Connectivity Shapes Functional Diversity and Maintains Complementarity in Surf Zones on Exposed Coasts

Abstract Habitat complexity and connectivity can influence the number of species their diversity across a landscape. For surf zones ocean-exposed beaches, globally one longest habitat interfaces, assumed low structural complexity, apparent homogeneity, sandy seafloor habitats predicts taxonomic functional diversity. Here, we assessed how configuration seascape context different beach structure niche space fish assemblages in zones. We expected that beaches were well connected with highly productive complex estuarine reef would support greater level diversity, degree complementarity within niches. sampled at twenty-five along 50 km coastline southeast Queensland, Australia. calculated using variation traits assemblages. found increased proximity nearby subtidal rocky reefs was key feature shaping zone fishes. These effects resulted group niches when nearby. provide empirical evidence ocean system traditionally viewed as having heterogeneity. Our results highlight focus management must take conserving these ecosystems to avoid negative consequences.