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Bellworthy J, Scucchia F, Goodbody-Gringley G, Mass T. Genomic, morphological, and physiological insights into coral acclimation along the depth gradient following an in situ reciprocal transplantation of planulae. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172090. [PMID: 38556020 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Mesophotic coral reefs have been proposed as refugia for corals, providing shelter and larval propagules for shallow water reefs that are disproportionately challenged by global climate change and local anthropogenic stressors. For mesophotic reefs to be a viable refuge, firstly, deep origin larvae must survive on shallow reefs and, secondly, the two environments must be physically connected. This study tested the first condition. Planulae of the reef-building coral Stylophora pistillata from 5-8 and 40-44 m depth in the Gulf of Aqaba were tested in a long-term reciprocal transplantation experiment for their ability to settle and acclimate to depth in situ. We assessed survival rates, photochemical, physiological, and morphological characteristics in juveniles grown at either their parental origin or transplantation depth. Differences in gene expression patterns were compared between mesophotic and shallow corals at the adult, juvenile, and planula life stages. We found high mortality rates among all mesophotic-origin planulae, irrespective of translocation depth. Gene expression patterns suggested that deep planulae lacked settlement competency and experienced increased developmental stress upon release. For surviving shallow origin juveniles, symbiont photochemical acclimation to depth occurred within 8 days, with symbiont communities showing changes in photochemical traits without algal symbiont shuffling. However, coral host physiological and morphological acclimation towards the typical deep phenotype was incomplete within 60 days. Gene expression was influenced by both life stage and depth. A set of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with initial stress responses following transplantation, latent stress response, and environmental effects of depth was identified. This study therefore refutes the Deep Reef Refugia Hypothesis, as the potential for mesophotic-origin S. pistillata planulae to recruit to the shallow reef is low. The potential remains for shallow planulae to survive at mesophotic depths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Bellworthy
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel; Interuniversity Institute of Marine Sciences, Eilat, Israel.
| | - Federica Scucchia
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel; Interuniversity Institute of Marine Sciences, Eilat, Israel
| | | | - Tali Mass
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel; Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Sdot Yam, Israel
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Arreola JL, Galván-Villa CM, Perfecto-Avalos Y, Rodríguez-Zaragoza FA, Rios Jara E. Upper mesophotic reef fish assemblages at Bahía de Banderas, Mexico. Biodivers Data J 2024; 12:e113125. [PMID: 38505125 PMCID: PMC10948997 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.12.e113125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
There is no information on the species associated with the mesophotic reefs of Banderas Bay, located in the central Mexican Pacific. This study analysed the reef fish assemblage from three depths (50, 60 and 70 m) in three sampling sites of the southern submarine canyon of the Bay: Los Arcos, Bajo de Emirio and Majahuitas. Several analyses were performed to test the hypothesis that there are important differences in fish abundance and species composition between sites and depths. Twenty-two species of bony fishes grouped in 14 families were recorded. PERMANOVA results showed that there were no significant differences in fish diversity parameters between sites, indicating a certain uniformity in their distribution. However, nine species were exclusive to one site and depth (five singleton species with only one individual recorded and four unique species recorded only once). On the other hand, there were significant differences between depths, mainly between 50 and 70 m. Diversity decreases with depth and species composition changes. SIMPER, Shade Plot and NMDS analysis show the most representative species at each depth, with at least half of the species (11) recorded only at 50 m and four species at the deeper levels (60 - 70 m). The observed assemblage includes several of the most caught species in the shallow water artisanal fishery, which is the most traditional and common type of fishery in the Bay. In addition, the Pomacanthuszonipectus (Cortés angelfish) is of particular interest, as it has a special protection status in the official Mexican standard (NOM-059-SEMARNAT, 2010) due to its use as an ornamental species in aquaria. We hypothesised that the mesophotic zone may serve as a refuge for these fishes, so we propose that the information obtained is an important basis for new research aimed at the sustainable management of fisheries in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Luis Arreola
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Guadalajara, MexicoTecnologico de MonterreyGuadalajaraMexico
| | - Cristian Moisés Galván-Villa
- Departamento de Ecología Aplicada, CUCBA, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jalisco, MexicoDepartamento de Ecología Aplicada, CUCBA, Universidad de GuadalajaraZapopan, JaliscoMexico
| | | | - Fabian Alejandro Rodríguez-Zaragoza
- Departamento de Ecología Aplicada, CUCBA, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jalisco, MexicoDepartamento de Ecología Aplicada, CUCBA, Universidad de GuadalajaraZapopan, JaliscoMexico
| | - Eduardo Rios Jara
- Departamento de Ecología Aplicada, CUCBA, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jalisco, MexicoDepartamento de Ecología Aplicada, CUCBA, Universidad de GuadalajaraZapopan, JaliscoMexico
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3
