Experimental predator removal causes rapid salt marsh die‐off. (28th April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bertness, Mark D.; Brisson, Caitlin P.; Coverdale, Tyler C.; Bevil, Matt C.; Crotty, Sinead M.; Suglia, Elena R.; Wootton, Tim
• Is Part Of: Ecology letters. Volume 17:Number 7(2014:Jul.)
• Page Start: 830
• Page End: 835
• Publication Date: 2014-04-28
• Subjects: Ecology -- Periodicals; 577
• DOI: 10.1111/ele.12287
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1461-023X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="ele12287-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Salt marsh habitat loss to vegetation die‐offs has accelerated throughout the western Atlantic in the last four decades. Recent studies have suggested that eutrophication, pollution and/or disease may contribute to the loss of marsh habitat. In light of recent evidence that predators are important determinants of marsh health in New England, we performed a total predator exclusion experiment. Here, we provide the first experimental evidence that predator depletion can cause salt marsh die‐off by releasing the herbivorous crab <italic>Sesarma reticulatum</italic> from predator control. Excluding predators from a marsh ecosystem for a single growing season resulted in a &gt;100% increase in herbivory and a &gt;150% increase in unvegetated bare space compared to plots with predators. Our results confirm that marshes in this region face multiple, potentially synergistic threats.</p> </abstract>