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Diversity
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Biodiversity in Seagrass Ecosystems
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Biodiversity in Seagrass Ecosystems

A special issue of Diversity (ISSN 1424-2818). This special issue belongs to the section "Marine Diversity".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 July 2021) | Viewed by 33703

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Paul York

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Guest Editor
Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia
Interests: seagrass ecology; plant–animal interactions; food webs; ecological resilience; population ecology; plant dispersal; restoration
Assoc. Prof. Randall Hughes

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Marine and Environmental Science, Northeastern University, Nahant, MA 01908, USA
Interests: seagrass ecosystem resilience; seagrass connectivity and seascapes; fisheries food webs; automated monitoring
Prof. Rod Connolly

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Environment & Science, Griffith University, QLD, Australia
Interests: seagrass biodiversity; fisheries ecology; habitat connectivity; restoration ecology
Dr. Richard Unsworth

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Seagrass Ecosystem Research Group, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
Interests: seagrass community ecology; genetic diversity; biodiversity-ecosystem function; local adaptation; restoration; wasting disease

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Seagrasses are flowering plants living in marine environments with a long evolutionary history and a global distribution. They are found in a variety of habitats including estuaries, coastal embayments, tropical reef-tops and deep-water environments. Yet, they have a surprisingly low taxonomic diversity of ca. 60–70 species worldwide. Notwithstanding this, seagrasses are foundation species that can greatly enhance biodiversity in marine systems through the provision of food and habitat for other organisms. Seagrass communities include species from all of life’s broad taxonomic groups from bacteria, through algae, invertebrates, fish, birds, reptiles and mammals, often in numbers orders of magnitude greater than in adjacent bare habitats. The increased biodiversity of seagrass systems generally has a positive influence on important ecosystem functions through improvements in productivity, resilience and resource use, and is likely to maintain the greatest number and diversity of ecosystem services. The enhancement and preservation of biodiversity are becoming principles guiding conservation and restoration efforts in seagrass ecosystems. 

We now stand at the forefront of a new era where novel techniques and technologies in sampling, identifying and analysing biodiversity patterns will lead to new discoveries and a greater understanding of the complexity of seagrass systems. For this Special Issue, we invite submissions that address all aspects of seagrass biodiversity, from genetic and genotypic diversity through taxonomic and species diversity, including the plants themselves and associated organisms they support, the diversity of functional traits among these species and the effects of landscape and ecosystem diversity and connectivity. We are interested in studies from the local to the global scale and papers that highlight new methods, technologies and analyses that aid in the discovery and understanding of seagrass biodiversity.

Dr. Paul York
Assoc. Prof. Randall Hughes
Prof. Rod Connolly
Dr. Richard Unsworth
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diversity is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • genetic and genotypic diversity
  • species diversity and taxonomy
  • invertebrate and fish assemblages
  • microbial ecology
  • trophic interactions
  • herbivory
  • epiphyte–grazer interactions
  • ecosystem function and services
  • blue carbon
  • biodiversity conservation
  • habitat restoration

