High refuge availability on coral reefs increases the vulnerability of reef‐associated predators to overexploitation

Rogers, Alice; Blanchard, Julia L.; Newman, Steven P.; Dryden, Charlie; Mumby, Peter J.

doi:10.1002/ecy.2103

Cited by 39 publications

(42 citation statements)

References 94 publications

(169 reference statements)

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“…In fact, of all trophic groups, herbivores were the only ones found to be positively correlated with hard coral cover, similar to what has been reported from western Australia reefs (Vergés et al, 2011). Reef-building genera such as Diploria, Montastraea, Orbicella and Pseudodiploria that dominate shallow reefs in Bermuda (Logan, 1998), increase structural complexity, thus providing shelter from predators and/or greater resource availability for fish, including herbivores (Rogers et al, 2018).…”

Section: Fish Trophic Structure Across a Depth Gradientsupporting

confidence: 76%

Depth-Dependent Structuring of Reef Fish Assemblages From the Shallows to the Rariphotic Zone

et al. 2019

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Shallow coral reef ecosystems worldwide are affected by local and global anthropogenic stressors. Exploring fish assemblages on deeper reefs is therefore important to examine their connectivity, and to help understand the biodiversity, ecology, distinctiveness, evolutionary history and threats in this sparsely studied environment. Conducting visual surveys on the Bermuda slope and a nearby seamount at depths from 15 to 300 m, we document decreasing fish biomass and diversity with increasing depth. Fish assemblages were primarily depth-stratified, with distinct suites of species inhabiting shallow (<30 m depth) and upper (60 m) and lower (90 m) mesophotic coral ecosystems, and confirming the presence of a distinct rariphotic (∼150-300 m) assemblage. We also report evidence of anthropogenic pressures throughout our surveyed depths. Our results highlight the novelty of deeper reef fish faunas, therefore suggesting limited applicability of the deep reef refuge hypothesis, and showcase the vulnerability of deep reefs to targeted fishing pressure and invasive species.

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Section: Fish Trophic Structure Across a Depth Gradientsupporting

confidence: 76%

Depth-Dependent Structuring of Reef Fish Assemblages From the Shallows to the Rariphotic Zone

et al. 2019

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“…Structural complexity on reefs provides important habitat structure and refuge for prey assemblages and is linked to increased fish biomass and abundance (Rogers et al 2014). While structural complexity is also important for predator assemblages, reefs of intermediate complexity are most suitable for their productivity, as the increased refuge space on higher complexity reefs allows more prey to hide, thereby reducing available food (Rogers et al 2018). The relationship between predator assemblage data and structural complexity is complicated, but its inclusion in both models reinforces its importance in structuring predator assemblages (Ferrari et al 2017).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The importance of oceanic atoll lagoons for coral reef predators

et al. 2020

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Predators on coral reefs play an important ecological role structuring reef fish communities and are important fishery targets. It is thought that reef predator assemblages increase in density and diversity from inner lagoonal to outer edge reefs. Oceanic atolls may differ though, as nutrients are available throughout. Reef predator populations are declining, but there is little known about how their distributions may vary across oceanic atolls. Using a combination of underwater visual census and baited remote underwater video, this study aimed to compare reef predator populations between inner and outer reefs of North Malé Atoll (Maldives) and determine which reef metrics may drive any differences in assemblage structure. We found that predator assemblages were significantly different between inner and outer atoll. Body sizes of several predator families were consistently larger in the outer atoll, however, abundance, biomass and species richness were similar between outer edge reefs and inner lagoonal reefs suggesting atoll lagoons may be undervalued habitats. Depth and complexity were consistently important predictors of the predator assemblage. Inner atoll lagoonal habitat is equally as important for reef predator assemblages as outer reef slopes, although the dominant species differ. This study provides important information on reef predator populations in the Maldives, where detailed assessments of the reef predator assemblage are lacking but the reef fishery is thriving and annual catch will continue to increase.

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“…A core function of habitat-forming species is the creation of physically complex living space and shelter on reefs for a variety of flora and fauna. Where tropicalisation causes shifts in benthic composition (e.g., by shifting from kelp to turf algae as the dominant taxa), refuges will be modified, which may lead to mortality of some species (O'Brien, Mello, Litterer, & Dijkstra, 2018) or even declines of whole trophic groups that rely on specific refuges (Rogers, Blanchard, Newman, Dryden, & Mumby, 2018).…”

Section: Provision Of Habitat and Nursery Functions And Implicationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Tropicalisation of temperate reefs: Implications for ecosystem functions and management actions

et al. 2019

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Temperate reefs from around the world are becoming tropicalised, as warm‐water species shift their distribution towards the poles in response to warming. This is already causing profound shifts in dominant foundation species and associated ecological communities as canopy seaweeds such as kelp are replaced by tropical species. Here, we argue that the cascading consequences of tropicalisation for the ecosystem properties and functions of warming temperate reefs depend largely on the taxa that end up dominating the seafloor. We put forward three potential tropicalisation trajectories, that differ in whether seaweeds, turf or corals become dominant. We highlight potential gains to certain ecosystem functions for some tropicalisation endpoints. For example, local benthic fish productivity may increase in some tropicalised reefs as a higher proportion of primary production is directly consumed, but this will be at the expense of other functions such as carbon export. We argue that understanding these changes in flows of energy and materials is essential to formulate new conservation strategies and management approaches that minimise risks as well as capture potential opportunities. Regardless of which trajectory is followed, tropicalised systems represent largely novel ecosystem configurations. This poses major challenges to traditional conservation and environmental management approaches, which typically focus on maintaining or returning species to particular locations. We outline management practices that may either mitigate predicted structural and functional changes or make the most of potential new opportunities in tropicalised reefs. These include marine protected areas to increase resilience and connectivity, the development of new fisheries that target range‐expanding invaders, and assisted evolution and migration strategies to facilitate the dominance of large habitat formers like corals or seaweeds. We highlight important ecological and ethical challenges associated with developing novel approaches to manage tropicalised reefs, which may need to become increasingly interventionist. As technological innovations continue to emerge, having clear goals and considering the ethics surrounding interventions among the broader community are essential steps to successfully develop novel management approaches. A plain language summary is available for this article.

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High refuge availability on coral reefs increases the vulnerability of reef‐associated predators to overexploitation

Cited by 39 publications

References 94 publications

Depth-Dependent Structuring of Reef Fish Assemblages From the Shallows to the Rariphotic Zone

Depth-Dependent Structuring of Reef Fish Assemblages From the Shallows to the Rariphotic Zone

The importance of oceanic atoll lagoons for coral reef predators

Tropicalisation of temperate reefs: Implications for ecosystem functions and management actions

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