Location
SPREP LIBRARY
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd.
Publication Year:
2016
Publication Place
UNKNOWN
Physical Description:
18p. : 29cm.
Call Number
[EL]
Collection
Material Type
Language
English
Record ID:
41108
Legacy PEIN ID:
81192
General Notes
Online only
Available online
Subject Heading(s)
Shark population decline - Coral reef impacts
Shark losses - Impacts - Ocean health
Marine ecosystems - Coral reefs
Abstract
Sharks are considered the apex predator of coral reefs, but the consequences of their global depletion are uncertain. Here we explore the ecological roles of sharks on coral reefs and, conversely, the importance of reefs for sharks. We find that most reef-associated shark species do not act as apex predators but instead function as mesopredators along with a diverse group of reef fish. While sharks perform important direct and indirect ecological roles, the evidence to support hypothesised shark-driven trophic cascades that benefit corals is weak and equivocal. Coral reefs provide some functional benefits to sharks, but sharks do not appear to favour healthier reef environments. Restoring populations of sharks is important and can yet deliver ecological surprise.
Location
SPREP LIBRARY
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd.
Publication Year:
2016
Publication Place
UNKNOWN
Physical Description:
18p. : 29cm.
Call Number
[EL]
Collection
Material Type
Language
English
Record ID:
41108
Legacy PEIN ID:
81192
General Notes
Online only
Record Created: 16-Feb-2017
Record Modified: 17-Dec-2020