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Exploring multi-scale variation of fish community diversity in a dynamic coastal estuary
Title
Exploring multi-scale variation of fish community diversity in a dynamic coastal estuary.
Creator
Troast, Brittany, Cook, Geoffrey, Walters, Linda, Paperno, Richard, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Examining diversity over multiple spatial and temporal scales affords the opportunity to develop a mechanistic understanding of the factors influencing community diversity dynamics, and how these may shift in a changing world. This thesis first examines multi-decadal fish community diversity metrics across a coastal biogeographic transition zone to quantify changes in species assemblages, assess relationships between fish community diversity and the abiotic environment, and capture potential...
Show moreExamining diversity over multiple spatial and temporal scales affords the opportunity to develop a mechanistic understanding of the factors influencing community diversity dynamics, and how these may shift in a changing world. This thesis first examines multi-decadal fish community diversity metrics across a coastal biogeographic transition zone to quantify changes in species assemblages, assess relationships between fish community diversity and the abiotic environment, and capture potential shifts in the location of a putative biogeographic break. Results of this chapter indicate not only a change in fish community composition, but also a shift in the location of the biogeographic transition zone. If these trends continue, a potential 16-62km shift northward by the year 2100 could occur. Understanding the novel species assemblages these shifts could result in is necessary for the future management of this area. Next this thesis examines diversity on a local scale, assessing the response of the fish community to restoration of oyster reefs and coastal wetlands which act as essential fish habitat. Results support the idea that fish community composition at restored oyster reefs is more similar to those of live reefs than dead reefs, however, results of abundance and diversity analyses were equivocal. Living shoreline analyses produced no differences between control and restored sites before or after restoration. Possible explanations for lack of clear trends in the fish community could be explained by the presence of other essential fish habitats in the area, scale of restoration, and length of monitoring. This thesis explores diversity on a multitude of spatial and temporal scales to better understand how fish communities respond to change and generates fundamental knowledge that can improve our ability to conserve and manage coastal communities and better inform the development of ecosystem-based management strategies.
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Date Issued
2019
Identifier
CFE0007905, ucf:52753
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007905
Fine-scale geographic variation of stable isotope and fatty acid signatures of three fish species in the Indian River Lagoon, FL
Title
Fine-scale geographic variation of stable isotope and fatty acid signatures of three fish species in the Indian River Lagoon, FL.
Creator
Odom, Jennifer, Worthy, Graham, Jenkins, David, Paperno, Richard, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
The Indian River Lagoon, Florida, is a unique closed (")bar built(") estuary system that has little interchange with the Atlantic Ocean and which is home to many resident species. Three fish species were investigated to see if their isotopic and fatty acid signatures differed based on geographic location. The goal was to assess the degree of resolution of spatial variation that is possible when using stable isotope and fatty acid signature analysis to interpret feeding habits and potential...
Show moreThe Indian River Lagoon, Florida, is a unique closed (")bar built(") estuary system that has little interchange with the Atlantic Ocean and which is home to many resident species. Three fish species were investigated to see if their isotopic and fatty acid signatures differed based on geographic location. The goal was to assess the degree of resolution of spatial variation that is possible when using stable isotope and fatty acid signature analysis to interpret feeding habits and potential linkages between feeding habits and health status. Spotted seatrout (n=40), pinfish (n=60) and white mullet (n=60) were collected over a 4 week period at sites 30 km apart in two distinct biogeographic regions of the IRL. Fish were analyzed for stable isotope (?13C and ?15N) and fatty acid composition. All three species were significantly different from each other in both isotopic and fatty acid signatures. In the North Indian River segment, spotted seatrout, white mullet and pinfish had mean values ((&)#177; SE) for ?13C of -18.00 (&)#177; 0.08, -14.59 (&)#177; 0.07 and -16.88 (&)#177; 0.04 respectively and for ?15N, mean values were 14.43 (&)#177; 0.05, 8.30 (&)#177; 0.04 and 10.43 (&)#177; 0.03 respectively. For the North-Central Indian River segment, spotted seatrout, white mullet and pinfish had mean values for ?13C of -18.98 (&)#177; 0.02, -16.25 (&)#177;0.06 and -16.94 (&)#177; 0.04 respectively and for ?15N, mean values were 14.21 (&)#177; 0.02, 8.07 (&)#177; 0.03 and 10.64 (&)#177;0.03 respectively. When species and location interactions were examined using ANCOVA, a post-hoc Tukey's HSD test showed that ?13C was significantly affected by sampling segment only for spotted seatrout and that there was no significant effect of location on ?15N values. Spotted seatrout was the only species that differed between segments for ?13C. Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis was then performed on the (")extended dietary fatty acids(") for each individual species and collection location. In this analysis, all three species were correctly identified to segment (white mullet - MR 2/53 p~ 0.03; spotted seatrout (MR 0/40), and pinfish (MR 0/56) indicating that individual species were exhibiting significant differences in their fatty acid signature over distances of 30 km. The ability to discern fine-scale differences in potential prey allows for the possibility of better resolution of dolphin feeding habits and hence a better understanding of both habitat utilization and health impacts. Due to limited exchange of clean salt water, contaminants can theoretically become a problem and there are indications that the health of the resident population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) has been declining over recent years.
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Date Issued
2012
Identifier
CFE0004329, ucf:49434
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004329