanes, Spain
| | - Silvia Oliva
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Natura e del Territorio (DIPNET), Università di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giulia Ceccherelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Natura e del Territorio (DIPNET), Università di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, Sassari, Italy
| | - Luigi Piazzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Natura e del Territorio (DIPNET), Università di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, Sassari, Italy
| | - Javier Romero
- Departament d'Ecologia, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avenue Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Alcoverro
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), Carrer d'Accés a la cala Sant Francesc 14, 17300 Blanes, Spain
- Nature Conservation Foundation, 3076/5, 4th Cross, Gokulam Park, 570002 Mysore, Karnataka, India
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Selden RL, Gaines SD, Hamilton SL, Warner RR. Protection of large predators in a marine reserve alters size-dependent prey mortality. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 284:20161936. [PMID: 28123086 PMCID: PMC5310031 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.1936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Where predator-prey interactions are size-dependent, reductions in predator size owing to fishing has the potential to disrupt the ecological role of top predators in marine ecosystems. In southern California kelp forests, we investigated the size-dependence of the interaction between herbivorous sea urchins and one of their predators, California sheephead (Semicossyphus pulcher). Empirical tests examined how differences in predator size structure between reserve and fished areas affected size-specific urchin mortality. Sites inside marine reserves had greater sheephead size and biomass, while empirical feeding trials indicated that larger sheephead were required to successfully consume urchins of increasing test diameter. Evaluations of the selectivity of sheephead for two urchin species indicated that shorter-spined purple urchins were attacked more frequently and successfully than longer-spined red urchins of the same size class, particularly at the largest test diameters. As a result of these size-specific interactions and the higher biomass of large sheephead inside reserves, urchin mortality rates were three times higher inside the reserve for both species. In addition, urchin mortality rates decreased with urchin size, and very few large urchins were successfully consumed in fished areas. The truncation of sheephead size structure that commonly occurs owing to fishing will probably result in reductions in urchin mortality, which may reduce the resilience of kelp beds to urchin barren formation. By contrast, the recovery of predator size structure in marine reserves may restore this resilience, but may be delayed until fish grow to sizes capable of consuming larger urchins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Selden
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Steven D Gaines
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Scott L Hamilton
- Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, 8272 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA
| | - Robert R Warner
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Rustici M, Ceccherelli G, Piazzi L. Predator exploitation and sea urchin bistability: Consequence on benthic alternative states. Ecol Modell 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2016.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
39
|
Sahyoun R, Guidetti P, Di Franco A, Planes S. Patterns of Fish Connectivity between a Marine Protected Area and Surrounding Fished Areas. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167441. [PMID: 27907100 PMCID: PMC5131959 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Patterns of connectivity and self-recruitment are recognized as key factors shaping the dynamics of marine populations. Connectivity is also essential for maintaining and restoring natural ecological processes with genetic diversity contributing to the adaptation and persistence of any species in the face of global disturbances. Estimates of connectivity are crucial to inform the design of both marine protected areas (MPAs) and MPA networks. Among several approaches, genetic structure is frequently used as a proxy for patterns of connectivity. Using 8 microsatellite loci, we investigated genetic structure of the two-banded sea bream Diplodus vulgaris, a coastal fish that is both commercially and ecologically important. Adults were sampled in 7 locations (stretches of coastline approximately 8 km long) and juveniles in 14 sites (~100 to 200 m of coastline) along 200 km of the Apulian Adriatic coast (SW Adriatic Sea), within and outside an MPA (Torre Guaceto MPA, Italy). Our study found similar genetic diversity indices for both the MPA and the surrounding fished areas. An overall lack of genetic structure among samples suggests high gene flow (i.e. connectivity) across a scale of at least 200 km. However, some local genetic divergences found in two locations demonstrate some heterogeneity in processes renewing the population along the Apulian Adriatic coast. Furthermore, two sites appeared genetically divergent, reinforcing our observations within the genetic makeup of adults and confirming heterogeneity in early stage genetics that can come from either different supply populations or from chaotic genetic patchiness occurring under temporal variation in recruitment and in the reproductive success. While the specific role of the MPA is not entirely known in this case, these results confirm the presence of regional processes and the key role of connectivity in maintaining the local population supply.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Sahyoun
