Considering reefscape configuration and composition in biophysical models advance seascape genetics

Wynsberge, Simon Van; Andréfouët, Serge; Gaertner‐Mazouni, Nabila; Tiavouane, Josina; Grulois, Daphné; Lefêvre, Jérôme; Pinsky, Malin L.; Fauvelot, Cécile

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0178239

Cited by 18 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 62 publications

(83 reference statements)

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“…The availability of suitable habitat patches has been suggested to be important for successful dispersal and gene flow in other marine species (D’Aloia et al, 2015; Selkoe et al, 2010; Van Wynsberge et al, 2017). We found that both geographical distance and the length of gaps in suitable habitat (here: eelgrass beds) had significant, positive effects on genetic difference between sample localities (Table 3; Figure 4).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Combining population genomics with demographic analyses highlights habitat patchiness and larval dispersal as determinants of connectivity in coastal fish species

et al. 2022

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Gene flow shapes spatial genetic structure and the potential for local adaptation.Among marine animals with nonmigratory adults, the presence or absence of a pelagic larval stage is thought to be a key determinant in shaping gene flow and the genetic structure of populations. In addition, the spatial distribution of suitable habitats is expected to influence the distribution of biological populations and their connectivity patterns. We used whole genome sequencing to study demographic history and reduced representation (double-digest restriction associated DNA) sequencing data to analyse spatial genetic structure in broadnosed pipefish (Syngnathus typhle).Its main habitat is eelgrass beds, which are patchily distributed along the study area in southern Norway. Demographic connectivity among populations was inferred from long-term (~30-year) population counts that uncovered a rapid decline in spatial correlations in abundance with distance as short as ~2 km. These findings were contrasted with data for two other fish species that have a pelagic larval stage (corkwing wrasse, Symphodus melops; black goby, Gobius niger). For these latter species, we found wider spatial scales of connectivity and weaker genetic isolation-by-distance patterns, except where both species experienced a strong barrier to gene flow, seemingly due to lack of suitable habitat. Our findings verify expectations that a fragmented habitat and absence of a pelagic larval stage promote genetic structure, while presence of a pelagic larvae stage increases demographic connectivity and gene flow, except perhaps over extensive habitat gaps.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Combining population genomics with demographic analyses highlights habitat patchiness and larval dispersal as determinants of connectivity in coastal fish species

et al. 2022

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“…Within seascapes, specific habitat attributes ("seascape features") can mediate the flow and access of materials among habitats, resulting in varying effects on biological communities. These interactive seascape features can be grouped into broad categories: (1) the spatial arrangement of habitats and (2) the composition of habitat (Olds et al 2015, Staveley et al 2017, Van Wynsberge et al 2017.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nearshore seascape connectivity enhances seagrass meadow nursery function

Olson

Hessing‐Lewis

Haggarty

et al. 2019

Ecological Applications

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Diverse habitats composing coastal seascapes occur in close proximity, connected by the flux of materials and fauna across habitat boundaries. Understanding how seascape connectivity alters important ecosystem functions for fish, however, is not well established. For a seagrass‐dominant seascape, we predicted that configuration and composition of adjacent habitats would alter habitat access for fauna and trophic subsidies, enhancing nursery function for juvenile fish. In an extensive Zostera marina seagrass meadow, we established sites adjacent to (1) highly complex and productive kelp forests (Nereocystis luetkeana), (2) unvegetated sand habitats, and (3) in the seagrass meadow interior. Using SCUBA, we conducted underwater observations of young‐of the‐year (YOY) rockfish (Sebastes spp.) recruitment across sites. Using generalized linear mixed effects models, we assessed the role of seascape adjacency relative to seagrass provisions (habitat complexity and prey) on YOY recruitment. YOY rockfish collections were used to trace sources of allochthonous vs. autochthonous primary production in the seagrass food web, via a δ13C and δ15N isotopic mixing model, and prey consumption using stomach contents. Overall, seagrass nursery function was strongly influenced by adjacent habitats and associated subsidies. Allochthonous N. luetkeana was the greatest source of energy assimilated by YOY rockfish within seagrass sites. In seagrass sites adjacent to N. luetkeana kelp forests, YOYs consumed higher quality prey, which corresponded with better body condition relative to sites adjacent to sand. Moreover, kelp forest adjacency enhanced YOY rockfish recruitment within the seagrass meadow, suggesting that habitat complexity is a key seascape feature influencing the nursery function of nearshore habitats. In general, to promote seascape connectivity, the conservation and restoration of nursery habitats should prioritize the inclusion of habitat mosaics of high structural complexity and productivity. We illustrate and emphasize the importance of using a seascape‐level approach that considers linkages among habitats for the management of important nearshore ecosystem functions.

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“…Inherently connected to seascape genomics, we define reefscape genomics as spatially explicit studies focused on a within-reef scale that use reefscape attributes and processes as statistical predictors of genomic variation. This follows a recent call to expand seascape characterization to specifically include the benthic component (Van Wynsberge et al, 2017), but we argue the additional value of doing so at a high spatial resolution. Such fine-scale characterization of the reefscape has recently been made possible due to advances in computer vision, and further facilitated by the increased accessibility of the underwater environment (e.g., through autonomous underwater vehicles, dive propulsion vehicles, and closed-circuit rebreathers).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 79%

Reefscape Genomics: Leveraging Advances in 3D Imaging to Assess Fine-Scale Patterns of Genomic Variation on Coral Reefs

et al. 2021

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Coral reefs across the world are undergoing rapid deterioration, and understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes that govern these ecosystems is critical to our ability to protect them. Molecular ecological studies have been instrumental in advancing such understanding, and while initially focused primarily on broad-scale patterns, they have gradually uncovered the prevalence of local genetic structuring. Genome-wide sequencing approaches have provided new opportunities to understand both neutral and adaptive contributions to this largely unexplained diversity, but fine-scale assessments have been hampered by challenges associated with aquatic environments, in terms of (geo)referencing, seafloor characterization, and in situ phenotyping. Here, we discuss the potential of “reefscape genomics,” leveraging recent advances in underwater imaging to enable spatially explicit genomic studies on coral reefs. More specifically, we consider how (close-range) photogrammetry approaches enable (1) fine-scale spatial mapping of benthic target organisms, (2) repeatable characterization of the abiotic and biotic reefscape, and (3) simultaneous in situ mass-phenotyping. The spatially explicit consideration of genomic data –combined with detailed environmental and phenotypic characterization– opens up the opportunity for fine-scale landscape genomic approaches on coral reefs (and other marine ecosystems). Such approaches enable assessment of the spatio-temporal drivers and adaptive potential of the extensive genetic structuring and cryptic diversity encountered in benthic invertebrates, such as reef-building corals. Considering the threats that coral reefs are facing worldwide, we believe that reefscape genomics represents a promising advancement of our molecular ecological toolkit to help inform how we can most effectively conserve and restore coral reef ecosystems into the future.

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Considering reefscape configuration and composition in biophysical models advance seascape genetics

Cited by 18 publications

References 62 publications

Combining population genomics with demographic analyses highlights habitat patchiness and larval dispersal as determinants of connectivity in coastal fish species

Combining population genomics with demographic analyses highlights habitat patchiness and larval dispersal as determinants of connectivity in coastal fish species

Nearshore seascape connectivity enhances seagrass meadow nursery function

Reefscape Genomics: Leveraging Advances in 3D Imaging to Assess Fine-Scale Patterns of Genomic Variation on Coral Reefs

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