Where the grass is greenest in seagrass seascapes depends on life history and simple species traits of fish

Tropical seagrass meadows are critical habitats for many fish species, yet few studies have investigated the influence of multiple scale-dependent factors and marine protected areas on seagrass fish species of differing life histories. We assessed the influence of fine-scale seagrass meadow characteristics and seascape-scale variables on the abundance of fish in a seagrass-dominated seascape in the Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique, particularly examining patterns of nursery- vs. resident species as well as mobile- vs. sedentary species. We found that fish distribution patterns in this seagrass-dominated seascape were dependent on species' life history characteristics; nursery taxa showed lower abundance in seagrass meadows further from adult reef habitats, while resident species within seagrass meadows occurred in higher abundances far from reefs. For taxa utilizing both mangroves and seagrass meadows as nursery habitat, proximity to mangroves was an important factor. Fish abundances were generally influenced by variables at the seascape scale (km), while sedentary species were predominantly influenced by area variables, and smaller seascapes (<500 m in radius) better explained distribution patterns. The influence of marine protected areas was taxon-specific, with the strongest effects of protection on resident species. Our results indicate that protection efforts in seagrass-dominated seascapes can have varying impacts on fish distribution, depending on the life history of the species present, and the geographical placement of the reserve within the seascape. Further, we suggest that simple species attributes can be utilised to describe generalized abundance patterns of fish in seagrass seascapes

Seagrass connectivity on the west coast of Africa supports the hypothesis of grazer-mediated seed dispersal

Population connectivity influences the distribution of genetic diversity and divergence along a species range, as the likelihood of extinction or differentiation increases in isolated populations. However, there is still poor understanding of the processes mediating interpopulation dispersal in marine species that are sessile and lack planktonic life stages. One such case is the seagrass species Halodule wrightii, which produces basal seeds, although detached plants can drift. Along the tropical western coast of Africa, this species occurs in distant discontinuous habitats, raising the question of how interpopulation dispersal is mediated. The species is a key source of ecosystem functions including feeding large migratory grazers. This study aims to infer whether genetic differentiation of the seagrass H. wrightii along the western coast of Africa supports a hypothesis of predominant transportation of rafting seagrass by ocean currents, versus the hypothesis of biotic vectors of dispersal. Additional hypotheses were addressed concerning range-wide clonality and genetic diversity, assessed with microsatellite markers on populations of the west coast of Africa from Mauritania to Angola. Population genetic diversity and structure were compared with predictions from biophysical models of dispersal by oceanographic currents. The genetic data revealed low divergence among most populations, in strong contrast with predictions of very low probability of connectivity mediated by currents along the western African coastline. Moderate to high genotypic diversity showed important seed recruitment, but genetic and genotypic diversities were lower at range edges. Populations north and south of the equator were differentiated, and remarkably, so were neighboring equatorial populations despite their proximity. These results reveal independent sources of colonization of meadows in these islands, which are major habitat for migratory grazing green turtles, also supporting the hypothesis of biotically mediated seed transport. The importance of seagrass for conservation of endangered macrofauna has been widely reported; here we report evidence supporting the reciprocal role, that macrofauna protection can also plays a role in long-term survival and reproductive success of seagrass.Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia - FCTinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Long-term changes in seagrass coverage and potential links to climate-related factors: the case of Inhambane Bay, southern Mozambique

Changes in seagrass coverage in Inhambane Bay (southern Mozambique) from 1992 to 2013 were assessed using SPOT 5 and Landsat imagery mapping methods with support of extensive groundtruthing. Over a 21-year period, the total seagrass area was reduced from 12,076 ha to 6,199 ha (51% of the original area). 2001 was the year when seagrass occupied the smallest area in Inhambane Bay with 5,641 ha, apparently related to the impacts of tropical Cyclone Eline with winds of around 200 km/h, and lasting for 29 days with widespread damage on human and natural infrastructure, However, a steady seagrass recovery was observed between 2001 and 2004, where 958 ha of seagrass was restored naturally. Eight seagrass species occur in Inhambane Bay forming six seagrass community types. The three largest communities were Thalassia hemprichii/Halodule uninervis with 2,305.5 ha, followed by Thalassodendron ciliatum/Cymodocea serrulata with 2,280.3 ha, and Halodule uninervis with 1,393.9 ha. The loss of seagrass occurred mainly in the T. hemprichii/H. uninervis and H. uninervis communities. A specific study on T. hemprichii conducted at Barra Peninsula and Ilha dos Porcos showed that the total seagrass biomass varied between 947.08 ± 31.09 g DWm-2 and 1636.82 ± 80.52 g DWm-2, respectively, being low at Barra Peninsula, where seagrass meadows have lower shoot density and appear to be more exposed to climate-related events such as cyclones compared to Ilha dos Porcos. This monitoring method creates a basis for better management and conservation, and a continuation of these types of evaluation actions to predict trends and impacts on marine habitats are recommended. 

