Fish-based herbivory and the natural maintenance of algal fouling on coral nurseries used across the Great Barrier Reef DOI Creative Commons

Gemma M. Gillette,

Emma F. Camp, John Edmondson

et al.

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 19, 2023

Abstract In-situ coral nurseries have become widespread across the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) as part of tourism-led stewardship efforts to grow and replant at sites high socio-economic value. Practices are aimed reducing costs increasing propagation efficiency. Whilst role herbivorous fish in regulating coral-algal competition has been extensively studied on natural reefs, limited research examined how similar benefits could be harnessed improve success. Here, we assess extent which assemblages GBR reduce growth biofouling algae nursery frames survival Acropora species growing frames. Cage-exclusion treatments, coupled with grazing plate assays video surveys, were employed quantify maintenance effect (>2.5 cm length) two reef Opal northern Reef. Exclusion grazers from for 112 days led a fourfold increase algal biomass compared treatments where allowed access. Removal by fish, turn, mean survivorship >25%, although responses composition species-specific, verweyi exhibited greater than either A. muricata or cerealis. Analysis bite rates revealed fouling was almost entirely driven individuals parrotfish surgeonfish families, notably, Scarus globiceps (Globehead parrotfish) Acanthurus nigricauda (Eye-line surgeonfish). Our results highlight importance accounting broader ecology practices detail important early considerations more effective design, positioning, stocking arrangements.

Language: Английский

Marine amphipods as integral members of global ocean ecosystems DOI Creative Commons
Carmen J. Ritter, David G. Bourne

Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 572, P. 151985 - 151985

Published: Jan. 8, 2024

Amphipod crustaceans exist across marine habitats from the polar regions to tropics, providing a critical biological link between benthic/pelagic processes and marine/atmospheric ecosystems. They fulfil many functional roles as predators prey, bioturbators, mesograzers, pollinators, secondary producers, nutrient cycling facilitators, indicators of sediment health. Despite their importance, tropical amphipods are poorly represented in literature. This review offers an overview ecological globally. Amphipods face pressures warming seas that will ultimately force acclimation, adaptation, or mortality, with potentially dire consequences for they facilitate. We highlight lack data on argue urgent need identify diversity, abundance, functions underpinning resilience ecosystems such coral reefs, seagrass meadows, mangroves. improved understanding is necessary predict mitigate cascading deleterious effects driven by rapidly planet.

Language: Английский

Citations

15
Studying functions on coral reefs: past perspectives, current conundrums, and future potential DOI Creative Commons
David R. Bellwood, Simon J. Brandl, Mike McWilliam

et al.

Coral Reefs, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 43(2), P. 281 - 297

Published: Feb. 24, 2024

Abstract Function-based studies have opened a new chapter in our understanding of coral reefs. Unfortunately, we are opening this as the world’s reefs rapidly transform. In context, one most important roles function-based is to inform reef conservation. At critical juncture, chance reflect on where come from, and going, functional ecology, with specific consideration what means for approaches conserving As focal examples, examine role corals reefs, practice culling crown-of-thorns starfish, from perspective. We also consider how papers special issue build current understanding. Ultimately, highlight robust scientific investigation, based an ecosystem functions, will be key helping us navigate through crisis.

Language: Английский

Citations

9
Coastal urbanization-related stressors affect fish herbivory in the Spermonde Archipelago, Indonesia DOI Creative Commons

ESTRADIVARI ESTRADIVARI,

Andi Muh. Agung Pratama,

Gunawan Syafruddin

et al.

Frontiers in Marine Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 12

Published: March 6, 2025

Coastal urbanization has significantly degraded coral reef habitats worldwide, often driving shifts from to algal dominance. Quantifying fish herbivory, a key ecological process mitigating such transitions, is essential for understanding health, functioning, and resilience. This study examined herbivory rates (bites multiplied by biomass) across five functional groups (detritivores, croppers, browsers, scrapers, excavators) in relation conditions along gradient of urban influence the Spermonde Archipelago, Indonesia. Herbivory generally increased inshore offshore sites, with notable differences among groups. Cropper scraper varied while detritivore excavator were consistent. Browser was only observed at most site, highlighting potential vulnerability browsing function near centers. Environmental factors influenced distinct ways. Detritivore higher on reefs lower rugosity, likely due sediment accumulation flatter substrates. all herbivorous fish, scrapers excavators individually, strongly correlated organic matter content turf algae sediments, underscoring importance food quality shaping dynamics. Experimental manipulation sediments (clearing vs . control) did not affect rates, suggesting that effects are main driver patterns studied sites. Preserving taxonomic diversity critical maintaining resilience amidst increasing local stressors.

