Journal ArticleDOI
The importance of structural complexity in coral reef ecosystems
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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
New records of the alien cup-corals ( Tubastraea spp.) within estuarine and reef systems in Todos os Santos Bay, Southwestern Atlantic
Ricardo J. Miranda,Yuri Martins Costa,Fernanda L. Lorders,José de Anchieta C. C. Nunes,Francisco Barros +4 more
TL;DR: The findings from this study will contribute to monitor alien expansion and implement management actions to control these invasions on the Brazilian coast.
Journal ArticleDOI
The role of in situ coral nurseries in supporting mobile invertebrate epifauna
Shi Yi Crystle Wee,Shu Qin Sam,Wan Ting Sim,Chin Soon Lionel Ng,Daisuke Taira,Lutfi Afiq-Rosli,Yuichi Preslie Kikuzawa,Tai Chong Toh,Loke Ming Chou +8 more
TL;DR: It is shown that coral nurseries can support a range of mobile invertebrates and function as tools to conserve threatenedMobile invertebrate epifaunal communities.
Journal ArticleDOI
Effect of fisheries and benthic habitat on the ecological and functional diversity of fish at the Cayos Cochinos coral reefs (Honduras)
Ignacio Cáceres,Esmeralda C. Ibarra-García,Marco Ortiz,Manuel Ayón-Parente,Fabián A. Rodríguez-Zaragoza +4 more
TL;DR: The Cayos Cochinos archipelago formed part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS) and is one of the first marine protected areas (MPAs) created in Honduras in 1993 as discussed by the authors.
Journal ArticleDOI
Towards an ecosystem-based approach of Guam's coral reefs : The human dimension
Mariska Weijerman,Mariska Weijerman,Cynthia Grace-McCaskey,Shanna Grafeld,Dawn Kotowicz,Kirsten L.L. Oleson,Ingrid van Putten,Ingrid van Putten +7 more
TL;DR: In this article, an ecosystem model was linked with human behavior models for participation in fishing and diving to evaluate future socio-ecological impacts of different management options, and ecosystem indices for reef status and resilience were identified to evaluate the performance of alternative management scenarios.
Journal ArticleDOI
Trophic interactions in coral reef restoration: A review
Mark C. Ladd,Andrew A. Shantz +1 more
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.