Bringing seascape ecology to the deep seabed: A review and framework for its application

Limnology and Oceanography, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 67(1), С. 66 - 88

Опубликована: Ноя. 15, 2021

Abstract Seascape ecology is an emerging pattern‐oriented and integrative science conceptually linked to landscape ecology. It aims quantify multidimensional spatial structure in the sea reveal its ecological consequences. The seascape approach has made important advances shallow coastal environments, increasing exploration mapping of deep seabed provides opportunities for application ocean. We argue that ecology, with multiscale perspective, can generate new scientific insights at temporal scales relevant ecosystem‐based management. a conceptual operational framework integrates builds on existing benthic habitat research by providing additional concepts, tools techniques (1) complex patterns across multiple scales; (2) link biodiversity processes; (3) provide ecologically meaningful information operationally This review introduces deep‐seabed environments. Research areas are highlighted where advance understanding

Язык: Английский

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Seascape context matters more than habitat condition for fish assemblages in coastal ecosystems

Oikos, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 2022(8)

Опубликована: Июнь 30, 2022

Ecosystems are increasingly degraded, fragmented and lost because of human activities globally. These impacts cause changes in the distribution biodiversity key ecological functions, modifications to food webs reductions ecosystem condition seascape connectivity. Understanding whether, how, spatial context (i.e. extent, position) structure patches, including habitat forming species) ecosystems coalesce support their function as animal habitats is critical for effective cost efficient coastal management. potential combined, or interactive, effects on fish assemblages are, however, rarely quantified. We sampled from six different (mangrove, seagrass, saltmarsh, log snag, rocky outcrop unvegetated sediment) across 13 estuaries eastern Australia quantified relative importance variables assemblage composition. Spatial were consistently more important than structuring abundance diversity. Sites that closer smaller vegetated mangrove seagrass) features estuary mouth intertidal flats) typically supported diverse high abundance. While composition was primarily linked variables, index availability also mangroves, seagrass outcrops. Our results show diversity intimately connectivity heterogeneity, have implications conservation planning fisheries management decisions ecosystems. highlight quantifying influence combined multiple ecosystems, expect outcomes lead planning.

Язык: Английский

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Seascape context and urbanisation modify fish assemblages around rocky headlands

Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 298, С. 108662 - 108662

Опубликована: Фев. 2, 2024

Seascape context is pivotal in shaping the abundance and diversity of fishes within coastal seascapes. However, pervasive human disturbances modify composition seascapes, necessitating a thorough understanding how these effects interact to influence ecosystems, which critical for implementing effective conservation management plans. In ecosystems such as exposed rocky headlands their abutting reefs, influences remain largely unquantified, thereby limiting this crucial landform. We sampled fish assemblages around 12 across 300 km coastline over two seasons (austral spring winter) eastern Australia with baited remote underwater video systems. aimed determine seascape context, benthic habitat composition, exposure, disturbance shape community harvested species, functional feeding groups key indicator species headlands. were important Sites that less than 2.5 from estuaries contained greater richness higher piscivores. more 0.9 urban land supported total abundance. had km2 reef nearby herbivore abundance, while those 2–3.5 omnivores fishes. contrast, sites 1 zoobenthivores. These results highlight combined on diversity, group Minimising extent urbanisation prioritising reefs near area, is, therefore, essential maintaining biodiversity fisheries productivity

Язык: Английский

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Chinook salmon depth distributions on the continental shelf are shaped by interactions between location, season, and individual condition

Movement Ecology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 12(1)

Опубликована: Март 15, 2024

Abstract Background Ecological and physical conditions vary with depth in aquatic ecosystems, resulting gradients of habitat suitability. Although variation vertical distributions among individuals provides evidence selection, it has been challenging to disentangle how processes at multiple spatio-temporal scales shape behaviour. Methods We collected thousands observations from $$>~300$$ > 300 acoustically tagged adult Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha , spanning seasons years. used these data parameterize a machine-learning model the influence spatial, temporal, dynamic oceanographic variables while accounting for differences individual condition maturation stage. Results The top performing machine learning bathymetric ratio (i.e., relative seafloor depth) as response. found that bathymetry, season, stage, spatial location most strongly influenced depth. ratios were deepest shallow water, during winter, immature individuals. also identified non-linear interactions covariates, spatially-varying effects zooplankton concentration, lunar cycle, temperature oxygen concentration. Conclusions Our results suggest use is function ecological interactions, not physiological constraints. Temporal could be guide management decisions intended reduce fishery impacts on salmon. More generally, our findings demonstrate complex seasonality, location, life history stage regulate selection.

