AlgaeTraits: a trait database for (European) seaweeds

Abstract

Abstract. The analysis of biological and ecological traits has a long history in evolutionary and ecological research. However, trait data are often scattered and standardised terminology that transcends taxonomic and biogeographical context are generally missing. As part of the development of a global trait database of marine species, we collated trait information for European seaweeds and structured the data within the standardised framework of the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS). We collected 45,175 records for 21 biologically and ecologically relevant traits of seaweeds. This resulted in a trait database for 1,745 European seaweed species of which more than half (56 %) of the records were documented at the species level, while the remaining 44 % was documented at a higher taxonomic level and subsequently inherited at lower levels. The trait database for European seaweeds will serve as a foundation for future research on diversity and evolution of seaweeds, and their responses to global changes. The data will contribute to developing detailed trait-based ecosystem models, and will be an important tool to inform marine conservation policies. The data is publicly accessible through the AlgaeTraits portal, algaetraits.org, doi: https://doi.org/10.14284/574, (AlgaeTraits, 2022).

Distribution of functionally distinct native and non‐indigenous species within marine urban habitats

“…This unexpected result may be attributable to complex interplay of assembly processes (including dispersal, facilitation, and predation) at several spatial scales, as suggested by the diversity of temporal trajectories in functional structure observed across sites. Echoing several recent opinions and review pieces (Martini et al, 2021; Vranken et al, 2022), these results generally encourage concerted efforts among marine scientists to expand trait databases and further research on functional responses of organisms and communities. Beyond fundamental knowledge, these efforts can have important implications into conservation and restoration planning.…”

“…utable to complex interplay of assembly processes (including dispersal, facilitation, and predation) at several spatial scales, as suggested by the diversity of temporal trajectories in functional structure observed across sites. Echoing several recent opinions and review pieces(Martini et al, 2021;Vranken et al, 2022), these results generally encourage concerted efforts among marine scientists to expand trait databases and further research on functional responses of organisms and communities. Beyond fundamental knowledge, these efforts can have important implications into conservation and restoration planning.ACK N O WLE D G E M ENTSWe are grateful to M Altamirano, R Reed and O Marin for diving assistance, J Martínez and J Cruz for sailing assistance and to B Pedreros, S Escobar, A Carillo, C Díaz, A Gallegos, N Fernández, MJ Ferro, P Valenzuela, N Cofré, C Détrée and the CIBAS institute for help with logistics in the study sites.…”

The untapped potential of categorical traits in seaweed functional diversity research

“…Fong et al call for global efforts to screen seaweed traits and argue that inclusion of categorical data makes early progress in this area more feasible. Recent efforts have compiled largely categorical traits for European seaweeds (Vranken et al, 2023), and a database of continuous traits is available for a suite of UK species (https://seawe edtra its.github.io/). However, catalysing a global effort, combining categorical and continuous traits, will require coordination across continents and a step-change in international collaboration.…”