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Campbell JE, Kennedy Rhoades O, Munson CJ, Altieri AH, Douglass JG, Heck KL, Paul VJ, Armitage AR, Barry SC, Bethel E, Christ L, Christianen MJA, Dodillet G, Dutton K, Fourqurean JW, Frazer TK, Gaffey BM, Glazner R, Goeke JA, Grana-Valdes R, Jenkins VJ, Kramer OAA, Linhardt ST, Martin CW, Martinez Lopez IG, McDonald AM, Main VA, Manuel SA, Marco-Méndez C, O'Brien DA, O'Shea OR, Patrick CJ, Peabody C, Reynolds LK, Rodriguez A, Rodriguez Bravo LM, Sang A, Sawall Y, Smith K, Smulders FOH, Sun U, Thompson JE, van Tussenbroek B, Wied WL. Herbivore effects increase with latitude across the extent of a foundational seagrass. Nat Ecol Evol 2024; 8:663-675. [PMID: 38366132 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02336-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Climate change is altering the functioning of foundational ecosystems. While the direct effects of warming are expected to influence individual species, the indirect effects of warming on species interactions remain poorly understood. In marine systems, as tropical herbivores undergo poleward range expansion, they may change food web structure and alter the functioning of key habitats. While this process ('tropicalization') has been documented within declining kelp forests, we have a limited understanding of how this process might unfold across other systems. Here we use a network of sites spanning 23° of latitude to explore the effects of increased herbivory (simulated via leaf clipping) on the structure of a foundational marine plant (turtlegrass). By working across its geographic range, we also show how gradients in light, temperature and nutrients modified plant responses. We found that turtlegrass near its northern boundary was increasingly affected (reduced productivity) by herbivory and that this response was driven by latitudinal gradients in light (low insolation at high latitudes). By contrast, low-latitude meadows tolerated herbivory due to high insolation which enhanced plant carbohydrates. We show that as herbivores undergo range expansion, turtlegrass meadows at their northern limit display reduced resilience and may be under threat of ecological collapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin E Campbell
- Institute of Environment, Coastlines and Oceans Division, and Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.
- Smithsonian Marine Station, Fort Pierce, FL, USA.
| | - O Kennedy Rhoades
- Institute of Environment, Coastlines and Oceans Division, and Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
- Smithsonian Marine Station, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Calvin J Munson
- Institute of Environment, Coastlines and Oceans Division, and Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Andrew H Altieri
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | - James G Douglass
- The Water School, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL, USA
| | - Kenneth L Heck
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab and University of South Alabama, Dauphin Island, AL, USA
| | | | - Anna R Armitage
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Savanna C Barry
- UF|IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station, University of Florida, Cedar Key, FL, USA
| | - Enrique Bethel
- Smithsonian Marine Station, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
- The Centre for Ocean Research and Education (CORE), Gregory Town, Bahamas
| | - Lindsey Christ
- International Field Studies, Inc., Forfar Field Station, Blanket Sound, Bahamas
| | - Marjolijn J A Christianen
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Grace Dodillet
- Smithsonian Marine Station, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
- CSA Ocean Sciences Inc., Stuart, FL, USA
| | | | - James W Fourqurean
- Institute of Environment, Coastlines and Oceans Division, and Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Thomas K Frazer
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
| | - Bethany M Gaffey
- Smithsonian Marine Station, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
- Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Rachael Glazner
- Smithsonian Marine Station, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Janelle A Goeke
- Institute of Environment, Coastlines and Oceans Division, and Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
- Smithsonian Marine Station, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Rancel Grana-Valdes
- Institute of Environment, Coastlines and Oceans Division, and Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Victoria J Jenkins
- Smithsonian Marine Station, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
- Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
| | | | - Samantha T Linhardt
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab and University of South Alabama, Dauphin Island, AL, USA
| | - Charles W Martin
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab and University of South Alabama, Dauphin Island, AL, USA
| | - Isis G Martinez Lopez
- Smithsonian Marine Station, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Mexico
| | - Ashley M McDonald
- UF|IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station, University of Florida, Cedar Key, FL, USA
- Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Vivienne A Main
- Smithsonian Marine Station, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Sarah A Manuel
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Government of Bermuda, 'Shorelands', Hamilton Parish, Bermuda
| | - Candela Marco-Méndez
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab and University of South Alabama, Dauphin Island, AL, USA
- CEAB (CSIC), Girona, Spain
| | - Duncan A O'Brien
- Smithsonian Marine Station, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
- The Centre for Ocean Research and Education (CORE), Gregory Town, Bahamas
| | - Owen R O'Shea
- The Centre for Ocean Research and Education (CORE), Gregory Town, Bahamas
| | - Christopher J Patrick
- Coastal and Ocean Processes Section, Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences, William & Mary, Gloucester Point, VA, USA
| | - Clare Peabody
- Institute of Environment, Coastlines and Oceans Division, and Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Laura K Reynolds
- Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Alex Rodriguez
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab and University of South Alabama, Dauphin Island, AL, USA
| | | | - Amanda Sang
- Smithsonian Marine Station, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
- The Water School, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL, USA
| | - Yvonne Sawall
- Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS), St. George's, Bermuda
| | - Khalil Smith
- Smithsonian Marine Station, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Government of Bermuda, 'Shorelands', Hamilton Parish, Bermuda
| | - Fee O H Smulders
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Uriah Sun
- Smithsonian Marine Station, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
| | - Jamie E Thompson
- Smithsonian Marine Station, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Brigitta van Tussenbroek
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Mexico
