York, Paul H., Scott, Abigail L., Smith, Timothy M., Davey, Peter A., Carter, Alex B., and Rasheed, Michael A. (2024) Megaherbivory is a major force driving seagrass structure on the Great Barrier Reef. In: ISBW15 & WSC2024 Book of Abstracts. From: ISBW 2024: International Seagrass Biology Workshop, 17-21 June 2024, Naples, Italy.

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Abstract

Herbivory is a key mechanism controlling seagrass ecosystem stability, function and diversity globally. Tropical seagrass ecosystems are susceptible to large scale grazing from megaherbivores (turtles and dugongs), but research on the impact of grazing on seagrass structure and function at a regional scale is only beginning to receive attention. We established a network of megaherbivore exclusion cages at ten sites across 1200 km of the Great Barrier Reef to assess broad scale patterns and impacts of megaherbivore grazing on seagrasses. Sites covered a range of seagrass habitat types (e.g. coastal, reef top, deep-water), species and latitudes that were monitored periodically for between 2 and 15 months. Grazing impacted seagrass meadows at seven of the ten sites and there as an overall reduction in above ground biomass and canopy height. A change in seagrass species composition was detected in exclusion cages at two sites. The duration and extent of grazing impacts on seagrass structure varied across sites. These results demonstrate the broad impact of megaherbivores on regulating the structure, composition and potentially the function of seagrass meadows on the Great Barrier Reef and can inform monitoring and management of seagrasses under grazing pressure.

Item ID:	83785
Item Type:	Conference Item (Abstract / Summary)
Date Deposited:	14 Oct 2024 23:47
FoR Codes:	41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4102 Ecological applications > 410203 Ecosystem function @ 100%
SEO Codes:	18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1802 Coastal and estuarine systems and management > 180201 Assessment and management of coastal and estuarine ecosystems @ 50% 18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1805 Marine systems and management > 180501 Assessment and management of benthic marine ecosystems @ 50%
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