- EPHE, PSL Research University, UPVD, CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Perpignan, France
| | - Paolo Guidetti
- Université Côte d'Azur, UCA, CNRS, ECOMERS, Parc Valrose, Avenue Valrose, Nice, France.,CoNISMa-Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Piazzale Flaminio, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Franco
- EPHE, PSL Research University, UPVD, CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Perpignan, France.,Université Côte d'Azur, UCA, CNRS, ECOMERS, Parc Valrose, Avenue Valrose, Nice, France.,CoNISMa-Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Piazzale Flaminio, Rome, Italy
| | - Serge Planes
- EPHE, PSL Research University, UPVD, CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Perpignan, France
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Rilov G. Multi-species collapses at the warm edge of a warming sea. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36897. [PMID: 27853237 PMCID: PMC5113072 DOI: 10.1038/srep36897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Even during the current biodiversity crisis, reports on population collapses of highly abundant, non-harvested marine species were rare until very recently. This is starting to change, especially at the warm edge of species’ distributions where populations are more vulnerable to stress. The Levant basin is the southeastern edge of distribution of most Mediterranean species. Coastal water conditions are naturally extreme, and are fast warming, making it a potential hotspot for species collapses. Using multiple data sources, I found strong evidence for major, sustained, population collapses of two urchins, one large predatory gastropod and a reef-building gastropod. Furthermore, of 59 molluscan species once-described in the taxonomic literature as common on Levant reefs, 38 were not found in the present-day surveys, and there was a total domination of non-indigenous species in molluscan assemblages. Temperature trends indicate an exceptional warming of the coastal waters in the past three decades. Though speculative at this stage, the fast rise in SST may have helped pushing these invertebrates beyond their physiological tolerance limits leading to population collapses and possible extirpations. If so, these collapses may indicate the initiation of a multi-species range contraction at the Mediterranean southeastern edge that may spread westward with additional warming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gil Rilov
- National Institute of Oceanography, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, PO Box 8030, Haifa, 31080, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Thiriet PD, Di Franco A, Cheminée A, Guidetti P, Bianchimani O, Basthard-Bogain S, Cottalorda JM, Arceo H, Moranta J, Lejeune P, Francour P, Mangialajo L. Abundance and Diversity of Crypto- and Necto-Benthic Coastal Fish Are Higher in Marine Forests than in Structurally Less Complex Macroalgal Assemblages. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164121. [PMID: 27760168 PMCID: PMC5070871 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In Mediterranean subtidal rocky reefs, Cystoseira spp. (Phaeophyceae) form dense canopies up to 1 m high. Such habitats, called 'Cystoseira forests', are regressing across the entire Mediterranean Sea due to multiple anthropogenic stressors, as are other large brown algae forests worldwide. Cystoseira forests are being replaced by structurally less complex habitats, but little information is available regarding the potential difference in the structure and composition of fish assemblages between these habitats. To fill this void, we compared necto-benthic (NB) and crypto-benthic (CB) fish assemblage structures between Cystoseira forests and two habitats usually replacing the forests (turf and barren), in two sampling regions (Corsica and Menorca). We sampled NB fish using Underwater Visual Census (UVC) and CB fish using Enclosed Anaesthetic Station Vacuuming (EASV), since UVC is known to underestimate the diversity and density of the 'hard to spot' CB fish. We found that both taxonomic diversity and total density of NB and CB fish were highest in Cystoseira forests and lowest in barrens, while turfs, that could be sampled only at Menorca, showed intermediate values. Conversely, total biomass of NB and CB fish did not differ between habitats because the larger average size of fish in barrens (and turfs) compensated for their lower densities. The NB families Labridae and Serranidae, and the CB families Blenniidae, Cliniidae, Gobiidae, Trypterigiidae and Scorpaenidae, were more abundant in forests. The NB taxa Diplodus spp. and Thalassoma pavo were more abundant in barrens. Our study highlights the importance of using EASV for sampling CB fish, and shows that Cystoseira forests support rich and diversified fish assemblages. This evidence suggests that the ongoing loss of Cystoseira forests may impair coastal fish assemblages and related goods and services to humans, and stresses the need to implement strategies for the successful conservation and/or recovery of marine forests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre D. Thiriet
- Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, CNRS, FRE 3729 ECOMERS, Parc Valrose 28, Nice, France
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, UMR 7208 BOREA, Station Marine de Dinard—CRESCO, Dinard, France
| | - Antonio Di Franco
- Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, CNRS, FRE 3729 ECOMERS, Parc Valrose 28, Nice, France
- CRIOBE, USR 3278 CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Perpignan, France
| | - Adrien Cheminée
- Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, CNRS, FRE 3729 ECOMERS, Parc Valrose 28, Nice, France
- UMR 5110 CNRS/UPVD—CEFREM, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
| | - Paolo Guidetti
- Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, CNRS, FRE 3729 ECOMERS, Parc Valrose 28, Nice, France
| | | | | | | | - Hazel Arceo
- Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, CNRS, FRE 3729 ECOMERS, Parc Valrose 28, Nice, France
- Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Joan Moranta
- Estación de Investigación Jaume Ferrer, Maó, Menorca, Illes Balears, España
- Instituto Español de Ocenografía (IEO), Centre Oceanogràfic de les Balears, Moll de Ponent s/n, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Pierre Lejeune
- STARESO, Station de Recherches Océanographiques et Sous-Marines, Calvi, France
| | - Patrice Francour
- Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, CNRS, FRE 3729 ECOMERS, Parc Valrose 28, Nice, France
| | - Luisa Mangialajo
- Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, CNRS, FRE 3729 ECOMERS, Parc Valrose 28, Nice, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, INSU-CNRS, UMR 7093, Laboratoire d’Océanographie de Villefranche, Villefranche sur mer, France
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Jiao J, Pilyugin SS, Osenberg CW. Random movement of predators can eliminate trophic cascades in marine protected areas. Ecosphere 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Jiao
- Department of Biology University of Florida Gainesville Florida 32611 USA
| | - Sergei S. Pilyugin
- Department of Mathematics University of Florida Gainesville Florida 32611 USA
| | - Craig W. Osenberg
- Odum School of Ecology University of Georgia Athens Georgia 30602 USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Iveša L, Djakovac T, Devescovi M. Long-term fluctuations in Cystoseira populations along the west Istrian Coast (Croatia) related to eutrophication patterns in the northern Adriatic Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 106:162-73. [PMID: 26975612 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
An exploration of historical data suggested that eutrophication patterns might drive long-term fluctuations in Cystoseira populations along the west Istrian Coast (northern Adriatic Sea, Croatia). The regimes of northern Italian rivers, which flow approximately 100km west of the study area, mainly modulate the eutrophication levels of the northern Adriatic Sea. A regression of Cystoseira populations from the 1970s through the 1990s corresponded to increased levels of eutrophication in the study area. During the late 1990s, the density of sea urchins, which are efficacious macroalgal predators, decreased, likely due to an intense formation of pelagic mucilage aggregates that resulted in mass mortality episodes of macrozoobenthic species. During the 2000-2013 period, an oligotrophication of the northern Adriatic formed the basis for the recovery of Cystoseira taxa, whose abundances from 2009 to 2013 were similar to those characterising the most flourishing Mediterranean Cystoseira assemblages.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Östman Ö, Eklöf J, Eriksson BK, Olsson J, Moksnes P, Bergström U. Top‐down control as important as nutrient enrichment for eutrophication effects in North Atlantic coastal ecosystems. J Appl Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Örjan Östman
- Department of Aquatic Resources Institute of Coastal Research Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Skolgatan 6 742 42 Öregrund Sweden
| | - Johan Eklöf
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences (DEEP) Stockholm University Svante Arrhenius väg 20A S‐106 91 Stockholm Sweden
| | - Britas Klemens Eriksson
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences GELIFES University of Groningen Nijenborgh 7 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Jens Olsson