| | - William L Wied
- Institute of Environment, Coastlines and Oceans Division, and Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
- Smithsonian Marine Station, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
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2
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Bansal S, Creed IF, Tangen BA, Bridgham SD, Desai AR, Krauss KW, Neubauer SC, Noe GB, Rosenberry DO, Trettin C, Wickland KP, Allen ST, Arias-Ortiz A, Armitage AR, Baldocchi D, Banerjee K, Bastviken D, Berg P, Bogard MJ, Chow AT, Conner WH, Craft C, Creamer C, DelSontro T, Duberstein JA, Eagle M, Fennessy MS, Finkelstein SA, Göckede M, Grunwald S, Halabisky M, Herbert E, Jahangir MMR, Johnson OF, Jones MC, Kelleway JJ, Knox S, Kroeger KD, Kuehn KA, Lobb D, Loder AL, Ma S, Maher DT, McNicol G, Meier J, Middleton BA, Mills C, Mistry P, Mitra A, Mobilian C, Nahlik AM, Newman S, O’Connell JL, Oikawa P, van der Burg MP, Schutte CA, Song C, Stagg CL, Turner J, Vargas R, Waldrop MP, Wallin MB, Wang ZA, Ward EJ, Willard DA, Yarwood S, Zhu X. Practical Guide to Measuring Wetland Carbon Pools and Fluxes. Wetlands (Wilmington) 2023; 43:105. [PMID: 38037553 PMCID: PMC10684704 DOI: 10.1007/s13157-023-01722-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Wetlands cover a small portion of the world, but have disproportionate influence on global carbon (C) sequestration, carbon dioxide and methane emissions, and aquatic C fluxes. However, the underlying biogeochemical processes that affect wetland C pools and fluxes are complex and dynamic, making measurements of wetland C challenging. Over decades of research, many observational, experimental, and analytical approaches have been developed to understand and quantify pools and fluxes of wetland C. Sampling approaches range in their representation of wetland C from short to long timeframes and local to landscape spatial scales. This review summarizes common and cutting-edge methodological approaches for quantifying wetland C pools and fluxes. We first define each of the major C pools and fluxes and provide rationale for their importance to wetland C dynamics. For each approach, we clarify what component of wetland C is measured and its spatial and temporal representativeness and constraints. We describe practical considerations for each approach, such as where and when an approach is typically used, who can conduct the measurements (expertise, training requirements), and how approaches are conducted, including considerations on equipment complexity and costs. Finally, we review key covariates and ancillary measurements that enhance the interpretation of findings and facilitate model development. The protocols that we describe to measure soil, water, vegetation, and gases are also relevant for related disciplines such as ecology. Improved quality and consistency of data collection and reporting across studies will help reduce global uncertainties and develop management strategies to use wetlands as nature-based climate solutions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13157-023-01722-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheel Bansal
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND USA
| | - Irena F. Creed
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Brian A. Tangen
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND USA
| | - Scott D. Bridgham
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR USA
| | - Ankur R. Desai
- Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Ken W. Krauss
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Lafayette, LA USA
| | - Scott C. Neubauer
- Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
| | - Gregory B. Noe
- U.S. Geological Survey, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Reston, VA USA
| | | | - Carl Trettin
- U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, Davis, CA USA
| | - Kimberly P. Wickland
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Denver, CO USA
| | - Scott T. Allen
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV USA
| | - Ariane Arias-Ortiz
- Ecosystem Science Division, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA USA
| | - Anna R. Armitage
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX USA
| | - Dennis Baldocchi
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA USA
| | - Kakoli Banerjee
- Department of Biodiversity and Conservation of Natural Resources, Central University of Odisha, Koraput, Odisha India
| | - David Bastviken
- Department of Thematic Studies – Environmental Change, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Peter Berg
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA USA
| | - Matthew J. Bogard
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB Canada
| | - Alex T. Chow
- Earth and Environmental Sciences Programme, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR China
| | - William H. Conner
- Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University, Georgetown, SC USA
| | - Christopher Craft
- O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN USA
| | - Courtney Creamer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geology, Minerals, Energy and Geophysics Science Center, Menlo Park, CA USA
| | - Tonya DelSontro
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON Canada
| | - Jamie A. Duberstein
- Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University, Georgetown, SC USA
| | - Meagan Eagle
- U.S. Geological Survey, Woods Hole Coastal & Marine Science Center, Woods Hole, MA USA
| | | | | | - Mathias Göckede
- Department for Biogeochemical Signals, Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Jena, Germany
| | - Sabine Grunwald
- Soil, Water and Ecosystem Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Meghan Halabisky
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | | | | | - Olivia F. Johnson
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND USA
- Departments of Biology and Environmental Studies, Kent State University, Kent, OH USA
| | - Miriam C. Jones
- U.S. Geological Survey, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Reston, VA USA
| | - Jeffrey J. Kelleway
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences and Environmental Futures Research Centre, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW Australia
| | - Sara Knox
- Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Kevin D. Kroeger
- U.S. Geological Survey, Woods Hole Coastal & Marine Science Center, Woods Hole, MA USA
| | - Kevin A. Kuehn
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS USA
| | - David Lobb
- Department of Soil Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada
| | - Amanda L. Loder
- Department of Geography, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Shizhou Ma
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK Canada
| | - Damien T. Maher
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW Australia
| | - Gavin McNicol
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Jacob Meier
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND USA
| | - Beth A. Middleton
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Lafayette, LA USA
| | - Christopher Mills
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Denver, CO USA
| | - Purbasha Mistry
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK Canada
