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)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jeneen Hadj-Hammou, David Mouillot, Nicholas A. J. Graham
Summary: The response-and-effect framework is a trait-based approach that aims to analyze the mechanistic links between ecosystem disturbances, species' traits, and ecosystem processes. A review of coral reef fish traits literature shows a focus on linking response traits to disturbances, with fewer studies connecting effect traits to ecosystem processes. Size and diet of fish are identified as common traits in the literature, crucial for understanding both disturbance and process in ecosystems.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Paul G. Carvalho, Fakhrizal Setiawan, Karizma Fahlevy, Beginer Subhan, Hawis Madduppa, Guangyu Zhu, Austin T. Humphries
Summary: Research indicates that fishing pressure is the dominant driver of size spectra slopes in coral reef fishes, with carnivores being more heavily impacted as pressure increases. Additionally, habitat structural complexity plays a role in influencing the size spectra slopes of herbivorous fishes in coral reefs.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alexandre Muller, Camille Poitrimol, Flavia L. D. Nunes, Aurelien Boye, Amelia Curd, Nicolas Desroy, Louise B. Firth, Laura Bush, Andrew J. Davies, Fernando P. Lima, Martin P. Marzloff, Claudia Meneghesso, Rui Seabra, Stanislas F. Dubois
Summary: Reef-building species such as the honeycomb worm play a key role in increasing biodiversity in marine habitats, but may also compete with other species. Diversity levels remain constant along the European coast, with taxonomic composition varying across sites primarily in response to sea surface temperatures and sediment content. Functional composition of assemblages is similar regardless of taxonomic composition, indicating that the reefs may act as biological filters.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Juan Shi, Chunhou Li, Teng Wang, Jinfa Zhao, Yong Liu, Yayuan Xiao
Summary: Coral reefs, known as tropical rainforests in the ocean, have a rich diversity of fish species. China has 2855 species of coral reef fishes, which can be categorized into nearshore and offshore. The diversity of coral reef fish species has a significant positive correlation with coral species diversity.
Article
Ecology
Catherine E. E. Sheppard, Gareth J. J. Williams, Dan A. A. Exton, Sally A. A. Keith
Summary: Biodiversity loss is negatively impacting ecosystem functions and services globally. This study focuses on the importance of co-occurrence of different functional groups in addition to functional diversity for the coral reef benthic state. The results suggest that protecting specific herbivorous fish functional groups is crucial for promoting coral accretion.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lara E. Stuthmann, Gustavo A. Castellanos-Galindo, D. Ross Robertson
Summary: The study compared the functional and isotopic structure of mangrove fish communities in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea of Panama, revealing differences in taxonomic composition, functional diversity, and trophic roles between the two regions. Local environmental factors may strongly influence the characteristics of mangrove fish assemblages across biogeographic realms.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Nestor E. Bosch, Matthew McLean, Salvador Zarco-Perello, Scott Bennett, Rick D. Stuart-Smith, Adriana Verges, Albert Pessarrodona, Fernando Tuya, Tim Langlois, Claude Spencer, Sahira Bell, Benjamin J. Saunders, Euan S. Harvey, Thomas Wernberg
Summary: Extreme climatic events can reshape the functional structure of ecological communities and have potential flow-on effects on ecosystem functioning. This study examined the changes in the trait structure of herbivorous fish and their impact on herbivory-related functions and macroalgal recovery in a temperate reef system after an extreme marine heatwave. The results showed that the trait structure of the herbivorous fish assemblage shifted after the heatwave, leading to changes in herbivory roles and limited recovery of the ecosystem.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kate M. Quigley, Blake Ramsby, Patrick Laffy, Jessica Harris, Veronique J. L. Mocellin, Line K. Bay
Summary: Survival of symbiotic reef-building corals under global warming requires rapid acclimation or adaptation. The impact of accumulated heat stress was compared across 1643 symbiont communities before and after the 2016 mass bleaching in three coral species and free-living in the environment across similar to 900 kilometers of the Great Barrier Reef. Resilient reefs (less aerial bleaching than predicted from high satellite sea temperatures) showed low variation in symbioses. Before 2016, heat-tolerant environmental symbionts were common in similar to 98% of samples and moderately abundant (9 to 40% in samples). In corals, heat-tolerant symbionts were at low abundances (0 to 7.3%) but only in a minority (13 to 27%) of colonies. Following bleaching, environmental diversity doubled (including heat-tolerant symbionts) and increased in one coral species. Communities were dynamic (Acropora millepora) and conserved (Acropora hyacinthus and Acropora tenuis), including symbiont community turnover and redistribution. Symbiotic restructuring after bleaching occurs but is a taxon-specific ecological opportunity.