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 2600 KiB  
Article
Seagrass and Oyster Reef Restoration in Living Shorelines: Effects of Habitat Configuration on Invertebrate Community Assembly
by Cassie M. Pinnell, Geana S. Ayala, Melissa V. Patten and Katharyn E. Boyer
Diversity 2021, 13(6), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13060246 - 4 Jun 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4781
Abstract
Restoration projects provide a valuable opportunity to experimentally establish foundational habitats in different combinations to test relative effects on community assembly. We evaluated the development of macroinvertebrate communities in response to planting of eelgrass (Zostera marina) and construction of reefs intended [...] Read more.
Restoration projects provide a valuable opportunity to experimentally establish foundational habitats in different combinations to test relative effects on community assembly. We evaluated the development of macroinvertebrate communities in response to planting of eelgrass (Zostera marina) and construction of reefs intended to support the Olympia oyster (Ostrea lurida) in the San Francisco Estuary. Plots of each type, alone or interspersed, were established in 2012 in a pilot living shorelines project, and quarterly invertebrate monitoring was conducted for one year prior to restoration, and three years post-restoration using suction sampling and eelgrass shoot collection. Suction sampling revealed that within one year, oyster reefs supported unique invertebrate assemblages as compared to pre-restoration conditions and controls (unmanipulated mudflat). The eelgrass invertebrate assemblage also shifted, becoming intermediate between reefs and controls. Interspersing both types of habitat structure led eelgrass invertebrate communities to more closely resemble those of oyster reefs alone, though the eelgrass assemblage maintained some distinction (primarily by supporting gammarid and caprellid amphipods). Eelgrass shoot collection documented some additional taxa known to benefit eelgrass growth through consumption of epiphytic algae; however, even after three years, restored eelgrass did not establish an assemblage equivalent to natural beds, as the eelgrass sea hare (Phyllaplysia taylori) and eelgrass isopod (Pentidotea resecata) remained absent or very rare. We conclude that the restoration of two structurally complex habitat types within tens of meters maximized the variety of invertebrate assemblages supported, but that close interspersion dampened the separately contributed distinctiveness. In addition, management intervention may be needed to overcome the recruitment limitation of species with important roles in maintaining eelgrass habitat. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity in Seagrass Ecosystems)
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17 pages, 6696 KiB  
Article
Spatial and Temporal Patterns in Macroherbivore Grazing in a Multi-Species Tropical Seagrass Meadow of the Great Barrier Reef
by Abigail L. Scott, Paul H. York and Michael A. Rasheed
Diversity 2021, 13(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13010012 - 2 Jan 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3702
Abstract
Macroherbivory is an important process in seagrass meadows worldwide; however, the impact of macroherbivores on seagrasses in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) has received little attention. We used exclusion cages and seagrass tethering assays to understand how the intensity of macroherbivory varies over [...] Read more.
Macroherbivory is an important process in seagrass meadows worldwide; however, the impact of macroherbivores on seagrasses in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) has received little attention. We used exclusion cages and seagrass tethering assays to understand how the intensity of macroherbivory varies over space and time in the seagrass meadows around Green Island (Queensland), and what impact this has on overall meadow structure. Rates of macroherbivory were comparatively low, between 0.25–44% of daily seagrass productivity; however, rates were highly variable over a one-year period, and among sites. Loss of seagrass material to macroherbivory was predominantly due to fish; however, urchin herbivory was also taking place. Macroherbivory rates were of insufficient intensity to impact overall meadow structure. No macroherbivory events were identified on video cameras that filmed in the day, indicating that feeding may be occurring infrequently in large shoals, or at night. While relatively low compared to some meadows, seagrass macroherbivory was still an important process at this site. We suggest that in this highly protected area of the GBR, where the ecosystem and food webs remain largely intact, macroherbivory was maintained at a low level and was unlikely to cause the large-scale meadow structuring influence that can be seen in more modified seagrass systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity in Seagrass Ecosystems)
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16 pages, 2587 KiB  
Article
Richness of Primary Producers and Consumer Abundance Mediate Epiphyte Loads in a Tropical Seagrass System
by Luke Hoffmann, Will Edwards, Paul H. York and Michael A. Rasheed
Diversity 2020, 12(10), 384; https://doi.org/10.3390/d12100384 - 7 Oct 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3595
Abstract
Consumer communities play an important role in maintaining ecosystem structure and function. In seagrass systems, algal regulation by mesograzers provides a critical maintenance function which promotes seagrass productivity. Consumer communities also represent a key link in trophic energy transfer and buffer negative effects [...] Read more.
