Fish food among coral reefs is on the decline, according to a study recently conducted by UF researchers, and it could affect the supply of fish meat.
The study, based on fossil records, revealed a correlation between the number of coral reefs and the number of decapod crustaceans — including lobsters, shrimp and crabs.
The decrease in the crustaceans, which are a food source for commercially harvested fish, may cause fish populations in coral reefs to die off.
The decline is caused by both natural and human-related influences, said Adiël Klompmaker, the lead author of the study and a Florida Museum of Natural History researcher.
The results show a potential threat to the supply of seafood in the fishing industry because many of the fish harvested by fisheries rely on the crustaceans in coral reefs for food.
“You see it as kind of a food chain,” Klompmaker said. “If you take one part away, it’s going to affect the others.”
Because fossilized fish specimens do not preserve well, he noted no studies as of yet show a direct correlation between coral reefs and fish populations.
Sarah Duggins, a 20-year-old UF natural resource conservation junior, said the decline in crustaceans could deplete the fish population, which could lead to overfishing.
“Obviously, that’s a negative thing,” she said.
A version of this story ran on page 8 on 10/2/2013 under the headline "Less shellfish among coral reefs could affect food supply"
