Mangrove loss leads to fish hyperutilization of seagrass beds in a UNESCO biosphere reserve

P A X Bologna

doi:10.1111/jfb.12375

Mangrove loss leads to fish hyperutilization of seagrass beds in a UNESCO biosphere reserve

J Fish Biol. 2014 May;84(5):1620-5. doi: 10.1111/jfb.12375.

Author

P A X Bologna¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Biology and Molecular Biology, Marine Biology and Coastal Sciences Program, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, NJ, 07043, U.S.A.

PMID: 24773547
DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12375

Abstract

Hurricanes severely damaged a mangrove forest in a UNESCO biosphere reserve in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The system has yet to recover and when alternative habitats have been destroyed, it is shown that juvenile fishes will hyperutilize seagrass beds at densities significantly greater than in areas that maintain functioning mangroves. Despite over a decade of recovery time, the affected mangrove system remains inhospitable to juvenile fishes.

Keywords: Rhizophora mangle; Thalassia testudinum; disturbance.

Publication types

Comparative Study
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Conservation of Natural Resources*
Cyclonic Storms
Ecosystem*
Fishes*
Population Dynamics
Rhizophoraceae*
United States Virgin Islands