Shellfish subsidies along the Pacific coast of North America
Date
2020
Authors
Cox, Kieran D.
Davies, Hailey L.
Davidson, Katie H.
Gerwing, Travis G.
Dudas, Sarah E.
Juanes, Francis
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ecography
Abstract
Spatial subsidies are associated with pronounced ecosystem responses, as nutrients cross
ecological boundaries and cascade through food webs. While the importance of subsidies
is known, the role of shellfish, specifically molluscs, as a marine subsidy has not
been formally described. Focusing primarily on the Pacific coast of North America, we
identify vectors that transport shellfish-derived nutrients into coastal terrestrial environments,
including birds, mammals, and over 13 000 yr of marine resource use by
people. Evidence from recipient ecosystems suggests shellfish drastically influence soil
chemistry, forest productivity and the diversity of primary producers at the regional
and landscape level. Responses in higher trophic levels have not yet been investigated,
but given documented responses in lower trophic levels, this may be due to a lack of
examination. To determine if the processes we describe within the northeast Pacific
are pertinent to coastal environments worldwide, we also explore shellfish subsidies
globally, with a specific focus on temperate and tropical islands. As shellfish are not
as spatially or temporally constrained as other subsidies, our examination suggests our
findings are applicable to many other geographical regions along the marine–terrestrial
interface.
Description
Keywords
coastal ecology, food webs, marine molluscs, marine-derived nutrients, spatial subsidies
Citation
Cox, K.D., Davies, H.L., Davidson, K.H., Gerwing, T.G., Dudas, S.E., & Juanes, F. (2020). Shellfish subsidies along the Pacific coast of North America. Ecosphere, 43. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.04476