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Bellworthy J, Pardo R, Scucchia F, Zaslansky P, Goodbody-Gringley G, Mass T. Physiological and morphological plasticity in Stylophora pistillata larvae from Eilat, Israel, to shallow and mesophotic light conditions. iScience 2023; 26:106969. [PMID: 37534177 PMCID: PMC10391605 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesophotic reefs have been proposed as climate change refugia but are not synonymous ecosystems with shallow reefs and remain exposed to anthropogenic impacts. Planulae from the reef-building coral Stylophora pistillata, Gulf of Aqaba, from 5- and 45-m depth were tested ex situ for capacity to settle, grow, and acclimate to reciprocal light conditions. Skeletons were scanned by phase contrast-enhanced micro-CT to study morphology. Deep planulae had reduced volume, smaller diameter on settlement, and greater algal symbiont density. Light conditions did not have significant impact on settlement or mortality rates. Photosynthetic acclimation of algal symbionts was evident within 21-35 days after settlement but growth rate and polyp development were slower for individuals translocated away from their parental origin compared to controls. Though our data reveal rapid symbiont acclimation, reduced growth rates and limited capacity for skeletal modification likely limit the potential for mesophotic larvae to settle on shallow reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Bellworthy
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Interuniversity Institute of Marine Sciences, Eilat, Israel
| | - Rachel Pardo
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Federica Scucchia
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Interuniversity Institute of Marine Sciences, Eilat, Israel
| | - Paul Zaslansky
- Department for Operative and Preventive Dentistry, Charité Dental School – Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Tali Mass
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Sdot Yam, Israel
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4
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Kramer N, Guan J, Chen S, Wangpraseurt D, Loya Y. Morpho-functional traits of the coral Stylophora pistillata enhance light capture for photosynthesis at mesophotic depths. Commun Biol 2022; 5:861. [PMID: 36002592 PMCID: PMC9402581 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03829-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The morphological architecture of photosynthetic corals modulates the light capture and functioning of the coral-algal symbiosis on shallow-water corals. Since corals can thrive on mesophotic reefs under extreme light-limited conditions, we hypothesized that microskeletal coral features enhance light capture under low-light environments. Utilizing micro-computed tomography scanning, we conducted a novel comprehensive three-dimensional (3D) assessment of the small-scale skeleton morphology of the depth-generalist coral Stylophora pistillata collected from shallow (4–5 m) and mesophotic (45–50 m) depths. We detected a high phenotypic diversity between depths, resulting in two distinct morphotypes, with calyx diameter, theca height, and corallite marginal spacing contributing to most of the variation between depths. To determine whether such depth-specific morphotypes affect coral light capture and photosynthesis on the corallite scale, we developed 3D simulations of light propagation and photosynthesis. We found that microstructural features of corallites from mesophotic corals provide a greater ability to use solar energy under light-limited conditions; while corals associated with shallow morphotypes avoided excess light through self-shading skeletal architectures. The results from our study suggest that skeleton morphology plays a key role in coral photoadaptation to light-limited environments. Micro-computed tomography scanning and 3D light simulation models reveals distinct morphotypes of the coral species Stylophora pistillata depending on depth, and suggest that coral skeletal micromorphology plays a key role in coral photoadaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Netanel Kramer
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Jiaao Guan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Shaochen Chen
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Daniel Wangpraseurt
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA.,Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Yossi Loya
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Sully S, Hodgson G, van Woesik R. Present and future bright and dark spots for coral reefs through climate change. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:4509-4522. [PMID: 35106864 PMCID: PMC9303460 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Marine heatwaves can cause coral bleaching and reduce coral cover on reefs, yet few studies have identified "bright spots," where corals have recently shown a capacity to survive such pressures. We analyzed 7714 worldwide surveys from 1997 to 2018 along with 14 environmental and temperature metrics in a hierarchical Bayesian model to identify conditions that contribute to present-day coral cover. We also identified locations with significantly higher (i.e., "bright spots") and lower coral cover (i.e., "dark spots") than regionally expected. In addition, using 4-km downscaled data of Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 4.5 and 8.5, we projected coral cover on reefs for the years 2050 and 2100. Coral cover on modern reefs was positively associated with historically high maximum sea-surface temperatures (SSTs), and negatively associated with high contemporary SSTs, tropical-cyclone frequencies, and human-population densities. By 2100, under RCP8.5, we projected relative decreases in coral cover of >40% on most reefs globally but projected less decline on reefs in Indonesia, Malaysia, the central Philippines, New Caledonia, Fiji, and French Polynesia, which should be focal localities for multinational networks of protected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Sully
- Institute for Global EcologyFlorida Institute of TechnologyMelbourneFloridaUSA
| | - Gregor Hodgson
- Coral Reef Consultants LLCCalabasasCaliforniaUSA
- Emeritus, Reef Check FoundationMarina del ReyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Robert van Woesik
- Institute for Global EcologyFlorida Institute of TechnologyMelbourneFloridaUSA
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6
