Recruitment of crustose coralline algae on tiles material for monitoring coral larvae settlement’s consolidators at Nature Reserve Pulau Sempu, East Java, Indonesia

Crustose coralline algae (Corallinophycideae) are red algae that produced calcium carbonate and are well recognized as foundation species in the epipelagic zone of the marine ecosystem. These algae induced settlement juvenile of coral by released chemical cues from bacterial communities on the surface of their colonies. Their extracellular calcium carbonate also can stabilize reef structure that influencing many invertebrate attaches and growth in the seabed. Crustose coralline algae (CCA) have obtained attention because of their distribution and health compromise to increasing seawater temperature, ocean acidification, and pollutant. As a cryptic species in the ecosystem, the presence of CCA recruit sometimes doesn’t have attention, especially on their capability to occupy the empty space. This study aimed to document coverage and number of CCA recruit in two different recruitment tile’s material. The highest CCA percentage of the cover was showed inside surface than others surface in all stations. Light intensity and low sedimentation were suggested as a key factor of success of high coverage. Overall, station higher CCA recruits have shown from Tiga Warna. Low sedimentation and protection from aerial exposure became the main reason for it. No significant difference number of CCA recruits between marble and sandstone in this study. Successful CCA recruitment in this study can give a wide picture that natural recruitment of coral and other reef biodiversity in Southern Malang might be will succeed because of the abundance of coralline algae that support their life history stage.

Intra-Annual Variation in Mesophotic Benthic Assemblages on the Insular Slope of Southwest Puerto Rico as a Function of Depth and Geomorphology

There is limited information on the intra-annual variability of mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs), worldwide. The benthic communities, measured as % cover, of two geomorphologically different mesophotic sites (El Hoyo and Hole-in-the-Wall) were examined during 2009–2010 in southwest Puerto Rico. Depths sampled were 50 and 70 m. At each site/depth combination, two permanent transects, measuring 10-m long by 40-cm wide, were surveyed by successive photoquadrants, 0.24 m2 in area. Scleractinian corals, octocorals, macroalgae, crustose coralline algae (CCA), sponges and unconsolidated sediment were the main components along the transects. Significant community differences were observed both among sites and among depths. Differences among sites were greater at 50 m than at 70 m. The El Hoyo site at 50 m was the most divergent, and this was due to a lower coral and sponge cover and a higher algal cover (Amphiroa spp., Peyssonnelia iridescens, turf) relative to the other site/depth combinations. As a consequence, the differences in community structure with depth were larger at El Hoyo than at Hole-in-the-Wall. The communities at 70 m were distinguished from those at 50 m by the greater proportion of the corals Agaricia undata, Madracis pharensis and CCA, and a reduced cover of the cyanobacterium Schizothrix. Temporal variation in the benthic assemblages was documented throughout the year. For both mesophotic sites, the magnitude of change at 50 m was significantly greater than at 70 m. For both depths, the magnitude of change at El Hoyo was significantly greater than at Hole-in-the-Wall. All assemblages experienced almost the same temporal patterns, despite the differences in species composition across sites and depths. Changes in temporal patterns are driven by an increase in the percent cover of the macroalgae Dictyota spp., and a decrease in the percent cover of non-colonized substrata (sand, pavement or rubble). Relatively rapid, intra-annual changes are dictated by the negative correlation between cyclic Dictyota spp. cover and open substrata cover. Other observed mechanisms for rapid community changes in the photoquadrants were diseases and collapses of substrata along with their associated fauna indicating that small-scale disturbance processes may play an important role within MCEs.

