The limited role of herbivorous fishes and turf-based trophic pathways in the functioning of turbid coral reefs

Tebbett, Sterling B.; Bellwood, David R.; Bassett, Tahlia; Cuttler, Michael V. W.; Moustaka, Molly; Wilson, Shaun K.; Yan, Helen F.; Evans, Richard D.

doi:10.1007/s11160-023-09823-1

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 137 publications

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“…This means there is no 'one size fits all' approach to reef management, with the goals of any management strategy dependent on how the specific ecosystem in question functions given the social and environmental context within which it exists (Bellwood et al 2019a;Williams et al 2019). Moreover, examining coral reefs in extreme and marginal contexts can yield key insights into how reefs operate outside typical domains, and may yield functionally informative insights that question widely held perceptions (although this is invariably dependent on how analogous marginal/extreme reefs are to disturbed coral reefs) (Burt et al 2020;Schoepf et al 2023;Tebbett et al 2023a). For example, the Galápagos Islands are renowned for their unique, endemic diversity.…”

Section: Future Outlook and Conclusionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Studying functions on coral reefs: past perspectives, current conundrums, and future potential

Bellwood,

Brandl,

McWilliam

et al. 2024

Coral Reefs

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Function-based studies have opened a new chapter in our understanding of coral reefs. Unfortunately, we are opening this chapter as the world’s reefs rapidly transform. In this context, one of the most important roles of function-based studies is to inform coral reef conservation. At this critical juncture, we have a chance to reflect on where we have come from, and where we are going, in coral reef functional ecology, with specific consideration of what this means for our approaches to conserving reefs. As focal examples, we examine the role of corals on reefs, and the practice of culling crown-of-thorns starfish, from a functional perspective. We also consider how the papers in this special issue build on our current understanding. Ultimately, we highlight how robust scientific investigation, based on an understanding of ecosystem functions, will be key in helping us navigate reefs through the current coral reef crisis.

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Section: Future Outlook and Conclusionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Studying functions on coral reefs: past perspectives, current conundrums, and future potential

Bellwood,

Brandl,

McWilliam

et al. 2024

Coral Reefs

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Suspended Particulate Organic Matter Supports Mesopredatory Fish Across a Tropical Seascape

Moustaka,

Bassett,

Beltran

et al. 2024

Ecosystems

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Understanding the sources of primary production supporting marine food webs is important for conserving critical habitats. However, the importance of allochthonous versus autochthonous production is often unclear. We identify the sources of primary production supporting three species of predatory fish (Lutjanus carponotatus, Lutjanus fulviflamma, and Lethrinus punctulatus) in the Dampier Archipelago, Western Australia. The proportions of mangrove, seagrass, macroalgae, and suspended particulate organic matter (SPOM) assimilated by fish of different life-history stages and from different habitats were determined using stable isotopes and Bayesian mixing models. While contributions of sources varied among species and habitats, we found that SPOM was an important energetic resource for both adults and juveniles of all three fish species. Juvenile L. carponotatus and L. punctulatus inhabiting macroalgal habitats assimilated more seagrass- and macroalgae-derived material than fish from coral or mangrove habitats, while reliance on mangrove carbon was generally limited overall. Assimilation of macrophyte-derived material decreased throughout ontogeny for L. carponotatus, while L. fulviflamma relied on a combination of SPOM and seagrass into adulthood. The contribution of macroalgae and SPOM to the diets of juvenile L. punctulatus and L. carponotatus from macroalgal habitats varied spatially but was unrelated to seascape configuration, habitat quality, or hydrodynamic conditions. While mixing models suggested a modest degree of trophic connectivity, cross-habitat trophic subsidies provided by macrophytes play a minor role in supporting the studied fish of either life-history stage. Instead, microalgal production predominantly fuels the productivity of predatory fish in this turbid, macrotidal system.

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Seascape effects on the nursery function of macroalgal habitats

Moustaka,

Robbins,

Wilson

et al. 2024

Marine Environmental Research

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The limited role of herbivorous fishes and turf-based trophic pathways in the functioning of turbid coral reefs

Cited by 5 publications

References 137 publications

Studying functions on coral reefs: past perspectives, current conundrums, and future potential

Studying functions on coral reefs: past perspectives, current conundrums, and future potential

Suspended Particulate Organic Matter Supports Mesopredatory Fish Across a Tropical Seascape

Seascape effects on the nursery function of macroalgal habitats

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