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Jones NP, Gilliam DS. Temperature and local anthropogenic pressures limit stony coral assemblage viability in southeast Florida. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116098. [PMID: 38310721 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Climate change is viewed as the primary threat to coral reefs, with local pressures exacerbating coral cover decline. The consensus is that improving water quality may increase resilience, but disentangling water quality and temperature impacts is difficult. We used distance-based linear models and random forests to analyze spatiotemporal variation in benthic community structure and interannual changes in the coral assemblage, in relation to specific environmental metrics in Southeast Florida. Temperature accounted for most of the variation, recruitment doubled and interannual increases in coral abundance tripled when mean annual temperature reached 27 °C, until maximum temperatures exceeded 31 °C. Benefits associated with warmer temperatures were negated by poor water quality, as nutrient enrichment was related to increased macroalgal cover, reduced coral recruitment and higher coral partial mortality. We suggest reducing local pressures will contribute to reduced macroalgae and enhance coral recovery, but that temperature is the predominant influence on coral assemblages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P Jones
- National Coral Reef Institute, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, 8000 N Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, FL 33004, USA.
| | - David S Gilliam
- National Coral Reef Institute, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, 8000 N Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, FL 33004, USA
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2
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De K, Nanajkar M, Mote S, Ingole B. Reef on the edge: resilience failure of marginal patch coral reefs in Eastern Arabian Sea under recurrent coral bleaching, coral diseases, and local stressors. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:7288-7302. [PMID: 36031676 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22651-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Marked by strong El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) effects during 2014-2016, global coral reefs underwent mass bleaching. Here, we conducted a comprehensive (2014-2019) study, coinciding with the 2014-16 ENSO, to investigate the response and resilience potential of marginal coral communities to the combined impact of recurrent thermal anomalies and multiple anthropogenic stressors before, during, and after the mass bleaching episodes. Our result unveiled that thermal-stress-driven back-to-back annual coral bleaching episodes caused coral mortality and significantly decimated coral cover, primarily in 2015 and 2016. Subsequent benthic regime shifts toward macroalgal and algal turf colonization, followed by an increase in coral disease prevalence and recruitment failure was observed after the recurrent bleaching episodes. Algal cover increased from 21% in 2014 to 52.90% in 2019, and a subsequent increase in coral disease occurrence was observed from 16% in 2015 to 29% in 2019. The cascading negative effect of multiple stressors magnified coral loss and decreased the coral cover significantly from 45% in 2014 to 20% in 2019. The corals in the intensive recreational diving activity sites showed higher disease prevalence, concurring with high mechanical coral damage. The present study demonstrates that consecutive thermal bleaching episodes combined with local stressors can cause declines in coral cover and promote an undesirable regime shift to algal dominance in marginal coral reef habitats within a short duration. These results are of particular interest given that marginal reefs were traditionally perceived as resilient reef habitats due to their higher survival threshold to environmental changes. The present study indicates that mitigation of local stressors by effective management strategies, in conjunction with globally coordinated efforts to ameliorate climate change, can protect these unique coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyan De
- CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa, 403002, India.
| | - Mandar Nanajkar
- CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa, 403002, India
| | - Sambhaji Mote
- CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa, 403002, India
| | - Baban Ingole
- CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa, 403002, India
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Levy N, Berman O, Yuval M, Loya Y, Treibitz T, Tarazi E, Levy O. Emerging 3D technologies for future reformation of coral reefs: Enhancing biodiversity using biomimetic structures based on designs by nature. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 830:154749. [PMID: 35339542 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The rapid decline of vulnerable coral reefs has increased the necessity of exploring interdisciplinary methods for reef restoration. Examining how to upgrade these tools may uncover options to better support or increase biodiversity of coral reefs. As many of the issues facing reef restoration today deal with the scalability and effectiveness of restoration efforts, there is an urgency to invest in technology that can help reach ecosystem-scale. Here, we provide an overview on the evolution to current state of artificial reefs as a reef reformation tool and discuss a blueprint with which to guide the next generation of biomimetic artificial habitats for ecosystem support. Currently, existing artificial structures have difficulty replicating the 3D complexity of coral habitats and scaling them to larger areas can be problematic in terms of production and design. We introduce a novel customizable 3D interface for producing scalable, biomimetic artificial structures, utilizing real data collected from coral ecosystems. This interface employs 3D technologies, 3D imaging and 3D printing, to extract core reef characteristics, which can be translated and digitized into a 3D printed artificial reef. The advantages of 3D printing lie in providing customized tools by which to integrate the vital details of natural reefs, such as rugosity and complexity, into a sustainable manufacturing process. This methodology can offer economic solutions for developing both small and large-scale biomimetic structures for a variety of restoration situations, that closely resemble the coral reefs they intend to support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Levy
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel.