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Prasetia R, Sinniger F, Nakamura T, Harii S. Limited acclimation of early life stages of the coral Seriatopora hystrix from mesophotic depth to shallow reefs. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12836. [PMID: 35896607 PMCID: PMC9329301 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16024-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs, reefs between 30 and 150 m depth) have been hypothesized to contribute to shallow reef recovery through the recruitment of larvae. However, few studies have directly examined this. Here we used mesophotic colonies of Seriatopora hystrix, a depth generalist coral, to investigate the effect of light intensity on larval behavior and settlement through ex situ experiments. We also investigated juvenile survival, growth, and physiological acclimation in situ. Bleached larvae and a significant reduction in settlement rates were found when the mesophotic larvae were exposed to light conditions corresponding to shallow depths (5 and 10 m) ex situ. The in situ experiments showed that mesophotic juveniles survived well at 20 and 40 m, with juveniles in shaded areas surviving longer than three months at 3–5 m during a year of mass bleaching in 2016. Juvenile transplants at 20 m showed a sign of physiological acclimation, which was reflected by a significant decline in maximum quantum yield. These results suggest that light is a significant factor for successful recolonization of depth-generalist corals to shallow reefs. Further, recolonization of shallow reefs may only occur in shaded habitats or potentially through multigenerational recruitments with intermediate depths acting as stepping stones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rian Prasetia
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Sesoko 3422, Motobu, Okinawa, 905-0227, Japan
| | - Frederic Sinniger
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Sesoko 3422, Motobu, Okinawa, 905-0227, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakamura
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Sesoko 3422, Motobu, Okinawa, 905-0227, Japan.,Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan
| | - Saki Harii
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Sesoko 3422, Motobu, Okinawa, 905-0227, Japan.
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Liberman R, Shlesinger T, Loya Y, Benayahu Y. Soft coral reproductive phenology along a depth gradient: Can "going deeper" provide a viable refuge? Ecology 2022; 103:e3760. [PMID: 35582927 PMCID: PMC9540190 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Many species across a wide range of taxa and habitats display phenological shifts and differences in response to both environmental gradients and climate change. Moreover, the wide‐scale decline of numerous ecosystems is leading to increasing efforts to identify zones that might serve as natural refuges from various disturbances, including ocean warming. One such refuge was suggested to be that of the deep coral reefs, but whether depth can provide coral populations with a viable and reproductive refuge remains unclear. Given the global coral‐reef degradation and the key role that corals play as ecosystem engineers, their reproductive ecology has been widely studied. A particular knowledge gap nonetheless exists regarding coral reproductive phenology along a depth gradient. Filling in this gap may uncover the environmental cues that regulate coral reproduction, leading to better predictions of population connectivity, and their possible responses to climate change and other environmental changes. Here, using long‐term in situ observations of the soft coral Rhytisma fulvum's reproductive activity along its entire depth range (0–45 m), we examined the relationship among several environmental factors and the coral's reproductive phenology and activity over five successive annual breeding seasons. Compared with the shallow depths, a lower number of reproducing colonies was found in habitats deeper than 30 m, highlighting possible constraints on coral reproduction at the deeper end of their range. Our results further revealed that an increase in seawater temperature over 1–2‐day intervals during the breeding season correlated with the onset of reproductive activity along the depth gradient, leading to different reproductive periodicities in different depths. These differences suggest that differential temperature regimes and reproductive timing across depth may create intraspecific temporal reproductive segregation, possibly reducing connectivity among populations along a depth gradient. Moreover, we found high variability among years in both the timing of breeding activities and in the level of reproductive synchrony among corals from different depths. Overall, our study questions whether depth can provide a long‐term and viable refuge for corals in the face of global environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronen Liberman
- School of Zoology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences, Eilat, Israel
| | - Tom Shlesinger
- School of Zoology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Current address: Institute for Global Ecology, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL, USA
| | - Yossi Loya
- School of Zoology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Yehuda Benayahu
- School of Zoology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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8
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Shallow-emerged coral may warn of deep-sea coral response to thermal stress. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22439. [PMID: 34789855 PMCID: PMC8599838 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01948-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In the Gulf of Alaska, commercially harvested fish species utilize habitats dominated by red tree corals (Primnoa pacifica) for shelter, feeding, and nurseries, but recent studies hint that environmental conditions may be interrupting the reproductive lifecycle of the corals. The North Pacific has experienced persistent and extreme thermal variability in recent years and this pattern is predicted to continue in coming decades. Recent discovery of deep-water emerged coral populations in Southeast Alaska fjords provided opportunity for detailed life-history studies and comparison to corals in managed habitats on the continental shelf. Here we show that sperm from deep colonies develops completely, but in shallow colonies, sperm development is prematurely halted, likely preventing successful production of larvae. We hypothesize that the divergence is due to differing temperature regimes presently experienced by the corals. Compared to deep populations below the thermocline, shallow populations experience much greater seasonal thermal variability and annual pulses of suspected near-lethal temperatures that appear to interrupt the production of viable gametes. The unique opportunity to comprehensively study emerged populations presently affected by thermal stress provides advance warning of the possible fate of deep corals in the Gulf of Alaska that will soon experience similar ocean conditions.
