Macroalgal meadow habitats support fish and fisheries in diverse tropical seascapes |
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Authors: | Christopher J Fulton Charlotte Berkstrm Shaun K Wilson Rene A Abesamis Michael Bradley Carolina kerlund Luke T Barrett Abner A Bucol Dinorah H Chacin Karen M Chong‐Seng Darren J Coker Martial Depczynski Linda Eggertsen Maria Eggertsen David Ellis Richard D Evans Nicholas A J Graham Andrew S Hoey Thomas H Holmes Michel Kulbicki Priscilla T Y Leung Paul K S Lam Joshua van Lier Paloma A Matis Mae M Noble Alejandro Prez‐Matus Camilla Piggott Ben T Radford Stina Tano Paul Tinkler |
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Institution: | Christopher J. Fulton,Charlotte Berkström,Shaun K. Wilson,Rene A. Abesamis,Michael Bradley,Carolina Åkerlund,Luke T. Barrett,Abner A. Bucol,Dinorah H. Chacin,Karen M. Chong‐Seng,Darren J. Coker,Martial Depczynski,Linda Eggertsen,Maria Eggertsen,David Ellis,Richard D. Evans,Nicholas A. J. Graham,Andrew S. Hoey,Thomas H. Holmes,Michel Kulbicki,Priscilla T. Y. Leung,Paul K. S. Lam,Joshua van Lier,Paloma A. Matis,Mae M. Noble,Alejandro Pérez‐Matus,Camilla Piggott,Ben T. Radford,Stina Tano,Paul Tinkler |
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Abstract: | Canopy‐forming macroalgae can construct extensive meadow habitats in tropical seascapes occupied by fishes that span a diversity of taxa, life‐history stages and ecological roles. Our synthesis assessed whether these tropical macroalgal habitats have unique fish assemblages, provide fish nurseries and support local fisheries. We also applied a meta‐analysis of independent surveys across 23 tropical reef locations in 11 countries to examine how macroalgal canopy condition is related to the abundance of macroalgal‐associated fishes. Over 627 fish species were documented in tropical macroalgal meadows, with 218 of these taxa exhibiting higher local abundance within this habitat (cf. nearby coral reef) during at least one life‐history stage. Major overlap (40%–43%) in local fish species richness among macroalgal and seagrass or coral reef habitats suggest macroalgal meadows may provide an important habitat refuge. Moreover, the prominence of juvenile fishes suggests macroalgal meadows facilitate the triphasic life cycle of many fishes occupying diverse tropical seascapes. Correlations between macroalgal canopy structure and juvenile abundance suggests macroalgal habitat condition can influence levels of replenishment in tropical fish populations, including the majority of macroalgal‐associated fishes that are targeted by commercial, subsistence or recreational fisheries. While many macroalgal‐associated fishery species are of minor commercial value, their local importance for food and livelihood security can be substantial (e.g. up to 60% of landings in Kenyan reef fisheries). Given that macroalgal canopy condition can vary substantially with sea temperature, there is a high likelihood that climate change will impact macroalgal‐associated fish and fisheries. |
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Keywords: | coral reef nursery ontogenetic migration recruitment
Sargassum
seagrass |
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