| | - Ofer Berman
- Design-Tech Lab, Industrial Design Department at the Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Matan Yuval
- Hatter Department of Marine Technologies, Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; Department of Marine Biology, Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; Inter-University Institute for Marine Sciences of Eilat, Eilat 88103, Israel
| | - Yossi Loya
- School of Zoology, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Tali Treibitz
- Department of Marine Biology, Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Ezri Tarazi
- Design-Tech Lab, Industrial Design Department at the Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Oren Levy
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
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Johnson JV, Dick JTA, Pincheira-Donoso D. Marine protected areas do not buffer corals from bleaching under global warming. BMC Ecol Evol 2022; 22:58. [PMID: 35508975 PMCID: PMC9066861 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-022-02011-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rising temperature of the oceans has been identified as the primary driver of mass coral reef declines via coral bleaching (expulsion of photosynthetic endosymbionts). Marine protected areas (MPAs) have been implemented throughout the oceans with the aim of mitigating the impact of local stressors, enhancing fish biomass, and sustaining biodiversity overall. In coral reef regions specifically, protection from local stressors and the enhanced ecosystem function contributed by MPAs are expected to increase coral resistance to global-scale stressors such as marine heatwaves. However, MPAs still suffer from limitations in design, or fail to be adequately enforced, potentially reducing their intended efficacy. Here, we address the hypothesis that the local-scale benefits resulting from MPAs moderate coral bleaching under global warming related stress. RESULTS Bayesian analyses reveal that bleaching is expected to occur in both larger and older MPAs when corals are under thermal stress from marine heatwaves (quantified as Degree Heating Weeks, DHW), but this is partially moderated in comparison to the effects of DHW alone. Further analyses failed to identify differences in bleaching prevalence in MPAs relative to non-MPAs for coral reefs experiencing different levels of thermal stress. Finally, no difference in temperatures where bleaching occurs between MPA and non-MPA sites was found. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that bleaching is likely to occur under global warming regardless of protected status. Thus, while protected areas have key roles for maintaining ecosystem function and local livelihoods, combatting the source of global warming remains the best way to prevent the decline of coral reefs via coral bleaching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack V Johnson
- Macrobiodiversity Lab, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Jaimie T A Dick
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Daniel Pincheira-Donoso
- Macrobiodiversity Lab, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK.
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Harwell MC, Jackson CA. Synthesis of Two Decades of US EPA's Ecosystem Services Research to Inform Environmental, Community, and Sustainability Decision Making. SUSTAINABILITY 2021; 13:1-8249. [PMID: 34804601 PMCID: PMC8597581 DOI: 10.3390/su13158249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A conceptual framework is helpful to understand what types of ecosystem services (ES) information is needed to support decision making. Principles of structured decision making are helpful for articulating how ES consideration can influence different elements in a given decision context resulting in changes to the environment, human health, and well-being. This article presents a holistic view of an ES framework, summarizing two decades of the US EPA's ES research, including recent advances in final ES, those ES that provide benefits directly to people. Approximately 150 peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and book chapters characterize a large ES research portfolio. In introducing framework elements and the suite of relevant US EPA research for each element, both challenges and opportunities are identified. Lessons from research to advance each of the final ES elements can be useful for identifying gaps and future science needs. Ultimately, the goal of this article is to help the reader develop an operational understanding of the final ES conceptual framework, an understanding of the state of science for a number of ES elements, and an introduction to some ES tools, models, and frameworks that may be of use in their case-study applications or decision-making contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chloe A. Jackson
- US EPA, Gulf Ecosystem Measurement and Modeling Division, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561, USA
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Abstract
Well-managed rangelands provide important economic, environmental, and cultural benefits. Yet, many rangelands worldwide are experiencing pressures of land-use change, overgrazing, fire, and drought, causing rapid degradation. These pressures are especially acute in the Hawaiian Islands, which we explore as a microcosm with some broadly relevant lessons. Absent stewardship, land in Hawaiʻi is typically subject to degradation through the spread and impacts of noxious invasive plant species; feral pigs, goats, deer, sheep, and cattle; and heightened fire risk. We first provide a framework, and then review the science demonstrating the benefits of well-managed rangelands, for production of food; livelihoods; watershed services; climate security; soil health; fire risk reduction; biodiversity; and a wide array of cultural values. Findings suggest that rangelands, as part of a landscape mosaic, contribute to social and ecological health and well-being in Hawaiʻi. We conclude by identifying important knowledge gaps around rangeland ecosystem services and highlight the need to recognize rangelands and their stewards as critical partners in achieving key sustainability goals, and in bridging the long-standing production-conservation divide.
