Hidden Giants: The Story of Bolbometopon muricatum at Ningaloo Reef

Thomson, Damian P.; Cresswell, Anna K.; Doropoulos, Christopher; Haywood, Michael D. E.; Orr, Melanie; Hoey, Andrew S.

doi:10.3390/fishes6040073

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…The comparatively low estimated erosion rates for B. muricatum in our study are likely due to the survey method we used (100 Â 10 m UVC transects), which is less reliable for detecting highly mobile, sparsely distributed reef taxa like B. muricatum, than the timed swim surveys that cover larger areas (mean length of timed swim transects in Thomson et al 2021 = 785 Â 20 m). In addition, B. muricatum are typically found in shallow reef flat and crest habitats (Bellwood et al 2003;Thomson et al 2021), which were not surveyed during our study. Nevertheless, the combined estimates of erosion by excavating parrotfish (C. microrhinos, B. muricatum, and C. spilurus) in this study were comparable with combined estimates of erosion for C. microrhinos and C. spilurus in previous studies at Ningaloo Reef (1.18-2.30 kg m À2 yr À1 ; Johansson 2012) and suggests most bioerosion in reef slope and lagoon environments at Ningaloo Reef is due to grazing by just three species of excavating parrotfishes: C. microrhinos and B. muricatum on the reef slope and C. spilurus in the lagoon.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 72%

“…There are, of course, other bioeroding groups that may not have been adequately accounted for in our estimates, including Bolbometopon muricatum , the largest and potentially most important bioeroding parrotfish (Hoey and Bellwood 2008; Bellwood et al 2012) that was rarely encountered in our surveys. Large individuals of B. muricatum occur in ecologically relevant densities throughout our study area (2.38 ind/ha; Thomson et al 2021), with potential estimated erosion rates an order of magnitude greater than we have estimated (0.3 kg m −2 yr −1 ). The comparatively low estimated erosion rates for B. muricatum in our study are likely due to the survey method we used (100 × 10 m UVC transects), which is less reliable for detecting highly mobile, sparsely distributed reef taxa like B. muricatum , than the timed swim surveys that cover larger areas (mean length of timed swim transects in Thomson et al 2021 = 785 × 20 m).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 72%

“…Large individuals of B. muricatum occur in ecologically relevant densities throughout our study area (2.38 ind/ha; Thomson et al 2021), with potential estimated erosion rates an order of magnitude greater than we have estimated (0.3 kg m −2 yr −1 ). The comparatively low estimated erosion rates for B. muricatum in our study are likely due to the survey method we used (100 × 10 m UVC transects), which is less reliable for detecting highly mobile, sparsely distributed reef taxa like B. muricatum , than the timed swim surveys that cover larger areas (mean length of timed swim transects in Thomson et al 2021 = 785 × 20 m). In addition, B. muricatum are typically found in shallow reef flat and crest habitats (Bellwood et al 2003; Thomson et al 2021), which were not surveyed during our study.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 72%

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High rates of erosion on a wave‐exposed fringing coral reef

Thomson,

Dee,

Doropoulos

et al. 2024

Limnology & Oceanography

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Erosion is a key process in shaping the physical structure of coral reefs, yet due to erosion being semi‐cryptic and difficult to quantify, information remains limited. Here, we investigate erosional processes along Ningaloo Reef, an extensive fringing coral reef in Western Australia. We employed both direct and indirect methods to measure erosion in wave‐exposed reef slopes and protected lagoonal habitats. Direct measurements of erosion on coral blocks were among the highest found globally, with total erosion of 3.07 kg m−2 yr−1 (4% from micro, 0.6% from macro, and 94% from external), whilst indirect rates were estimated at 2.4 ± 0.20 kg m−2 yr−1 (78% from parrotfish, 22% from urchins). Indirect erosion rates were influenced by the species and size of parrotfish, with Chlorurus microrhinos removing 0.44 ± 0.19 kg m−2 yr−1 (22% of parrotfish erosion). Scanning electron microscopy and computed tomography show that micro and macroborer erosion contributions to direct erosion were low, most likely due to heavy grazing by parrotfish and the short deployment period of experimental substrates. A substantial portion of external erosion on blocks (0.53 ± 0.23 kg m−2 yr−1) could not be attributed to bioeroders and was poorly correlated with wave exposure, suggesting processes not quantified contribute to this unaccounted aspect of erosion. Our results confirm that bioerosion by parrotfish is especially significant at Ningaloo Reef, and large‐bodied individuals of C. microrhinos are key in conserving this key ecological process.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 72%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 72%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 72%