| | - Abhijit Mitra
- Department of Marine Science, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal India
| | - Courtney Mobilian
- O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN USA
| | - Amanda M. Nahlik
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessments, Pacific Ecological Systems Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, OR USA
| | - Sue Newman
- South Florida Water Management District, Everglades Systems Assessment Section, West Palm Beach, FL USA
| | - Jessica L. O’Connell
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO USA
| | - Patty Oikawa
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, California State University, East Bay, Hayward, CA USA
| | - Max Post van der Burg
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND USA
| | - Charles A. Schutte
- Department of Environmental Science, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ USA
| | - Changchun Song
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Camille L. Stagg
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Lafayette, LA USA
| | - Jessica Turner
- Freshwater and Marine Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Rodrigo Vargas
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE USA
| | - Mark P. Waldrop
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geology, Minerals, Energy and Geophysics Science Center, Menlo Park, CA USA
| | - Marcus B. Wallin
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Zhaohui Aleck Wang
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA USA
| | - Eric J. Ward
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Lafayette, LA USA
| | - Debra A. Willard
- U.S. Geological Survey, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Reston, VA USA
| | - Stephanie Yarwood
- Environmental Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD USA
| | - Xiaoyan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Songliao Aquatic Environment, Ministry of Education, Jilin Jianzhu University, Changchun, China
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Goeke JA, Foster EM, Armitage AR. Negative outcomes of novel trophic interactions along mangrove range edges. Ecology 2023:e4051. [PMID: 37042422 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Tropicalization is a phenomenon that is changing the structure of ecosystems around the world. Mangrove encroachment is a particular form of tropicalization that may have cascading consequences for resident fauna in subtropical coastal wetlands. There is a knowledge gap regarding the extent of interactions between basal consumers and mangroves along mangrove range edges, and the consequences of these novel interactions for the consumers. This study focuses on the key coastal wetland consumers, Littoraria irrorata (marsh periwinkle) and Uca rapax (mudflat fiddler crabs), and their interactions with encroaching Avicennia germinans (black mangrove) in the Gulf of Mexico, USA. In food preference assays, Littoraria avoided consuming Avicennia and selectively ingested leaf tissue from a common marsh grass, Spartina alterniflora (smooth cordgrass), a preference which has also been previously documented in Uca. The quality of Avicennia as a food source was determined by measuring the energy storage of consumers that had interacted with either Avicennia or marsh plants in the lab and the field. Littoraria and Uca both stored approximately 10% less energy when interacting with Avicennia, despite their different feeding behaviors and physiologies. The negative consequences of mangrove encroachment for these species at the individual level suggest that there may be negative population-level effects as encroachment continues. Many previous studies have documented shifts in floral and faunal communities following mangrove replacement of salt marsh vegetation, but this study is the first to identify physiological responses that may be contributing to these shifts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janelle A Goeke
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Emelie M Foster
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana, USA
| | - Anna R Armitage
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
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Osland MJ, Hughes AR, Armitage AR, Scyphers SB, Cebrian J, Swinea SH, Shepard CC, Allen MS, Feher LC, Nelson JA, O'Brien CL, Sanspree CR, Smee DL, Snyder CM, Stetter AP, Stevens PW, Swanson KM, Williams LH, Brush JM, Marchionno J, Bardou R. The impacts of mangrove range expansion on wetland ecosystem services in the southeastern United States: Current understanding, knowledge gaps, and emerging research needs. Glob Chang Biol 2022; 28:3163-3187. [PMID: 35100489 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is transforming ecosystems and affecting ecosystem goods and services. Along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts of the southeastern United States, the frequency and intensity of extreme freeze events greatly influence whether coastal wetlands are dominated by freeze-sensitive woody plants (mangrove forests) or freeze-tolerant grass-like plants (salt marshes). In response to warming winters, mangroves have been expanding and displacing salt marshes at varying degrees of severity in parts of north Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. As winter warming accelerates, mangrove range expansion is expected to increasingly modify wetland ecosystem structure and function. Because there are differences in the ecological and societal benefits that salt marshes and mangroves provide, coastal environmental managers are challenged to anticipate the effects of mangrove expansion on critical wetland ecosystem services, including those related to carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, storm protection, erosion reduction, water purification, fisheries support, and recreation. Mangrove range expansion may also affect wetland stability in the face of extreme climatic events and rising sea levels. Here, we review the current understanding of the effects of mangrove range expansion and displacement of salt marshes on wetland ecosystem services in the southeastern United States. We also identify critical knowledge gaps and emerging research needs regarding the ecological and societal implications of salt marsh displacement by expanding mangrove forests. One consistent theme throughout our review is that there are ecological trade-offs for consideration by coastal managers. Mangrove expansion and marsh displacement can produce beneficial changes in some ecosystem services, while simultaneously producing detrimental changes in other services. Thus, there can be local-scale differences in perceptions of the impacts of mangrove expansion into salt marshes. For very specific local reasons, some individuals may see mangrove expansion as a positive change to be embraced, while others may see mangrove expansion as a negative change to be constrained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Osland
- Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Lafayette, Louisiana, USA
| | - A Randall Hughes
- Northeastern University Marine Science Center, Nahant, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anna R Armitage
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Steven B Scyphers
