Journal ArticleDOI
The importance of structural complexity in coral reef ecosystems
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TLDR
Quantitative analyses of existing data indicate a strong negative relationship between structural complexity and algal cover, which may reflect the important role complexity plays in enhancing herbivory by reef fishes, and structural complexity should be incorporated into monitoring programs and management objectives.Abstract:
The importance of structural complexity in coral reefs has come to the fore with the global degradation of reef condition; however, the limited scale and replication of many studies have restricted our understanding of the role of complexity in the ecosystem. We qualitatively and quantitatively (where sufficient standardised data were available) assess the literature regarding the role of structural complexity in coral reef ecosystems. A rapidly increasing number of publications have studied the role of complexity in reef ecosystems over the past four decades, with a concomitant increase in the diversity of methods used to quantify structure. Quantitative analyses of existing data indicate a strong negative relationship between structural complexity and algal cover, which may reflect the important role complexity plays in enhancing herbivory by reef fishes. The cover of total live coral and branching coral was positively correlated with structural complexity. These habitat attributes may be creating much of the structure, resulting in a collinear relationship; however, there is also evidence of enhanced coral recovery from disturbances where structural complexity is high. Urchin densities were negatively correlated with structural complexity; a relationship that may be driven by urchins eroding reef structure or by their gregarious behaviour when in open space. There was a strong positive relationship between structural complexity and fish density and biomass, likely mediated through density-dependent competition and refuge from predation. More variable responses were found when assessing individual fish families, with all families examined displaying a positive relationship to structural complexity, but only half of these relationships were significant. Although only corroborated with qualitative data, structural complexity also seems to have a positive effect on two ecosystem services: tourism and shoreline protection. Clearly, structural complexity is an integral component of coral reef ecosystems, and it should be incorporated into monitoring programs and management objectives.read more
Citations
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Journal ArticleDOI
Exploring social-ecological dynamics of a coral reef resource system using participatory modeling and empirical data
Pierre Leenhardt,Vanessa Stelzenmüller,Nicolas Pascal,Wolfgang Nikolaus Probst,Annie Aubanel,Tamatoa Bambridge,Mahé Charles,Eric Clua,François Féral,Bran Quinquis,Bernard Salvat,Joachim Claudet +11 more
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed a transdisciplinary and participatory approach to investigate the social-ecological dynamics of a Polynesian coral reef coastal system using the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact (DPSI) framework.
Journal ArticleDOI
Long-term dynamics and drivers of coral and macroalgal cover on inshore reefs of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Daniela M. Ceccarelli,Richard D. Evans,Murray Logan,Philippa Mantel,Marji Puotinen,Caroline Petus,Garry R. Russ,David H. Williamson +7 more
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that inshore coral reef communities are typically structured by broad-scale climatic perturbations, superimposed upon unique sets of local-scale drivers, and proactive management actions that effectively reduce chronic stressors at local scales should contribute to improved reef resistance and recovery potential following acute climatic disturbances.
Journal ArticleDOI
Seascapes as drivers of herbivore assemblages in coral reef ecosystems
George Roff,Sonia Bejarano,Mark A. Priest,Alyssa Marshell,Iliana Chollett,Robert S. Steneck,Christopher Doropoulos,Yimnang Golbuu,Peter J. Mumby +8 more
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compare bottom-up and top-down drivers of notional herbivore assemblages across an environmental gradient of wave exposure in the Palau archipelago.
Journal ArticleDOI
Patterns and trends in coral reef macroalgae browsing: a review of browsing herbivorous fishes of the Indo-Pacific
TL;DR: Browsing fishes have been identified as an important component of coral reef resilience, because in contrast to other herbivorous fishes they are able to feed on established macroalgae, and there is high variation among studies and some contradicting findings exist.
Journal ArticleDOI
Detecting conservation benefits of marine reserves on remote reefs of the northern GBR.
Carolina Castro-Sanguino,Yves-Marie Bozec,Alexandra C. Dempsey,Badi R. Samaniego,Katie Lubarsky,Stefan Andrews,Valeriya Komyakova,Juan Carlos Ortiz,William D. Robbins,William D. Robbins,Philip Renaud,Peter J. Mumby +11 more
TL;DR: The results suggest that fishing pressure is greater in southern areas and that poaching within reserves may be common, and suggest that fishers ‘fish the line’ as stock sizes in exploited areas decreased near larger no-take zones.
References
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Journal ArticleDOI
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Journal ArticleDOI
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Toby A. Gardner,Toby A. Gardner,Isabelle M. Côté,Jennifer A. Gill,Jennifer A. Gill,Alastair Grant,Andrew R. Watkinson,Andrew R. Watkinson +7 more
TL;DR: Although the rate of coral loss has slowed in the past decade compared to the 1980s, significant declines are persisting and the ability of Caribbean coral reefs to cope with future local and global environmental change may be irretrievably compromised.
Journal ArticleDOI
Ecological goods and services of coral reef ecosystems
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify ecological goods and services of coral reef ecosystems, with special emphasis on how they are generated, and the consequences of human impacts on coral reefs are also discussed, including loss of resilience or buffer capacity.