Identifying restoration hotspots that deliver multiple ecological benefits

Ben Gilby; Andrew D Olds; Cassandra K Duncan; Nicholas L Ortodossi; Christopher J Henderson; Thomas Schlacher

doi:10.1111/rec.13046

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Identifying restoration hotspots that deliver multiple ecological benefits

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Identifying restoration hotspots that deliver multiple ecological benefits

Ben Gilby, Andrew D Olds, Cassandra K Duncan, Nicholas L Ortodossi, Christopher J Henderson and Thomas Schlacher

Restoration Ecology, Vol.28(1), pp.222-232

2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.13046

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Abstract

distribution modeling

ecological function

fish

oyster reefs

prioritization

Ecological restoration principally seeks to restore lost or degraded ecosystems. Restoration can, however, also deliver a suite of wider ecological, social, and economic benefits. To optimize performance it is, therefore, important to plan the design and placement of restoration initiatives with a view to maximizing joint effects on ecosystems, animal populations, ecological functions, and ecosystem services. We measured the effects of multiple (13) restored oyster reefs on a suite of restoration benefits (oyster settlement and growth, fish diversity and abundance, the ecological functions of scavenging and predation) in the Noosa River estuary, Australia, and used distribution models to identify potential restoration sites with the greatest overall benefits. Oysters recruited to reefs, and reefs enhanced the diversity and abundance of fishes and had higher rates of ecological functions than control sites. However, the growth of oyster reefs was most correlated with the proximity of restoration sites to urbanized shorelines and the estuary mouth, and the area of mangroves around the site. By contrast, fish diversity and abundance, and the rates of ecological functions, were typically negatively correlated with the proximity of reefs to both mangroves and seagrasses. This complex spatial mosaic resulted in distinct areas predicted to achieve all restoration benefits that were significantly smaller than the total area that could be restored. Applying a systematic and defensible method to identify potential restoration sites that maximize multiple benefits while lowering costs is a sensible social, economic, and ecological strategy.

Details

Title: Identifying restoration hotspots that deliver multiple ecological benefits
Authors: Ben Gilby (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Science & Engineering
Andrew D Olds (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Science & Engineering
Cassandra K Duncan (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Science & Engineering
Nicholas L Ortodossi (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Science & Engineering
Christopher J Henderson (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Science & Engineering
Thomas Schlacher (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Science & Engineering
Publication details: Restoration Ecology, Vol.28(1), pp.222-232
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Inc.
Date published: 2020
DOI: 10.1111/rec.13046
ISSN: 1061-2971
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451339502621
Output Type: Journal article

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