Consumer communities play an important role in maintaining ecosystem structure and function. In seagrass systems, algal regulation by mesograzers provides a critical maintenance function which promotes seagrass productivity. Consumer communities also represent a key link in trophic energy transfer and buffer negative effects to seagrasses associated with eutrophication. Such interactions are well documented in the literature regarding temperate systems, however, it is not clear if the same relationships exist in tropical systems. This study aimed to identify if the invertebrate communities within a tropical, multispecies seagrass meadow moderated epiphyte abundance under natural conditions by comparing algal abundance across two sites at Green Island, Australia. At each site, paired plots were established where invertebrate assemblages were perturbed via insecticide manipulation and compared to unmanipulated plots. An 89% increase in epiphyte abundance was seen after six weeks of experimental invertebrate reductions within the system. Using generalised linear mixed-effect models and path analysis, we found that the abundance of invertebrates was negatively correlated with epiphyte load on seagrass leaves. Habitat species richness was seen to be positively correlated with invertebrate abundance. These findings mirrored those of temperate systems, suggesting this mechanism operates similarly across latitudinal gradients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity in Seagrass Ecosystems)
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13 pages, 1303 KiB  
Article
Demersal Fish Assemblages in NE Atlantic Seagrass and Kelp
by Evie Furness and Richard K.F. Unsworth
Diversity 2020, 12(10), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/d12100366 - 23 Sep 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4862
Abstract
Global fisheries are in decline, calling for urgent evidence-based action. One such action is the identification and protection of fishery-associated habitats such as seagrass meadows and kelp forests, both of which have suffered long-term loss and degradation in the North Atlantic region. Direct [...] Read more.
Global fisheries are in decline, calling for urgent evidence-based action. One such action is the identification and protection of fishery-associated habitats such as seagrass meadows and kelp forests, both of which have suffered long-term loss and degradation in the North Atlantic region. Direct comparisons of the value of seagrass and kelp in supporting demersal fish assemblages are largely absent from the literature. Here, we address this knowledge gap. Demersal fish were sampled using a baited camera to test for differences between habitats in (1) the species composition of the fish assemblages, (2) the total abundance and species richness of fishes, and (3) the abundances of major commercial species. Seagrass and kelp-associated fish assemblages formed two significantly distinct groupings, which were driven by increased whiting (Merlangius merlangus) and dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula) presence in seagrass and higher abundances of pollock (Pollachius pollachius) and goby (Gobiusculus flavescens) in kelp. The abundance, diversity, and species richness did not change significantly between the two habitats. We conclude that seagrass and kelp do support unique demersal fish assemblages, providing evidence that they have different ecological value through their differing support of commercial fish species. Thus, this study improves the foundation for evidence-based policy changes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity in Seagrass Ecosystems)
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14 pages, 1325 KiB  
Article
The Differential Importance of Deep and Shallow Seagrass to Nekton Assemblages of the Great Barrier Reef
by Matthew A. Hayes, Eva C. McClure, Paul H. York, Kristin I. Jinks, Michael A. Rasheed, Marcus Sheaves and Rod M. Connolly
Diversity 2020, 12(8), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/d12080292 - 27 Jul 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5903
Abstract
Seagrass meadows are an important habitat for a variety of animals, including ecologically and socioeconomically important species. Seagrass meadows are recognised as providing species with nursery grounds, and as a migratory pathway to adjacent habitats. Despite their recognised importance, little is known about [...] Read more.
Seagrass meadows are an important habitat for a variety of animals, including ecologically and socioeconomically important species. Seagrass meadows are recognised as providing species with nursery grounds, and as a migratory pathway to adjacent habitats. Despite their recognised importance, little is known about the species assemblages that occupy seagrass meadows of different depths in the coastal zone. Understanding differences in the distribution of species in seagrass at different depths, and differences in species diversity, abundance, biomass, and size spectra, is important to fully appreciate both the ecological significance and economic importance of these seagrass meadows. Here, we assess differences in the assemblage characteristics of fish, crustacea, and cephalopods (collectively, nekton) between deep (>9 m; Halophila spinulosa dominant) and shallow water (<2 m; Halodule uninervis and/or Zostera muelleri dominant) seagrass meadows of the central Great Barrier Reef coast of Queensland, Australia. Nekton assemblage structure differed between deep and shallow seagrass. Deeper meadows were typified by juvenile emperors (e.g., Lethrinus genivittatus), hairfinned leatherjacket (Paramonacanthus japonicus) and rabbitfish (e.g., Siganus fuscescens) in both biomass per unit effort (BPUE) and catch per unit effort (CPUE), whereas shallow meadows were typified by the green tiger prawn (Penaeus semisulcatus) and pugnose ponyfish (Secutor insidiator) in both BPUE and CPUE. Both meadow depths were distinct in their nekton assemblage, particularly for socioeconomically important species, with 11 species unique to both shallow and deep meadows. However, both meadow depths also included juveniles of socioeconomically important species found in adjacent habitats as adults. The total nekton CPUE was not different between deep and shallow seagrass, but the BPUE and body mass of individual animals were greater in deep than shallow seagrass. Size spectra analysis indicated that in both deep and shallow meadows, smaller animals predominated, even more so than theoretically expected for size spectra. Our findings highlight the unique attributes of both shallow and deeper water seagrass meadows, and identify the distinct and critically important role of deep seagrass meadows within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA) as a habitat for small and juvenile species, including those of local fisheries value. