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Groundwater is a vital ecosystem of the global water cycle, hosting unique biodiversity and providing essential services to societies. Despite being the largest unfrozen freshwater resource, in a period of depletion by extraction and pollution, groundwater environments have been repeatedly overlooked in global biodiversity conservation agendas. Disregarding the importance of groundwater as an ecosystem ignores its critical role in preserving surface biomes. To foster timely global conservation of groundwater, we propose elevating the concept of keystone species into the realm of ecosystems, claiming groundwater as a keystone ecosystem that influences the integrity of many dependent ecosystems. Our global analysis shows that over half of land surface areas (52.6%) has a medium-to-high interaction with groundwater, reaching up to 74.9% when deserts and high mountains are excluded. We postulate that the intrinsic transboundary features of groundwater are critical for shifting perspectives towards more holistic approaches in aquatic ecology and beyond. Furthermore, we propose eight key themes to develop a science-policy integrated groundwater conservation agenda. Given ecosystems above and below the ground intersect at many levels, considering groundwater as an essential component of planetary health is pivotal to reduce biodiversity loss and buffer against climate change.

Species delimitation of corals is one of the most challenging issues in coral reef ecology and conservation. Morphology can obscure evolutionary relationships, and molecular datasets are consistently revealing greater within-species diversity than currently understood. Most phylogenetic studies, however, have examined narrow geographic areas and phylogeographic expansion is required to obtain more robust interpretations of within- and among- species relationships. In the case of the blue coral Heliopora, there are currently two valid species (H. coerulea and H. hiberniana) as evidenced by integrated genetic and morphological analyses in northwestern Australia. There are also two distinct genetic lineages of H. coerulea in the Kuroshio Current region that are morphologically and reproductively different from each other. Sampling from all Heliopora spp. across the Indo-Pacific is essential to obtain a more complete picture of phylogeographic patterns. To examine phylogenetic relationships within the genus Heliopora, we applied Multiplexed inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) Genotyping by sequencing (MIG-seq) on > 1287 colonies across the Indo-West Pacific. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees indicated the examined Heliopora samples comprise three genetically distinct groups: H. coerulea group, H. hiberniana group, and a new undescribed Heliopora sp. group with further subdivisions within each group. Geographic structuring is evident among the three species with H. hiberniana group found in the Indo-Malay Archipelago and biased toward the Indian Ocean whilst Heliopora sp. was only found in the Kuroshio Current region and Singapore, indicating that this taxon is distributed in the western Pacific and the Indo-Malay Archipelago. Heliopora coerulea has a wider distribution, being across the Indian Ocean and western Pacific. This study highlights the effectiveness of phylogenetic analysis using genome-wide markers and the importance of examining populations across the

Modern systematics integrating molecular and morphological data has greatly improved our understanding of coral evolutionary relationships during the last two decades and led to a deeply revised taxonomy of the order Scleractinia. The family Merulinidae (Cnidaria: Scleractinia) was recently subjected to a series of revisions following this integrated approach but the phylogenetic affinities of several genera ascribed to it remain unknown. Here, we partially fill this gap through the study of 89 specimens belonging to all 10 valid species from four genera (Caulastraea, Erythrastrea, Oulophyllia and Dipsastraea) collected from 14 localities across the Indo-Pacific realm. Four molecular loci (histone H3, COI, ITS and IGR) were sequenced, and a total of 44 skeletal morphological characters (macromorphology, micromorphology and microstructure) were analysed. Molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that the phaceloid Caulastraea species are split into two distinct lineages. A species previously ascribed to the genus Dipsastraea, Dipsastraea maxima, is also recovered in one on these lineages. Furthermore, Erythrastrea is nested within Oulophyllia. The molecular reconstructions of evolutionary relationships are further corroborated by multiscale morphological evidence. To resolve the taxonomy of these genera, Astraeosmilia is resurrected to accommodate Astraeosmilia connata, Astraeosmilia curvata, Astraeosmilia tumida and Astraeosmilia maxima, with Caulastraea retaining Caulastraea furcata and Caulastraea echinulata. Based on the examination of type material, Erythrastrea flabellata is considered an objective synonym of Lobophyllia wellsi, which is transferred to Oulophyllia following the obtained morpho-molecular results. This work further confirms that an integrated morpho-molecular approach based on a rigorous phylogenetic framework is fundamental for an objective classification that reflects the evolutionary history of scleractinian corals.