Язык: Английский

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Length-weight relationship, condition factor, and diet analysis of thresher sharks (Family: Alopiidae) along the southern coast of India

Fisheries Research, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 277, С. 107067 - 107067

Опубликована: Июнь 3, 2024

Язык: Английский

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Nutrientscape ecology: a whole-system framework to support the understanding and management of coastal nutrient connectivity

Landscape Ecology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 40(3)

Опубликована: Фев. 19, 2025

Язык: Английский

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Detecting habitat preferences and monitoring population dynamics of sea cucumbers in coastal ecosystems through underwater photogrammetry

Journal of Environmental Management, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 377, С. 124589 - 124589

Опубликована: Фев. 20, 2025

Sea cucumbers constitute common benthic organisms in the subtidal zones capable of providing key ecosystem services. Due to recent harvesting and increased commercial interest Mediterranean species, fundamental ecological knowledge is required promote adequate management measures. In this regard, a remotely sensed mapping method proposed for deriving length-frequency distribution defining habitat preferences sea cucumber species. Image analyses classification carried out on high spatial resolution cartographic products, including orthophoto mosaics digital surface models derived by 'Structure-from-Motion' photogrammetric processing, allowed accurate estimation densities over an area 5500 m2. The mean length mapped specimens ranged from 8 50 cm, with peak abundance recorded April. A distinct preference sandy substrates was observed, characterized low vector ruggedness measure values ranging 0 0.15. negative correlation also identified areas slopes exceeding 15°, especially among larger size classes. Spatial patterns investigated Log-Gaussian Cox Process showed significant temporal trends well-defined aggregation during summer months specific covered transplanted P. oceanica fragments higher (up 0.25) values. This finding confirmed essential role restored retaining fine organic particle used as source food deposit-feeding holothurians. approach expected enhance creation tailored plans populations coastal regions, facilitating assessments impacts fishing activities these

Язык: Английский

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Bridging the gap in deep seafloor management: Ultra fine‐scale ecological habitat characterization of large seascapes

Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Март 1, 2025

Abstract The United Nations' sustainable development goal to designate 30% of the oceans as marine protected areas by 2030 requires practical management tools, and in turn ecologically meaningful mapping seafloor. Particularly challenging is mesophotic zone, a critical component system, biodiversity hotspot, potential refuge. Here, we introduce novel seafloor habitat workflow, integrating cm‐scale synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) multibeam bathymetry surveying with efficient ecotope characterization. In merely 6 h, mapped ~5 km 2 complex reef at sub‐metric resolution. Applying deep learning classifier on SAS imagery, classified four habitats an accuracy 84% defined relevant fine‐scale ecotones. Visual census precise situ sampling guided images for navigation were utilized ecological characterization units. Our preliminary fish surveys indicate importance highly rock/sand These less abundant would be largely underrepresented if area without prior consideration. Thus, our approach demonstrated generate scalable maps resolutions pertinent biotas, previously inaccessible mesophotic, advancing modeling large seascapes.

Язык: Английский

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Resolving the context-dependency of local heterogeneity–diversity relationships across rocky reefs worldwide

Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 292(2046)

Опубликована: Май 1, 2025

Environmental heterogeneity is widely thought to promote biodiversity, yet its variable effects limit predictive power. This variability can be better understood by considering key mediating factors: different forms of local heterogeneity, organismal groups and their associated traits, the broader environmental context (e.g. latitude). To address these factors, we analysed 144 studies (24 412 data points 2815 effects) from rocky reefs worldwide. Heterogeneity was defined as spatial variability, metrics were grouped into facets such three-dimensional (3D) structure substrate rugosity), complexity fractal dimension) feature mussel size classes). All promoted but context-dependent, with 3D structures having strongest impact, likely owing increased niche provision area. Responses also varied across groups, small-bodied mobile species benefiting most. Additionally, reduced grazing enhanced recruitment, helping biodiversity. Effects on biogenic substrates, at lower latitudes in more stressful intertidal zones. Overall, influence depends how it generated measured, organisms’ prevailing conditions. These insights inform development a conceptual model predicting heterogeneity’s context-dependent biodiversity systems.

Язык: Английский

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Five ways seascape ecology can help to achieve marine restoration goals

Landscape Ecology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 40(6)

Опубликована: Июнь 4, 2025

Abstract Context Marine restoration is increasingly recognized as a key activity to regenerate ecosystem integrity, safeguard biodiversity, and enable ocean sustainability. Global policies such the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework include area-based targets improve integrity connectivity. Achieving these requires scaling up in ecologically socially meaningful ways. Objectives The objective was establish consistent language framework for seascape practitioners that complements existing marine guidelines can help achieve cross-scale targets. Methods We proposed integration of 5Cs ecology—Context, Configuration, Connectivity, Consideration scale, Culture— offer valuable advancing practice policy. synthesized ecological social science evidence demonstrate how be applied efforts. Results established recommended four operational pathways: (1) focusing on recovery interconnected habitats across land–sea interface; (2) integrating from site selection through monitoring; (3) representing social, historical, cultural, variables when assessing suitability; (4) fostering transdisciplinary collaborations support integrative, multifaceted projects. Conclusions Integrating landscape ecology concepts methods into coastal will effective regenerative actions. Applying global more strategic, inclusive, seascapes.

Язык: Английский

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