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity in Seagrass Ecosystems)
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17 pages, 1394 KiB  
Article
Diversity of Seagrass-Associated Decapod Crustaceans in a Tropical Reef Lagoon Prior to Large Environmental Changes: A Baseline Study
by Patricia Briones-Fourzán, Luz Verónica Monroy-Velázquez, Jaime Estrada-Olivo and Enrique Lozano-Álvarez
Diversity 2020, 12(5), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/d12050205 - 23 May 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4452
Abstract
The community composition of decapods associated with subtidal tropical seagrass meadows was analyzed in a pristine reef lagoon on the Mexican Caribbean coast in the summer of 1995 and winter of 1998. The macrophyte community was dominated by Thalassia testudinum followed by Syringodium [...] Read more.
The community composition of decapods associated with subtidal tropical seagrass meadows was analyzed in a pristine reef lagoon on the Mexican Caribbean coast in the summer of 1995 and winter of 1998. The macrophyte community was dominated by Thalassia testudinum followed by Syringodium filiforme, with interspersed rhyzophytic macroalgae and large patches of drift algae. In each season, 10 one-min trawls were made with an epibenthic sled (mesh aperture 1 mm) during the day and 10 during the night on each of five sites. In all, 53,211 decapods belonging to 119 species were collected. The most diverse taxa were Brachyura and Caridea, but the most abundant were Caridea and Anomura. Dominance was high, with three species (Latreutes fucorum, Cuapetes americanus, and Thor manningi) accounting for almost 50% of individuals, and 10 species accounting for nearly 90% of individuals. There was great similarity in community composition and ecological indices between seasons, but significantly more individuals and species in night versus day samples. In the 20+ years elapsed since the samples were taken, the reef lagoon has undergone substantial environmental changes due to extensive coastal development and, more recently, the decay of massive beachings of floating Sargassum macroalgae. This study constitutes a valuable baseline for future studies investigating the potential impact of these stressors on tropical seagrass-associated communities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity in Seagrass Ecosystems)
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15 pages, 2237 KiB  
Article
Crustacean Decapod Assemblage Associated with Seagrass (Zostera marina) Beds in Southern Waters of Korea
by Joo Myun Park, Seok Nam Kwak and Ralf Riedel
Diversity 2020, 12(3), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/d12030089 - 28 Feb 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3697
Abstract
Decapod assemblages in Zostera marina beds from two bays adjacent to unvegetated habitats were investigated to assess their influence on decapod assemblages. Thirty-eight decapod species belonging to four taxa were collected using a small beam trawl at four habitat types from two different [...] Read more.
Decapod assemblages in Zostera marina beds from two bays adjacent to unvegetated habitats were investigated to assess their influence on decapod assemblages. Thirty-eight decapod species belonging to four taxa were collected using a small beam trawl at four habitat types from two different locations off the coast of Namhae Island, South Korea. Dominant decapod taxon at all habitats was the caridean shrimps, with Eualus leptognathus, Heptacarpus pandaloides, Latreutes anoplonyx, La. Laminirostris, and Palaemon macrodactylus being the most abundant caridean species. Crabs were characterized with the highest biomass, but with moderate species richness and abundance. Penaeoid and sergestoid shrimps only accounted for <1% of the total decapod abundance. The number of species and their abundance of decapod assemblages varied greatly by habitat type, season, and diel patterns, but not diversity. Species number and abundance peaked in seagrass beds of southern exposed bays during the autumn and were lowest in unvegetated habitats during the summer months. Diel decapod catch rates were higher at night. Dense seagrass vegetation and nighttime supported higher decapod mean densities, but not species richness and diversity. Multivariate analyses revealed that habitat type and season significantly affected the structure of decapod assemblages, but diel patterns had a minor influence. Among decapod species, Pa. macrodactylus and Pugettia quadridens characterized the decapod assemblages in seagrass beds at the northern semi-closed bay, while Telmessus acutidens, Crangon affinis, Cr. hakodatei, Charybdis (Charybdis) japonica, and Portunus sanguinolentus were significantly associated with both vegetated and unvegetated habitats at the southern exposed bay, with the former two species more abundant during the colder season. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity in Seagrass Ecosystems)
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