摘要：SummaryProximity and size of the nearest market (‘market gravity’) have been shown to have strong negative effects on coral reef fish communities that can be mitigated by the establishment of closed areas. However, moray eels are functionally unique predators that are generally not subject to targeted fishing and should therefore not directly be affected by these factors. We used baited remote underwater video systems to investigate associations between morays and anthropogenic, habitat, and ecological factors in the Caribbean region. Market gravity had a positive effect on morays, while the opposite pattern was observed in a predator group subject to exploitation (sharks). Environmental DNA analyses corroborated the positive effect of market gravity on morays. We hypothesize that the observed pattern could be the indirect result of the depletion of moray competitors and predators near humans.Graphical abstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•Baited remote underwater videos and environmental DNA were used to assess morays•Market gravity had a strong positive effect on moray abundance•Morays and sharks were negatively associated•Lack of competitors and predators may explain increased morays on reefs near humansEnvironmental science; ecology; biological sciences; zoology; animals; ethology
