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Most marine organisms that live near the coast broadcast their eggs and larvae into the vast expanses of the ocean. In many species, this pelagic episode is the sole opportunity for dispersal. As such, it structures the connections between populations which, in turn, determine the demography and genetic composition of coastal communities. Contrary to common belief, these "larvae" are not just drafts of the adults, passively roaming the ocean; they are very specialised organisms, often tightly adapted to their environment. In this book, I strive to evaluate the consequences of the behaviour of fish larvae during their pelagic life. I present experimental approaches to quantify larval orientation and swimming in situ. I detail the analysis of data collected during an oceanographic cruise to characterise the distribution of larvae in three dimensions and understand physical-biological interactions in the ocean. Finally, I introduce a novel modelling framework, drawing from cost minimisation techniques traditionally used in economics or in the optimal foraging theory, which allows to integrate larval behaviour into Lagrangian models of larval dispersal.
Coral reef fishes are typically characterized by a protracted pelagic larval dispersal period, which creates the potential for connectivity of geographically discrete populations. The degree to which connectivity occurs is affected not only by whether larvae are transported from one reef to another, but also by whether they reach a settlement site in adequate nutritional condition to survive the juvenile period and beyond. It is possible that larvae with different dispersal trajectories (i.e. those that are retained close to shore as compared to those that travel great distances) may differ in their condition levels, and thereby, the extent to which they serve to replenish local populations. Condition levels during larval life, and their relationship to environmental factors, are thus important determinants of regional demography and patterns and scales of population connectivity. In the work presented here, larval fish condition was measured using two different indices: RNA/DNA ratios (R/Ds) and otolith-derived growth measurements. R/Ds are utilized frequently in studies of temperate larval fish ecology, but have only rarely been applied to investigations of low-latitude taxa. The sensitivity of the R/D to variations in prey availability in a tropical/subtropical context was assessed in a laboratory feeding experiment in which larval cobia were subjected to full and reduced (20%) rations. R/Ds were found to respond to reductions of prey availability, and this response was on par with analogous decreases in larval otolith growth. Having established that the R/D can reflect changes in larval food supply in warm water species, the index was used in concert with otolith size and growth to assess the condition of coral reef fish larvae collected in and around the Florida Keys Reef Tract. When nearshore (likely locally retained) and offshore (broadly dispersing) larvae were compared, it was found that, for three of four species examined, nearshore larvae exhibited faster growth and higher R/Ds as compared to their offshore counterparts. An examination of the changes in the distributions of individual condition levels with age (coupled with measurements of larval fish prey availability) indicated that the observed differences in mean condition were likely due to predation-related selective loss of the lowest condition larvae in nearshore waters. To identify possible molecular correlates of larval survival and condition, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in nearshore and offshore-collected larvae of a common Caribbean reef fish, the bluehead wrasse. Results revealed multiple loci that were likely under selection due to association with condition-related traits, and these loci may therefore be relevant to future investigations into gene-mediated physiological determinants of condition. As a whole this dissertation sheds light on both environmental and genetic components of larval coral reef fish condition, and it thereby contributes to our understanding of the processes that govern population connectivity, as well as our ability to manage and protect coral reef resources in a rapidly changing environment.
These are the amazing fish that live a charmed existence among the stinging tentacles of the sea anemones. This very readable field guide investigates the symbiotic relationship of these tropical animals and includes comprehensive information on the biology of the many different species that add breathtaking color to the tropical reefs of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Beautifully illustrated for quick and accurate identification for everyone from the teenage aquarist to research scientists.
Reef ecosystems extend throughout the tropics. Exploited by small-scale fishers, reefs supply food for millions of people, but, worldwide, there are growing worries about the productivity and current state of these ecosystems. Reef fish stocks display many features of fisheries elsewhere. However, habitat spatial complexity, biological diversity within and among species, ecosystem intricacy and variable means of exploitation make it hard to predict sustainable modes and levels of fishing.
Coral Reef Fishes is the successor of The Ecology of Fishes on Coral Reefs. This new edition includes provocative reviews covering the major areas of reef fish ecology. Concerns about the future health of coral reefs, and recognition that reefs and their fishes are economically important components of the coastal oceans of many tropical nations, have led to enormous growth in research directed at reef fishes. This book is much more than a simple revision of the earlier volume; it is a companion that supports and extends the earlier work. The included syntheses provides readers with the current highlights in this exciting science. * An up-to-date review of key research areas in reef fish ecology, with a bibliography including hundreds of citations, most from the last decade * Authoritative and provocative chapters written to suggest future research priorities * Includes discussions of regulation of fish populations, dispersal or site fidelity of larval reef fishes, sensory and motor capabilities of reef fish larvae, and complexities of management of reef species and communities
In the last two decades since publication of the first edition, substantial advancements have been made in the science, the need for transdisciplinary approaches to coral reef protection greater than ever before. This new edition, now in full color throughout with accompanying animations, goes beyond identifying foundational information and current problems to pinpoint science-based solutions for managers, stakeholders and policy makers. Coral reefs are connected by currents that carry plankton and the larvae of many reef-based organisms. Further, they supply food to reefs. Currents also bring pollutants from the land and, together with the atmosphere, affect the surrounding ocean. The chapters in this book provide a much-needed review of the biophysics of reefs with an emphasis on the Great Barrier Reef as an ecosystem. The focus is on interactions between currents, waves, sediment and the dynamics of coastal and reef-based ecosystems. The topographic complexity of reefs redirects mainstream currents, creates tidal eddies, mushroom jets, boundary layers, stagnation zones, and this turbulence is enhanced by the oceanographic chaos in the adjoining Coral Sea. This is the environment in which particles and organisms, of a range of sizes live, from tiny plankton to megafauna. This generates faunal connectivity at scales of meters to thousands of km within the Great Barrier Reef and with the adjoining ocean. Pollution from land-use is increasing and remedial measures are described both on land and on coral cays. The impact of climate change is quantified in case studies about mangroves and corals. Modelling this biophysical complexity is increasing in sophistication, and the authors suggest how the field can advance further.
This volume is a complete review and reference work for scientists, engineers, and students concerned with coral reefs in the Red Sea. It provides an up-to-date review on the geology, ecology, and physiology of coral reef ecosystems in the Red Sea, including data from most recent molecular studies. The Red Sea harbours a set of unique ecological characteristics, such as high temperature, high alkalinity, and high salinity, in a quasi-isolated environment. This makes it a perfect laboratory to study and understand adaptation in regard to the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. This book can be used as a general reference, guide, or textbook.
An approach that encompasses the human and natural dimensions of ecosystems is one that the Wider Caribbean Region knows it must adopt and implement, in order to ensure the sustainable use of the region's shared marine resources. This volume contributes towards that vision, bringing together the collective knowledge and experience of scholars and practitioners within the Wider Caribbean to begin the process of assembling a road map towards marine ecosystem based management (EBM) for the region. It also serves a broader purpose of providing stakeholders and policy actors in each of the world's sixty-four Large Marine Ecosystems, with a comparative example of the challenges and information needs required to implement principled ocean governance generally and marine EBM in particular, at multiple levels. Additionally, the volume serves to supplement the training of graduate level students in the marine sciences by enhancing interdisciplinary understanding of challenges in implementing marine EBM.
Draws on contributions from leading researchers to deliver a comprehensive overview of the latest knowledge on coral reef fishes.