Abundance, patterns, and taxa associations of anthropogenic marine debris on reefs in the middle Florida Keys

• DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2024.1412858
• Publication Date: 2024-06-05T08:27:10Z
• Authors: Tokea G. Payton; Randi J. Sims; Michael J. Childress
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; Science; marine debris; Q; General. Including nature conservation, geographical distribution; Florida Keys; coral reefs; QH1-199.5; taxa interaction; 01 natural sciences; biodiversity

The Florida Keys reef tract has rapidly shifted from a structurally complex, hard coral-dominated to less rugose, soft reef. This transition been facilitated by persistent anthropogenic stressors including recreational and commercial fishing increased marine debris. During the summers of 2020–2022, benthic censuses were conducted identify substrate debris composition for 30 reefs in middle Keys. Inshore contained higher rugosity, coral cover, abundance primarily comprised monofilament rope traps. Plastic items (e.g., ropes monofilament) overall had highest species diversity. Additionally, appears promote turf algae growth on inshore reefs. While is it not yet possible determine if this pattern high nearshore due proximity onshore sources, accumulation rugosity snagging debris, or removal efforts offshore, these differences types abundances suggest variability potential impacts biota versus offshore Therefore, differential use associated should be considered management practices.