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal and edible plants used in Nhamacoa area, Manica province-Mozambique

Ethnobotanical relevance Miombo woodlands are an important source of food and medicine for rural communities in Mozambique. Despite their importance as a source of livelihood and healthcare, logging for charcoal production and conversion of forest relicts to agricultural land threaten their biodiversity along with the traditional knowledge associated with this vegetation type. Aim of the study To document ethnobotanical knowledge and to identify medicinal and economic species that can be used as potential alternative sources of livelihoods for the inhabitants Miombo woodlands in Mozambique. Materials and methods This study was carried out in the Nhamacoa area, Macate district of Manica province, Mozambique. Free listing and semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect ethnobotanical data. The informants were heads of families randomly selected from the 329 ha of the area of study. Information about medicinal and edible plants, their uses, harvesting practices, management, preparation and possible commercialisation was recorded and voucher specimens were collected. From October 2019 to January 2020, data collection was carried out and later, plant samples were identified. All the collected data was structured in a database and analysed by using the ethnobotanyR package in R. Results A total of 106 species from 52 families were reported as medicinal or edible: 55.2% used as food and 43.1% as traditional medicine. It was possible to identify 94 of the voucher specimens collected (90.3% of the botanical collection). Out of 32 uses, 29 were as medicine. The quantitative indices showed different culturally important species and the local markets situation showed the potential for commercialisation. The results of this study indicate that ailments or illnesses in the digestive system, alleviation of wounds and sexual-reproductive system problems are commonly treated with medicinal plants within the area of study. Conclusions Botanical knowledge, cultural value, utilisation and management practices of 106 plant species were documented. Promoting the planting and commercialisation of some of these species could offer alternative sources of livelihoods or income to the inhabitants of the region, while ensuring exploitation is sustainable. The important role of non-timber forest products and the need to conserve Miombo woodlands relicts for the communities within and around Nhamacoa have been reaffirmed

Mangrove change detection, structure and condition in a protected area of eastern Africa: the case of Quirimbas National Park, Mozambique

Given the high dependence of coastal communities on natural resources, mangrove conservation is a challenge in Mozambique, even within several types of marine protected areas. This study assesses the condition of a mangrove forest in the Quirimbas National Park (QNP), where use by the local community is allowed with restrictions. Satellite imagery (1991 – 2013) and ground forest assessment were used to assess forest structure, conservation status, and regeneration potential of the forest. Random 10x10 m quadrats were set within the forest, for species identification, diameter at breast height (DBH), height measurement, assessment of levels of cut, and quality of the main pole. Young individuals were also counted to assess the regeneration potential. The overall mangrove cover has increased by 10% from 11 244 ha to 12 348 ha between 1991 and 2013. The forest is dominated by Ceriops tagal and Rhizophora muctonata, but other 4 species were also identified (Avicennia marina, Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Sonneratia alba, and Xylocarpus granatum). Trees tend to be small in height and width (mean: 5.96 ±3.2 m and 7.69 ± 4.5 cm respectively), with a total density of 572 trees/ha. Statistical analysis indicated distinct patterns of transformation; the south with higher densities of crooked poles (p&lt; 0.05) (369 trees/ha), and the north with higher density of stumps (p&lt; 0.05) (250 stumps/ha). The north and south parts of the park also had higher densities of crooked than straight and semi-straight poles (p&lt; 0.05). Natural regeneration was observed with adequate seedling/sapling density of between 36 733 to 126 133 saplings/ha. The results indicate that, despite being a protected area, the mangroves of the QNP are subject to pressure from the community, reflected in the loss of certain areas areas, and high density of cut trees and stumps. Appropriate measures are necessary to effectively protect these mangroves and meet conservation objectives.