- Northeastern University Marine Science Center, Nahant, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Just Cebrian
- Northern Gulf Institute, Mississippi State University, Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, USA
| | - Savannah H Swinea
- Northeastern University Marine Science Center, Nahant, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Laura C Feher
- Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Lafayette, Louisiana, USA
| | - James A Nelson
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana, USA
| | | | | | | | - Caitlin M Snyder
- Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, Eastpoint, Florida, USA
| | | | - Philip W Stevens
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
| | - Kathleen M Swanson
- Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve, Port Aransas, Texas, USA
| | | | - Janell M Brush
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Joseph Marchionno
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Rémi Bardou
- Northeastern University Marine Science Center, Nahant, Massachusetts, USA
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Kominoski JS, Weaver CA, Armitage AR, Pennings SC. Coastal carbon processing rates increase with mangrove cover following a hurricane in Texas,
USA. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- John S. Kominoski
- Department of Biological Sciences Florida International University Miami Florida USA
| | - Carolyn A. Weaver
- Department of Life Sciences Texas A&M University‐Corpus Christi Corpus Christi Texas USA
- Department of Biology Millersville University Millersville Pennsylvania USA
| | - Anna R. Armitage
- Department of Marine Biology Texas A&M University at Galveston Galveston Texas USA
| | - Steven C. Pennings
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry University of Houston Houston Texas USA
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6
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Peng D, Montelongo DC, Wu L, Armitage AR, Kominoski JS, Pennings SC. A hurricane alters the relationship between mangrove cover and marine subsidies. Ecology 2022; 103:e3662. [PMID: 35157321 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
As global change alters the composition and productivity of ecosystems, the importance of subsidies from one habitat to another may change. We experimentally manipulated black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) cover in ten large plots and over five years (2014-2019) quantifying the effects of mangrove cover on subsidies of floating organic material (wrack) into coastal wetlands. As mangrove cover increased from zero to 100%, wrack cover and thickness decreased by ~60%, the distance that wrack penetrated into the plots decreased by ~70%, and the percentage of the wrack trapped in the first six m of the plot tripled. These patterns observed during four "normal" years disappeared in a fifth year following Hurricane Harvey (2017), when large quantities of wrack were pushed far into the interior of all the plots, regardless of mangrove cover. Prior to the storm, the abundance of animals collected in grab samples increased with wrack biomass. Wrack composition did not affect animal abundance or composition. Experimental outplants of two types of wrack (red algae and seagrass) revealed that animal abundance and species composition varied between the fringe and interior of the plots, and between microhabitats dominated by salt marsh versus mangrove vegetation. The importance of wrack to overall carbon stocks varied as a function of autochthonous productivity: wrack inputs (per m2 ) based on survey data were greater than aboveground plant biomass in the plots (42 × 24 m) dominated by salt marsh vegetation, but decreased to 5% of total aboveground biomass in plots dominated by mangroves. Our results illustrate that increasing mangrove cover decreases the relative importance of marine subsidies into the intertidal at the plot level, but concentrates subsidies at the front edge of the mangrove stand. Storms, however, may temporarily override mangrove attenuation of wrack inputs. Our results highlight the importance of understanding how changes in plant species composition due to global change will impact marine subsidies and exchanges among ecosystems, and foster a broader understanding of the functional interdependence of adjacent habitats within coastal ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Peng
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Texas, USA.,Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Denise C Montelongo
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Texas, USA.,Current address: Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Leslie Wu
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Anna R Armitage
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - John S Kominoski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Steven C Pennings
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Texas, USA
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Kuhn AL, Kominoski JS, Armitage AR, Charles SP, Pennings SC, Weaver CA, Maddox TR. Buried hurricane legacies: increased nutrient limitation and decreased root biomass in coastal wetlands. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L. Kuhn
- Department of Biological Sciences Florida International University Miami Florida 33199 USA
| | - John S. Kominoski
- Department of Biological Sciences Florida International University Miami Florida 33199 USA
| | - Anna R. Armitage
- Department of Marine Biology Texas A&M University at Galveston P.O. Box 1675 Galveston Texas 77553 USA
| | - Sean P. Charles
- Department of Biological Sciences Florida International University Miami Florida 33199 USA
| | - Steven C. Pennings
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry University of Houston Houston Texas 77204 USA
| | - Carolyn A. Weaver
- Department of Life Sciences Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi Corpus Christi Texas 78412 USA
| | - Tom R. Maddox
- Stable Isotope Ecology Laboratory Center for Applied Isotope Studies University of Georgia Athens Georgia 30602 USA
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8
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Affiliation(s)
- Janelle A. Goeke
- Department of Marine Biology Texas A&M University at Galveston Galveston Texas77553USA
| | - Anna R. Armitage
- Department of Marine Biology Texas A&M University at Galveston Galveston Texas77553USA
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9
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Pennings SC, Glazner RM, Hughes ZJ, Kominoski JS, Armitage AR. Effects of mangrove cover on coastal erosion during a hurricane in Texas, USA. Ecology 2021; 102:e03309. [PMID: 33576002 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that mangroves provide better coastal protection than salt marsh vegetation using 10 1,008-m2 plots in which we manipulated mangrove cover from 0 to 100%. Hurricane Harvey passed over the plots in 2017. Data from erosion stakes indicated up to 26 cm of vertical and 970 cm of horizontal erosion over 70 months in the plot with 0% mangrove cover, but relatively little erosion in other plots. The hurricane did not increase erosion, and erosion decreased after the hurricane passed. Data from drone images indicated 196 m2 of erosion in the 0% mangrove plot, relatively little erosion in other plots, and little ongoing erosion after the hurricane. Transects through the plots indicated that the levee (near the front of the plot) and the bank (the front edge of the plot) retreated up to 9 m as a continuous function of decreasing mangrove cover. Soil strength was greater in areas vegetated with mangroves than in areas vegetated by marsh plants, or nonvegetated areas, and increased as a function of plot-level mangrove cover. Mangroves prevented erosion better than marsh plants did, but this service was nonlinear, with low mangrove cover providing most of the benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven C Pennings
