Deciphering spatial scales of connectivity in a subsidy-dependent coastal ecosystem
Abstract Cross-ecosystem subsidies influence the structure and dynamics of recipient ecosystems and can be sensitive to disturbance. Primary production exported from marine to shoreline ecosystems is among the largest known cross-ecosystem subsidies. However, the spatial scales at which this importa...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Nature Portfolio
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Communications Biology |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-025-08354-8 |
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| author | Kyle A. Emery Jenifer E. Dugan Robert J. Miller David M. Hubbard Jessica R. Madden Kyle C. Cavanaugh |
| author_facet | Kyle A. Emery Jenifer E. Dugan Robert J. Miller David M. Hubbard Jessica R. Madden Kyle C. Cavanaugh |
| author_sort | Kyle A. Emery |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Cross-ecosystem subsidies influence the structure and dynamics of recipient ecosystems and can be sensitive to disturbance. Primary production exported from marine to shoreline ecosystems is among the largest known cross-ecosystem subsidies. However, the spatial scales at which this important connection is manifested are largely unquantified. We used local and regional observations of nearshore kelp canopy biomass and beach kelp wrack inputs to evaluate the scales at which connectivity between kelp forests and beaches is maximized. Regardless of the spatial and temporal scales considered, connectivity was highly local (<10 km) and strongest in winter. Kelp canopy biomass was the primary driver of wrack subsidies, but recipient ecosystem attributes, particularly beach width and orientation, were also important. These drivers of connectivity highlight that disturbance to either ecosystem will have large implications for beach ecosystem productivity. Spatial connectivity can regulate recovery from disturbances such that ecosystem connections must be considered in conservation efforts. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9f205257a5e943ae99e4e8e3dcea92a1 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2399-3642 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Communications Biology |
| spelling | doaj-art-9f205257a5e943ae99e4e8e3dcea92a12025-08-20T02:37:57ZengNature PortfolioCommunications Biology2399-36422025-06-01811910.1038/s42003-025-08354-8Deciphering spatial scales of connectivity in a subsidy-dependent coastal ecosystemKyle A. Emery0Jenifer E. Dugan1Robert J. Miller2David M. Hubbard3Jessica R. Madden4Kyle C. Cavanaugh5Marine Science Institute, University of CaliforniaMarine Science Institute, University of CaliforniaMarine Science Institute, University of CaliforniaMarine Science Institute, University of CaliforniaMarine Science Institute, University of CaliforniaDepartment of Geography, University of CaliforniaAbstract Cross-ecosystem subsidies influence the structure and dynamics of recipient ecosystems and can be sensitive to disturbance. Primary production exported from marine to shoreline ecosystems is among the largest known cross-ecosystem subsidies. However, the spatial scales at which this important connection is manifested are largely unquantified. We used local and regional observations of nearshore kelp canopy biomass and beach kelp wrack inputs to evaluate the scales at which connectivity between kelp forests and beaches is maximized. Regardless of the spatial and temporal scales considered, connectivity was highly local (<10 km) and strongest in winter. Kelp canopy biomass was the primary driver of wrack subsidies, but recipient ecosystem attributes, particularly beach width and orientation, were also important. These drivers of connectivity highlight that disturbance to either ecosystem will have large implications for beach ecosystem productivity. Spatial connectivity can regulate recovery from disturbances such that ecosystem connections must be considered in conservation efforts.https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-025-08354-8 |
| spellingShingle | Kyle A. Emery Jenifer E. Dugan Robert J. Miller David M. Hubbard Jessica R. Madden Kyle C. Cavanaugh Deciphering spatial scales of connectivity in a subsidy-dependent coastal ecosystem Communications Biology |
| title | Deciphering spatial scales of connectivity in a subsidy-dependent coastal ecosystem |
| title_full | Deciphering spatial scales of connectivity in a subsidy-dependent coastal ecosystem |
| title_fullStr | Deciphering spatial scales of connectivity in a subsidy-dependent coastal ecosystem |
| title_full_unstemmed | Deciphering spatial scales of connectivity in a subsidy-dependent coastal ecosystem |
| title_short | Deciphering spatial scales of connectivity in a subsidy-dependent coastal ecosystem |
| title_sort | deciphering spatial scales of connectivity in a subsidy dependent coastal ecosystem |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-025-08354-8 |
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