Vulnerable sandstone reefs: Biodiversity and habitat at risk

Sandstone reefs may be considered a unique geomorphologic feature within the subtropical Southwestern Atlantic Ocean region; however, biodiversity on these reefs has received little to no attention. Herein, we recorded the fish assemblage and benthic cover of sandstone reefs between 23 and 29 m dept...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine pollution bulletin 2020-01, Vol.150, p.110680-110680, Article 110680
Main Authors: Soeth, Marcelo, Metri, Rafael, Simioni, Bruno Ivan, Loose, Robin, Coqueiro, Guilherme Suzano, Spach, Henry Louis, Daros, Felippe Alexandre, Adelir-Alves, Johnatas
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Algae
Animals
Atlantic Ocean
Benthos
Biodiversity
Brazil
Checklist
Coral Reefs
Ecosystem
Endangered species
Fish
Fishes
Fishing
Fishing gear
Fishing threats
Geomorphology
Habitats
Health risks
Mapping
Marine animal forest
Marine protected areas
Marine spatial planning
Protected areas
Rare species
Reef fish
Reefs
Sandstone
Sedimentary rocks
Slabs
Threat evaluation
Underwater
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Summary:Sandstone reefs may be considered a unique geomorphologic feature within the subtropical Southwestern Atlantic Ocean region; however, biodiversity on these reefs has received little to no attention. Herein, we recorded the fish assemblage and benthic cover of sandstone reefs between 23 and 29 m depth in Southern Brazil and evidenced potential threats to habitat health. Video analysis and underwater censuses recorded 30 fish species. The unexpected high biomass of Epinephelus marginatus indicated that sandstone reefs may contain suitable habitats for the recovery of this endangered species. A rich benthic coverage including bryozoans, algae, hydrozoans, sponges, and octocorals increased local habitat structural complexity. However, a wide diversity of tangled fishing gear and broken sandstone slabs suggested that a valuable feature from Southern Brazil seascape is being lost by cumulative fishing impacts. An extensive mapping of sandstone reefs is urgently needed for better delineation of marine protected areas network in Southeast and Southern Brazil. •Sandstone reefs may be considered a unique geomorphologic feature in Southern Brazil.•Haemulids dominated fish assemblage abundance on sandstone reefs in Southern Brazil.•Epinephelus marginatus dominated fish assemblage biomass on these reefs.•The benthic coverage include bryozoans, algae, hydrozoans, sponges, and octocorals.•Bottom trawling operations potentially threaten the habitat's health.
ISSN:0025-326X
1879-3363
DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110680