Echinoid bioerosion and herbivory on Kenyan coral reefs: the role of protection from fishing

Carreiro‐Silva, Marina; McClanahan, Tim R.

doi:10.1016/s0022-0981(01)00288-x

Cited by 114 publications

(80 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…Similar densities (>12 ind. m -2 ) have previously been recorded in what are considered to be degraded reef ecosystems, especially in sheltered habitats (Bak 1990, Carreiro-Silva & McClanahan 2001. The presence of E. mathaei on wave-washed dynamic reefs has been reported from rocky or temperate environments (Glynn et al 1979, Vanderklift et al 2009) and occasionally from shallow, wave-exposed tropical coral reefs (Russo 1980).…”

Section: Echinoidsmentioning

confidence: 98%

Sea urchins, macroalgae and coral reef decline: a functional evaluation of an intact reef system, Ningaloo, Western Australia

Johansson¹,

Bellwood²,

Depczynski³

2010

Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.

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The number of relatively untouched coral reefs worldwide is rapidly decreasing. Nevertheless, one coral reef ecosystem remains relatively intact: the largest west-continental reef ecosystem in the world, Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. This study investigated the status of 2 potential bio-indicators for coral reef decline, macroalgae and sea urchin densities, on this reef. Surprisingly, both were abundant, with the presence of extensive macroalgal beds in the sandy lagoon and a sea urchin-dominated reef slope. The algal distribution on Ningaloo reflected marked crossshelf variation in the composition of fish functional groups, with only the back reef and the reef slope exhibiting high grazing rates (completely scraped every 43 and 59 d, respectively). Estimated bioerosion rates by fishes ranged between 1 and 2.3 kg m -2 yr -1. Echinoids only played a significant role in bioerosion on the reef slopes owing to their high abundance in that habitat (>12 individuals m -2 ). Here, estimated echinoid erosion equalled that of the most abundant excavating parrotfish, Chlorurus sordidus. High echinoid and macroalgal abundances on this relatively intact reef system highlight the need for caution when using these metrics for evaluating reef ecosystem condition.

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Section: Echinoidsmentioning

confidence: 98%

Sea urchins, macroalgae and coral reef decline: a functional evaluation of an intact reef system, Ningaloo, Western Australia

Johansson¹,

Bellwood²,

Depczynski³

2010

Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.

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“…Typically, sea urchins will consume a greater diversity of algae than herbivorous reef fish and, as such, they will be more effective than the latter at controlling algal growth in the event of increased nutrient levels. Alternatively, as some species of echinoids can remove a large amount of calcium carbonate while foraging (Hutchings 1986, Carreiro-Silva & McClanahan 2001, an overabundance of sea urchins can lead to rapid erosion of the reef framework (McClanahan & Kurtis 1991, Bak 1994, Mapstone et al 2007). For example, Echinothrix diadema and Echinometra mathaei typically erode 20% of the calcium carbonate accreted (Carreiro-Silva & McClanahan 2001).…”

Section: Potential Threats and Impacts On Natural Resources Due To Urmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Studies highlighting the role of herbivores in promoting reef resilience and recovery to coral-dominated states, where disturbance has led to increased algal biomass (e.g. Bellwood et al 2004), have focused almost exclusively on fish and sea urchins (Hay 1984a, Carreiro-Silva & McClanahan 2001, Mumby et al 2006a, Paddack et al 2006, Albert et al 2008. Numerous Caribbean reefs have transitioned from ABSTRACT: The formal protection of the Hawaiian green turtle Chelonia mydas in the 1970s has led to significant increases in the number of individuals recorded throughout the archipelago.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ecosystem structure and processes at Kaloko Honokohau, focusing on the role of herbivores, including the green sea turtle Chelonia mydas, in reef resilience

Wabnitz¹,

Balazs²,

Beavers³

et al. 2010

Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.

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“…This species is ecologically important because it can control algal growth, and high densities can prevent recovery of fish and coral populations after disturbance (McClanahan et al 1996). In addition, feeding-driven bioerosion by Echinometra species removes carbonate (Downing and El-Zahr 1987;Carreiro-Silva and McClanahan 2001) which can reduce net accretion on coral reefs. Resulting burrows are often highly visible in the upper reef margins, and the species is thus habitat forming (McClanahan and Muthiga 2007).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Interactive effects of near-future temperature increase and ocean acidification on physiology and gonad development in adult Pacific sea urchin, Echinometra sp. A

et al. 2014

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Increased atmospheric CO 2 will have a twofold impact on future marine ecosystems, increasing global sea surface temperatures and uptake of CO 2 (Ocean Acidification). Many experiments focus on the investigation of one of these stressors, but under realistic future climate predictions, these stressors may have interactive effects on individuals. Here, we investigate the effect of warming and acidification in combination. We test for interactive effects of potential near-future (2100) temperature (?2 to 3°C) and pCO 2 (*860-940 lAtm) levels on the physiology of the tropical echinoid Echinometra sp. A. The greatest reduction in growth was under simultaneous temperature and pH/pCO 2 stress (marginally significant temperature 9 pH/pCO 2 interaction). This was mirrored by the physiological data, with highest metabolic activity (measured as respiration and ammonium excretion) occurring at the increased temperature and pCO 2 treatment, although this was not significant for excretion. The perivisceral coelomic fluid pH was *7.5-7.6, as typical for echinoids, and showed no significant changes between treatments. Indicative of active calcification, internal magnesium and calcium concentrations were reduced compared to the external medium, but were not different between treatments. Gonad weight was lower at the higher temperature, and this difference was more distinct and statistically significant for males. The condition of the gonads assessed by histology declined in increased temperature and low pH treatments. The Echinometra grew in all treatments indicating active calcification of their magnesium calcite tests even as carbonate mineral saturation decreased. Our results indicate that the interactive temperature and pH effects are more important for adult echinoids than individual stressors. Although adult specimens grow and survive in nearfuture conditions, higher energy demands may influence gonad development and thus population maintenance.

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Echinoid bioerosion and herbivory on Kenyan coral reefs: the role of protection from fishing

Cited by 114 publications

References 35 publications

Sea urchins, macroalgae and coral reef decline: a functional evaluation of an intact reef system, Ningaloo, Western Australia

Sea urchins, macroalgae and coral reef decline: a functional evaluation of an intact reef system, Ningaloo, Western Australia

Ecosystem structure and processes at Kaloko Honokohau, focusing on the role of herbivores, including the green sea turtle Chelonia mydas, in reef resilience

Interactive effects of near-future temperature increase and ocean acidification on physiology and gonad development in adult Pacific sea urchin, Echinometra sp. A

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