Differences in Secondary Consumer Behavioral Responses to Predators on Natural and Artificial Reefs in South Florida
Location
HCAS Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University
Start
2-13-2025 10:30 AM
End
2-13-2025 10:45 AM
Type of Presentation
Oral Presentation
Abstract
On coral reefs, intensifying local stressors and climate change reconfigure reef ecosystems, with largely unknown implications for critical ecosystem functions (i.e., predation and secondary consumers). The study investigated differences in fish assemblages on natural and artificial reefs and how predator presence affected secondary consumer (i.e. invertivorous fish) abundance and foraging behaviors on natural versus artificial reefs. The specific objectives of this study were: (i) determine whether secondary consumer abundances differ between artificial and natural reefs and (ii) assess how predator identity influences the foraging behavior of secondary consumers. The study was conducted on shallow natural and artificial reefs in Broward County. Point count surveys measured species abundance and species communities. Standardized assays using dried squid, (i.e., “squidpops) in conjunction with predator treatments, measured fear effects through underwater video surveillance. Secondary consumer responses were quantified to threat treatments: a black grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci) model, a great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) model, an object control, and a control. We found significantly greater fish abundances and differing species communities on natural reefs than on artificial reefs. Fish reduced foraging differences between natural and artificial reefs, potentially due to encounter rates; however, the exact mechanism driving this pattern remains unknown. Fish perceive a difference between predator treatments, with more perceived risk to the grouper model, suggesting predator identity impacts secondary consumer foraging. In conservation, enhancing structural complexity in artificial reefs can support diverse fish communities and natural predator-prey interactions. Future research should explore habitat features that optimize foraging and defense, boosting fish resilience and the marine ecosystem.
Differences in Secondary Consumer Behavioral Responses to Predators on Natural and Artificial Reefs in South Florida
HCAS Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University
On coral reefs, intensifying local stressors and climate change reconfigure reef ecosystems, with largely unknown implications for critical ecosystem functions (i.e., predation and secondary consumers). The study investigated differences in fish assemblages on natural and artificial reefs and how predator presence affected secondary consumer (i.e. invertivorous fish) abundance and foraging behaviors on natural versus artificial reefs. The specific objectives of this study were: (i) determine whether secondary consumer abundances differ between artificial and natural reefs and (ii) assess how predator identity influences the foraging behavior of secondary consumers. The study was conducted on shallow natural and artificial reefs in Broward County. Point count surveys measured species abundance and species communities. Standardized assays using dried squid, (i.e., “squidpops) in conjunction with predator treatments, measured fear effects through underwater video surveillance. Secondary consumer responses were quantified to threat treatments: a black grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci) model, a great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) model, an object control, and a control. We found significantly greater fish abundances and differing species communities on natural reefs than on artificial reefs. Fish reduced foraging differences between natural and artificial reefs, potentially due to encounter rates; however, the exact mechanism driving this pattern remains unknown. Fish perceive a difference between predator treatments, with more perceived risk to the grouper model, suggesting predator identity impacts secondary consumer foraging. In conservation, enhancing structural complexity in artificial reefs can support diverse fish communities and natural predator-prey interactions. Future research should explore habitat features that optimize foraging and defense, boosting fish resilience and the marine ecosystem.