- Department of Aquatic Resources Institute of Coastal Research Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Skolgatan 6 742 42 Öregrund Sweden
| | - Per‐Olav Moksnes
- Department of Marine Sciences University of Gothenburg Box 461 SE‐405 30 Göteborg Sweden
| | - Ulf Bergström
- Department of Aquatic Resources Institute of Coastal Research Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Skolgatan 6 742 42 Öregrund Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Piazzi L, Bulleri F, Ceccherelli G. Limpets compensate sea urchin decline and enhance the stability of rocky subtidal barrens. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 115:49-55. [PMID: 26874891 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2016.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms that regulate shifts among alternative ecosystems has become a priority for ecologists and environmental scientists. This study assessed the relative importance of different herbivorous invertebrates (urchins and limpets) in regulating transitions from barren to vegetated states on Mediterranean rocky reefs, under different levels of nutrient availability. Nutrient concentration and the herbivore assemblage were manipulated to test i) whether limpets can compensate for the decline or loss of sea urchin populations, thereby contributing to the persistence of barrens, ii) whether limpet effects vary according to nutrient availability and iii) whether limpets affect the structure of the algal assemblage. The complete removal of sea urchins was not sufficient to trigger the recovery of erect and turf-forming macroalgae if limpets were left at natural density, suggesting that these herbivores play an important role in the stability of the barren state. The effect of these mesograzers was particularly important under oligotrophic conditions. This suggests that limpets play an important role in sustaining the stability of the barren state. A more comprehensive assessment of top-down forces, implying the quantification of the relative effect of different herbivore guilds, is therefore necessary to estimate the strength of hysteresis and to identify critical thresholds at which shifts back to the vegetated state are initiated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Piazzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Della Natura e Del Territorio, Università di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07199 Sassari, Italy.
| | - Fabio Bulleri
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Giulia Ceccherelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Della Natura e Del Territorio, Università di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07199 Sassari, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Gil Fernández C, Paulo D, Serrão EA, Engelen AH. Limited differences in fish and benthic communities and possible cascading effects inside and outside a protected marine area in Sagres (SW Portugal). MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 114:12-23. [PMID: 26741737 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2015.12.003] [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: 11/30/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a relatively recent fisheries management and conservation tool for conservation of marine ecosystems and serve as experimental grounds to assess trophic cascade effects in areas were fishing is restricted to some extent. A series of descriptive field studies were performed to assess fish and benthic communities between two areas within a newly established MPA in SW Portugal. We characterized benthic macroalgal composition and determined the size, density and biomass of the main benthic predatory and herbivorous fish species as well as the main benthic herbivorous invertebrates to assess indications of top-down control on the phytobenthic assemblages. Fish species were identical inside and outside the MPA, in both cases Sarpa salpa was the most abundant fish herbivore and Diplodus spp. accounted for the great majority of the benthic predators. However, size and biomass of D. spp. were higher inside than outside the MPA. The main herbivorous invertebrate was the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, which was smaller and predominantly showing a crevice-dwelling behaviour in the MPA. In addition, P. lividus size frequency distribution showed a unimodal pattern outside and a bimodal pattern inside the MPA. We found significant differences in the algal assemblages between inside and outside the MPA, with higher abundance of turf and foliose algae inside, and articulated calcareous and corticated macrophytes outside the MPA, but no differences in the invasive Asparagopsis spp. The obtained results show differences in predatory fish and benthic community structure, but not in species richness, inside and outside the MPA. We hypothesize these differences lead to variation in species interactions: directly through predation and indirectly via affecting sea urchins behavioural patterns, predators might drive changes in macroalgal assemblages via trophic cascade in the study area. However due to non-biological differences between the two areas it is difficult to suggest that the MPA causes increased biological parameters of targeted species and to assess predatory control and trophic cascade effects in areas where fishing pressure is reduced. It is therefor advisable to design MPAs so that their impacts can be scientifically evaluated in a proper fashion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Gil Fernández