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Lavin CP, Jones GP, Williamson DH, Harrison HB. Minimum size limits and the reproductive value of numerous, young, mature female fish. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20202714. [PMID: 33715428 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.2714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fisheries management relies on various catch and effort controls to preserve spawning stock biomass and maximize sustainable yields while limiting fishery impacts on marine ecosystems. These include species-specific minimum or maximum size limits to protect either small non-reproductive subadults, a portion of reproductively mature adults, or large highly fecund individuals. Protecting size classes of mature fish is expected to yield a viable source of larvae for replenishing populations and reduce the risk of recruitment overfishing, yet size-specific recruitment contributions have rarely been assessed empirically. Here, we apply genetic parentage analysis to measure the reproductive success of a size-structured population of a commercially important species of coral grouper (Plectropomus maculatus-Serranidae) in no-take marine reserves (NTMRs) in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Australia. Although the per capita reproductive success of individual fish increases rapidly with body length, the numerous young mature female fish, below the minimum size limit (MSL) (38 cm total length), were responsible for generating disproportionately large contributions (36%) towards larval replenishment of both fished and reserve reefs. Our findings indicate that MSLs are an effective harvest control measure to safeguard a portion of the spawning stock biomass for coral grouper and supplement recruitment subsidies assured from NTMRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles P Lavin
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Geoffrey P Jones
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - David H Williamson
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hugo B Harrison
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.,Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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Barnes MD, Goodell W, Whittier R, Falinski KA, Callender T, Htun H, LeViol C, Slay H, Oleson KLL. Decision analysis to support wastewater management in coral reef priority area. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 148:16-29. [PMID: 31422299 PMCID: PMC7282871 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A cocktail of land-based sources of pollution threatens coral reef ecosystems, and addressing these has become a key management and policy challenge in the State of Hawai'i, other US territories, and globally. In West Maui, Hawai'i, nearly one quarter of all living corals were lost between 1995 and 2008. Onsite disposal systems (OSDS) for sewage leak contaminants into drinking water sources and nearshore waters. In recognition of this risk, the Hawai'i State Department of Health (DOH) is prioritizing areas for cesspool upgrades. Independently, we applied a decision analysis process to identify priority areas to address sewage pollution from OSDS in West Maui, with the objective of reducing nearshore coral reef exposure to pollution. The decision science approach is relevant to a broader context of coastal areas both statewide and worldwide which are struggling with identifying pollution mitigation actions on limited budgets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan D Barnes
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, NREM, 1902 East West Way, Honolulu, HI 96816, United States of America.
| | - Whitney Goodell
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, NREM, 1902 East West Way, Honolulu, HI 96816, United States of America; Fisheries Ecology Research Lab, Department of Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States of America
| | - Robert Whittier
- Hawai'i State Dept. of Health, Safe Drinking Water Branch, 2385 Waimano Home Road, Suite 110, Uluakupu Building 4, Pearl City, HI 96782-1400, United States of America. 'i.gov
| | - Kim A Falinski
- The Nature Conservancy, Hawai'i Marine Program, Honolulu, HI, 923 Nu'uanu Ave, 96817, United States of America
| | - Tova Callender
- West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative, c/o DLNR DAR, 130 Mahalani St, Wailuku, HI 96793, United States of America
| | - Hla Htun
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, NREM, 1902 East West Way, Honolulu, HI 96816, United States of America
| | - Cecilia LeViol
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, NREM, 1902 East West Way, Honolulu, HI 96816, United States of America
| | - Hudson Slay
- United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 9, Pacific Islands Contact Office, P.O. Box 50003, Honolulu, HI 96850, United States of America.
| | - Kirsten L L Oleson
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, NREM, 1902 East West Way, Honolulu, HI 96816, United States of America
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