Coral Reef Fish Trophic Structure Under Shark Removal and Coral Loss in NW Australia

Long-term decadal monitoring data from two isolated atoll systems off northwest Australia examines combined effects of shark removal and coral loss on reef fish communities. The dataset provides evidence consistent with top-down impacts from shark loss and bottom-up effects from bleaching and cyclones propagating through the food chain. Parks Australia provides this record to highlight research relevant to Australian Marine Parks, originally from the decommissioned Australian Marine Parks Science Atlas.

Use Cases

• Modeling trophic cascades based on evidence of shark removal impacts propagating down the food chain
• Analyzing multi-stressor interactions based on combined chronic (fishing) and pulse (cyclones, bleaching) disturbance data
• Studying coral recovery dynamics based on the described critical role of herbivores
• Investigating mesopredator release hypotheses based on data suggesting altered numbers of primary consumers

Strengths

• Data is derived from long-term (decadal) monitoring programs, providing a temporal perspective.
• Research focuses on two isolated atoll systems, offering a controlled study environment.
• The dataset examines combined effects of multiple disturbances, addressing a key ecological concern.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data freshness should be verified; last metadata update was 2026-07-16.

Provenance

Source

Parks Australia, referencing a source publication from the original research organisation.

Collection Method

Long-term monitoring programs at two isolated atoll systems.

Time Range

Decadal timeframe (specific years not provided).

Freshness

Last updated 2026-07-16 22:59:37.808996; freshness should be verified

Geography

Two isolated atoll systems off the coast of northwest Australia.