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Collapsing ecosystem functions on an inshore coral reef
Sterling B Tebbett1, Renato A Morais1, Christopher H R Goatley2
1Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.
Journal of Environmental Management
|April 3, 2021
Summary
Coral reef ecosystem functions are collapsing due to sediment accumulation in algal turfs, impacting fish biomass and productivity. This highlights the urgent need to monitor and manage algal turf sediments to sustain vital ecosystem services.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Coral reefs provide essential ecosystem functions and services, such as food provision.
- Increasing environmental stressors threaten the sustainability of these critical functions and services.
- Coral reefs are particularly vulnerable to environmental transitions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a functional profile of a coral reef ecosystem.
- To link time-series data to quantified ecosystem processes.
- To assess the impact of environmental stressors on coral reef functions and services.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of time-series data from a coral reef ecosystem.
- Quantification of ecosystem processes.
- Assessment of functional profiles and their changes over time.
Main Results:
- A prolonged collapse of ecosystem functions was observed in a previously resilient coral reef system.
- Sediment accumulation in algal turfs led to reduced resource yields for herbivorous fishes.
- A significant decrease in fish biomass and productivity, indicating a collapse of fish-based ecosystem functions.
Conclusions:
- Direct assessment of ecosystem functions and their vulnerability is crucial.
- Algal turf sediment accumulation can overwhelm productive coral reef ecosystems.
- Management strategies for algal turf sediment accumulation are needed to sustain coral reef health and services.
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