Bioturbation by stingrays at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Stingrays play a significant ecological role at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, by bioturbating soft sediments and creating sheltered habitats for other taxa. Research quantifying their impact revealed that stingrays excavate approximately 1.08 cubic meters of sediment daily in Mangrove Bay, equivalent to 760.8 kg wet weight, and rework up to 42% of the soft sediments annually. The study used long-term mapping and pit measurements over 21 days and 18 months to track ray activity and pit persistence. Findings indicate that while pits have a 40% probability of lasting four days, their volume remains static, suggesting secondary use by other organisms. This highlights stingrays' dual role in sediment turnover and habitat modification.

O’Shea, O. R., Thums, M., van Keulen, M., & Meekan, M. (2011). Bioturbation by stingrays at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. Marine and Freshwater Research, 63(3), 189–197. https://doi.org/10.1071/mf11180