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Near-island biological hotspots in barren ocean basins

Author

Listed:
  • Jamison M. Gove

    (Ecosystems and Oceanography Program, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center)

  • Margaret A. McManus

    (University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa)

  • Anna B. Neuheimer

    (University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa)

  • Jeffrey J. Polovina

    (Ecosystems and Oceanography Program, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center)

  • Jeffrey C. Drazen

    (University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa)

  • Craig R. Smith

    (University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa)

  • Mark A. Merrifield

    (University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
    Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa)

  • Alan M. Friedlander

    (Fisheries Ecology Research Laboratory, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
    Pristine Seas, National Geographic Society)

  • Julia S. Ehses

    (Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
    Coral Reef Ecosystem Program, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center)

  • Charles W. Young

    (Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
    Coral Reef Ecosystem Program, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center)

  • Amanda K. Dillon

    (Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
    Coral Reef Ecosystem Program, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center)

  • Gareth J. Williams

    (Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
    School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University)

Abstract

Phytoplankton production drives marine ecosystem trophic-structure and global fisheries yields. Phytoplankton biomass is particularly influential near coral reef islands and atolls that span the oligotrophic tropical oceans. The paradoxical enhancement in phytoplankton near an island-reef ecosystem—Island Mass Effect (IME)—was first documented 60 years ago, yet much remains unknown about the prevalence and drivers of this ecologically important phenomenon. Here we provide the first basin-scale investigation of IME. We show that IME is a near-ubiquitous feature among a majority (91%) of coral reef ecosystems surveyed, creating near-island ‘hotspots’ of phytoplankton biomass throughout the upper water column. Variations in IME strength are governed by geomorphic type (atoll vs island), bathymetric slope, reef area and local human impacts (for example, human-derived nutrient input). These ocean oases increase nearshore phytoplankton biomass by up to 86% over oceanic conditions, providing basal energetic resources to higher trophic levels that support subsistence-based human populations.

Suggested Citation

  • Jamison M. Gove & Margaret A. McManus & Anna B. Neuheimer & Jeffrey J. Polovina & Jeffrey C. Drazen & Craig R. Smith & Mark A. Merrifield & Alan M. Friedlander & Julia S. Ehses & Charles W. Young & Am, 2016. "Near-island biological hotspots in barren ocean basins," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-8, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms10581
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10581
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