Does the Size Structure of Venerid Clam Populations Affect Ecosystem Functions on Intertidal Sandflats?

Author(s)
Samuel Thomas, Conrad A. Pilditch, Simon F. Thrush, Federico Baltar, Josie A. Crawshaw, Blair Thomson, Candida Savage
Abstract

Estuaries are hotspots for biogeochemical cycling, with bivalves integral to many ecosystem functions. Anthropogenic activities often cause reductions in biomass and abundance of key bivalve species in estuaries worldwide. Large bivalves are particularly vulnerable due to their slow growth, low replacement rates and propensity for being overharvested; however, there is a paucity of studies on how declines in bivalve size and density affect ecosystem functions. An in situ manipulative experiment was conducted on a New Zealand intertidal sandflat in late summer (March to May 2017) to investigate changes in ecosystem functions (sediment nutrient regeneration, primary production, community metabolism and microbial activity) across a biomass gradient (0–4 kg wet weight m−2) of small (shell length (SL) < 25 mm) and large (SL > 30 mm) venerid clams (Austrovenus stutchburyi). Bird predation reduced the biomass of small clams, so ecosystem functions were normalised to per kilogramme of wet weight. Small clams significantly increased gross primary production by ~ 3× and net primary production by ~ 7× compared with large clams. Small clams also doubled activity rates of microbial enzymes associated with nutrient cycling and organic matter breakdown (leucine aminopeptidase and alkaline phosphatase). By contrast, nitrate/nitrite flux was significantly greater with large clams. Macrofaunal species diversity and mud content also influenced benthic nutrient cycling, possibly due to increased sediment reworking that alters solute flux rates. Results demonstrate how different size classes of venerid clams influence complementary ecosystem functions. Accordingly, a skewed size class distribution of bivalves will reduce the productivity and functioning of intertidal sandflats.

Organisation(s)
Functional and Evolutionary Ecology
External organisation(s)
University of Otago, University of Waikato, University of Auckland, Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana, University of Cape Town
Journal
Estuaries and Coasts
Volume
44
Pages
242–252
No. of pages
11
ISSN
1559-2723
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-020-00774-5
Publication date
01-2021
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
106021 Marine biology
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics, Aquatic Science, Ecology
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 14 - Life Below Water
Portal url
https://ucris.univie.ac.at/portal/en/publications/does-the-size-structure-of-venerid-clam-populations-affect-ecosystem-functions-on-intertidal-sandflats(e062124a-2753-4cf3-b122-d04931555449).html