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, 77204, USA
| | - Rachael M Glazner
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, 77553, USA
| | - Zoe J Hughes
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, 77204, USA
- Department of Earth Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, USA
| | - John S Kominoski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, 33199, USA
| | - Anna R Armitage
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, 77553, USA
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Hogan JA, Feagin RA, Starr G, Ross M, Lin TC, O’connell C, Huff TP, Stauffer BA, Robinson KL, Lara MC, Xue J, Reese BK, Geist SJ, Whitman ER, Douglas S, Congdon VM, Reustle JW, Smith RS, Lagomasino D, Strickland BA, Wilson SS, Proffitt CE, Hogan JD, Branoff BL, Armitage AR, Rush SA, Santos RO, Campos-Cerqueira M, Montagna PA, Erisman B, Walker L, Silver WL, Crowl TA, Wetz M, Hall N, Zou X, Pennings SC, Wang LJ, Chang CT, Leon M, Mcdowell WH, Kominoski JS, Patrick CJ. A Research Framework to Integrate Cross-Ecosystem Responses to Tropical Cyclones. Bioscience 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biaa034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Tropical cyclones play an increasingly important role in shaping ecosystems. Understanding and generalizing their responses is challenging because of meteorological variability among storms and its interaction with ecosystems. We present a research framework designed to compare tropical cyclone effects within and across ecosystems that: a) uses a disaggregating approach that measures the responses of individual ecosystem components, b) links the response of ecosystem components at fine temporal scales to meteorology and antecedent conditions, and c) examines responses of ecosystem using a resistance–resilience perspective by quantifying the magnitude of change and recovery time. We demonstrate the utility of the framework using three examples of ecosystem response: gross primary productivity, stream biogeochemical export, and organismal abundances. Finally, we present the case for a network of sentinel sites with consistent monitoring to measure and compare ecosystem responses to cyclones across the United States, which could help improve coastal ecosystem resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Aaron Hogan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee
| | - Rusty A Feagin
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Gregory Starr
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
| | - Michael Ross
- Department of Earth and Environment, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Teng-Chiu Lin
- Department of Life Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Christine O’connell
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkley, Berkley, California
| | - Thomas P Huff
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Beth A Stauffer
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana, Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana
| | - Kelly L Robinson
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana, Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana
| | - Maria Chapela Lara
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire
| | - Jianhong Xue
- Marine Science Institute, University of Texas, Austin, Port Aransas, Texas
| | - Brandi Kiel Reese
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, Texas
| | - Simon J Geist
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, Texas
| | - Elizabeth R Whitman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Sarah Douglas
- Marine Science Institute, University of Texas, Austin, Port Aransas, Texas
| | - Victoria M Congdon
- Marine Science Institute, University of Texas, Austin, Port Aransas, Texas
| | - Joseph W Reustle
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, Texas
| | - Rachel S Smith
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - David Lagomasino
- Department of Coastal Studies, East Carolina University, Wanchese, North Carolina, Maryland
| | - Bradley A Strickland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Sara S Wilson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - C Edward Proffitt
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, Texas
| | - J Derek Hogan
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, Texas
| | - Benjamin L Branoff
- National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Anna R Armitage
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University, Galveston, Galveston, Texas
| | - Scott A Rush
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi
| | - Rolando O Santos
- Department of Earth and Environment, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | | | - Paul A Montagna
- Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, Texas
| | - Brad Erisman
- Marine Science Institute, University of Texas, Austin, Port Aransas, Texas
| | - Lily Walker
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, Texas
| | - Whendee L Silver
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkley, Berkley, California
| | - Todd A Crowl
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
- Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Michael Wetz
- Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, Texas
| | - Nathan Hall
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Morehead, North Carolina
| | - Xiaoming Zou
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Puerto Rico–Rio Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Steven C Pennings
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Lih-Jih Wang
- School of Forest Resources, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Te Chang
- Department of Life Sciences Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Miguel Leon
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire
| | - William H Mcdowell
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire
| | - John S Kominoski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
- Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
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11
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Charles SP, Kominoski JS, Armitage AR, Guo H, Weaver CA, Pennings SC. Quantifying how changing mangrove cover affects ecosystem carbon storage in coastal wetlands. Ecology 2019; 101:e02916. [DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sean P. Charles
- Department of Biological Sciences and Southeast Environmental Research Center Florida International University Miami Florida33199USA
| | - John S. Kominoski
