Coral reef degradation has led to widespread loss of structural complexity and associated ecosystem functions. While structural complexity is considered as an important driver of ecosystem processes, it remains unclear which of its components are most important for ecosystem functioning. This study investigated how structural complexity and spatial context influence ecosystem functioning across natural reefs, coral restoration sites with artificial structures, and sand flats in the Dominican Republic. Predation intensity, measured as fish predation, was used as a simplified proxy for ecosystem functioning, while predator richness was used to describe community-level responses.
Predation intensity was influenced by both habitat structural complexity and proximity to natural reefs. Among structural attributes, shelter capacity was strongest predictor of predation. Restoration sites exhibited high structural complexity but did not consistently support comparable predation levels to natural reefs. Predator richness remained low overall and increased with habitat structural complexity. These results indicate that structural restoration alone is insufficient to ensure functional recovery. Instead, ecosystem functioning is shaped by interaction between habitat structure and spatial context.
promotor/supervisor feedback
nothing yet
