Review
Oceanography
Jessica A. Benthuysen, Michael J. Emslie, Leanne M. Currey-Randall, Alistair J. Cheal, Michelle R. Heupel
Summary: Integrated analysis of fish and oceanographic data along the Great Barrier Reef revealed a correlation between oceanographic variables and reef fish assemblage structure. Latitudinal splits in fish assemblages aligned spatially with the lagoonal branch of the East Australian Current. Oceanographic patterns were found to influence larval dispersal and maintain distinct reef fish communities.
PROGRESS IN OCEANOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
William S. Fisher
Summary: The goal of coral reef management is to provide habitat for fish populations, and it requires reliable methods to characterize reef features that contribute to fish habitat. By examining data from broad-area reef surveys, correlations were found between fish population measures and physical coral features, particularly coral colony height. Characterizing this relationship will improve fishery management tools and support assessment of the decline in the physical stature of reefs worldwide.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Greta Sartori, Michelle L. Taylor, Pascal Sebastian, Rahmadi Prasetyo
Summary: Carnivorous fish are essential for the Indonesian population, and it is crucial to incorporate environmental features into marine protected areas to support their thriving. This study investigated the relationship between current velocity, chlorophyll-a, sea surface height, temperature, and the biomass of carnivorous fish. Different fish families showed varying degrees of dependency on coral cover and oceanographic factors, likely due to their unique body shapes, habitats, and feeding habits. Future research on a broader scale is needed to inform marine spatial planning decisions.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Ian C. Enochs, Lauren T. Toth, Amanda Kirkland, Derek P. Manzello, Graham Kolodziej, John T. Morris, Daniel M. Holstein, Austin Schlenz, Carly J. Randall, Juan L. Mate, James J. Leichter, Richard B. Aronson
Summary: In this study, the composition and erosion activities on coral blocks in two coral reef gulfs in the eastern tropical Pacific were analyzed, revealing that the balance between bioerosion and calcification activities depends on rich trophic needs and environmental conditions, suggesting the unpredictable impact of contributing species on habitats.
ECOLOGICAL MONOGRAPHS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Kennedy Wolfe, Tania M. Kenyon, Amelia Desbiens, Kimberley de la Motte, Peter J. Mumby
Summary: Declines in habitat complexity have led to ecological degradation in various ecosystems. Coral reefs have served as a model for studying such changes, but previous research has mainly focused on corals and fish, overlooking the dominant role of small cryptic organisms. This study used a hierarchical framework to explore whether broad seascape parameters or nested microhabitat processes better describe cryptofauna communities in coral rubble. The results showed that microhabitat complexity influenced sessile organism cover, which in turn shaped the motile cryptofauna community.
ECOLOGICAL MONOGRAPHS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Graeme S. Cumming, Maja Adamska, Michele L. Barnes, Jon Barnett, David R. Bellwood, Joshua E. Cinner, Philippa J. Cohen, Jennifer M. Donelson, Katharina Fabricius, R. Quentin Grafton, Alana Grech, Georgina G. Gurney, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, Andrew S. Hoey, Mia O. Hoogenboom, Jacqueline Lau, Catherine E. Lovelock, Ryan Lowe, David J. Miller, Tiffany H. Morrison, Peter J. Mumby, Martin Nakata, John M. Pandolfi, Garry D. Peterson, Morgan S. Pratchett, Timothy Ravasi, Cynthia Riginos, Jodie L. Rummer, Britta Schaffelke, Thomas Wernberg, Shaun K. Wilson
Summary: SDG 14 aims to secure marine sustainability by 2030, and understanding the changing seascape, global actions, and the collaboration between science and society are vital for achieving this goal in the Asia-Pacific region. Through a horizon scan, researchers identified nine emerging research priorities that can contribute to marine sustainability, including understanding seascape evolution, drivers of change, and the costs and benefits to people. Researchers can contribute by developing interdisciplinary understandings, emphasizing equity and justice, and improving knowledge of cross-scale processes.
REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Li Keat Lee, Chui Pin Leaw, Li Chuen Lee, Zhen Fei Lim, Kieng Soon Hii, Albert Apollo Chan, Haifeng Gu, Po Teen Lim
Summary: This study characterized the coral-associated Symbiodiniaceae communities using high-throughput next-generation amplicon sequencing. The results showed that Cladocopium and Durusdinium were the dominant genera, providing a baseline for future studies on Symbiodiniaceae diversity.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Li Keat Lee, Chui Pin Leaw, Li Chuen Lee, Zhen Fei Lim, Kieng Soon Hii, Albert Apollo Chan, Haifeng Gu, Po Teen Lim
Summary: This study characterized the coral-associated Symbiodiniaceae communities of 14 reef sites in Malaysia using high-throughput sequencing, revealing the predominance of Cladocopium and Durusdinium genera with high diversity and richness. Additionally, it was found that different ITS2-type profiles exist across coral species. By establishing a baseline for future studies, this research provides insight into the potential adaptive roles of coral-algal associations.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Meghna Sengupta, Murray R. Ford, Paul S. Kench, George L. W. Perry
Summary: This study analyzes shoreline changes of 568 islands from 42 atolls across the western to central Pacific Ocean and assesses the potential processes driving these changes. The research finds no correlation between sea-level rise and island shoreline change, highlighting the importance of considering multiple predictors and using more robust computational models.
REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nestor E. Bosch, Fernando Espino, Fernando Tuya, Ricardo Haroun, Lorenzo Bramanti, Francisco Otero-Ferrer
Summary: The degradation of shallow ecosystems has led to a need to study and understand the biodiversity and functioning of Mesophotic Ecosystems. However, most research has been limited to tropical regions and focused on species, neglecting other important aspects of biodiversity. By studying a subtropical island in the Atlantic Ocean, we found that fish communities in mesophotic black coral forests (BCFs) differed in functional structure compared to shallow reefs, indicating the importance of specific management and conservation strategies for preserving the unique biodiversity and functionality of mesophotic BCFs.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Pascal Dumas, Christophe Peignon, Mahe Dumas, Bertrand Bourgeois, Hugues Gossuin, Sylvie Fiat
Summary: Outbreaks of the corallivorous starfish Acanthaster cf. solaris were investigated in 13 sites in New Caledonia. Wide occurrences of aggregations were documented in relatively small, isolated mid-shelf reefs. The outbreak population never affected the reef flats and had severe impacts on the upper fore reefs.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Joicye Hernandez-Zulueta, Leopoldo Diaz-Perez, Cristian Moises Galvan-Villa, Manuel Ayon-Parente, Pastora Gomez-Petersen, Enrique Godinez-Dominguez, Fabian Alejandro Rodriguez-Zaragoza
Summary: Spatial variations in coral assemblage structure on the southern coast of Jalisco, Mexico were evaluated in this study, revealing significant differences in terms of species richness, coral cover, and benthic habitat structure between coral patch sites and coral community sites. Despite the dominance of branched corals of the genus Pocillopora, other species such as Pocillopora damicornis, Pocillopora capitata, and Pocillopora verrucosa also contributed to the differences between sites. Live coral cover and turf were identified as key factors favoring the differences in site conditions.
