673 / 2024-09-18 22:37:03

Species Identification and Ecological Roles of Goatfishes with Significance for Conservation and Fisheries Management in Marine Protected Areas

Mullidae,DNA barcoding,morphological taxonomy,Marine Protected Areas,fisheries management

Goatfishes (family Mullidae) are widely distributed across tropical, subtropical, and some temperate waters globally, primarily inhabiting sandy and muddy benthic environments as well as coral reef ecosystems, where they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. Studies have shown that many goatfish species are key species in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), as their unique benthic foraging behavior helps regulate the structure of benthic habitats, thereby influencing the health of coral reefs and sandy-mud environments within the protected areas. Goatfishes feed on lower-trophic organisms, such as invertebrates and copepods, playing a crucial role in food webs by transferring energy from lower trophic levels to higher ones while also serving as important fishery resources for many coastal communities worldwide. Therefore, protecting the habitats of goatfishes not only stabilizes ecosystems but also positively contributes to the sustainable use of fishery resources. MPAs are particularly significant in safeguarding key goatfish habitats, especially spawning and nursery grounds.



Despite their ecological and economic importance, the morphological similarity and cryptic diversity among goatfish species pose challenges for traditional classification methods in accurately identifying species. Accurate species identification is essential for developing effective conservation and management strategies. In this study, we applied a combination of DNA barcoding and morphological taxonomy to conduct detailed classification and identification of several goatfish species. DNA barcoding allows for the differentiation of morphologically similar species and reveals cryptic diversity within the family, providing new scientific insights into species identification, distribution patterns, and habitat utilization.



Based on the analysis of the global distribution and habitat use of goatfish species, this study further explores the role of MPAs in supporting the conservation of goatfish species, enhancing ecological connectivity, and promoting the sustainable development of fisheries resources. Future MPA planning should prioritize species identification using DNA barcoding and the protection of critical habitats to ensure scientifically sound fisheries management and foster the sustainable development of marine ecosystems.