Habitat and fishing control grazing potential on coral reefs

Robinson, James P. W.; McDevitt‐Irwin, Jamie M.; Dajka, Jan-Claas; Hadj‐Hammou, Jeneen; Howlett, Samantha Jane; Graba‐Landry, Alexia; Hoey, Andrew S.; Nash, Kirsty L.; Wilson, Shaun K.; Graham, Nicholas A. J.

doi:10.1111/1365-2435.13457

Cited by 35 publications

(35 citation statements)

References 81 publications

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“…The removal of macroalgae is just one component of the broader ecosystem function of herbivory and is often performed by a narrow range of fish species which together represent a 'secondary line of defense' against the establishment and overgrowth of macroalgae (reviewed in Puk et al 2016). The full suite of herbivory processes on coral reefs encapsulates a wider range of species involved in the cropping of algal turfs (Robinson et al 2019), removal of algal turf sediments (Tebbett and Bellwood 2019), maintenance of microtopographic refuges (Brandl et al 2014) and bioerosion (Perry and Harborne 2016).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Macroalgae removal on coral reefs: realised ecosystem functions transcend biogeographic locations

et al. 2019

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Coral reef ecosystems are at the forefront of biodiversity loss and climate change-mediated transformations. This is expected to have profound consequences for the functioning of these ecosystems. However, assessments of ecosystem function on reefs are often spatially limited, within biogeographic realms, or rely on presumed proxies such as traits. To address these shortcomings and assess the effects of biogeography and fish presence on the critical ecosystem function of macroalgal removal, we used assays of six algal genera across three reef habitats in two biogeographically distinct locations, Little Cayman in the Caribbean and Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Patterns of fish feeding, and realised ecosystem function, were strikingly similar between the two geographic locations, despite a 3-fold difference in the local diversity of nominally herbivorous fishes, a 2.4-fold difference in the diversity of fishes feeding, and differences in the biogeographic history of the two locations. In both regions a single species dominated the function: a surgeonfish, Naso unicornis, at the GBR location and, surprisingly, a triggerfish, Melichthys niger, at the Caribbean location. Both species, especially M. niger, were relatively rare, compared to other nominally herbivorous fishes, in censuses covering more than 14000 m 2 at each location. Our study provides novel insights into the critical function of macroalgal removal in hyperdiverse coral reef ecosystems, highlighting: a) that function can transcend biogeographic, taxonomic and historical constraints; and b) shortcomings in our assumptions regarding fish presence and realised ecosystem function on coral reefs.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Macroalgae removal on coral reefs: realised ecosystem functions transcend biogeographic locations

et al. 2019

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“…While identifying reef species that may (opportunistically) consume mats is clearly important for management planning, of equal importance is understanding how BCM proliferation impacts reef fish processes at the reef scale. Herbivory is known to be critical for ecological resilience but is impeded at most tropical coral reefs due to human-mediated impacts such as overfishing and sedimentation 33 – 35 . Reefs in the Pacific Island region have much higher fish and benthic species richness than other areas such as the Red Sea and the Caribbean, facilitating higher functional redundancy (i.e.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

First insights into the impacts of benthic cyanobacterial mats on fish herbivory functions on a nearshore coral reef

Ford

Visser

Herk

et al. 2021

Sci Rep

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Benthic cyanobacterial mats (BCMs) are becoming increasingly common on coral reefs. In Fiji, blooms generally occur in nearshore areas during warm months but some are starting to prevail through cold months. Many fundamental knowledge gaps about BCM proliferation remain, including their composition and how they influence reef processes. This study examined a seasonal BCM bloom occurring in a 17-year-old no-take inshore reef area in Fiji. Surveys quantified the coverage of various BCM-types and estimated the biomass of key herbivorous fish functional groups. Using remote video observations, we compared fish herbivory (bite rates) on substrate covered primarily by BCMs (> 50%) to substrate lacking BCMs (< 10%) and looked for indications of fish (opportunistically) consuming BCMs. Samples of different BCM-types were analysed by microscopy and next-generation amplicon sequencing (16S rRNA). In total, BCMs covered 51 ± 4% (mean ± s.e.m) of the benthos. Herbivorous fish biomass was relatively high (212 ± 36 kg/ha) with good representation across functional groups. Bite rates were significantly reduced on BCM-dominated substratum, and no fish were unambiguously observed consuming BCMs. Seven different BCM-types were identified, with most containing a complex consortium of cyanobacteria. These results provide insight into BCM composition and impacts on inshore Pacific reefs.

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“…Likewise, abundance of C. spilurus, a prominent scarid in Mo'orea and other locations [42,78,79] responds positively to reef disturbances that reduce coral cover, but where structural complexity is still retained [80,81]. Scraping functions may therefore be preserved in areas subjected to loss of live coral [22].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seascape Configuration and Fine-Scale Habitat Complexity Shape Parrotfish Distribution and Function across a Coral Reef Lagoon

et al. 2020

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Structural complexity spanning fine to broad spatial scales can influence the distribution and activity of key organisms within marine ecosystems. However, the relative importance of hard (e.g., corals) and/or soft (e.g., macroalgae) structural complexity for marine organisms is often unclear. This study shows how both broad-scale (seascape configuration of coral structure) and fine-scale habitat complexity (structure height, number of holes, and presence of macroalgae) can influence the abundance and spatial ecology of reef fish. Underwater visual census of fish, surveys of habitats, remote underwater videos, and behavioral observations by following individual fish were used to quantify fine-scale habitat characteristics (e.g., complexity, coral structure height, macroalgae presence) and the abundance, size structure, and behavior (rates of herbivory, tortuosity ratios and total distance travelled) of abundant parrotfish. Both seascape configuration and macroalgae influenced the patterns of fish abundance and rates of herbivory. However, these relationships varied with trophic groups and ontogenetic stages. Abundance of adult and intermediate-phase parrotfishes was positively influenced by densely aggregated coral structures, whereas juvenile abundance was positively influenced by the presence of macroalgae. Foraging path and bite rates of an abundant parrotfish, Chlorurus spilurus, were not influenced by coral structure configuration or height, but the presence of macroalgae increased the bite rates of all juvenile parrotfish. Our results suggest that a combination of seascape configuration, fine-scale habitat complexity, and microhabitat selectivity influence reef fish community structure and foraging behavior, thus altering herbivory. However, these relationships can differ among functional groups of fish and life-history stages. Information on these fish–habitat interactions is critical for identifying habitats that facilitate ecological functions and ensures the successful management and conservation of essential habitats.

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Habitat and fishing control grazing potential on coral reefs

Abstract: This is the author manuscript accepted for publication and has undergone full peer review but has not been through the copyediting, typesetting, pagination and proofreading process, which may lead to differences between this version and the Version of Record. Please cite this article as

Cited by 35 publications

References 81 publications

Macroalgae removal on coral reefs: realised ecosystem functions transcend biogeographic locations

Macroalgae removal on coral reefs: realised ecosystem functions transcend biogeographic locations

First insights into the impacts of benthic cyanobacterial mats on fish herbivory functions on a nearshore coral reef

Seascape Configuration and Fine-Scale Habitat Complexity Shape Parrotfish Distribution and Function across a Coral Reef Lagoon

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