JOURNAL OF SEA RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Courtney S. Couch, Thomas A. Oliver, Kyle Dettloff, Brittany Huntington, Kisei R. Tanaka, Bernardo Vargas-Angel
Summary: The persistence of Pacific coral reefs is at risk due to various threats, and the density of coral juveniles plays a crucial role in their recovery potential. This study investigated the spatial and temporal patterns of juvenile coral density across the U.S.-affiliated Pacific islands and atolls and identified the potential factors influencing coral juvenile abundance. The study found significant regional variations in juvenile density and highlighted the importance of ecological and environmental factors in predicting juvenile density.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiwei Li, Gregory P. Asner
Summary: Three-dimensional shallow benthic complexity provides valuable information for coral reef conservation and management, as it reflects the physical conditions and biodiversity of shallow coral reef environments. This study mapped global shallow water benthic complexity using satellite images and found that high complexity regions are mainly concentrated in areas with high benthic biodiversity. However, a significant portion of coral reef regions with high benthic complexity remains unprotected. The global coral reef benthic complexity map generated in this study can contribute to improving marine protected areas, reef conservation, and management.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Raymond C. Boland, K. David Hyrenbach, Edward E. DeMartini, Frank A. Parrish, John J. Rooney
Summary: This study conducted surveys of the mesophotic reef in the Au'au Channel between Maui and Lana'i islands using various methods. The results showed that depth, benthic substrates, and coverage have an impact on the distribution of fish assemblages in the mesophotic reef. Additionally, two distinct mesophotic assemblages were identified, one in the upper depths and the other in the lower depths.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ray Hilborn, Ricardo Oscar Amoroso, Christopher M. Anderson, Julia K. Baum, Trevor A. Branch, Christopher Costello, Carryn L. de Moor, Abdelmalek Faraj, Daniel Hively, Olaf P. Jensen, Hiroyuki Kurota, L. Richard Little, Pamela Mace, Tim McClanahan, Michael C. Melnychuk, Coilin Minto, Giacomo Chato Osio, Ana M. Parma, Maite Pons, Susana Segurado, Cody S. Szuwalski, Jono R. Wilson, Yimin Ye
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Danielle C. Claar, Kristina L. Tietjen, Kieran D. Cox, Ruth D. Gates, Julia K. Baum
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Danielle C. Claar, Jamie M. McDevitt-Irwin, Melissa Garren, Rebecca Vega Thurber, Ruth D. Gates, Julia K. Baum
Article
Fisheries
Easton R. White, Halley E. Froehlich, Jessica A. Gephart, Richard S. Cottrell, Trevor A. Branch, Rahul Agrawal Bejarano, Julia K. Baum
Summary: The US seafood sector faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including processor closures, shortened fishing seasons, and loss of revenue. Fresh seafood catches, imports, and exports experienced substantial declines, while frozen seafood products were less affected. Consumer demand for seafood from restaurants dropped during lockdowns, with recovery varying by state.
FISH AND FISHERIES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Danielle C. Claar, Samuel Starko, Kristina L. Tietjen, Hannah E. Epstein, Ross Cunning, Kim M. Cobb, Andrew C. Baker, Ruth D. Gates, Julia K. Baum
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2020)
Article
Fisheries
Paula Pappalardo, Allen G. Collins, Katrina M. Pagenkopp Lohan, Kate M. Hanson, Sarit B. Truskey, William Jaeckle, Cheryl Lewis Ames, Jessica A. Goodheart, Stephanie L. Bush, Leann M. Biancani, Ellen E. Strong, Michael Vecchione, M. G. Harasewych, Karen Reed, Chan Lin, Elise C. Hartil, Jessica Whelpley, Jamie Blumberg, Kenan Matterson, Niamh E. Redmond, Allison Becker, Michael J. Boyle, Karen J. Osborn
Summary: The performance of DNA metabarcoding for characterizing biodiversity can be influenced by multiple factors. This study used morphological assessment of zooplankton samples to develop a large barcode database and evaluated the congruence of taxonomic identification with metabarcoding under different conditions. Using multiple genetic markers and taxonomic assignment methods, the study found variations in taxonomic identification and taxon detection with metabarcoding, highlighting the importance of using a multi-marker approach and taxonomic expertise to improve biodiversity surveys.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Geoffrey J. Osgood, Easton R. White, Julia K. Baum
