Distribution and biodiversity of benthic macroalgae in the Nanji Islands, China

IF 2.8 2区生物学 Q1 MARINE & FRESHWATER BIOLOGY

Frontiers in Marine Science Pub Date : 2025-04-08 DOI:10.3389/fmars.2025.1563252

Xin Wang, Shangwei Xie, Wandong Chen, Xiaopin Ni, Wantao Xu, Qijun Luo, Haimin Chen

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Abstract

IntroductionThis study focuses on the benthic macroalgae of the Nanji Islands, China, aiming to assess species diversity and biomass through a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches using historical data.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive survey of the benthic macroalgae, employing species identification and biomass estimation techniques across different seasons and tidal zones. Co-occurrence network analysis was used to explore species interactions and ecosystem stability. Historical data were compared to recent monitoring results to evaluate the impacts of marine reserves.ResultsA total of 127 species were identified, with Rhodophyta being the dominant group (57.48%), exhibiting remarkable ecological adaptability. Seasonal variation in biomass showed peaks in spring (1344.31 g·m⁻²) and the lowest in autumn (428.78 g·m⁻²). The mid/low-tide zones supported 2.6 times higher biomass than the high-tide zones. The southern communities demonstrated increased stability, with a co-occurrence network of 129 nodes and 999 edges. Biomass recovery of 61.14% was observed at key monitoring sites since the establishment of protected areas in 1990.DiscussionOur findings emphasize the crucial role of marine reserves in reversing biodiversity loss and maintaining ecosystem health. The observed biomass recovery and species diversity restoration in protected areas underscore the effectiveness of these conservation strategies. The study also provides valuable insights into the distribution patterns of benthic macroalgae, highlighting the significance of seasonal and tidal zone influences on biodiversity and biomass.

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南麂群岛底栖大型藻类的分布和生物多样性

摘要本研究以中国南麂群岛的底栖大型藻类为研究对象，利用历史数据，采用定性和定量相结合的方法对其物种多样性和生物量进行了评估。方法采用不同季节、不同潮汐带的底栖大型藻类种类鉴定和生物量估算技术，对其进行综合调查。共现网络分析用于探讨物种相互作用和生态系统稳定性。将历史数据与最近的监测结果进行比较，以评估海洋保护区的影响。结果共鉴定出127种，红藻属为优势类群（57.48%），具有较强的生态适应性。生物量的季节变化在春季达到高峰（1344.31 g·m⁻²），秋季最低（428.78 g·m⁻²）。中/低潮带的生物量是高潮带的2.6倍。南部社区表现出更高的稳定性，共有129个节点和999个边。自1990年保护区建立以来，重点监测点的生物量恢复率为61.14%。我们的研究结果强调了海洋保护区在扭转生物多样性丧失和维持生态系统健康方面的关键作用。在保护区观测到的生物量恢复和物种多样性恢复表明了这些保护策略的有效性。该研究还为底栖大型藻类的分布格局提供了有价值的见解，突出了季节和潮汐带对生物多样性和生物量的影响。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Frontiers in Marine Science Agricultural and Biological Sciences-Aquatic Science

CiteScore

5.10

自引率

16.20%

发文量

2443

审稿时长

14 weeks

期刊介绍： Frontiers in Marine Science publishes rigorously peer-reviewed research that advances our understanding of all aspects of the environment, biology, ecosystem functioning and human interactions with the oceans. Field Chief Editor Carlos M. Duarte at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Thuwal is supported by an outstanding Editorial Board of international researchers. This multidisciplinary open-access journal is at the forefront of disseminating and communicating scientific knowledge and impactful discoveries to researchers, academics, policy makers and the public worldwide. With the human population predicted to reach 9 billion people by 2050, it is clear that traditional land resources will not suffice to meet the demand for food or energy, required to support high-quality livelihoods. As a result, the oceans are emerging as a source of untapped assets, with new innovative industries, such as aquaculture, marine biotechnology, marine energy and deep-sea mining growing rapidly under a new era characterized by rapid growth of a blue, ocean-based economy. The sustainability of the blue economy is closely dependent on our knowledge about how to mitigate the impacts of the multiple pressures on the ocean ecosystem associated with the increased scale and diversification of industry operations in the ocean and global human pressures on the environment. Therefore, Frontiers in Marine Science particularly welcomes the communication of research outcomes addressing ocean-based solutions for the emerging challenges, including improved forecasting and observational capacities, understanding biodiversity and ecosystem problems, locally and globally, effective management strategies to maintain ocean health, and an improved capacity to sustainably derive resources from the oceans.