Skip to main content
WCS
Menu
Library
Library Catalog
eJournals & eBooks
WCS Research
Archives
Research Use
Finding Aids
Digital Collections
WCS History
WCS Research
Research Publications
Science Data
Services for WCS Researchers
Archives Shop
Bronx Zoo
Department of Tropical Research
Browse By Product
About Us
FAQs
Intern or Volunteer
Staff
Donate
Search WCS.org
Search
search
Popular Search Terms
WCS History
Library and Archives
Library and Archives Menu
Library
Archives
WCS Research
Archives Shop
About Us
Donate
en
fr
Title
Differential and slow life-history responses of fishes to coral reef closures
Author(s)
McClanahan, T.R.;Humphries, A.T.
Published
2012
Publisher
Marine Ecology Progress Series
Abstract
Life-history strategies are expected to underlie key ecological responses to disturbances and are becoming increasingly important in evaluations of the increasing frequency and magnitude of anthropogenic and climate stressors. Here, we evaluate changes in life histories of coral reef fishes after fishing disturbance, including feeding (mean trophic level), growth, reproduction, and mortality characteristics using a 42 yr fish biomass chronosequence created by Kenya’s fisheries closures. As expected, the longer the closure, or time since fishing disturbance, the greater the mean age and body size metrics, and the lower the growth rate and mortality metrics. Unexpectedly, a linear decline in the mean trophic level of the fish community with the age of fisheries closure was found and was attributable to relatively slow recovery of the abundant herbivores. Trophic level and other life-history metrics were not significantly correlated with one another, and the life histories of herbivorous fishes (e.g. Acanthuridae, Scaridae) produced these weak relationships. None of the life-history metrics displayed clear leveling after 42 yr of closure, which corroborates other findings that indicate that the closures do not represent undisturbed or pristine ecosystems. Growth, reproduction, and mortality parameters are most influenced by the cessation of fishing, and these metrics indicate that herbivorous fishes can be slow to fully recover, necessitating appropriate restrictions to insure their populations and associated ecological functions are maintained.
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the
WCS Library
to request.
Back
PUB14298