Tropicalization strengthens consumer pressure on habitat-forming seaweeds

Salvador Zarco-Perello; Thomas Wernberg; Tim J. Langlois; Mathew A. Vanderklift

doi:10.1038/s41598-017-00991-2

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Tropicalization strengthens consumer pressure on habitat-forming seaweeds

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Tropicalization strengthens consumer pressure on habitat-forming seaweeds

Salvador Zarco-Perello, Thomas Wernberg, Tim J. Langlois and Mathew A. Vanderklift

Scientific reports, Vol.7, 820

2017

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-00991-2

PMCID: PMC5429775

PMID: 28400614

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Abstract

Multidisciplinary Sciences

Science & Technology

Science & Technology - Other Topics

Ocean warming is driving species poleward, causing a 'tropicalization' of temperate ecosystems around the world. Increasing abundances of tropical herbivores on temperate reefs could accelerate declines in habitat-forming seaweeds with devastating consequences for these important marine ecosystems. Here we document an expansion of rabbitfish (Siganus fuscescens), a tropical herbivore, on temperate reefs in Western Australia following a marine heatwave and demonstrate their impact on local kelp forests (Ecklonia radiata). Before the heatwave there were no rabbitfish and low rates of kelp herbivory but after the heatwave rabbitfish were common at most reefs and consumption of kelp was high. Herbivory increased 30-fold and kelp abundance decreased by 70% at reefs where rabbitfish had established. In contrast, where rabbitfish were absent, kelp abundance and herbivory did not change. Video-analysis confirmed that rabbitfish were the main consumers of kelp, followed by silver drummers (Kyphosus sydneyanus), a temperate herbivore. These results represent a likely indirect effect of the heatwave beyond its acute impacts, and they provide evidence that range-shifting tropical herbivores can contribute to declines in habitat-forming seaweeds within a few years of their establishment.

Details

Title: Tropicalization strengthens consumer pressure on habitat-forming seaweeds
Authors/Creators: Salvador Zarco-Perello - The University of Western Australia
Thomas Wernberg - Ocean Institute
Tim J. Langlois - The University of Western Australia
Mathew A. Vanderklift - CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere
Publication Details: Scientific reports, Vol.7, 820
Publisher: Springer Nature
Number of pages: 8
Grant note: DP170100023 / Australian Research Council HSF13-13 / Hermon Slade Foundation
Identifiers: 991005592642107891
Murdoch Affiliation: Harry Butler Institute
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.2 Marine Biology; 3.2.509 Marine Algae
Web Of Science research areas: Marine & Freshwater Biology
ESI research areas: Environment/Ecology