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High rates of erosion on a wave‐exposed fringing coral reef

Thomson,

Dee,

Doropoulos

et al. 2024

Limnology & Oceanography

Self Cite

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“…3). Yet, despite consuming a vast quantity of coral and reef structure each year, B. muricatum are widely considered to perform important, beneficial, ecosystem functions on reefs via the removal of carbonate and the production of sand (Bellwood et al 2004;Perry et al 2015;Morgan and Kench 2016;Thomson et al 2021).…”

Section: How Do We Currently Manage Reef Functions?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Studying functions on coral reefs: past perspectives, current conundrums, and future potential

Bellwood,

Brandl,

McWilliam

et al. 2024

Coral Reefs

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Function-based studies have opened a new chapter in our understanding of coral reefs. Unfortunately, we are opening this chapter as the world’s reefs rapidly transform. In this context, one of the most important roles of function-based studies is to inform coral reef conservation. At this critical juncture, we have a chance to reflect on where we have come from, and where we are going, in coral reef functional ecology, with specific consideration of what this means for our approaches to conserving reefs. As focal examples, we examine the role of corals on reefs, and the practice of culling crown-of-thorns starfish, from a functional perspective. We also consider how the papers in this special issue build on our current understanding. Ultimately, we highlight how robust scientific investigation, based on an understanding of ecosystem functions, will be key in helping us navigate reefs through the current coral reef crisis.

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Fisherwomen’s Indigenous and local knowledge - the hidden gems for the management of marine and freshwater resources in Fiji

Kitolelei

Breckwoldt²,

Kitolelei³

et al. 2022

Front. Mar. Sci.

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Fisherwomen in Fiji play a vital role in the daily sustenance of their families and they use their Indigenous and local knowledge to harvest resources. Marine and freshwater resources harvested by fisherwomen contribute to the primary protein intake of their families, particularly for those who have limited or no access to other animal products or plant proteins. Over a span of three decades, Fiji experienced an influx in the documentation of women’s contribution and need for fisherwomen's recognition in the fisheries sector; in areas of cultural and/or socio-economic, resource management and decision-making processes. This study examines the Indigenous and local knowledge which fisherwomen utilize to identify their targeted marine and freshwater resources and gauge the population health of their resources. Furthermore, fisherwomen’s perceptions on the conservation status of their resources is used to provide the basis for improved management of culturally, economically and ecologically valuable species. The results of this study compiles Indigenous taxonomic classifications and associated species knowledge which fisherwomen from 11 communities use to help them in identifying and capturing resources. Moreover, the fishing methods, ecological knowledge and perceptions on environmental changes over thirty years provides temporal background on the fisherwomen’s knowledge. The results address knowledge gap between fisherwomen's Indigenous and local knowledge and science by marrying the well-developed knowledge systems. Finally, this study provides recommendations on how the Indigenous and local knowledge of women can contribute to practical and efficient resource management for localized challenges in Fiji.

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Hidden Giants: The Story of Bolbometopon muricatum at Ningaloo Reef

Cited by 3 publications

References 30 publications

High rates of erosion on a wave‐exposed fringing coral reef

High rates of erosion on a wave‐exposed fringing coral reef

Studying functions on coral reefs: past perspectives, current conundrums, and future potential

Fisherwomen’s Indigenous and local knowledge - the hidden gems for the management of marine and freshwater resources in Fiji

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