Changes in biotic and abiotic processes following mangrove clearing

摘要: Mangrove forests, important tropical coastal habitats, are in decline worldwide primarily due to removal by humans. Changes mangrove systems can alter ecosystem properties through direct effects on abiotic factors such as temperature, light and nutrient supply or changes biotic primary productivity species composition. Despite the importance of mangroves transitional habitats between land sea, little research has examined that occur when they cleared. We a number following anthropogenic red (Rhizophora mangle) Panamanian Caribbean, including algal biomass, diversity, grazing rates, penetration, sedimentation rates sediment organic content. In this first study examining multiple ecosystem-level disturbance, we found areas cleared had higher biomass richness than intact areas. This increase was likely (e.g. intensity, temperature), but not (fish herbivory). Additionally cyanobacterial genera dominating mangrove-cleared were rare included compete with coral for space reefs. Interestingly, did differ areas, sediments accumulated These findings demonstrate clearing processes forests some these may influence adjacent reefs seagrass beds. Additional is needed further explore community their it clear conservation an aspect managing systems.