Trajectories and agents of binding in stabilized and unstabilized coral rubble across environmental gradients

Ecosphere, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 16(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

Abstract Natural ecosystems are routinely impacted by acute disturbances that generate space for early colonizers. Following disturbances, the interaction strengths of top‐down and bottom‐up factors across environmental gradients influence community succession. On coral reefs, rubble beds commonly form following major can persist decades. Yet, there is little understanding successional pathways lead to binding—where bound consolidated stable substrate suitable recruitment—and subsequent recovery. This study used observational experimental methods determine: (1) binding likelihood in unstabilized situ 2.5 years a bleaching event 2016 Maldives, how it varied according characteristics gradients; (2) number binds binder composition on experimentally stabilized temporally over 1.5 gradients. Surveys found was lowest reef flat (8% bound) highest at exposed deeper sites (38%), where flow appears low enough maintain stability but high support growth. When stabilized, ~100% least one bind within 6 months. while per piece units continued increase time slope, remained flat, distinct between slope—likely due higher sediment transport flat. Community also cryptic microhabitats. reefs mobilized more frequently than every months, will likely have potential delayed recruitment. Where flux deposition high, recovery unlikely even if actively stabilized. In contrast, infrequently areas with lower facilitate natural recovery, thus may not require intervention. Our findings help effectively guide managers toward best strategies rubble‐dominated optimizing limited intervention resources through careful prioritization.

Language: Английский

Bio-degradable ‘reef bags’ used for rubble stabilisation and their impact on rubble stability, binding, coral recruitment and fish occupancy

Ecological Engineering, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 210, P. 107433 - 107433

Published: Nov. 9, 2024

Language: Английский