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The total amount of energy acquired by primary producers in an ecosystem is called gross primary production (GPP). However, of this energy, producers use some for metabolic processes, and some is lost as heat, decreasing the amount of energy available to the next trophic level. The remaining usable amount of energy is called the net primary productivity (NPP). In terrestrial ecosystems, NPP is driven by climate, while light penetration and nutrient availability drive NPP in aquatic ecosystems.
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Quantifying fish-derived nutrient hotspots across reefscapes.

Noelle K Helder1, Amelia Moura2, Alexander Neufeld2

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.

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Reef structural complexity, particularly vertical relief, creates nutrient hotspots by influencing fish-driven nutrient supply. Understanding these thresholds aids in targeting reef restoration for enhanced productivity.

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Area of Science:

  • Marine ecology
  • Biogeochemistry
  • Reef ecosystems

Background:

  • Animal aggregations create nutrient hotspots, enhancing ecosystem processes.
  • Conditions for nutrient hotspot formation in continuous reef habitats are poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate how reef structural complexity at different scales affects fish-derived nutrient supply.
  • Determine the relationship between nutrient supply and benthic enrichment.

Main Methods:

  • Fish surveys and photogrammetry were used across six reefscapes in the Florida Keys.
  • Quantified vertical relief and vector ruggedness (VRM) at 25 m² scales.
  • Estimated nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) supply using bioenergetics models and measured macroalgal nutrient content.

Main Results:

  • Fish-derived nutrient supply increased with vertical reef relief up to ~2.8 m, then saturated.
  • Vector ruggedness (VRM) positively correlated with nutrient supply, especially in low-relief areas.
  • Macroalgal nutrient content showed non-linear responses to nutrient supply, with saturation observed at specific rates.

Conclusions:

  • Mesoscale habitat complexity interacts across scales to influence consumer-driven nutrient supply and benthic enrichment.
  • High-relief areas act as nutrient hotspots, with supply several times greater than surrounding reefs.
  • Identifying thresholds in reef relief and VRM can guide restoration efforts to maximize productivity.