- Centro de Ciências do Mar do Algarve (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - D Paulo
- Centro de Ciências do Mar do Algarve (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - E A Serrão
- Centro de Ciências do Mar do Algarve (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - A H Engelen
- Centro de Ciências do Mar do Algarve (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Cabanillas-Terán N, Loor-Andrade P, Rodríguez-Barreras R, Cortés J. Trophic ecology of sea urchins in coral-rocky reef systems, Ecuador. PeerJ 2016; 4:e1578. [PMID: 26839748 PMCID: PMC4734443 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sea urchins are important grazers and influence reef development in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP). Diadema mexicanum and Eucidaris thouarsii are the most important sea urchins on the Ecuadorian coastal reefs. This study provided a trophic scenario for these two species of echinoids in the coral-rocky reef bottoms of the Ecuadorian coast, using stable isotopes. We evaluated the relative proportion of algal resources assimilated, and trophic niche of the two sea urchins in the most southern coral-rocky reefs of the ETP in two sites with different disturbance level. Bayesian models were used to estimate the contribution of algal sources, niche breadth, and trophic overlap between the two species. The sea urchins behaved as opportunistic feeders, although they showed differential resource assimilation. Eucidaris thouarsii is the dominant species in disturbed environments; likewise, their niche amplitude was broader than that of D. mexicanum when conditions were not optimal. However, there was no niche overlap between the species. The Stable Isotope Analysis in R (SIAR) indicated that both sea urchins shared limiting resources in the disturbed area, mainly Dictyota spp. (contributions of up to 85% for D. mexicanum and up to 75% for E. thouarsii). The Stable Isotope Bayesian Ellipses in R (SIBER) analysis results indicated less interspecific competition in the undisturbed site. Our results suggested a trophic niche partitioning between sympatric sea urchin species in coastal areas of the ETP, but the limitation of resources could lead to trophic overlap and stronger habitat degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Cabanillas-Terán
- Departamento Central de Investigación, Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí , Ciudadela Universitaria. Vía San Mateo, Manta, Manabí , Ecuador
| | - Peggy Loor-Andrade
- Departamento Central de Investigación, Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí , Ciudadela Universitaria. Vía San Mateo, Manta, Manabí , Ecuador
| | | | - Jorge Cortés
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología (CIMAR), and Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica , San Pedro, San José , Costa Rica
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Marra S, Coppa S, Camedda A, Mazzoldi C, Wrachien F, Massaro G, de Lucia GA. Recovery Trends of Commercial Fish: The Case of an Underperforming Mediterranean Marine Protected Area. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146391. [PMID: 26741959 PMCID: PMC4704826 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporal trends in the recovery of exploited species in marine protected areas (MPAs) are useful for a proper assessment of the efficacy of protection measures. The effects of protection on the fish assemblages of the sublittoral rocky reefs in the “Penisola del Sinis-Isola di Mal di Ventre” MPA (W. Sardinia, Italy) were evaluated using a multi-year series of data. Four surveys, conducted 7, 10, 13 and 15 years after the area was designated as an MPA and carried out in the period spanning June and July, were used to estimate the abundance and biomass of commercial species. The surveys were carried out in zones with decreasing levels of fishing restrictions within the MPA (zones A, B, C) and in unprotected zones (OUT1 and OUT2), and underwater video visual census techniques were used. Protected zones only occasionally showed higher levels of abundance or biomass, and the trajectories of those metrics were not consistent across the years. In addition, the zone with the highest level of protection (zone A) never presented levels of abundance and biomass higher than those in zones B and C. This study shows that even 15 years after designation, protection has had no appreciable effect in the MPA studied. It is argued that this is emblematic of several shortcomings in the planning, regulation and enforcement frameworks of the MPA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Marra
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment-National Research Council (IAMC-CNR), Oristano, Italy
- Department of Ecology and Biology, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Stefania Coppa