Larval culture and settlement of the intertidal gastropod Siphonaria australis

<p>Laboratory rearing studies on the larvae of benthic marine invertebrates are important in providing information on the development of marine species, particularly those with complex life history cycles. Intertidal gastropods of the genus Siphonaria have been well studied in aspects of their physiology, behaviour, ecology, and reproduction. However, to our current knowledge, there are no cases on the successful laboratory rearing, from hatching through to metamorphosis, of larvae within this genus. Siphonariids are a primitive family of basommatophoran limpets in which the majority produce encapsulated embryos that hatch into feeding, planktonic veliger larvae. For such larvae, the quality and quantity of phytoplankton food can strongly affect larval growth, survival, and the ability to settle and metamorphose successfully. The primary aim of this study was to identify the optimal algal feeding diet for culturing the larvae of Siphonaria australis to competence in laboratory conditions, with a focus on algal composition and quantity. Once having defined the preferred feeding conditions, a secondary aim was to successfully culture larvae through to metamorphosis, by identifying the required settlement cue(s). First, I exposed newly hatched larvae to diets of three different algal compositions (all at a high concentration of 20,000 cells/mL): two unialgal diets of Isochrysis galbana and Pavlova lutheri, and a mixed diet consisting of a 1:1 ratio of both species. The results revealed that, although they grew in all diets, S. australis larvae exhibited highest growth and survival when fed the unialgal I.galbana diet. In a second experiment, I exposed newly hatched larvae to three different food concentrations of the unialgal I. galbana diet; low (1,000 cells/mL), medium (10,000 cells/mL) and high (20,000 cells/mL). Larval growth and survival were highest when fed a high food concentration, with development and survival severely reduced in low food treatments. At the end of this experiment it was discovered that once larvae grew to ~350µm in length, at an age of approximately one month post-hatching, they began to demonstrate signs of competence and growth rates plateaued. Finally, I exposed newly hatched larvae to optimum feeding conditions in an attempt to achieve larval settlement using different potential cues. Once larvae began to show signs of competence, they were exposed to five settlement cues: (1) live adults in filtered seawater (FSW), (2) adult-conditioned FSW, (3) rocks in adult-conditioned FSW, (4) rocks in regular FSW, and (5) crustose coralline algae-covered rocks in FSW. Larvae only successfully metamorphosed (i.e. exhibited loss of the larval velum) in treatments containing live adults. In total, my results provide a successful method in culturing Siphonaria australis larvae in laboratory conditions, as well as determines the cue required to induce settlement and metamorphosis. Not only can this method aid in providing more information on the development of this species, but it may also be applied to other members in this genus as well, and further our knowledge on the overall biology of Siphonariid limpets.</p>

Larval culture and settlement of the intertidal gastropod Siphonaria australis

<p>Laboratory rearing studies on the larvae of benthic marine invertebrates are important in providing information on the development of marine species, particularly those with complex life history cycles. Intertidal gastropods of the genus Siphonaria have been well studied in aspects of their physiology, behaviour, ecology, and reproduction. However, to our current knowledge, there are no cases on the successful laboratory rearing, from hatching through to metamorphosis, of larvae within this genus. Siphonariids are a primitive family of basommatophoran limpets in which the majority produce encapsulated embryos that hatch into feeding, planktonic veliger larvae. For such larvae, the quality and quantity of phytoplankton food can strongly affect larval growth, survival, and the ability to settle and metamorphose successfully. The primary aim of this study was to identify the optimal algal feeding diet for culturing the larvae of Siphonaria australis to competence in laboratory conditions, with a focus on algal composition and quantity. Once having defined the preferred feeding conditions, a secondary aim was to successfully culture larvae through to metamorphosis, by identifying the required settlement cue(s). First, I exposed newly hatched larvae to diets of three different algal compositions (all at a high concentration of 20,000 cells/mL): two unialgal diets of Isochrysis galbana and Pavlova lutheri, and a mixed diet consisting of a 1:1 ratio of both species. The results revealed that, although they grew in all diets, S. australis larvae exhibited highest growth and survival when fed the unialgal I.galbana diet. In a second experiment, I exposed newly hatched larvae to three different food concentrations of the unialgal I. galbana diet; low (1,000 cells/mL), medium (10,000 cells/mL) and high (20,000 cells/mL). Larval growth and survival were highest when fed a high food concentration, with development and survival severely reduced in low food treatments. At the end of this experiment it was discovered that once larvae grew to ~350µm in length, at an age of approximately one month post-hatching, they began to demonstrate signs of competence and growth rates plateaued. Finally, I exposed newly hatched larvae to optimum feeding conditions in an attempt to achieve larval settlement using different potential cues. Once larvae began to show signs of competence, they were exposed to five settlement cues: (1) live adults in filtered seawater (FSW), (2) adult-conditioned FSW, (3) rocks in adult-conditioned FSW, (4) rocks in regular FSW, and (5) crustose coralline algae-covered rocks in FSW. Larvae only successfully metamorphosed (i.e. exhibited loss of the larval velum) in treatments containing live adults. In total, my results provide a successful method in culturing Siphonaria australis larvae in laboratory conditions, as well as determines the cue required to induce settlement and metamorphosis. Not only can this method aid in providing more information on the development of this species, but it may also be applied to other members in this genus as well, and further our knowledge on the overall biology of Siphonariid limpets.</p>

The Ecological Role of a Common Seastar (Patiriella spp.) Within Intertidal Cobble Fields

