Distribution of Acanthaster planci outbreaks on the Great Barrier Reef between 1966 and 1989

Reichelt, Russell; Bradbury, Roger; Moran, Peter

doi:10.1007/bf00258219

Cited by 46 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…The first described outbreak in the Great Barrier Reef (with peak densities recorded 1962-1976) was followed by a second outbreak between 1979 and 1991 (Reichelt et al 1990). A third wave of several outbreaks, which started around 1993, is currently underway (e.g., Fig.…”

Section: Population Density Fluctuations: the Acanthaster-asterias Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

A boom–bust phylum? Ecological and evolutionary consequences of density variations in echinoderms

Uthicke

Schaffelke

Byrne

2009

Ecological Monographs

375

245

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Abstract. Echinoderms play a key role in structuring many marine ecosystems and are notorious for large population density variations in so-called ''outbreak'' or ''dieoff'' events. In a review of this phenomenon, we assess the causal factors and ecological and evolutionary consequences. We identified 28 species (6 Asteroidea, 8 Echinoidea, 10 Holothuroidea, 4 Ophiuroidea) that exhibit large (more than two population doublings or halvings) population density changes. Three generalized patterns were identified and named for exemplary species:(1) rapid decreases followed by no or slow recovery (Diadema-Paracentrotus Model), (2), rapid increase and apparent stability at a new population density (Amperima-Amphiura Model), and (3) population density fluctuations (Acanthaster-Asterias Model). Echinoderms identified were distributed from the shallow intertidal to the deep sea, and from tropical to temperate regions. In most cases, significant impacts on the respective ecosystems were observed. The most striking similarity among all species identified was possession of the ancestral-type planktotrophic larva. This larval type was significantly overrepresented in species identified within the Asteroidea, Echinoidea, Holothuroidea, and for the combined data set. We suggest three main factors that render a life history with planktotrophic larvae a high-risk-high-gain strategy: (1) a strong nonlinear dependency of larval production on adult densities (Allee effects), (2) a low potential for compensatory feedback mechanisms, and (3) an uncoupling of larval and adult ecology. The alternative (derived) lecithotrophic larva occurs in 68% of recent echinoderm species, suggesting an evolutionary trend toward this larval type. Lecithotrophic development represents a more buffered life history because compensatory feedback between adult densities and larval output is likely to be more efficient. For lecithotrophic developers, direct nutritive coupling from adult to larva to the early benthic juvenile provides a buffer against starvation. Lecithotrophic larvae are independent of the vagaries of planktonic food supply, and their short planktonic duration may promote local recruitment. Anthropogenic influences contributed to the population density variations in most cases, including increased primary productivity through eutrophication or global change, disease, overfishing, and species introductions. We suggest that anthropogenic disturbance, through its influence on the frequency and/or amplitude of echinoderm population density changes, may go beyond present ecosystem impacts and alter future evolutionary trends.

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Section: Population Density Fluctuations: the Acanthaster-asterias Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

A boom–bust phylum? Ecological and evolutionary consequences of density variations in echinoderms

Uthicke

Schaffelke

Byrne

2009

Ecological Monographs

375

245

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…E-mail: black@hamilton.niwa.cri.nz water column. Larvae then seeded reefs to the south establishing a 'wave' of outbreaks which passed through the GBR, taking 10 to 12 yr. More recent measurements of currents (Andrews 1983) and detailed starfish observations (Reichelt et al 1990, Moran et al 1992) confirmed the southerly drifting hypothesis. Moran et al (1992) analysed a database of recorded starfish outbreaks to determine the pattern and rate of spread of outbreaks through the GBR and confirmed the 'southern wave' hypothesis.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 73%

Association of low-frequency currents and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks

Black

Moran²,

Burrage³

et al. 1995

Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.

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Analyses of 25 yr of coastal currents have revealed slow periods and long-term cycles in longshore current intensity and direction during the annual spawning season of crown-of-thorns starfish. Extraordinary natal larval recruitment during periods of slow, low-frequency longshore currents may be a critical factor associated with primary outbreaks of the starfish on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Slow currents result in high local retention of larvae within the eddy-induced well-mixed zone around a reef, with a corresponding potential for abnormally high recruitment back to the natal reef or region. Numerical simulations show that after a crown-of-thorns starfish outbreak is established, large latitudinal sectors of the GBR may be inundated by larvae. Observed southerly progressions of secondary starfish outbreaks were significantly correlated with predicted larval excursions, transmitted by low-frequency currents during spawning seasons. Secondary infestation of reefs, however, could not explain primary events or the noteworthy exceptions in inter-annual outbreak advance along the GBR, suggesting that an outbreak during 1978 at 18 to 19' S may have been primary and independent of the earlier events further north.

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“…The extent of and damage from COTS outbreaks on the GBR have indeed been massive, spanning two and a half decades and almost impacted reefs. To the contrary, there were more 10 degrees of latitude (Reichelt et al 1990). In the negative correlations with algal turfs and positive corcentral region of the GBR where this study was underrelations with live coral cover, particularly on impacted taken, 76% of the reefs were estimated to have exreefs.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Response of herbivorous fishes to crown-of-thorns starfish Acanthaster planci outbreaks. II. Density and biomass of selected species of herbivorous fish and fish-habitat correlations

Am¹,

Dw²,

Russ³

1996

Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.

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Density, biomass and fish-habitat correlations were estimated for selected species of herbivorous fish on crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) impacted and control reefs in the central Great Barrier Reef. The objective was to investigate a long-term numerical and/or biomass response to increased food availability (algal turfs) on COTS affected reefs. Out of 14 variates investigated, 2 showed evidence of a numerical response on COTS affected reefs. Importantly, total number of individuals and total biomass showed no response. Instead, a negative effect (i.e. higher abundances on control reefs) was detected for Zebrasoma scopas, although thls was attributable to very high abundances on one of the non-impacted reefs (Coil). Density of Sjganus corallinus was higher on COTS impacted reefs; however, this was not greater than variability over time. On COTS affected reefs, there was a negative correlation of herbivorous fish with thick turf algal abundance and a positive correlation with live coral cover, whereas on non-affected reefs, there were a similar number of positive and negative correlations w~t h thick turf algae and live coral. Additionally, a distinct cross-shelf trend in length frequency of Acanthurus nigrofuscus was observed. Differences in food availability, wave energy and intraspecific competition were hypothesized to be important factors In this observed distribution.

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Distribution of Acanthaster planci outbreaks on the Great Barrier Reef between 1966 and 1989

Cited by 46 publications

References 17 publications

A boom–bust phylum? Ecological and evolutionary consequences of density variations in echinoderms

A boom–bust phylum? Ecological and evolutionary consequences of density variations in echinoderms

Association of low-frequency currents and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks

Response of herbivorous fishes to crown-of-thorns starfish Acanthaster planci outbreaks. II. Density and biomass of selected species of herbivorous fish and fish-habitat correlations

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