DataSheet_1_Mangrove community-based management in Eastern Africa: experiences from rural Mozambique.pdf

IntroductionThis study investigated a community-based management model in a mangrove-dependent community in central Mozambique and its adequacy as a management tool for conservation.MethodsSatellite images were used to map changes in mangrove cover between 1996 and 2017. Individual interviews and Focus Group Discussions were conducted with community members to understand the mangrove restoration processes and management models.Results and discussionAfter unsustainable exploitation that led to mangrove deforestation, the local community engaged in a restoration and management program that started in the late 1990s. Local norms were delineated by the Natural Resources Management Committee (NRMC) aiming at (1) reducing extractive uses by introducing alternative income generating activities; (2) awareness and mangrove planting and (3) law enforcement. Ten hectares of forest were rehabilitated. However, the management system fails to exclude illegal cutters and to enforce regulatory and sanctioning mechanisms, due to resource limitations. More involvement from government authorities and other stakeholders is needed to enhance law enforcement and explore opportunities for carbon trading, tourism and payment for ecosystem services. Additional recommendations are to develop a community management plan and create alternatives to mangrove products and income. Mangrove community-based management is increasingly advocated in many developing countries to promote sustainable utilization of resources and conservation. Understanding the reasons behind the limited success and lessons learnt at this site will guide similar programs elsewhere in Mozambique and other parts of the globe.</p

Mangrove community-based management in Eastern Africa: experiences from rural Mozambique

IntroductionThis study investigated a community-based management model in a mangrove-dependent community in central Mozambique and its adequacy as a management tool for conservation.MethodsSatellite images were used to map changes in mangrove cover between 1996 and 2017. Individual interviews and Focus Group Discussions were conducted with community members to understand the mangrove restoration processes and management models.Results and discussionAfter unsustainable exploitation that led to mangrove deforestation, the local community engaged in a restoration and management program that started in the late 1990s. Local norms were delineated by the Natural Resources Management Committee (NRMC) aiming at (1) reducing extractive uses by introducing alternative income generating activities; (2) awareness and mangrove planting and (3) law enforcement. Ten hectares of forest were rehabilitated. However, the management system fails to exclude illegal cutters and to enforce regulatory and sanctioning mechanisms, due to resource limitations. More involvement from government authorities and other stakeholders is needed to enhance law enforcement and explore opportunities for carbon trading, tourism and payment for ecosystem services. Additional recommendations are to develop a community management plan and create alternatives to mangrove products and income. Mangrove community-based management is increasingly advocated in many developing countries to promote sustainable utilization of resources and conservation. Understanding the reasons behind the limited success and lessons learnt at this site will guide similar programs elsewhere in Mozambique and other parts of the globe

Where the grass is greenest in seagrass seascapes depends on life history and simple species traits of fish

Tropical seagrass meadows are critical habitats for many fish species, yet few studies have investigated the influence of multiple scale-dependent factors and marine protected areas on seagrass fish species of differing life histories. We assessed the influence of fine-scale seagrass meadow characteristics and seascape-scale variables on the abundance of fish in a seagrass-dominated seascape in the Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique, particularly examining patterns of nursery- vs. resident species as well as mobile- vs. sedentary species. We found that fish distribution patterns in this seagrass-dominated seascape were dependent on species' life history characteristics; nursery taxa showed lower abundance in seagrass meadows further from adult reef habitats, while resident species within seagrass meadows occurred in higher abundances far from reefs. For taxa utilizing both mangroves and seagrass meadows as nursery habitat, proximity to mangroves was an important factor. Fish abundances were generally influenced by variables at the seascape scale (km), while sedentary species were predominantly influenced by area variables, and smaller seascapes (&lt;500 m in radius) better explained distribution patterns. The influence of marine protected areas was taxon-specific, with the strongest effects of protection on resident species. Our results indicate that protection efforts in seagrass-dominated seascapes can have varying impacts on fish distribution, depending on the life history of the species present, and the geographical placement of the reserve within the seascape. Further, we suggest that simple species attributes can be utilised to describe generalized abundance patterns of fish in seagrass seascapes