The role of fauna in seagrass habitats

This research delves into the intricate relationships between animals and plants in seagrass ecosystems, exploring how macro- and mega-fauna influence these habitats and how these interactions change under warming climate. The study focuses on non-consumptive positive species interactions, a less-explored aspect compared to trophic webs. The experiments spanned different seagrass species across three countries, investigating various life stages and utilizing both aquarium and field experiments.

The research reveals that bioturbation, the movement of sediment particles by infauna, significantly affects early seagrass life stages. The study also considers the impact of climate change on these interactions, specifically exploring how heat waves alter seed burial and germination. Results indicate the importance of understanding non-trophic interactions in the context of warming to comprehend the broader ecosystem effects of climate change.

Additionally, the study examines the role of mega-bioturbators, such as rays, in shaping seagrass beds. Exclusion experiments in the Canary Islands suggest that mega-bioturbators play a crucial role in determining seagrass patch size and infauna community assemblages.

Furthermore, the research uncovers a cascading effects in east Australia, where Zostera muellerii seagrass positively influences cockle densities and substrate availability for epibionts. Despite predictions of strengthened interactions under warming, the study finds a complex interplay, emphasizing the importance of maintaining densely vegetated patches to mitigate the impacts of environmental change.

In summary, these studies enhance our understanding of non-trophic plant-animal interactions in seagrass ecosystems, emphasizing their sensitivity to climate anomalies. The findings underscore the complexity of these interactions and highlight their crucial role in developing effective conservation and restoration strategies for seagrass habitats facing environmental challenges.