Salish Sea Marine Survival Project researchers measured fish diversity in seagrass communities, and found evidence that fish communities in seagrass beds that are highly impacted by human-caused disturbance are less diverse than fish communities in areas that had less human disturbance. Fish species found at low disturbance sites that were not commonly observed at high disturbance sites included species with traits like low swimming ability and egg guarding behavior. This study is the first to show the impact of human impact on fish diversity across seagrass meadows. Researchers recommend targeting conservation efforts in low human disturbance areas across land- and seascapes, and managing human impacts in high activity areas. Read more: Iacarella et al. (2018) Anthropogenic disturbance homogenizes seagrass fish communities. DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14090
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