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
Losing the Shell Game: Consequences of Seascapes without Predatory Gastropods (Perdiendo el Juego de la Cáscara, Consecuencias de Marinos sin Depredadores Gastrópodos).
Author(s)
Tewfik, A.
Published
2014
Abstract
A number of large, predatory gastropods including Chanks (Turbinellidae), Helmets (Cassidae), and Tritons (Ranellidae) are targeted by fishers supplying the trade in collectible shells, components of decorative souvenirs, and a source of food in some areas. However, the over-harvesting of these predators is considered a contributing factor in population increases of their prey resulting in the alteration of shallow-water ecosystem dynamics and loss in biodiversity. Similar cascading effects have been documented in a number of other marine systems in which over-harvesting of predators (e.g. fish, lobsters, sea otters) have resulted in the release of prey and fundamental shifts in benthic communities. Given our limited understanding of predatory gastropods this overview intends to: (1) highlight the importance of predatory gastropods within complex Caribbean seascapes; (2) demonstrate how assessments of gastropod predators may be integrated into existing benthic resource surveys: and (3) provide new information on the ecology and status of several species of predatory gastropods (Cassis flammea, Cassis tuberosa, C. madagascariensis, Charonia variegata, Turbinella angulata) inhabiting seagrass habitats in The Bahamas, Belize and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Keywords
fisheries; ecological function; meso-predator; population assessment; trophic cascade
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the
WCS Library
to request.
Back
PUB26926