Article
Ecology
Anny Cardenas, Jean-Baptiste Raina, Claudia Pogoreutz, Nils Raedecker, Jeremy Bougoure, Paul Guagliardo, Mathieu Pernice, Christian R. Voolstra
Summary: The structure and function of the endolithic microbiome in corals are linked to bleaching susceptibility. Corals that are resistant to bleaching have endolithic microbiomes with greater functional diversity and redundancy, and lower endolithic primary productivity, possibly due to the dominance of chemolithotrophs. Lower primary production within the skeleton may help maintain nutrient-limiting conditions in the coral-algal symbiosis under heat stress.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Emma V. Kennedy, Chris M. Roelfsema, Mitchell B. Lyons, Eva M. Kovacs, Rodney Borrego-Acevedo, Meredith Roe, Stuart R. Phinn, Kirk Larsen, Nicholas J. Murray, Doddy Yuwono, Jeremy Wolff, Paul Tudman
Summary: Improved high-resolution global mapping can benefit coral reef management and conservation. The Reef Cover classification system bridges the gap between earth observation data and geo-ecological knowledge of reefs, maximizing applicability at global scales while maintaining relevance and accuracy at local scales. Case studies demonstrate the scientific and conservation benefits of using Reef Cover for detailed mapping and management in different regions.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Miriam Reverter, Stephanie B. Helber, Sven Rohde, Jasper M. de Goeij, Peter J. Schupp
Summary: Non-random community changes are becoming more frequent in many ecosystems, with coral reefs experiencing shifts towards communities dominated by other than hard corals. Despite the existence of various alternative communities, knowledge remains scattered on the global diversity and functioning of alternative coral reef benthic communities.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jimmy Arguelles-Jimenez, Fabian A. Rodriguez-Zaragoza, Carlos Gonzalez-Gandara, Jorge C. Alva-Basurto, Jesus E. Arias-Gonzalez, Roberto Hernandez-Landa, Alfonso Aguilar-Perera, Yuri B. Okolodkov, Ana Lilia Gutierrez-Velazquez, Manuel J. Zetina-Rejon, Robert Ulanowicz, Horacio Perez-Espana
Summary: This study investigated the geomorphology of a set of coral reefs in the Greater Caribbean, revealing a gradient of maturity in coral reef functional developmental states (FDS) that can be described through trophic networks and topological indices. The results showed that energy flow control increases with maturity and complexity of geomorphological and physical structures, while betweenness centrality, number of connections, and predator-prey interactions decrease with functional maturity.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Facundo X. Palacio, Corey T. Callaghan, Pedro Cardoso, Emma J. Hudgins, Marta A. Jarzyna, Gianluigi Ottaviani, Federico Riva, Caio Graco-Roza, Vaughn Shirey, Stefano Mammola
Summary: The widespread use of species traits in ecology has led to a rapid increase in functional diversity analyses. Researchers can utilize an eight-step protocol to conduct and report functional diversity analyses, aiming to improve reproducibility, transparency, and comparability in research.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Katia Yasuko Yofukuji, Ana Lucia Paz Cardozo, Marcelo Henrique Schmitz, Rosemara Fugi
Summary: Human activities, such as land use and cover changes, have a significant impact on freshwater ecosystems and pose serious threats to freshwater biodiversity, particularly fish communities. The relationship between land-use changes and taxonomic and functional diversity, especially in floodplains, remains poorly understood. In this study, we examined the effects of land-use variation on fish species diversity in the upper Parana River floodplain over a 20-year period. Our findings indicated that rapid and intense changes in anthropogenic areas resulted in decreases in taxonomic and functional diversity of the fish community. These results highlight the need to consider not only the composition of land use and cover, but also the intensity of landscape changes over time, particularly in these environments.