Language: Английский

Citations

1
Daily estuary tides orchestrate clients seeking service from facultative cleaners DOI
Brendan C. Ebner

Food Webs, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. e00386 - e00386

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Patterns and implications of spatial covariation in herbivore functions on resilience of coral reefs DOI Creative Commons
Dana T. Cook,

Sally J. Holbrook,

Russell J. Schmitt

et al.

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: Jan. 7, 2025

Abstract Persistent shifts to undesired ecological states, such as from coral macroalgae, are becoming more common. This highlights the need understand processes that can help restore affected ecosystems. Herbivory on reefs is widely recognized a key interaction keep macroalgae outcompeting coral. Most attention has been role ‘grazing’ herbivores play in preventing establishment of while less research focused ‘browsers’ extirpating macroalgae. Here we explored patterns, environmental correlates and state shift consequences spatial co-variation grazing browsing functions herbivorous fishes. Grazing rates were not highly correlated across 20 lagoon sites Moorea, French Polynesia, but did cluster into 3 (of 4) combinations high low consumption (no site had browsing). Consumption with grazer or browser fish biomass, both predicted by specific variables. Experiments revealed reversibility macroalgal was strongly related variation intensity. Our findings provide insights simple diagnostic tools regarding heterogeneity top-down forcing influences vulnerability reefs.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
High dominance renders reef fish trophic interactions vulnerable to human pressures in oceanic islands DOI Creative Commons

Iris Barroso,

Mar Mourín,

Sandra Navarro‐Mayoral

et al.

Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 109305 - 109305

Published: April 1, 2025

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Contrasting tropical marine herbivorous fish catches between the Indo-Pacific and Western Atlantic DOI Creative Commons
Lucas L. Lutzenkirchen, Sterling B. Tebbett, Helen F. Yan

et al.

Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 30, 2025

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Global patterns of herbivorous reef fish productivity: the role of Prionurus laticlavius in the Galápagos DOI Creative Commons
Sterling B. Tebbett, Helen F. Yan, Lucas L. Lutzenkirchen

et al.

Coral Reefs, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 43(2), P. 299 - 305

Published: Feb. 28, 2024

Abstract Herbivorous fishes play important roles on coral reefs, acting as key trophic conduits of primary productivity. Whilst these are widely appreciated tropical the relative contribution which inhabit marginal such Prionurus surgeonfishes, is not well understood. Here, we examine extent to herbivorous fish productivity varies amongst global ecoregions, specifically considering . We also compare that other in relation water temperatures. Our analysis revealed Eastern Galápagos Islands support highest levels recorded date, with laticlavius accounting for over 94% Moreover, peaked at relatively cool temperatures (~ 22–25 °C), although patterns were driven by P. These results highlight exceptional and disproportionate this locality.

Language: Английский

Citations

2
Seasonal variation in diet and isotopic niche of nominally herbivorous fishes in subtropical rocky reefs DOI

GC Cardozo-Ferreira,

Carlos Eduardo Leite Ferreira,

JH Choat

et al.

Marine Ecology Progress Series, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 722, P. 125 - 143

Published: Oct. 5, 2023

Herbivorous fishes can be sensitive to environmental fluctuations, which influence both availability of food resources and metabolic rate, thus nutritional requirements. Impacts on herbivore ecology may result from seasonal variations in temperature meteoceanographic shifts such as wind-induced upwelling events. We evaluated the effects changes 3 nominally herbivorous (Acanthurus chirurgus , Sparisoma axillare Kyphosus vaigiensis) a subtropical rocky reef southeastern Brazilian coast using combination gut content analysis (at 2 scales magnification) stable isotope analysis. Sampling situ water covered patterns variation sea surface temperature, occurrence upwelling. Local occurred throughout year but less frequently winter. Diet isotopic niche displayed little variation. Species-specific indicated distinct responses fluctuations. Temperature alone cannot explain locality-specific fish, contrary predictions that digestion is impaired by cooler temperatures, no significant species’ were detected.

Language: Английский

Citations

5
Quantum of fear: Herbivore grazing rates not affected by reef shark presence DOI Creative Commons
Sterling B. Tebbett,

Sasha I. Faul,

David R. Bellwood

et al.

Marine Environmental Research, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 196, P. 106442 - 106442

Published: March 11, 2024

Grazing by nominally herbivorous fishes is widely recognised as a critical ecosystem function on coral reefs. However, several studies have suggested that herbivory reduced in the presence of predators, especially sharks. Nevertheless, effects shark grazing, under natural settings, remains poorly resolved. Using ∼200 h video footage, we quantify extent direct disturbance reef sharks grazing fishes. Contrary to expectations, rate was not significantly suppressed due sharks, with resuming feeding little 4 s after passed. Based our observations, estimate an average m2 area at study locations would be subjected ∼5 acute during daylight hours. It appears short-term impact has negligible effect herbivore rates, variable nature conditions overwhelming any fear effects.

Language: Английский

Citations

1