Journal
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
Volume 87, Issue 1-2, Pages 257-268Publisher
PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.07.046
Keywords
Artificial reefs; Biodiversity; Breakwater; Grazers; Spatial heterogeneity; Microhabitats
Funding
- Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Cientifico y Tecnologico of Chile (FONDE-CYT) [11121360, 1120988]
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Strong differences have been observed between the assemblages on artificial reefs and on natural hard-bottom habitats worldwide, but little is known about the mechanisms that cause contrasting biodiversity patterns. We examined the influence of spatial attributes in relation to both biogenic and topographic microhabitats, in the distribution and composition of intertidal species on both artificial and natural reefs. We found higher small-scale spatial heterogeneity on the natural reef compared with the study breakwater. Species richness and diversity were associated with a higher availability of crevices, rock pools and mussels in natural habitats. Spatial distribution of certain grazers corresponded well with the spatial structure of microhabitats. In contrast, the lack of microhabitats on the breakwater resulted in the absence of several grazers reflected in lower species richness. Biogenic and topographic microhabitats can have interactive effects providing niche opportunities for multiple species, explaining differences in species diversity between artificial versus natural reefs. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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