Article
Biology
Simon J. Brandl, Jonathan S. Lefcheck, Amanda E. Bates, Douglas B. Rasher, Tommy Norin
Summary: All animals compete for energy, and the use of metabolic traits can provide a better understanding of species coexistence and the functioning of animal communities, improving our ability to predict their responses to environmental change.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Helen F. Yan, Jordan M. Casey, Nancy Knowlton, J. Emmett Duffy, Simon J. Brandl
Summary: Understanding how communities respond to disturbances is critical as anthropogenic stressors on the biosphere intensify. The relationship between diversity, stability, and functioning in marine fish communities remains poorly understood under acute disturbances.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Review
Ecology
Robert P. Streit, David R. Bellwood
Summary: Functional traits can quantify an organism's ecology and predict ecosystem functions based on local communities. However, many functional traits seem to be characterized by availability and implied importance rather than ecological information content. It is necessary to identify functions of interest first and then identify traits as quantifiable proxies.
TRENDS IN 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
Jacey C. Van Wert, Leila Ezzat, Katrina S. Munsterman, Kaitlyn Landfield, Nina M. D. Schiettekatte, Valeriano Parravicini, Jordan M. Casey, Simon J. Brandl, Deron E. Burkepile, Erika J. Eliason
Summary: Consumers play a crucial role in nutrient cycling through excretion and egestion. While the excretion of fish-derived inorganic nutrients has been studied extensively, the importance of egestion for nutrient cycling has been neglected. This study investigated the fecal nutrient content of different fish species on a coral reef and found that different species exhibit unique fecal nutrient concentrations.
Article
Fisheries
P. M. Souza, Z. Olsen, S. J. Brandl
Summary: Estuaries worldwide provide critical habitat for important fish species, but monitoring fish populations in these habitats is challenging due to high turbidity and environmental gradients. This study tested the use of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) to assess fish populations in the Mission-Aransas Estuary in Texas. Positive correlations were found between gillnet catch and sound pressure levels, indicating the potential of PAM for monitoring fish abundances. However, the effectiveness of PAM may vary based on species identity and seasonal dynamics.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Nina M. D. Schiettekatte, Jordan M. Casey, Simon J. Brandl, Alexandre Merciere, Sam Degregori, Deron Burkepile, Jacey C. Van Wert, Mattia Ghilardi, Sebastien Villeger, Valeriano Parravicini
Summary: Consumers, particularly fishes on coral reefs, play a crucial role in biogeochemical cycles by consuming and releasing essential elements. However, little is known about the rate and quality of coral reef fish egestion. This study quantifies the elemental contents of fish feces, estimates absorption efficiencies, and compares egestion and excretion rates for 51 coral reef fish species. The findings reveal that elemental concentrations in fish feces decrease minimally due to low absorption efficiencies, resulting in the egestion of substantial amounts of energy and nutrients. Furthermore, egestion contributes more nutrients, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, to the environment than excretion. This study highlights the importance of considering animal egestion in assessments of ecosystem functioning and food web structure.
Article
Ecology
Simon J. Brandl, Lee A. Weigt, Diane E. Pitassy, Darren J. Coker, Christopher J. Patrick, Matheus H. Luchese, Michael L. Berumen, Edward J. Buskey, Jordan M. Casey, Maikon Di Domenico, Marcelo Soeth, Zachary M. Topor, J. Emmett Duffy, Carole C. Baldwin, Mary Hagedorn, Lynne R. Parenti
Summary: Biodiversity inventories and monitoring techniques for marine fishes often overlook small cryptobenthic fishes. We developed a standardized, quantitative survey method (FARMS) for sampling cryptobenthic fishes in various habitats. FARMS attracted distinct communities of native cryptobenthic fishes and can be used as a complementary technique to survey fishes in aquatic ecosystems.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
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.
Editorial Material
Ecology
Jordan M. Casey, Simon J. Brandl
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(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
Ecology
Maximilian Wagner, Cedomir Benac, Maja Pamic, Sandra Bracun, Martin Ladner, Pia Clarissa Plakolm, Stephan Koblmueller, Hannes Svardal, Simon J. Brandl
Summary: Gravel beaches in the Mediterranean ecoregion serve as an economically important and unique habitat type, but face threats from tourism, coastal development, and beach nourishment. Little is known about the species residing on these beaches and the consequences of beach alterations, hindering the development of sustainable coastal tourism industry. Using a simple collection method, researchers studied the microhabitat association of two sympatric clingfish species at natural and artificial gravel beaches, finding that changes in gravel composition may have detrimental consequences for these species. They propose that the genus Gouania could serve as an indicator for gravel beach management in the Mediterranean ecoregion.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
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)