<p>Intertidal cobble habitats are complex three-dimensional marine environments that are understudied despite having unique species assemblages and ecological patterns. New Zealand's common cushion star, Patiriella spp., is found in a wide range of coastal habitats, including intertidal cobble fields. This seastar is an omnivore that feeds predominantly on crustose coralline algae and micro-organisms, but also supplements its diet by scavenging on carrion. Study on the adult ecology of Patiriella spp. is limited and this thesis aims to expand on the knowledge of this species and its role in intertidal cobble communities. First, field surveys were conducted within intertidal cobble fields in Wellington Harbour and on the Wellington South Coast to determine density, size and feeding habits of Patiriella spp. and the density of associated organisms. Patiriella spp. were abundant at all sites, with no significant difference in density between Wellington Harbour and Wellington South Coast; however, feeding rates and sizes were significantly higher on the South Coast. Distribution of Patiriella spp. on cobbles was negatively correlated with the distribution of chitons, suggesting possible competition between these animals. Second, scavenging behaviour was examined in field and laboratory experiments. Patiriella spp. were readily attracted to mussel carrion bait in the field; however, whelks were the numerically dominant taxon attracted to bait and may therefore compete with Patiriella spp. for this resource. Laboratory results showed that movement towards carrion may be indicative of hunger and Patiriella spp. from Wellington Harbour and the Wellington South Coast reacted similarly to carrion, suggesting similar, limited levels, of carrion supply within these regions. The occurrence of interspecific feeding competition was tested in the laboratory by examining growth and mortality in response to varying densities of Patiriella spp. and a locally abundant chiton, and possible competitor, Chiton glaucus. Intraspecific competition was also tested in response to varying densities of Patiriella spp., with and without carrion supplementation and during spring and winter. No inter- or intraspecific competition was found for crustose coralline algae and micro-organisms and this food resource appears not to be limited. However, Patiriella spp. supplemented on mussel carrion had significantly higher growth rates than non-supplemented treatments and this was greater at lower densities, suggesting intraspecific competition for carrion. Increases in Patiriella spp. size and pyloric caeca weight were only observed for treatments supplemented with carrion. Therefore, carrion appears important for growth and reproduction and intraspecific competition for this resource may impact population sizes. Consequently, fluctuations in carrion supply have the potential to change the distribution and abundance of Patiriella spp., leading to changes in community dynamics. This study has provided baseline information on Patiriella spp. populations within intertidal cobble fields in Wellington Harbour and on the Wellington South Coast and also improved knowledge of the feeding behaviours and competitive interactions of this seastar; therefore, contributing to understanding of the ecological role of Patiriella spp. within intertidal cobble communities.</p>

The Ecological Role of a Common Seastar (Patiriella spp.) Within Intertidal Cobble Fields

<p>Intertidal cobble habitats are complex three-dimensional marine environments that are understudied despite having unique species assemblages and ecological patterns. New Zealand's common cushion star, Patiriella spp., is found in a wide range of coastal habitats, including intertidal cobble fields. This seastar is an omnivore that feeds predominantly on crustose coralline algae and micro-organisms, but also supplements its diet by scavenging on carrion. Study on the adult ecology of Patiriella spp. is limited and this thesis aims to expand on the knowledge of this species and its role in intertidal cobble communities. First, field surveys were conducted within intertidal cobble fields in Wellington Harbour and on the Wellington South Coast to determine density, size and feeding habits of Patiriella spp. and the density of associated organisms. Patiriella spp. were abundant at all sites, with no significant difference in density between Wellington Harbour and Wellington South Coast; however, feeding rates and sizes were significantly higher on the South Coast. Distribution of Patiriella spp. on cobbles was negatively correlated with the distribution of chitons, suggesting possible competition between these animals. Second, scavenging behaviour was examined in field and laboratory experiments. Patiriella spp. were readily attracted to mussel carrion bait in the field; however, whelks were the numerically dominant taxon attracted to bait and may therefore compete with Patiriella spp. for this resource. Laboratory results showed that movement towards carrion may be indicative of hunger and Patiriella spp. from Wellington Harbour and the Wellington South Coast reacted similarly to carrion, suggesting similar, limited levels, of carrion supply within these regions. The occurrence of interspecific feeding competition was tested in the laboratory by examining growth and mortality in response to varying densities of Patiriella spp. and a locally abundant chiton, and possible competitor, Chiton glaucus. Intraspecific competition was also tested in response to varying densities of Patiriella spp., with and without carrion supplementation and during spring and winter. No inter- or intraspecific competition was found for crustose coralline algae and micro-organisms and this food resource appears not to be limited. However, Patiriella spp. supplemented on mussel carrion had significantly higher growth rates than non-supplemented treatments and this was greater at lower densities, suggesting intraspecific competition for carrion. Increases in Patiriella spp. size and pyloric caeca weight were only observed for treatments supplemented with carrion. Therefore, carrion appears important for growth and reproduction and intraspecific competition for this resource may impact population sizes. Consequently, fluctuations in carrion supply have the potential to change the distribution and abundance of Patiriella spp., leading to changes in community dynamics. This study has provided baseline information on Patiriella spp. populations within intertidal cobble fields in Wellington Harbour and on the Wellington South Coast and also improved knowledge of the feeding behaviours and competitive interactions of this seastar; therefore, contributing to understanding of the ecological role of Patiriella spp. within intertidal cobble communities.</p>

