The Ecology of Coral Reef Top Predators in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

Coral reef ecosystems within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM) are uniquely dominated by top-level predators, notably giant trevally and Galapagos sharks, which significantly influence shallow-water reef fish assemblages. Unlike other remote Pacific atolls, PMNM exhibits lower diversity among predatory teleosts such as groupers and snappers. Predators in this region demonstrate strong site attachment to specific atolls while exhibiting extensive movement within those atolls, with highest abundances observed in fore-reef habitats. The study highlights the diverse foraging behavior of these top predators and their potential for exerting indirect ecological impacts on reef ecosystems. Identified knowledge gaps suggest directions for future research to better understand predator dynamics in this protected marine environment.

Dale, J. J., Meyer, C. G., & Clark, C. E. (2011). The Ecology of Coral Reef Top Predators in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Journal of Marine Biology, 2011, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/725602