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Microscale dispersion of intertidal seagrass macrofauna
R S K Barnes1, Sarah M Hamylton2, Liz Borburgh3
1School of the Environment & Centre for Marine Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia; Department of Zoology & Conservation Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Marine Environmental Research
|February 3, 2024
Summary
Seagrass macrobenthos abundance remains patchy at small scales. Spatial patterns of marine invertebrate distribution shift below 0.014 m², indicating scale-dependent patchiness in these intertidal ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Marine ecology
- Benthic ecology
- Invertebrate zoology
Background:
- Previous research indicated scale-invariant patchiness in intertidal seagrass macrobenthos abundance in Moreton Bay, Queensland.
- Seagrass-associated macrobenthos are critical indicators of coastal ecosystem health.
- Understanding distribution patterns is key to effective conservation and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate macrobenthic assemblage dispersion at smaller spatial scales (down to 0.014 m²) than previously studied.
- To determine if scale-invariant patchiness persists at microspatial scales relevant to small invertebrates.
- To identify the scale at which spatial autocorrelation and patchiness indices provide congruent conclusions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 16 replicate blocks of 5x5 contiguous 0.0024 m² cores nested within a previously studied site.
- Analyzed macrobenthic abundance data across a range of spatial scales, from 0.09 m² down to 0.014 m².
- Applied patchiness indices and spatial autocorrelation analyses to assess dispersion patterns.
Main Results:
- The congruence between patchiness indices and spatial autocorrelation broke down at microscales (≥0.09 m²).
- At scales >0.014 m², adjacent sampling points (cores) showed no spatial autocorrelation, indicating a loss of larger spatial units of related abundance.
- Congruent indications of patchiness were only observed at the 0.014 m² spatial scale.
- The microgastropod Pseudoliotia was identified as a key species contributing to patchiness through superabundant hotspots at 0.0024 m² scales.
Conclusions:
- Seagrass-associated macrobenthic assemblage dispersion is scale-dependent, particularly at smaller spatial scales.
- The assumption of scale-invariant patchiness does not hold true at the microspatial scales relevant to dominant small invertebrate fauna.
- Microgastropod hotspots significantly influence local abundance patterns, highlighting the importance of microhabitats in structuring benthic communities.