The application of environmental DNA technologies is a promising new approach to rapidly audit biodiversity across large-scale, remote regions. Here, we examine the efficacy of a dual-assay eDNA metabarcoding approach for sessile benthic bioassessments in the turbid waters of the Lalang-garram marine parks, Kimberley, north-western Australia. We ask three principal questions: (1) “Is the eDNA released by sessile benthic taxa (i.e., hard and soft corals, sponges and tunicates) locally detectable?”, (2) “What level of taxonomic resolution is afforded by eDNA metabarcoding using the ITS2 region?”, and (3) “How well does eDNA metabarcoding compare to conventional benthic survey techniques?”. We report that a dual-assay eDNA metabarcoding approach can detect approximately 70% of the local benthic taxa (i.e., at a species, genus level). It is, however, not as effective at the individual/population level, detecting only approximately 40% of unique amplicon sequence variant (ASV) signals released by an array of individual benthic organisms at the surveyed locations. In examining the efficacy and resolution of the applied ITS2 metabarcoding markers for bioassessments, we report large gaps in the variety of publicly available benthic ITS2 reference sequence data, limiting our ability to provide robust taxonomic assignments. These findings highlight the need to extend ITS2 databases for greater regional representation. Until this is adequately addressed, we recommend that investigating taxonomic assignments to a genus level is the most robust approach for benthic monitoring using eDNA. Lastly, we found eDNA metabarcoding and conventional belt transect surveys each detected numerous unique hard coral genera, indicating that a combined approach provides the most effective way to audit benthic biodiversity. This point notwithstanding, eDNA metabarcoding had the power to distinguish similar diversity trends between sites to that determined by the belt transect methodology, validat

The Kimberley marine environment in Western Australia is widely recognised for its outstanding natural features, vast and remote sea and landscapes, and Indigenous cultural significance. To ensure that adequate baseline information is available to understand, monitor and manage this remote and relatively understudied region, scientific exploration was undertaken between 2012 and 2018 as part of the Kimberley Marine Research Program (KMRP). Whilst this program generated significant amounts of new knowledge about the region, important research gaps remain, that if answered, should improve the capacity of managers to conserve the region's values more effectively. Here, we apply established participatory horizon scanning methods to draw on the expertise and understanding of 24 scientists and 18 managers (12 natural resource managers and 6 healthy country managers) involved in the KMRP, and assess their most essential remaining research needs for informing management of the region. Through this process, we identify a total of 184 research questions spanning seven themes: (i) habitats, (ii) fauna, (iii) ecological processes, (iv) pressures, (v) management, (vi) oceanography, and (vii) geomorphology. Of the 184 questions that formed the basis of this study, 29% related to the theme of ‘management’, followed by questions relating to ‘fauna’ (21%) and ‘pressures’ (20%). Questions assigned to the theme of ‘habitats’ (13%), ‘ecological processes’ (10%), and ‘oceanography’ (6%) were less common, whilst questions that related to ‘geomorphology’ only constituted 1% of all questions provided by study participants. Subtle differences in the types of questions posed by the scientist and manager groups were also evident, with questions relating to ‘ecological process’ and ‘oceanography’ overwhelmingly provided by scientists; questions in the themes ‘fauna’ and ‘management’ were mainly provided by Healthy Country Managers; and questions posed by natural resource managers were distribu

Without drastic efforts to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate globalized stressors, tropical coral reefs are in jeopardy. Strategic conservation and management requires identification of the environmental and socioeconomic factors driving the persistence of scleractinian coral assemblages—the foundation species of coral reef ecosystems. Here, we compiled coral abundance data from 2,584 Indo-Pacific reefs to evaluate the influence of 21 climate, social and environmental drivers on the ecology of reef coral assemblages. Higher abundances of framework-building corals were typically associated with: weaker thermal disturbances and longer intervals for potential recovery; slower human population growth; reduced access by human settlements and markets; and less nearby agriculture. We therefore propose a framework of three management strategies (protect, recover or transform) by considering: (1) if reefs were above or below a proposed threshold of >10% cover of the coral taxa important for structural complexity and carbonate production; and (2) reef exposure to severe thermal stress during the 2014–2017 global coral bleaching event. Our findings can guide urgent management efforts for coral reefs, by identifying key threats across multiple scales and strategic policy priorities that might sustain a network of functioning reefs in the Indo-Pacific to avoid ecosystem collapse.

