Grazer specialisation and temperature effects on epiphytic fouling: conservation implications for a temperate African seagrass (Zostera capensis)

Abstract

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 629:235-241 (2019) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13122 NOTE Grazer specialisation and temperature effects on epiphytic fouling: conservation implications for a temperate African seagrass (Zostera capensis) Deena Pillay*, Christopher Waspe Marine Research Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, South Africa *Corresponding author: deena.pillay@uct.ac.za ABSTRACT: Global change stressors can alter mutually beneficial interactions in structurally complex systems, leading to impaired functionality and service provision. Knowledge of how this is influenced by species identity and degree of specialisation is limited in seagrass systems, but these are key considerations for their conservation. Here, we used a mesocosm experiment to quantify effects of ocean warming on fouling in a temperate seagrass (Zostera capensis) system using sympatric specialist (Critically Endangered Siphonaria compressa) and generalist (Fissurella mutabilis) epiphytic limpet grazers. Results indicate an increase in fouling loads due to warming, by up to 15 times in the absence of grazers. Grazers differentially countered fouling, with the specialist providing a stronger cleaning function, especially at high temperatures. The specialist showed greater survival (80-90%) at higher temperatures, while survival for the generalist was reduced (10-20%). Our findings highlight the need for specialist, warm-tolerant grazers to be prioritised in seagrass conservation/restoration programs. This will likely establish positive feedback loops that benefit both seagrasses and grazers under warming conditions, with positive community- and ecosystem-wide ramifications. KEY WORDS: Biodiversity · Ecosystem engineer · Warming · Seagrass · Grazing Full text in pdf format PreviousCite this article as: Pillay D, Waspe C (2019) Grazer specialisation and temperature effects on epiphytic fouling: conservation implications for a temperate African seagrass (Zostera capensis). Mar Ecol Prog Ser 629:235-241. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13122 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 629. Online publication date: October 24, 2019 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2019 Inter-Research.