Quantifying wave exposure in shallow temperate reef systems: applicability of fetch models for predicting algal biodiversity

Marine Ecology Progress Series

Neville S. Barrett¹  Nicole A. Hill¹  Rebecca Leaper¹  Marji L. Puotinen¹  Michael G. Hughes¹  Rick D. Stuart-Smith¹  Graham J. Edgar¹  Austen R. Pepper¹ 

关键词: Wave exposure index;    Cartographic fetch modelling;    Macro-algae;    Biodiversity;    Predictive models;   

DOI  :  10.3354/meps08815

学科分类：海洋学与技术

来源: Inter-Research

【 摘 要 】

ABSTRACT: Management and conservation of ecosystems relies on biodiversity data; however, broad-scale biological data are often limited. Predictive modelling using environmental variables has recently proven a valuable tool in addressing this gap. Wave exposure is a particularly important environmental variable that structures shallow reef systems, but it is rarely quantified across the large areas often used for predictive studies. Therefore, we investigated approaches that quantify exposure and can be readily applied across a large area. We generated 6 quantitative indices that emphasise different aspects of exposure using a numerical wave model and cartographic fetch models. The utility of these indices for predictive modelling in shallow temperate reef systems was assessed by how well they explained community and genera-level algal patterns in Tasmania, Australia, which is a region that experiences a wide range of wave exposure conditions. Exposure indices were significant predictors of algal patterns, explaining up to 18% of community level patterns and up to 37% of the variance associated with the occurrence and cover of algal genera. Fetch-based indices in particular appear to be a viable option for quantifying exposure on shallow reefs. These indices can be generated within a Geographic Information System (GIS) program for specific sites of interest, along coastlines or on a grid, and are potentially accessible to ecologists. Quantification of exposure across broad regions using fetch indices will allow ecologists to makes advances in predictive modelling studies, but also facilitate studies that test the generality of hypotheses and mechanisms driving patterns previously observed using qualitative measures.

【 授权许可】

Unknown