Ecosystem Function and Services of Aquatic Predators in the Anthropocene

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Ecosystem Services

Background:

• Aquatic predators (APs) play crucial roles in ecosystem functioning.
• Arguments for AP conservation often highlight their ecological and socioeconomic importance.
• Human activities have significantly impacted AP populations, altering ecosystem services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the diverse ecosystem functions and services provided by aquatic predators.
• To present a framework for adaptive management of APs.
• To identify research gaps concerning APs in a changing world.

Main Methods:

• Literature synthesis of ecosystem functions and services linked to APs.
• Development of a social-ecological framework for AP management.
• Identification of future research priorities.

Main Results:

• APs regulate food webs, cycle nutrients, engineer habitats, transmit diseases, mediate invasions, affect climate, and support fisheries, tourism, and bioinspiration.
• Changes in AP populations have demonstrably altered these ecosystem functions and services.
• A social-ecological framework is proposed to aid adaptive management.

Conclusions:

• Aquatic predators provide essential ecosystem services with significant socioeconomic value.
• Effective conservation requires adaptive management that considers social and environmental changes.
• Further research is needed to fully understand and manage APs in a dynamic global environment.