Ecological Studies at Lough Hyne

Kitching, J. A.

doi:10.1016/s0065-2504(08)60245-7

Cited by 83 publications

(68 citation statements)

References 59 publications

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“…Paracentrotus lividus (Echinoidea).-Paracentrotus lividus is distributed from Ireland to the Mediterranean (Boudouresque and Verlaque 2001). Like other herbivorous echinoids, this species has important ecological functions in controlling benthic algal communities through grazing (Kitching 1987). Surveys of the populations of P. lividus in Lough Hyne (Ireland) since the 1920s indicate that this species exhibits large, longterm (decadal) variations in densities in a no-take marine reserve (Kitching 1987, Barnes et al 2001.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A boom–bust phylum? Ecological and evolutionary consequences of density variations in echinoderms

Uthicke

Schaffelke

Byrne

2009

Ecological Monographs

370

245

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Abstract. Echinoderms play a key role in structuring many marine ecosystems and are notorious for large population density variations in so-called ''outbreak'' or ''dieoff'' events. In a review of this phenomenon, we assess the causal factors and ecological and evolutionary consequences. We identified 28 species (6 Asteroidea, 8 Echinoidea, 10 Holothuroidea, 4 Ophiuroidea) that exhibit large (more than two population doublings or halvings) population density changes. Three generalized patterns were identified and named for exemplary species:(1) rapid decreases followed by no or slow recovery (Diadema-Paracentrotus Model), (2), rapid increase and apparent stability at a new population density (Amperima-Amphiura Model), and (3) population density fluctuations (Acanthaster-Asterias Model). Echinoderms identified were distributed from the shallow intertidal to the deep sea, and from tropical to temperate regions. In most cases, significant impacts on the respective ecosystems were observed. The most striking similarity among all species identified was possession of the ancestral-type planktotrophic larva. This larval type was significantly overrepresented in species identified within the Asteroidea, Echinoidea, Holothuroidea, and for the combined data set. We suggest three main factors that render a life history with planktotrophic larvae a high-risk-high-gain strategy: (1) a strong nonlinear dependency of larval production on adult densities (Allee effects), (2) a low potential for compensatory feedback mechanisms, and (3) an uncoupling of larval and adult ecology. The alternative (derived) lecithotrophic larva occurs in 68% of recent echinoderm species, suggesting an evolutionary trend toward this larval type. Lecithotrophic development represents a more buffered life history because compensatory feedback between adult densities and larval output is likely to be more efficient. For lecithotrophic developers, direct nutritive coupling from adult to larva to the early benthic juvenile provides a buffer against starvation. Lecithotrophic larvae are independent of the vagaries of planktonic food supply, and their short planktonic duration may promote local recruitment. Anthropogenic influences contributed to the population density variations in most cases, including increased primary productivity through eutrophication or global change, disease, overfishing, and species introductions. We suggest that anthropogenic disturbance, through its influence on the frequency and/or amplitude of echinoderm population density changes, may go beyond present ecosystem impacts and alter future evolutionary trends.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…(B) Paracentrotus lividus in the south basin of Loch Hyne. Data were recalculated from an original graph in Barnes et al (2002), including data from Muntz et al (1965), Kitching (1987), and Barnes et al (2001).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A boom–bust phylum? Ecological and evolutionary consequences of density variations in echinoderms

Uthicke

Schaffelke

Byrne

2009

Ecological Monographs

370

245

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“…The peri pheries of grazed patches are characterised by soft bushy algae (Laurencia pinnatifida, Gelidium spp.) (Kitching 1987), which offer a more favourable habitat than either crustose coralline algae, such as Litho phyl lum incrustanscovered rock or larger macro algae. These softer algae provide ideal refuge for many species and may be more palatable to prosobranch micrograzers like G. cineraria (Crothers 2001).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These softer algae provide ideal refuge for many species and may be more palatable to prosobranch micrograzers like G. cineraria (Crothers 2001). Similarly, A. ephippium and C. varia have been found (historically) to be widely distributed on grazed patches (Kitching 1987), and as filter feeders may benefit from improved water circulation. There is now no discernable population structure evident in the size frequency data for Paracentrotus lividus, G. cine raria, A. ephippium and C. varia.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…After a brief recovery period in the early 1980s, the population declined by as much as 12 population halvings (Uthicke et al 2009). Although P. lividus is not demonstrated to be a keystone species at Lough Hyne (Kitching 1987), it undoubtedly has a stabilising influence in the system and its loss has community level implications. Previous studies explored the drivers of population change and invoked mechanisms such as recruitment driven by sea surface temperature (Barnes et al 2001) and intrinsic population dynamical processes (Uthicke et al 2009).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Marine reserve designation, trophic cascades and altered community dynamics

O’Sullivan¹,

Emmerson

2011

Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.

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Marine ecosystems and their associated populations are increasingly at risk from the cumulative impacts of many anthropogenic threats that increase the likelihood of species extinction and altered community dynamics. In response, marine reserves can be used to protect exploited species and conserve biodiversity. The increased abundance of predatory species in marine reserves may cause indirect effects along chains of multi-trophic interactions. These trophic cascades can arise through direct predation, density-mediated indirect interactions (DMIIs), or indirect behavioural effects, termed trait-mediated indirect interactions (TMIIs). The extent of algal cover and the abundance of 4 primary consumers were determined in Lough Hyne, which was designated Europe's first marine nature reserve in 1981. The primary consumers were the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, the topshell Gibbula cineraria, the oyster Anomia ephippium, and the scallop Chlamys varia. The abundances of 3 starfish species (Marthasterias glacialis, Asterias rubens, and Asterina gibbosa) were also determined, as were 2 potential crustacean predators, Necora puber and Carcinus maenas. These data were compared with historical data from a 1962 (prey) and a 1963 (predator) survey to determine the nature of community interactions over adjacent trophic levels. The present study reveals a breakdown in population structure of the 4 surveyed prey species. Marine reserve designation has led to an increase in predatory crabs and M. glacialis, a subsequent decrease in primary consumers, especially the herbivore P. lividus, and an increase in macroalgal cover which is indicative of a trophic cascade. The study shows that establishing a Marine Reserve does not guarantee that conservation benefits will be distributed equally. KEY WORDS: Trophic cascades · Trait mediated indirect interactions · Marine reserves · Paracentrotus lividusResale or republication not permitted without written consent of the publisher

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Implications of temporal and spatial variability in Paracentrotus lividus populations to the associated commercial coastal fishery

Barnes

Crook

2001

Coastal Shellfish — A Sustainable Resource

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Ecological Studies at Lough Hyne

Cited by 83 publications

References 59 publications

A boom–bust phylum? Ecological and evolutionary consequences of density variations in echinoderms

A boom–bust phylum? Ecological and evolutionary consequences of density variations in echinoderms

Marine reserve designation, trophic cascades and altered community dynamics

Implications of temporal and spatial variability in Paracentrotus lividus populations to the associated commercial coastal fishery

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