Beneath the Heat: Impact of Climate Stress and Habitat Fragmentation on Marine Benthic Ecosystems
Authorship
M.R.G.
Master in Marine Biology
M.R.G.
Master in Marine Biology
Defense date
02.25.2025 10:00
02.25.2025 10:00
Summary
Climate change-induced marine heatwaves (MHWs) and habitat fragmentation are increasingly recognised as key drivers of ecological shifts in marine benthic ecosystems. This study investigates the individual and interactive effects of MHWs and habitat fragmentation on community dynamics, recovery potential, and vulnerability to biological invasions. Using Autonomous Reef Monitoring Systems (ARMS), benthic samples were collected from Faro de las Puercas (Gulf of Cádiz) to establish baseline conditions. Subsequently, synthetic assemblages were exposed to controlled mesocosm experiments simulating moderate (24C) and extreme (28C) MHW scenarios alongside habitat Fragmentation treatments. Finally, non-fragmented assemblages were deployed in a marina environment to assess post-disturbance recovery under natural conditions. Results from the mesocosm phase revealed that MHWs and fragmentation significantly influenced benthic community composition but had no significant effect on species richness or diversity indices. Fragmentation modified species distribution, increasing community heterogeneity without necessarily reducing biodiversity. No clear synergistic interaction between MHWs and fragmentation was observed, suggesting these stressors act independently. The post-experimental marina phase revealed the recruitment of five new species, including Bugula neritina (Linnaeus, 1758) and Clavelina cf. oblonga Herdman, 1880. Overall, the findings highlight that while MHWs alter species composition and habitat fragmentation reshapes structural heterogeneity, their combined impact does not exacerbate these effects. The lack of significant interactions between these stressors suggests that community responses may be mediated by species-specific tolerances rather than purely additive or synergistic effects.
Climate change-induced marine heatwaves (MHWs) and habitat fragmentation are increasingly recognised as key drivers of ecological shifts in marine benthic ecosystems. This study investigates the individual and interactive effects of MHWs and habitat fragmentation on community dynamics, recovery potential, and vulnerability to biological invasions. Using Autonomous Reef Monitoring Systems (ARMS), benthic samples were collected from Faro de las Puercas (Gulf of Cádiz) to establish baseline conditions. Subsequently, synthetic assemblages were exposed to controlled mesocosm experiments simulating moderate (24C) and extreme (28C) MHW scenarios alongside habitat Fragmentation treatments. Finally, non-fragmented assemblages were deployed in a marina environment to assess post-disturbance recovery under natural conditions. Results from the mesocosm phase revealed that MHWs and fragmentation significantly influenced benthic community composition but had no significant effect on species richness or diversity indices. Fragmentation modified species distribution, increasing community heterogeneity without necessarily reducing biodiversity. No clear synergistic interaction between MHWs and fragmentation was observed, suggesting these stressors act independently. The post-experimental marina phase revealed the recruitment of five new species, including Bugula neritina (Linnaeus, 1758) and Clavelina cf. oblonga Herdman, 1880. Overall, the findings highlight that while MHWs alter species composition and habitat fragmentation reshapes structural heterogeneity, their combined impact does not exacerbate these effects. The lack of significant interactions between these stressors suggests that community responses may be mediated by species-specific tolerances rather than purely additive or synergistic effects.
Direction
DOMINGUEZ CONDE, JESUS (Tutorships)
Gestoso García, Ignacio José (Co-tutorships)
Carmona Barnosi, Leila María (Co-tutorships)
DOMINGUEZ CONDE, JESUS (Tutorships)
Gestoso García, Ignacio José (Co-tutorships)
Carmona Barnosi, Leila María (Co-tutorships)
Court
BESTEIRO RODRIGUEZ, MARIA CELIA (Chairman)
BALBOA MENDEZ, SABELA (Secretary)
Rodriguez Diaz, Miguel Angel (Member)
BESTEIRO RODRIGUEZ, MARIA CELIA (Chairman)
BALBOA MENDEZ, SABELA (Secretary)
Rodriguez Diaz, Miguel Angel (Member)