Article
Environmental Sciences
Sterling B. Tebbett, David R. Bellwood, Erin R. Johnson, Tory J. Chase
Summary: This study found that algal turf sediments from Lizard Island and Orpheus Island in the Great Barrier Reef contain various metals, and the loads of some metals increase significantly with turf length. These findings suggest that longer algal turfs could be an important pathway for these metals to enter food chains.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sterling B. Tebbett, M. Paula Sgarlatta, Albert Pessarrodona, Adriana Verges, Thomas Wernberg, David R. Bellwood
Summary: This article provides an overview of three commonly used methods and necessary equipment for quantifying sediments from algal turfs, and highlights the lack of standardization in comparing algal turf-bound sediments. The authors hope to encourage the adoption of standardized methods by marine benthic ecologists, geologists, and managers, in order to facilitate further research and global comparisons of algal turf sediments.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Hannah G. Hayes, Pooneh S. Kalhori, Marcus Weiss, Shalanda R. Grier, Peggy Fong, Caitlin R. Fong
Summary: Storms can strongly impact coral reefs, potentially leading to a decrease in herbivory which in turn affects both turf algae and coral reef conditions. Experimental evidence shows that storms can disrupt the strong top-down control by herbivores on algal turfs. Further research into the underlying mechanisms of storm impacts is crucial as storm intensities and watershed development continue to increase in many tropical regions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Apolline Mariotti, Jacky Croke, Rebecca Bartley, Samuel E. Kelley, Jay Ward, Reka-Hajnalka Fulop, Anna H. Rood, Dylan H. Rood, Alexandru T. Codilean, Klaus Wilcken, Keith Fifield
Summary: This study utilized cosmogenic 10Be data to investigate sediment delivery to the Great Barrier Reef, presenting background sediment yields for 11 catchments and calculating an Accelerated Erosion Factor to identify denudation hotspots. The results showed that 58% of basins have higher modern sediment yields compared to long-term values, indicating potential changes in sediment delivery dynamics.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Michael J. Reading, Damien T. Maher, Isaac R. Santos, Luke C. Jeffrey, Tyler J. Cyronak, Ashly McMahon, Douglas R. Tait
Summary: The dynamics of methane and nitrous oxide in coastal coral reef areas are not well understood. The study in the Great Barrier Reef showed oversaturated CO2 due to calcification and riverine sources, oversaturated CH4 from nearshore biogenic sources and probable offshore aerobic production, and generally undersaturated N2O. The GBR was a slight CO2 and CH4 source and N2O sink during the study, with further research needed to constrain diurnal, seasonal, and spatial dynamics.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alexandra Garzon-Garcia, Joanne M. Burton, Stephen Lewis, Zoe Bainbridge, Rob De Hayr, Philip Moody, Jon Brodie
Summary: This study found that riverine plumes have the potential to be significant sources of bioavailable nitrogen to the coastal environments of the GBR, with organic matter being a key driver of bioavailability. Conversion of particulate inorganic nitrogen to dissolved inorganic nitrogen was identified as an important process.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jiaxin Cheng, Hairong You, Minge Tian, Shaoping Kuang, Shuai Liu, Hui Chen, Xuan Li, Huan Liu, Tao Liu
Summary: This study investigated the ecological distribution of N-damo bacteria in the sediments of the Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea, and East China Sea. The results showed that N-damo bacterial abundance was highest in the Bohai Sea, followed by the East China Sea, and lowest in the Yellow Sea. The N-damo bacterial diversity was highest in the East China Sea, followed by the Bohai Sea, and lowest in the Yellow Sea.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Casey L. Bowden, Robert P. Streit, David R. Bellwood, Sterling B. Tebbett
Summary: The blenny species, Ecsenius stictus, has a negligible influence on sediment dynamics on coral reefs despite its abundance. They preferentially feed and rest on elevated surfaces with low sediment loads.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Oceanography
D. L. Livsey, J. R. Crosswell, R. D. R. Turner, A. D. L. Steven, P. R. Grace
Summary: This study found that flocculation occurs in all rivers along the Great Barrier Reef coastline, resulting in an order-of-magnitude difference in particle size between in-situ and dispersed sediment. Machine learning algorithms showed promise in predicting in-situ particle size. Hydrodynamics were found to be more important than inter-catchment differences in controlling particle size.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-OCEANS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juan Pablo D'Olivo, Malcolm McCulloch