Without drastic efforts to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate globalized stressors, tropical coral reefs are in jeopardy. Strategic conservation and management requires identification of the environmental and socioeconomic factors driving the persistence of scleractinian coral assemblages-the foundation species of coral reef ecosystems. Here, we compiled coral abundance data from 2,584 Indo-Pacific reefs to evaluate the influence of 21 climate, social and environmental drivers on the ecology of reef coral assemblages. Higher abundances of framework-building corals were typically associated with: weaker thermal disturbances and longer intervals for potential recovery; slower human population growth; reduced access by human settlements and markets; and less nearby agriculture. We therefore propose a framework of three management strategies (protect, recover or transform) by considering: (1) if reefs were above or below a proposed threshold of >10% cover of the coral taxa important for structural complexity and carbonate production; and (2) reef exposure to severe thermal stress during the 2014-2017 global coral bleaching event. Our findings can guide urgent management efforts for coral reefs, by identifying key threats across multiple scales and strategic policy priorities that might sustain a network of functioning reefs in the Indo-Pacific to avoid ecosystem collapse.

A growing body of evidence indicates that temperate marine ecosystems are being tropicalised due to the poleward extension of tropical species. Such climate mediated changes in species distribution patterns have the potential to profoundly alter temperate communities, as this advance can serve to push temperate taxa, many of which are southern Australian endemics, southward. These changes can lead to cascading effects for the biodiversity and function of coastal ecosystems, including contraction of ranges/habitats of sensitive cool water species. Hence there is growing concern for the future of Australia's temperate marine biodiversity. Here we examine the diversity and abundance of marine flora and fauna at two reefs near Perth's metropolitan area-Minden Reef and Roe Reef. We report the presence of 427 species of marine flora and fauna from eight taxon groups occurring in the Perth metropolitan area; at least three species of which appear to be new to science. Our data also extends the known range of 15 species, and in numerous instances, thousands of kilometres south from the Kimberley or Pilbara and verifies that tropicalisation of reef communities in the Perth metropolitan area is occurring. We report the presence of 24 species endemic to south-west Australia that may be at risk of range contractions with continued ocean warming. The results of these surveys add to our knowledge of local nearshore marine environments in the Perth metropolitan area and support the growing body of evidence that indicates a diverse and regionally significant marine fauna occurs in temperate Western Australia. Regular, repeated survey work across seasons is important in order to thoroughly document the status of marine biodiversity in this significant transition zone.

Objective: To examine Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) tactics by identifying the key characteristics of CSR strategies as described in the corporate documents of selected 'Big Food' companies. Methods: A mixed methods content analysis was used to analyse the information contained on Australian Big Food company websites. Data sources included company CSR reports and web-based content that related to CSR initiatives employed in Australia. Results: A total of 256 CSR activities were identified across six organisations. Of these, the majority related to the categories of environment (30.5%), responsibility to consumers (25.0%) or community (19.5%). Conclusions: Big Food companies appear to be using CSR activities to: 1) build brand image through initiatives associated with the environment and responsibility to consumers; 2) target parents and children through community activities; and 3) align themselves with respected organisations and events in an effort to transfer their positive image attributes to their own brands. Implications: Results highlight the type of CSR strategies Big Food companies are employing. These findings serve as a guide to mapping and monitoring CSR as a specific form of marketing.

Novel micromorphological characters in combination with molecular studies have led to an extensive revision of the taxonomy and systematics of scleractinian corals. In the present work, we investigate the macro- and micromorphology and the phylogenetic position of the genera Australomussa and Parascolymia, two monotypic genera ascribed to the family Lobophylliidae. The molecular phylogeny of both genera was addressed using three markers, the partial mitochondrial COI gene and the nuclear histone H3 and the ribosomal ITS region. Based on molecular data, Australomussa and Parascolymia belong to the Lobophylliidae and they cluster together with the genera Lobophyllia and Symphyllia within the same clade. While A. rowleyensis and P. vitiensis are closely related based on the three gene regions examined, their macro and micromorphology suggest that these species are distinct, differing in several characters, such as continuity and thickness of the costosepta, the number of septa, septal tooth height, spacing, and shape, and the distribution and shape of granules. Thus, we revise the taxonomic status of the genus Australomussa as a junior synonym of Parascolymia.

This is an author's accepted manuscript of: Cvitanovic, C., Mackay, M., Kelly, R., Wilson, S. K., Waples, K., Nash, K. L., . . . Mathews, D. (2021). Thirty critical research needs for managing an ecologically and culturally unique remote marine environment: The Kimberley region of Western Australia. Ocean & Coastal Management, 212, article 105771.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2021.105771