Submarine groundwater springs are characterized by distinct fish communities

• DOI: 10.1111/maec.12610
• Publication Date: 2020-08-28T05:21:57Z
• Authors: Timo Pisternick; Julian Lilkendey; Anishta Audit‐Manna; Danishta Dumur Ne...; Yashvin Neehaul; Nils Moosdorf
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 13. Climate action; 14. Life underwater; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences; 6. Clean water

Abstract The inflow of terrestrial groundwater into the ocean is increasingly recognized as an important local source nutrients and pollutants to coastal ecosystems. Although there evidence a link between fresh submarine discharge (SGD)‐derived primary producer consumer abundances, effects SGD on productivity higher trophic levels such ichthyofaunal communities remain unclear. To further investigate this relationship, we sampled three sites inside coral reef lagoon in Mauritius: One site entailing six distinct springs, highly influenced by freshwater influx through strictly marine control site. Using remote underwater video surveys, found that fish abundances were significantly at springs than other two sampling sites.Principal component analyses showed spring‐influenced part best described elevated water nutrient loadings, whereas was characterized salinity pH. Macroalgae cover highest springs. Herbivores invertivores dominated community contrast generalists At site, mainly encountered high coral/turf algae associated feeding groups (territorial farmers, corallivores). Our results provide SGD‐driven relationship altered hydrography with lagoon. These findings suggest management assessment secondary tropical lagoons should take account