Summary: The increase in sediment and nutrient loads from land use practices threatens the Great Barrier Reef. This study reconstructs sediment fluxes using coral records and reveals a tripling of sediment loads since European settlement, indicating an extreme degradation of river catchments.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Prasun Goswami, Nambali Valsalan Vinithkumar, Gopal Dharani
Summary: This study analyzed microplastics (MPs) abundances and characteristics in seafloor sediments from the Arabian and Andaman seas, revealing a widespread occurrence of MPs in the Indian seas. The mean MP concentration in the Arabian Sea was significantly higher than in the Andaman Sea, with fiber being the most dominant shape.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chaitanya Arjunwadkar, Sterling B. Tebbett, David R. Bellwood, David G. Bourne, Hillary A. Smith
Summary: The study explored the relationship between particulate accumulation and taxonomic composition of algal turfs. Results showed that particulate mass was positively related to algal turf length, while the relationship between particulate mass and turf density followed a negative parabolic shape. Furthermore, increasing particulate mass led to significant differences in taxonomic composition of algal turfs. The findings suggest that changes in algal turf structure and composition can have various influences on coral reef ecosystems.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Georgina M. Nicholson, Kendall D. Clements
Summary: Diet in fish is influenced by multiple factors including nutritional requirements, trophic morphology, and resource availability. This study examined the spatial variation in trophic resources for parrotfish on the Great Barrier Reef by combining microhistology and rRNA barcoding. The results showed that filamentous cyanobacteria are the dominant biota on feeding substrata, and they are a key feeding target for parrotfishes along with other microscopic photoautotrophs.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mark E. Baird, Mathieu Mongin, Jennifer Skerratt, Nugzar Margvelashvili, Sharon Tickell, Andrew D. L. Steven, Cedric Robillot, Robin Ellis, David Waters, Paulina Kaniewska, Jon Brodie
Summary: Model simulations demonstrate that reducing anthropogenic catchment loads can improve water quality of the Great Barrier Reef, particularly within river plumes. Reductions in anthropogenic loads can significantly decrease chlorophyll concentration in the plumes.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Yucheng Lin, Pippa L. Whitehouse, Fiona D. Hibbert, Sarah A. Woodroffe, Gustavo Hinestrosa, Jody M. Webster
Summary: The continental shelf along northeastern Australia, where the Great Barrier Reef is located, has experienced extensive sediment deposition due to carbonate and terrigenous siliciclastic sediments. This sediment loading can alter the relative sea level, which is poorly constrained in the region. Using a glacial isostatic adjustment model, this study provides a sediment loading history for the Great Barrier Reef and quantifies the effect on relative sea level. The results highlight the importance of considering sediment-induced sea level changes in postglacial sea-level studies.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Albert Pessarrodona, Sterling B. Tebbett, Nestor E. Bosch, David R. Bellwood, Thomas Wernberg
Summary: Algal turfs are expected to dominate coral reef benthos in the Anthropocene, and our study found that surgeonfishes, particularly those that crop and suck sediment, can adapt to and feed on high sediment loads in these turfs, which may be advantageous in future sediment-laden turf-dominated reefs.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sterling B. Tebbett, Juliano Morais, David R. Bellwood
Summary: Research conducted on Lizard Island in the Great Barrier Reef shows that coral reefs have the potential for recovery after severe cumulative disturbances, with some reefs experiencing significant increases in coral cover while others show little to no recovery. The study also indicates that recovery after disturbances may vary significantly depending on the specific location of the reef.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Fisheries
Sterling B. Tebbett, Alexandre C. Siqueira, David R. Bellwood
Summary: Surgeonfishes are key components of coral reef ecosystems but their functional roles may be changing due to environmental changes.
REVIEWS IN FISH BIOLOGY AND FISHERIES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Samantha K. Crisp, Sterling B. Tebbett, David R. Bellwood
Summary: This article investigates the issue of coral reef phase shifts and finds significant variability in past research. Through a systematic review of the literature, a clarified definition of phase shifts is developed, revealing its importance in influencing past research results.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Christopher H. R. Goatley, Luke Tornabene
Summary: The Thalasseleotrididae is a small family of exclusively marine gobioids. A new genus and species called Tempestichthys bettyae was discovered, which is the first tropical thalasseleotridid and has distinctive morphology and coloration.