Community assessment of crustose calcifying red algae as coral recruitment substrates

Successful recruitment of invertebrate larvae to reef substrates is essential to the health of tropical coral reef ecosystems and their capacity to recover from disturbances. Crustose calcifying red algae (CCRA) have been identified as important recruitment substrates for scleractinian corals. As such, CCRA as a whole or subgroups (e.g., crustose coralline algae, CCA) are often used at the functional group level in experimental, ecological, and monitoring studies. Species of CCRA, however, differ in their ecological roles and their value as coral recruitment substrates. Here, we (1) investigate the species richness and community composition of CCRA on experimental coral recruitment tiles, and (2) assess if there is a recruitment preference of the coral Acropora surculosa for any of these CCRA species. 27 species of two orders of CCRA (Corallinales and Peyssonneliales) were identified from the recruit tiles. None of the DNA sequences of these species matched released sequences in GenBank or sequences of CCRA collected from natural reef systems in Guam. The similarity in CCRA communities between the recruitment tiles was high. Two species of CCRA were significantly preferred as recruitment substrates over the other CCRA species. Both of these species belonged to the subfamily of the Lithophylloideae. These two species are closely related to Pacific species that have been referred to as Titanoderma -but probably have to be assigned to another genus- and many of the latter have been attributed to be preferred coral recruitment substrates. Of all CCRA, Lithophylloideae sp. 1 had the highest benthic cover on the recruitment tiles and was the most preferred recruitment substrate. These findings highlight the high taxonomic diversity of CCRA communities and provide insight into species-specific ecological roles of CCRA that are often overlooked.

Coral larval settlement and post-settlement survival facilitated by crustose coralline algae with or without living tissue

Selection of a permanent attachment site of coral larvae can be a critical determinant of recruitment success affecting the structure of coral communities and underpins the ability of coral reef ecosystems to recover from disturbance. Settlement specificity of a threatened coral in Sanya reefs, Acropora millepora, was tested by measuring the larval metamorphosis preferences and post-settlement survival in response to crustose coralline algae (CCA) species Hydrolithon reinboldii and other substrata. In the no-choice experiments, the larvae of A. millepora had similar rates of total metamorphosis with the presence of CCA regardless of the algae tissue being alive or not, and settlement success induced by CCA was higher than by other substrata (tile or glass). In the paired-choice experiments, when CCA was in presence, the coral larvae preferred the surface of the dish and the side of living CCA. In the absence of CCA, total larvae metamorphosis was lower than in the treatments where CCA was present. New recruits of A. millepora had approximately 68% mean survival on all the settlement substrata after 2 weeks maintained in aquaria with flow-through seawater similar to the coral larval sampling site, but with no coral spat survival in the treatments where CCA was absent. However, there were statistical differences between the larvae survival of dead CCA and glass chips treatment and the others where CCA was present. Our results were consistent with the conclusion that some CCA species could facilitate coral larval settlement and post-settlement survivorship, highlighting the importance of substrata selection success for facilitating coral recruitment in the threatened coral reefs.

The collapse of marine forests: drastic reduction in populations of the family Sargassaceae in Madeira Island (NE Atlantic)

Species of the genera Cystoseira, Ericaria, Gongolaria, and Sargassum (family Sargassaceae) are key components of the Mediterranean-Atlantic marine forests, essential for biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Populations of these foundational species are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic impacts, likely to be intensified under future scenarios of climate change. The decline and even disappearance of these species have been reported in different areas of the world. At Madeira Island (NE Atlantic), populations of Gongolaria abies-marina, Ericaria selaginoides, Sargassum vulgare, and Sargassum filipendula, the most ecologically relevant species in Macaronesian marine forests, have been suffering a drastic decline during the last decades, especially on the southern coast of the island, where anthropogenic pressure is higher than on the north coast. The lack of sufficient temporal coverage on qualitative and quantitative studies of Sargassaceae communities in Madeira poses a challenge to establish a specific period for this decline. Consulting qualitative studies and historical records, we have set for the first time a timeline that shows an evident decrease in Sargassaceae populations in the last 20 years on Madeira Island. Following this timeline, we pinpoint the start of this decline in the first decade of the 2000s. This can be particularly confirmed for places like Funchal and Reis Magos, with significantly higher historical records. Currently, most benthic communities on shallow subtidal rocky reefs along the south coast are dominated by sea urchins and crustose coralline algae, the so-called sea urchin barrens. However, in some cases, they are entirely covered by a layer of sediment. We discuss the possible factors contributing to these drastic changes, bringing Madeira’s marine forests to a dramatic decline. As many animal species rely on marine forests, the decline of Sargassaceae populations represents an invaluable ecological loss for the coastal ecosystem of the island.