Seascape heterogeneity modifies estuarine fish assemblages in mangrove forests

Christopher J Henderson; Ben L Gilby; Edward Stone; Hayden P Borland; Andrew D Olds

doi:10.1093/icesjms/fsab022

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Seascape heterogeneity modifies estuarine fish assemblages in mangrove forests

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Seascape heterogeneity modifies estuarine fish assemblages in mangrove forests

Christopher J Henderson, Ben L Gilby, Edward Stone, Hayden P Borland and Andrew D Olds

ICES Journal of Marine Science, Vol.78(3), pp.1108-1116

2021

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsab022

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Abstract

conservation

estuarine ecosystem

seascape

urbanization

Mangroves are a dominant structural habitat within tropical and subtropical estuaries that provide a number of ecosystem services, including habitat for a range of crustaceans and fish. However, mangroves are one of the most threatened estuarine habitats globally, having been severely reduced in extent, and replaced by urban structures. Here, we test for the effects of both natural (e.g. seagrass, rock and mangroves habitat extent, and connectivity) and human (e.g. extent of urban area) landscape variables on the number and type of fish inhabiting mangroves forests. We used remote underwater video stations to quantify fish assemblages within mangroves at 150 sites in 30 estuaries across Queensland, Australia. Fish community structure was best explained by the extent of mangroves and seagrasses within an estuary, the distance to the estuary mouth, and the size of the estuary and catchment. Moderate catchment size and proximity to the estuary mouth increased species richness and abundance of harvestable fish at individual mangrove sites. In order to maintain mangrove fish assemblages and the functions they provide, management initiatives should focus on maintaining natural estuarine seascapes that are located closer to the mouth of estuaries, in particular, focusing on estuaries that have lower levels of catchment urbanization.

Details

Title: Seascape heterogeneity modifies estuarine fish assemblages in mangrove forests
Authors: Christopher J Henderson (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Ben L Gilby (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Edward Stone (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Hayden P Borland (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Andrew D Olds (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Publication details: ICES Journal of Marine Science, Vol.78(3), pp.1108-1116
Publisher: Oxford University Press
DOI: 10.1093/icesjms/fsab022
ISSN: 1095-9289
Organisation Unit: School of Science, Technology and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99514108002621
Output Type: Journal article

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