Publications | gillanders-lab

2026 Publications (links to each paper available at read more)

A conceptual framework and methods for studying the connectivity of fishes

Bergman, JN, JA Robichaud, J McCutcheon, MT Booth, B Campbell, GA Casselberry, CR Cooper, BM Gillanders, LP Griffin, E Hale, L LaRochelle, KJ Murchie, M Peacock, RG Swanson, SD Stewart, RJ Woodland, DP Zielinski, SJ Cooke, ML Piczak. 2026. Fish and Fisheries, FaF 70058.

Connectivity is a multifaceted concept that has important implications for the management and conservation of marine and freshwater fishes. We developed a conceptual framework that encompasses multiple, interrelated categories of connectedness, including landscape (e.g., structural, functional) connectivity and ecological (e.g., trophic, genetic, demographic) connectivity, that together shape the flow of organisms, energy and information across ecosystems. We also synthesised six key methods that can be used to study connectivity of fishes: (1) telemetry, including satellite, acoustic, radio and passive integrated transponders (PIT), (2) mark-recapture, (3) environmental tracers, including stable isotopes and otolith-microchemistry, (4) genetics, (5) community structure analysis and (6) emerging technologies and tools (e.g., remote sensing and artificial intelligence). For each method, we describe the categories of connectivity it can assess and provide real-world examples where they have been effectively used. We also identify limitations of each method. This article highlights the diverse and evolving toolbox of methods used to assess fish connectivity, underscoring the need for continued collaboration, innovation and integration of new approaches to refine our understanding and address remaining challenges in this critical area of aquatic ecology and fisheries management.

Ocean acidification modifies site fidelity and patterns of seagrass habitat use by a herbivorous fish

Mirasole, A, Antonio Di Franco, Cristina Andolina, Maria Cristina Gambi, Bronwyn May Gillanders, Giovannella Pecoraino, Patrick Reis Santos, Giovanna Scopelliti, Emanuele Somma, Salvatrice Vizzini, Nuria Teixió. 2026. Marine Environmental Research.

Ocean acidification (OA), characterized by changes in seawater chemistry and a concomitant decline of pH due to the uptake by seawater of the atmospheric CO2, will profoundly shape marine ecosystems. The lower pH/higher pCO2 can act negatively (as a stressor for organisms with a calcareous exoskeleton) or positively (as a direct resource for primary producers like macrophytes). Consequently, herbivores may indirectly benefit from OA counteracting the direct negative effects of living under high pCO2/low pH conditions. Here, we investigated how OA may influence site fidelity, habitat use, and trophic behaviour patterns of Sarpa salpa, the main herbivorous fish associated with Posidonia oceanica meadows in the north-western Mediterranean Sea. We assessed if and how OA influences the habitat use of S. salpa by comparing natural tags, in otoliths and muscle tissues, between CO2 vents and reference pH sites. We did not find differences in otolith elemental composition and shape among fish exposed to different pH conditions (CO2 vent vs ambient pH sites). However, otolith isotopic signatures differed between life stages (young vs sub-adults), consistent with the variations observed in seawater-dissolved inorganic carbon across sites. Finally, comparisons of the nutritional value marine vegetation (macroalgae, P. oceanica, epiphytes) showed that P. oceanica and epiphytes were more nutritious at CO2 vents, along with increased consumption by S. salpa. This trophic separation indicates that S. salpa spent more time exploiting the trophic resources in the CO2 vents. Together, our findings shed new light on plant–herbivore interactions within P. oceanica meadows under future OA scenarios. critical area of aquatic ecology and fisheries management.

Effects of MP in seafood graphical abstract2.png

Microplastic impacts on seafood: A global synthesis of experimental findings

Wootton, Nina, Patrick Reis-Santos, Rhiannon A Van Eck, Isaac Duke, Bronwyn M Gillanders. 2026. Fish and Fisheries 70071.

Plastic pollution is a growing global concern, with plastic and microplastic particles now widespread in aquatic environments. Microplastics are frequently ingested by marine organisms, including commercially important seafood species. Ingestion can lead to a range of biological effects, influenced by the size, type and quantity of plastic, as well as the species impacted. Despite rising concern, and an escalating body of literature, there has been limited synthesis of how microplastics effect seafood species and what this means for the fishing, aquaculture and seafood sectors. To address this, we conducted a systematic review of experimental studies assessing the effects of microplastics on seafood species. We identified 1107 relevant studies, with microplastics found to effect 95.2% of all specimens tested, though exposure conditions (e.g., polymer type and size, concentration and duration of exposure) varied widely. Reported effects included changes in behaviour, growth and development, immune and reproductive function, biomarker expression and mortality. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current evidence base, offering insight into the experiments conducted on seafood species such as bivalves, crustaceans and finfish, and their findings related to microplastic uptake, accumulation and health effects. By identifying patterns and gaps in existing research, we highlight opportunities to improve the design and focus of future studies. With a large body of research already established, it is critical that future experiments build strategically on existing knowledge, moving beyond understanding individual level effects to population and ecosystem consequences, to support the sustainable management of seafood resources and our broader marine environment.