- Department of Biological Sciences and Southeast Environmental Research Center Florida International University Miami Florida33199USA
| | - Anna R. Armitage
- Department of Marine Biology Texas A&M University at Galveston P.O. Box 1675 Galveston Texas77553USA
| | - Hongyu Guo
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry University of Houston Houston Texas77204USA
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance College of Life Sciences Tianjin Normal University Tianjin300387China
| | - Carolyn A. Weaver
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management Texas A&M University College Station Texas77843USA
| | - Steven C. Pennings
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry University of Houston Houston Texas77204USA
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12
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Weaver CA, Armitage AR. Nutrient enrichment shifts mangrove height distribution: Implications for coastal woody encroachment. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193617. [PMID: 29494657 PMCID: PMC5833200 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Global changes, such as increased temperatures and elevated CO2, are driving shifts in plant species distribution and dominance, like woody plant encroachment into grasslands. Local factors within these ecotones can influence the rate of regime shifts. Woody encroachment is occurring worldwide, though there has been limited research within coastal systems, where mangrove (woody shrub/tree) stands are expanding into salt marsh areas. Because coastal systems are exposed to various degrees of nutrient input, we investigated how nutrient enrichment may locally impact mangrove stand expansion and salt marsh displacement over time. We fertilized naturally co-occurring Avicennia germinans (black mangrove) and Spartina alterniflora (smooth cordgrass) stands in Port Aransas, TX, an area experiencing mangrove encroachment within the Northern Gulf of Mexico mangrove-marsh ecotone. After four growing seasons (2010-2013) of continuous fertilization, Avicennia was more positively influenced by nutrient enrichment than Spartina. Most notably, fertilized plots had a higher density of taller (> 0.5 m) mangroves and mangrove maximum height was 46% taller than in control plots. Fertilization may promote an increase in mangrove stand expansion within the mangrove-marsh ecotone by shifting Avicennia height distribution. Avicennia individuals, which reach certain species-specific height thresholds, have reduced negative neighbor effects and have higher resilience to freezing temperatures, which may increase mangrove competitive advantage over marsh grass. Therefore, we propose that nutrient enrichment, which augments mangrove height, could act locally as a positive feedback to mangrove encroachment, by reducing mangrove growth suppression factors, thereby accelerating the rates of increased mangrove coverage and subsequent marsh displacement. Areas within the mangrove-marsh ecotone with high anthropogenic nutrient input may be at increased risk of a regime shift from grass to woody dominated ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn A. Weaver
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Anna R. Armitage
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
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13
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Edmondson MC, Sherry KR, Afolayan J, Armitage AR, Skyrme AD. Corrigendum to "Case series of 17 modified Weil's osteotomies for Freiberg's and Köhler's II AVN, with AOFAS scoring pre- and post-operatively" [Foot Ankle Surg 17 (1) (2011) 19-24]. Foot Ankle Surg 2017; 23:207. [PMID: 28865592 DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M C Edmondson
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Eastbourne District General Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne, E Sussex BN21 2UD, United Kingdom.
| | - K R Sherry
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Eastbourne District General Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne, E Sussex BN21 2UD, United Kingdom
| | - J Afolayan
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Eastbourne District General Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne, E Sussex BN21 2UD, United Kingdom
| | - A R Armitage
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Eastbourne District General Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne, E Sussex BN21 2UD, United Kingdom
| | - A D Skyrme
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Eastbourne District General Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne, E Sussex BN21 2UD, United Kingdom
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14
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Guo H, Weaver C, Charles SP, Whitt A, Dastidar S, D'Odorico P, Fuentes JD, Kominoski JS, Armitage AR, Pennings SC. Coastal regime shifts: rapid responses of coastal wetlands to changes in mangrove cover. Ecology 2017; 98:762-772. [PMID: 27984665 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.1698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Global changes are causing broad-scale shifts in vegetation communities worldwide, including coastal habitats where the borders between mangroves and salt marsh are in flux. Coastal habitats provide numerous ecosystem services of high economic value, but the consequences of variation in mangrove cover are poorly known. We experimentally manipulated mangrove cover in large plots to test a set of linked hypotheses regarding the effects of changes in mangrove cover. We found that changes in mangrove cover had strong effects on microclimate, plant community, sediment accretion, soil organic content, and bird abundance within 2 yr. At higher mangrove cover, wind speed declined and light interception by vegetation increased. Air and soil temperatures had hump-shaped relationships with mangrove cover. The cover of salt marsh plants decreased at higher mangrove cover. Wrack cover, the distance that wrack was distributed from the water's edge, and sediment accretion decreased at higher mangrove cover. Soil organic content increased with mangrove cover. Wading bird abundance decreased at higher mangrove cover. Many of these relationships were non-linear, with the greatest effects when mangrove cover varied from zero to intermediate values, and lesser effects when mangrove cover varied from intermediate to high values. Temporal and spatial variation in measured variables often peaked at intermediate mangrove cover, with ecological consequences that are largely unexplored. Because different processes varied in different ways with mangrove cover, the "optimum" cover of mangroves from a societal point of view will depend on which ecosystem services are most desired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Guo
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, China.,Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, 77204, USA
| | - Carolyn Weaver
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA
| | - Sean P Charles
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, 33199, USA
| | - Ashley Whitt
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, P.O. Box 1675, Galveston, Texas, 77553, USA
| | - Sayantani Dastidar
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, 77204, USA