Summary: Climate change is altering the distributions and abundances of marine species, with elasmobranchs responding differently to temperature changes and ENSO events. Large and mobile species show strong and inconsistent responses to temperature fluctuations, while smaller and sedentary species exhibit weaker reactions. Understanding the diverse responses of elasmobranchs to environmental changes is crucial for their conservation and the effectiveness of marine protected areas.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Aaron M. Eger, Rebecca J. Best, Julia K. Baum
Summary: This study looked at the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem function in 14 subtidal eelgrass meadows, finding that fish community biomass is maximized when taxonomic richness and functional evenness are low, and in communities dominated by species with particular trait values. The results suggest that locally dominant species play a key role in ecosystem function and can drive it in moderately diverse communities.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarah W. Davies, Hollie M. Putnam, Tracy Ainsworth, Julia K. Baum, Colleen B. Bove, Sarah C. Crosby, Isabelle M. Cote, Anne Duplouy, Robinson W. Fulweiler, Alyssa J. Griffin, Torrance C. Hanley, Tessa Hill, Adriana Humanes, Sangeeta Mangubhai, Anna Metaxas, Laura M. Parker, Hanny E. Rivera, Nyssa J. Silbiger, Nicola S. Smith, Ana K. Spalding, Nikki Traylor-Knowles, Brooke L. Weigel, Rachel M. Wright, Amanda E. Bates
Summary: Success and impact metrics in science are currently biased and perpetuate sexist and racist rewards. Shifting to a new value system based on principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion is essential, along with multidimensional mentorship and prioritizing mentee well-being. This paradigm shift in scientific values requires collaborative efforts and essential systemic changes supported by academic leaders and administrators.
Article
Ecology
Samuel Starko, Christopher J. Neufeld, Lianna Gendall, Brian Timmer, Lily Campbell, Jennifer Yakimishyn, Louis Druehl, Julia K. Baum
Summary: Marine heatwaves pose a threat to the persistence of kelp forests globally. However, the responses of kelp forests to these events vary greatly on local scales. Temperature variation at fine spatial scales is found to be a critical factor influencing kelp forest persistence. Biotic interactions and bottom substrate are also found to be associated with kelp forest persistence.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Dominique G. Maucieri, Samuel Starko, Julia K. Baum
Summary: Multiple anthropogenic stressors co-occur in natural ecosystems and their interactions depend on the strength of the underlying stressors. This study examined the variations in coral alpha- and beta-diversities across sites with different levels of chronic local anthropogenic stress before and after a marine heatwave. The findings revealed additive effects, antagonistic interactions, and tipping points, highlighting the importance of considering complex continuous stressors to understand their ecological impacts.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Julia K. Baum, Danielle C. Claar, Kristina L. Tietjen, Jennifer M. T. Magel, Dominique G. Maucieri, Kim M. Cobb, Jamie M. McDevitt-Irwin
Summary: Corals are at risk from climate change-induced marine heatwaves. The impact of heatwaves on coral reefs depends on the scale of biological organization, with undisturbed sites experiencing greater losses at the community level, while individual corals suffer more under local disturbance.
Article
Plant Sciences
Matthew Csordas, Samuel Starko, Christopher J. Neufeld, Sarah Ann Thompson, Julia K. Baum
Summary: This study assesses the state of northern populations of the high intertidal kelp Postelsia palmaeformis following recent heatwaves. The results show population stability at three spatial scales, with slight distributional expansion, increased blade lengths, and a shift to earlier reproductive timing. The study suggests that thermal buffering and wave-exposed coastlines may have decreased the impacts of heatwaves on P. palmaeformis.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Samuel Starko, James E. Fifer, Danielle C. Claar, Sarah W. Davies, Ross Cunning, Andrew C. Baker, Julia K. Baum
Summary: Climate change-amplified marine heatwaves can lead to extensive mortality in foundation species. However, the lack of longitudinal genomic datasets has hindered the understanding of how rapid selection events alter hidden genetic structure. Heatwave impacts may be worsened in obligate symbiotic species, where the genetics of multiple coevolving taxa may be affected.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
G. J. Osgood, M. E. McCord, J. K. Baum
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2020)