作者: S Clemente , JC Hernández , A Brito
DOI: 10.3354/MEPS09243
关键词: Ecology 、 Diadema 、 Predation 、 Predatory fish 、 Herbivore 、 Fishery 、 Sea urchin 、 Benthic zone 、 Biology 、 Context (language use) 、 Marine protected area
摘要: We studied the effects of marine protected areas (MPAs) on predatory interactions at a regional scale 3 different islands across geographical gradient Canary Islands. Protection measures positively affected fish assemblages, enhancing intensity inter- actions in comparison to equivalent unprotected (UAs), and causing indirect popula- tions key herbivorous sea urchin Diadema aff. antillarum. Results tethering experiments strong negative correlation found between predation rate prey density strongly suggest that controls populations. Overall was lower MPAs than UAs; however, species composition assemblages size effectively preyed upon differed significantly islands, as did size-frequency distribu- tions. Only locations where (balistids, diodontids large labrid species) were present there potential promote top-down control urchins. The study shows importance both protection environmental context enhance strength activity. under contexts can produce conse- quences interactions, even over relatively small spatial scales. Therefore, local-scale gradients should not be overlooked factor affecting occurrence magnitude benthic communities, especially systems are markedly variable