Global patterns and drivers of fish reproductive potential on coral reefs

Jeneen Hadj-Hammou (), Joshua E. Cinner, Diego R. Barneche, Iain R. Caldwell, David Mouillot, James P. W. Robinson, Nina M. D. Schiettekatte, Alexandre C. Siqueira, Brett M. Taylor and Nicholas A. J. Graham
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Jeneen Hadj-Hammou: Lancaster University
Joshua E. Cinner: University of Sydney
Diego R. Barneche: Australian Institute of Marine Science
Iain R. Caldwell: James Cook University
David Mouillot: Ifremer
James P. W. Robinson: Lancaster University
Nina M. D. Schiettekatte: University of Hawai’i at Mānoa
Alexandre C. Siqueira: Edith Cowan University
Brett M. Taylor: UOG Station
Nicholas A. J. Graham: Lancaster University

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Fish fecundity scales hyperallometrically with body mass, meaning larger females produce disproportionately more eggs than smaller ones. We explore this relationship beyond the species-level to estimate the “reproductive potential” of 1633 coral reef sites distributed globally. We find that, at the site-level, reproductive potential scales hyperallometrically with assemblage biomass, but with a smaller median exponent than at the species-level. Across all families, modelled reproductive potential is greater in fully protected sites versus fished sites. This difference is most pronounced for the important fisheries family, Serranidae. When comparing a scenario where 30% of sites are randomly fully protected to a current protection scenario, we estimate an increase in the reproductive potential of all families, and particularly for Serranidae. Such results point to the possible ecological benefits of the 30 × 30 global conservation target and showcase management options to promote the sustainability of population replenishment.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50367-0

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