High-resolution aerial imagery reveals that the distribution and arrangement of Acropora palmata patches determine their resistance to hurricane impacts

Coral Reefs, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 14, 2025

Abstract Acropora palmata is the species that contributes most to structural complexity of Caribbean reefs. Information concerning its populations at landscape level relevant determine how reef system responds disturbances, such as cyclonic events. This study examines repercussions hurricanes Gamma and Delta (2020) on patches A. in Limones reef, one best-preserved reefs Caribbean. Two orthomosaics were generated using programmed drone flights, before after passage both hurricanes. Visually identified polygon files representing delineated orthomosaics. Regression models used analyze influence spatial characteristics those patches, measured through ecology indices, probability patch permanence and, for remained, remaining area. Our results show population suffered a total loss 25% due More compact complex shallower depths exhibited higher persistence probability. Furthermore, location relation each other (proximity size their neighbors) did not significantly affect The metrics good indicator area remained. Here, damages could mainly be explained by zone, which we attribute phenotypic plasticity colonies high-energy zones, affecting growth allow them better withstand impact Overall, indices understand drivers change structure an effective method evaluate even predict modifications disturbance events, information readily available management conservation strategies.

Language: Английский

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Night surveys reveal abundant populations of sea urchins with high erosive potential in Cayo Arenas, Banco de Campeche

Ciencias Marinas, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 50(1B)

Published: Feb. 19, 2025

Sea urchins perform key ecological functions in coral reefs, such as herbivory and erosion of calcareous structures, which intensify at night. The Cayo Arenas reef, Campeche Bank, Mexico, is located far from the coast, has helped to protect it direct anthropogenic threats. However, no information available on status sea urchin populations bioerosion processes they reef. For this reason, we conducted diurnal nocturnal surveys characterize density a function diel cycle calculate their bioerosive potential. were 3 sites with different survey depths (10–19 m) varying reef heterogeneity related 2 components: cover sand cover. All July 2023. In general, an abundant population was observed, mainly composed Diadema antillarum. At night, abundance (14.5 ± 3.8 ind) rate (1.55 0.53 kg CaCO3·m–2·y–1) higher than during day (2.6 0.8 ind 0.2 0.06 CaCO3·m–2·y–1). addition, depth geomorphology seemed influence pattern density. high heterogeneity, could be associated greater availability refuge predators. Our results show underestimation densities daytime and, therefore, impact ecosystem agents because are mostly but commonly surveyed day.

Language: Английский

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Challenges and pathways for parrotfish conservation in developing countries: lessons from the endemic and endangered greenbeak parrotfish Scarus trispinosus

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 13

Published: May 23, 2025

The greenbeak parrotfish, Scarus trispinosus , is the largest southwestern Atlantic endemic to Brazil and targeted by reef-associated fisheries along coast. After a sharp population decline, S. now considered one of most endangered parrotfish worldwide. lack basic biological information has hindered development appropriate management policies, until recently. I compiled data on abundance, biomass, size class distribution, ecology, demography, Brazilian coast explore how Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) newly implemented strategies could support species’ recovery protection. found that equatorial margin nearly as important Abrolhos Bank in terms abundance. Shallower inshore reefs serve nurseries, while larger individuals often occupy deeper offshore reefs. estimated age first maturity (39.2 cm total length; 4.2 years) indicate relatively long-lived reaches sexual later than other parrotfishes Caribbean Pacific, highlighting its vulnerability. Most small-scale fishing targets immature reefs, recreational spearfishing primarily significantly individuals. While significant, value chain poorly understood, hindering new tools regulate fishing. MPAs protect some critical areas, but ongoing decline suggests alone are insufficient without proper management. Although effective strategy would likely be moratorium, adopted Belize, social challenges political context hinder implementation. Alternatively, government released National Recovery Plan for Endangered Species, which restricts multiple-use with regulatory measures, prohibiting this species elsewhere adaptation novel were made possible advances research over past 10 years. However, key areas still implementation, it may too early determine whether plan effectively working. If successful, model managing elsewhere.

Language: Английский

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Strong linkage between parrotfish functions and habitat characteristics

PLoS ONE, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 19(12), P. e0315179 - e0315179

Published: Dec. 11, 2024

Phase shifts from hard coral to macroalgae have led the formulation of a top-down herbivory paradigm, whose assumption is that reduction in primary driver these changes. Caribbean parrotfish Scarus and Sparisoma genera are usually known as main reef herbivorous. Yet, they diverse group organisms perform multiple functions, including bioerosion structures. Generalizing functions at level likely explains why direct effects on regulation not always evident. In this study, we tested hypothesis potential strongly linked habitat's benthic characteristics. Furthermore, expect will be highly sensitive changes conditions, while more robust. We conducted situ surveys across reefscape remote Alacranes Reef, most extensive system Gulf Mexico. Both were highest complex structured sites, only removal was high deep low-coral cover sites dominated by fleshy macroalgae. Interestingly, both diminished shallow reticulated inner reefs turf algae cyanobacteria, suggesting even function can depleted under unfavorable conditions. Our findings highlight need reconsider management strategies account for specific roles different species consider reciprocal benthic-fish interactions.

Language: Английский

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