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment-National Research Council (IAMC-CNR), Oristano, Italy
| | - Andrea Camedda
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment-National Research Council (IAMC-CNR), Oristano, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Wrachien
- Marine Protected Area “Penisola del Sinis-Isola di Mal di Ventre”, Cabras, Italy
| | - Giorgio Massaro
- Marine Protected Area “Penisola del Sinis-Isola di Mal di Ventre”, Cabras, Italy
| | - G. Andrea de Lucia
- Institute for Coastal Marine Environment-National Research Council (IAMC-CNR), Oristano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Caselle JE, Rassweiler A, Hamilton SL, Warner RR. Recovery trajectories of kelp forest animals are rapid yet spatially variable across a network of temperate marine protected areas. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14102. [PMID: 26373803 PMCID: PMC4642697 DOI: 10.1038/srep14102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Oceans currently face a variety of threats, requiring ecosystem-based approaches to management such as networks of marine protected areas (MPAs). We evaluated changes in fish biomass on temperate rocky reefs over the decade following implementation of a network of MPAs in the northern Channel Islands, California. We found that the biomass of targeted (i.e. fished) species has increased consistently inside all MPAs in the network, with an effect of geography on the strength of the response. More interesting, biomass of targeted fish species also increased outside MPAs, although only 27% as rapidly as in the protected areas, indicating that redistribution of fishing effort has not severely affected unprotected populations. Whether the increase outside of MPAs is due to changes in fishing pressure, fisheries management actions, adult spillover, favorable environmental conditions, or a combination of all four remains unknown. We evaluated methods of controlling for biogeographic or environmental variation across networks of protected areas and found similar performance of models incorporating empirical sea surface temperature versus a simple geographic blocking term based on assemblage structure. The patterns observed are promising indicators of the success of this network, but more work is needed to understand how ecological and physical contexts affect MPA performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E. Caselle
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 USA
| | - Andrew Rassweiler
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 USA
| | - Scott L. Hamilton
- Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, 8272 Moss Landing Rd., Moss Landing, CA 95039 USA
| | - Robert R. Warner
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Galasso NM, Bonaviri C, Di Trapani F, Picciotto M, Gianguzza P, Agnetta D, Badalamenti F. Fish-seastar facilitation leads to algal forest restoration on protected rocky reefs. Sci Rep 2015. [PMID: 26198539 PMCID: PMC4510527 DOI: 10.1038/srep12409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Although protected areas can lead to recovery of overharvested species, it is much less clear whether the return of certain predator species or a diversity of predator species can lead to re-establishment of important top-down forces that regulate whole ecosystems. Here we report that the algal recovery in a Mediterranean Marine Protected Area did not derive from the increase in the traditional strong predators, but rather from the establishment of a previously unknown interaction between the thermophilic fish Thalassoma pavo and the seastar Marthasterias glacialis. The interaction resulted in elevated predation rates on sea urchins responsible for algal overgrazing. Manipulative experiments and field observations revealed that the proximity of the seastars triggered an escape response in sea urchins, extending their tube feet. Fishes exploited this behavior by feeding on the exposed tube feet, thus impairing urchin movement, and making them vulnerable to predation by the seastars. These findings suggest that predator diversity generated by MPA establishment can activate positive interactions among predators, with subsequent restoration of the ecosystem structure and function through cascading consumer impacts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola M Galasso
- CNR-IAMC, via Giovanni da Verrazzano 17, 91014 Castellammare del Golfo, Italy
| | - Chiara Bonaviri
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 22, I-90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Trapani
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 22, I-90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Picciotto
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 22, I-90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Paola Gianguzza
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 22, I-90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Davide Agnetta
- CNR-IAMC, via Giovanni da Verrazzano 17, 91014 Castellammare del Golfo, Italy
| | - Fabio Badalamenti
- CNR-IAMC, via Giovanni da Verrazzano 17, 91014 Castellammare del Golfo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|