| | - Paolo D'Odorico
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22904, USA
| | - Jose D Fuentes
- Department of Meteorology, The Pennsylvania State University, 503 Walker Building, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| | - John S Kominoski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, 33199, USA
| | - Anna R Armitage
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, P.O. Box 1675, Galveston, Texas, 77553, USA
| | - Steven C Pennings
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, 77204, USA
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15
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Armitage AR, Highfield WE, Brody SD, Louchouarn P. The contribution of mangrove expansion to salt marsh loss on the Texas Gulf Coast. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125404. [PMID: 25946132 PMCID: PMC4422646 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Landscape-level shifts in plant species distribution and abundance can fundamentally change the ecology of an ecosystem. Such shifts are occurring within mangrove-marsh ecotones, where over the last few decades, relatively mild winters have led to mangrove expansion into areas previously occupied by salt marsh plants. On the Texas (USA) coast of the western Gulf of Mexico, most cases of mangrove expansion have been documented within specific bays or watersheds. Based on this body of relatively small-scale work and broader global patterns of mangrove expansion, we hypothesized that there has been a recent regional-level displacement of salt marshes by mangroves. We classified Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper images using artificial neural networks to quantify black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) expansion and salt marsh (Spartina alterniflora and other grass and forb species) loss over 20 years across the entire Texas coast. Between 1990 and 2010, mangrove area grew by 16.1 km(2), a 74% increase. Concurrently, salt marsh area decreased by 77.8 km(2), a 24% net loss. Only 6% of that loss was attributable to mangrove expansion; most salt marsh was lost due to conversion to tidal flats or water, likely a result of relative sea level rise. Our research confirmed that mangroves are expanding and, in some instances, displacing salt marshes at certain locations. However, this shift is not widespread when analyzed at a larger, regional level. Rather, local, relative sea level rise was indirectly implicated as another important driver causing regional-level salt marsh loss. Climate change is expected to accelerate both sea level rise and mangrove expansion; these mechanisms are likely to interact synergistically and contribute to salt marsh loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna R. Armitage
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Wesley E. Highfield
- Department of Marine Sciences, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Samuel D. Brody
- Department of Marine Sciences, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Patrick Louchouarn
- Department of Marine Sciences, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Oceanography, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
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16
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Madrid EN, Armitage AR, López-Portillo J. Avicennia germinans (black mangrove) vessel architecture is linked to chilling and salinity tolerance in the Gulf of Mexico. Front Plant Sci 2014; 5:503. [PMID: 25309570 PMCID: PMC4176030 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2014.00503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Over the last several decades, the distribution of the black mangrove Avicennia germinans in the Gulf of Mexico has expanded, in part because it can survive the occasional freeze events and high soil salinities characteristic of the area. Vessel architecture may influence mangrove chilling and salinity tolerance. We surveyed populations of A. germinans throughout the Gulf to determine if vessel architecture was linked to field environmental conditions. We measured vessel density, hydraulically weighted vessel diameter, potential conductance capacity, and maximum tensile fracture stress. At each sampling site we recorded mangrove canopy height and soil salinity, and determined average minimum winter temperature from archived weather records. At a subset of sites, we measured carbon fixation rates using a LI-COR 6400XT Portable Photosynthesis System. Populations of A. germinans from cooler areas (Texas and Louisiana) had narrower vessels, likely reducing the risk of freeze-induced embolisms but also decreasing water conductance capacity. Vessels were also narrower in regions with high soil salinity, including Texas, USA and tidal flats in Veracruz, Mexico. Vessel density did not consistently vary with temperature or soil salinity. In abiotically stressful areas, A. germinans had a safe hydraulic architecture with narrower vessels that may increase local survival. This safe architecture appears to come at a substantial physiological cost in terms of reduction in conductance capacity and carbon fixation potential, likely contributing to lower canopy heights. The current distribution of A. germinans in the Gulf is influenced by the complex interplay between temperature, salinity, and vessel architecture. Given the plasticity of A. germinans vessel characters, it is likely that this mangrove species will be able to adapt to a wide range of potential future environmental conditions, and continue its expansion in the Gulf of Mexico in response to near-term climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric N. Madrid
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at GalvestonGalveston, TX, USA
| | - Anna R. Armitage
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at GalvestonGalveston, TX, USA
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17
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Edmondson MC, Sherry KR, Afolayan J, Armitage AR, Skyrme AD. Case series of 17 modified Weil's osteotomies for Freiberg's and Köhler's II AVN, with AOFAS scoring pre- and post-operatively. Foot Ankle Surg 2011; 17:19-24. [PMID: 21276560 DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2009.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2009] [Revised: 12/02/2009] [Accepted: 12/09/2009] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment for metatarsal head avascular necrosis is largely conservative. For severe or refractory cases there are various surgical options. METHODS We have performed a 'modified Weil's osteotomy' of the distal metatarsal in order to manage this problem. We present the largest case series, to our knowledge, with 17 such cases. The patients were scored pre- and post-operatively using the AOFAS Forefoot scoring system. RESULTS We found that this procedure provided a mean score improvement of 36 points, with a complication rate of 5.9%. CONCLUSION We would advocate this modified osteotomy as an effective, reliable and safe treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Edmondson
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Eastbourne District General Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne, E Sussex BN21 2UD, United Kingdom.
