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Scale-dependent relationships between benthic habitat characteristics and abundances of blacklip abalone, Haliotis rubra (Leach)
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 04:01 authored by Elisabeth StrainElisabeth Strain, Craig JohnsonCraig JohnsonHabitat characteristics can influence marine herbivore densities at a range of spatial scales. We examined the relationship between benthic habitat characteristics and adult blacklip abalone (Haliotis rubra) densities across local scales (0.0625–16 m2), at 2 depths, 4 sites and 2 locations, in Tasmania, Australia. Biotic characteristics that were highly correlated with abalone densities included cover of non-calcareous encrusting red algae (NERA), non-geniculate coralline algae (NCA), a matrix of filamentous algae and sediment, sessile invertebrates, and foliose red algae. The precision of relationships varied with spatial scale. At smaller scales (0.0625–0.25 m2), there was a positive relationship between NERA and ERA, and negative relationships between sediment matrix, sessile invertebrates and abalone densities. At the largest scale (16 m2), there was a positive relationship between NERA and abalone densities. Thus, for some biotic characteristics, the relationship between NERA and abalone densities may be scalable. There was very little variability between depths and sites; however, the optimal spatial scale differed between locations. Our results suggest a dynamic interplay between the behavioural responses of H. rubra to microhabitat and/or to abalone maintaining NERA free of algae, sediment, and sessile invertebrates. This approach could be used to describe the relationship between habitat characteristics and species densities at the optimal spatial scales.
History
Publication title
Marine and Freshwater ResearchVolume
61Issue
11Pagination
1227-1236ISSN
1323-1650Department/School
School of Natural SciencesPublisher
C S I R O PublishingPlace of publication
150 Oxford St, Po Box 1139, Collingwood, AustraliaRights statement
Copyright © 2010 CSIRORepository Status
- Restricted