SYSTEMATICS AND BIODIVERSITY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Sterling B. Tebbett, Sean R. Connolly, David R. Bellwood
Summary: By analyzing a global dataset of coral reef benthic cover, the authors found that high macroalgal cover is mainly restricted to the Western Atlantic, and there have also been significant declines in coral cover in the Western Atlantic and Central Pacific since the late 1990s. Understanding the composition and trajectory of coral reef benthic communities is crucial for managing Anthropocene coral reefs, as they are at the forefront of environmental transformation caused by human-induced stressors.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biology
Sterling B. Tebbett, Samantha K. Crisp, Richard D. Evans, Christopher J. Fulton, Albert Pessarrodona, Thomas Wernberg, Shaun K. Wilson, David R. Bellwood
Summary: Different definitions of dominance can greatly influence the understanding of ecosystem shifts, as exemplified by coral reefs. Exclusion of crucial algal groups and variations in categorizing other benthic communities can alter perceptions of coral dominance and the detection of ecosystem phase shifts. Therefore, consensus on the application of dominance concepts is needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of ecosystem changes in aquatic and terrestrial settings.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Sophia R. L. Douglas, Sterling B. B. Tebbett, Severine Choukroun, Christopher H. R. Goatley, David R. R. Bellwood
Summary: Cryptobenthic fishes are abundant and dominant in near reef waters, although the link between pelagic and on-reef processes is not well understood. Through sampling at different depths, the study found clear variation in late-stage larval fish assemblages. Contrary to expectations, late-stage cryptobenthic larvae were found to use large portions of the water column, although their preferred positions could differ among taxa.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Sterling B. Tebbett, Scott Bennett, David R. Bellwood
Summary: Herbivorous fishes are an important group in coral reef ecosystems and have been extensively studied. However, challenges remain in quantifying patterns versus processes. This article explores how the definition of 'herbivorous reef fishes' hinders the translation between herbivore abundance and herbivory processes. The authors suggest that considering the difficulty of translating patterns in herbivore abundance to herbivory processes and focusing on quantifying herbivory in the epilithic algal matrix (EAM) will be crucial for comprehensive understanding of herbivory on Anthropocene coral reefs.
Article
Ecology
Juliano Morais, Sterling B. Tebbett, Renato A. Morais, David R. Bellwood
Summary: Ecosystem recovery from human-induced disturbances is occurring worldwide, but the dynamics and implications for ecosystem management remain unclear. Using coral reefs as a case study, this research found that coral reefs can recover to global average levels within just 2 years, with as few as 11.5 coral recruits per square meter. However, factors such as wave exposure, growth form, and colony density can impact the recovery rates. This study emphasizes the importance of considering natural recovery in management and restoration, and provides insights into the recovery dynamics of high-diversity climate-disturbed ecosystems.
Article
Environmental Sciences
James Gahan, David R. Bellwood, Leo Nankervis, Sterling B. Tebbett
Summary: This study analyzed the characteristics of zooplankton communities in the offshore regions of the Queensland shelf using Australian data and found that the composition of these communities was predictable at a broad taxonomic level, but the variation in relative abundance was unpredictable.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sterling B. Tebbett, Jodie A. Schlaefer, Casey L. Bowden, William P. Collins, Christopher R. Hemingson, Scott D. Ling, Juliano Morais, Renato A. Morais, Alexandre C. Siqueira, Robert P. Streit, Sam Swan, David R. Bellwood
Summary: Sediments on coral reefs are influenced by the amount and movement of sediment in different reservoirs. However, research on reef sediment dynamics and their drivers is limited, especially on clear-water offshore reefs. Using quantification methods, this study examined sediment reservoirs/processes and bio-physical drivers in different reef habitats at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef. The findings showed that a significant amount of suspended sediment passed over the reef, but only a small portion settled. Spatial differences in sediment deposition and accumulation were observed, influenced by wave energy and reef geomorphology. These findings highlight the importance of local hydrodynamic conditions in determining sediment fate on coral reefs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biology
Zach Heiple, Jonathan M. Huie, Aline P. M. Medeiros, Pamela B. Hart, Christopher H. R. Goatley, Dahiana Arcila, Elizabeth Christina Miller
Summary: There is a great diversity in trophic morphologies of ceratioid anglerfishes in the deep sea, ranging from species with numerous stout teeth, a slow but forceful bite, and high jaw protrusibility to species with long fang-like teeth, a fast but weak bite, and low jaw protrusibility. This high morphological diversity may be at odds with ecological generality, or it may arise through neutral evolutionary processes where different morphologies lead to similar trophic success.
Article
Fisheries
Sterling B. Tebbett, David R. Bellwood, Tahlia Bassett, Michael V. W. Cuttler, Molly Moustaka, Shaun K. Wilson, Helen F. Yan, Richard D. Evans
Summary: Herbivorous fishes and algal turfs are important for the functioning of coral reefs, but their nature on turbid reefs is limited. High turbidity reefs have low herbivorous fish abundance and limited nutritional resources, resulting in reduced productivity compared to clear-water reefs in the Indo-Pacific. This suggests bottom-up nutrient resource limitation due to reduced light levels and sediment-laden conditions on turbid reefs.
REVIEWS IN FISH BIOLOGY AND FISHERIES
(2023)