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18
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Frankovich TA, Armitage AR, Wachnicka AH, Gaiser EE, Fourqurean JW. NUTRIENT EFFECTS ON SEAGRASS EPIPHYTE COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN FLORIDA BAY(1). J Phycol 2009; 45:1010-1020. [PMID: 27032345 DOI: 10.1111/j.1529-8817.2009.00745.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A field experiment was employed in Florida Bay investigating the response of seagrass epiphyte communities to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) additions. While most of the variability in epiphyte community structure was related to uncontrolled temporal and spatial environmental heterogeneity, P additions increased the relative abundance of the red algae-cyanobacterial complex and green algae, with a concomitant decrease in diatoms. When N was added along with P, the observed changes to the diatoms and the red algae-cyanobacterial complex were in the same direction as P-only treatments, but the responses were decreased in magnitude. Within the diatom community, species relative abundances, species richness, and diversity responded weakly to nutrient addition. P additions produced changes in diatom community structure that were limited to summer and were stronger in eastern Florida Bay than in the western bay. These changes were consistent with well-established temporal and spatial patterns of P limitation. Despite the significant change in community structure resulting from P addition, diatom communities from the same site and time, regardless of nutrient treatment, remained more similar to one another than to the diatom communities subject to identical nutrient treatments from different sites and times. Overall, epiphyte communities exhibited responses to P addition that were most evident at the division level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Frankovich
- Department of Biological Sciences and Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USADepartment of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University, Galveston, Texas 77551, USADepartment of Earth Sciences and Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USADepartment of Biological Sciences and Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USA
| | - Anna R Armitage
- Department of Biological Sciences and Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USADepartment of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University, Galveston, Texas 77551, USADepartment of Earth Sciences and Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USADepartment of Biological Sciences and Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USA
| | - Ania H Wachnicka
- Department of Biological Sciences and Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USADepartment of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University, Galveston, Texas 77551, USADepartment of Earth Sciences and Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USADepartment of Biological Sciences and Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USA
| | - Evelyn E Gaiser
- Department of Biological Sciences and Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USADepartment of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University, Galveston, Texas 77551, USADepartment of Earth Sciences and Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USADepartment of Biological Sciences and Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USA
| | - James W Fourqurean
- Department of Biological Sciences and Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USADepartment of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University, Galveston, Texas 77551, USADepartment of Earth Sciences and Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USADepartment of Biological Sciences and Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, USA
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Armitage AR, Gonzalez VL, Fong P. Decoupling of nutrient and grazer impacts on a benthic estuarine diatom assemblage. Estuar Coast Shelf Sci 2009; 84:375-382. [PMID: 25568503 PMCID: PMC4283554 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecss.2009.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Strong interactions between top-down (consumptive) and bottom-up (resource supply) trophic factors occur in many aquatic communities, but these forces can act independently in some microphytobenthic communities. Within benthic estuarine diatom assemblages, the dynamics of these interactions and how they vary with abiotic environmental conditions are not well understood. We conducted a field experiment at two sites with varying habitat characteristics to investigate the interactive effects of grazers and nutrients on benthic estuarine diatoms. We crossed snail (Cerithidea californica) and nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) addition treatments in enclosures on a restored tidal sandflat and a reference tidal mudflat in Mugu Lagoon, southern California. We repeated the study in summer 2000 and spring 2001 to assess temporal variation in the interactions. Snails caused a large decrease in diatom relative abundance and biomass (estimated as surface area); nutrients increased diatom abundance but did not alter diatom biomass. Snails and nutrients both reduced average diatom length, although the nutrient effect was weaker and temporally variable, occurring in the reference mudflat in the spring. There were few interactions between snail and nutrient addition treatments, suggesting that links between top-down and bottom-up forces on the diatom community were weak. There were no consistent differences in diatom assemblage characteristics between the two study sites, despite marked differences in sediment grain size and other abiotic characteristics between the sites. The strong diatom response to herbivores and weaker responses to enrichment differed from the previous studies where cyanobacteria increased in response to nutrient enrichment, further dissolving the "black box" perception of microphytobenthic communities.
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Armitage AR, Jensen SM, Yoon JE, Ambrose RF. Wintering Shorebird Assemblages and Behavior in Restored Tidal Wetlands in Southern California. Restor Ecol 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1526-100x.2006.00198.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Armitage AR, Frankovich TA, Heck KL, Fourqurean JW. Experimental nutrient enrichment causes complex changes in seagrass, microalgae, and macroalgae community structure in Florida Bay. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02693924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Armitage AR, Fong P. Gastropod Colonization of a Created Coastal Wetland: Potential Influences of Habitat Suitability and Dispersal Ability. Restor Ecol 2004. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1061-2971.2004.00358.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Armitage AR, Fong P. Upward cascading effects of nutrients: shifts in a benthic microalgal community and a negative herbivore response. Oecologia 2004; 139:560-7. [PMID: 15015075 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-004-1530-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2003] [Accepted: 01/30/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the effects of nutrient addition on interactions between the benthic microalgal community and a dominant herbivorous gastropod, Cerithidea californica (California horn snail), on tidal flats in Mugu Lagoon, southern California, USA. We crossed snail and nutrient (N and P) addition treatments in enclosures on two tidal flats varying from 71 to 92% sand content in a temporally replicated experiment (summer 2000, fall 2000, spring 2001). Diatom biomass increased slightly (approximately 30%) in response to nutrient treatments but was not affected by snails. Blooms of cyanobacteria (up to 200%) and purple sulfur bacteria (up to 400%) occurred in response to nutrient enrichment, particularly in the sandier site, but only cyanobacterial biomass decreased in response to snail grazing. Snail mortality was 2-5 times higher in response to nutrient addition, especially in the sandier site, corresponding to a relative increase in cyanobacterial biomass. Nutrient-related snail mortality occurred only in the spring and summer, when the snails were most actively feeding on the microalgal community. Inactive snails in the fall showed no response to nutrient-induced cyanobacterial growths. This study demonstrated strongly negative upward cascading effects of nutrient enrichment through the food chain. The strength of this upward cascade was closely linked to sediment type and microalgal community composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna R Armitage
- Department of Organismic Biology, Ecology and Evolution, University of California Los Angeles, 621 Charles E. Young Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1606, USA.
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