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Soto D, De Palmas S, Ho M, Denis V, Allen Chen C. A molecular census of early-life stage scleractinian corals in shallow and mesophotic zones. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:14573-14584. [PMID: 34765126 PMCID: PMC8571570 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The decline of coral reefs has fueled interest in determining whether mesophotic reefs can shield against disturbances and help replenish deteriorated shallower reefs. In this study, we characterized spatial (horizontal and vertical) and seasonal patterns of diversity in coral recruits from Dabaisha and Guiwan reefs at Ludao, Taiwan. Concrete blocks supporting terra-cotta tiles were placed at shallow (15m) and mesophotic (40m) depths, during 2016-2018. Half of the tiles were retrieved and replaced biannually over three 6-month surveys (short-term); the remainder retrieved at the end of the 18-month (long-term) survey. 451 recruits were located using fluorescent censusing and identified by DNA barcoding. Barcoding the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene resulted in 17 molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs). To obtain taxonomic resolution to the generic level, Pocillopora were phylotyped using the mitochondrial open reading frame (ORF), resolving eight MOTUs. Acropora, Isopora, and Montipora recruits were identified by the nuclear PaxC intron, yielding ten MOTUs. Overall, 35 MOTUs were generated and were comprised primarily of Pocillopora and, in fewer numbers, Acropora, Isopora, Pavona, Montipora, Stylophora, among others. 40% of MOTUs recruited solely within mesophotic reefs while 20% were shared by both depth zones. MOTUs recruiting across a broad depth distribution appear consistent with the hypothesis of mesophotic reefs acting as a refuge for shallow-water coral reefs. In contrast, Acropora and Isopora MOTUs were structured across depth zones representing an exception to this hypothesis. This research provides an imperative assessment of coral recruitment in understudied mesophotic reefs and imparts insight into the refuge hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Soto
- Biodiversity ProgramTaiwan International Graduate ProgramAcademia Sinica and National Taiwan Normal UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
- Biodiversity Research CenterAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
- Department of Life ScienceNational Taiwan Normal UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Stéphane De Palmas
- Biodiversity ProgramTaiwan International Graduate ProgramAcademia Sinica and National Taiwan Normal UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
- Biodiversity Research CenterAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
- Department of Life ScienceNational Taiwan Normal UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Ming‐Jay Ho
- Biodiversity Research CenterAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
- Green Island Marine Research StationAcademia SinicaLudao, Taitung CountyTaiwan
| | - Vianney Denis
- Institute of OceanographyNational Taiwan UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Chaolun Allen Chen
- Biodiversity Research CenterAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
- Department of Life ScienceNational Taiwan Normal UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
- Department of Life ScienceTung Hai UniversityTaichungTaiwan
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10
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Martinez S, Bellworthy J, Ferrier-Pagès C, Mass T. Selection of mesophotic habitats by Oculina patagonica in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea following global warming. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18134. [PMID: 34518595 PMCID: PMC8438053 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97447-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, species are migrating in an attempt to track optimal isotherms as climate change increasingly warms existing habitats. Stony corals are severely threatened by anthropogenic warming, which has resulted in repeated mass bleaching and mortality events. Since corals are sessile as adults and with a relatively old age of sexual maturity, they are slow to latitudinally migrate, but corals may also migrate vertically to deeper, cooler reefs. Herein we describe vertical migration of the Mediterranean coral Oculina patagonica from less than 10 m depth to > 30 m. We suggest that this range shift is a response to rapidly warming sea surface temperatures on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline. In contrast to the vast latitudinal distance required to track temperature change, this species has migrated deeper where summer water temperatures are up to 2 °C cooler. Comparisons of physiology, morphology, trophic position, symbiont type, and photochemistry between deep and shallow conspecifics revealed only a few depth-specific differences. At this study site, shallow colonies typically inhabit low light environments (caves, crevices) and have a facultative relationship with photosymbionts. We suggest that this existing phenotype aided colonization of the mesophotic zone. This observation highlights the potential for other marine species to vertically migrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephane Martinez
- grid.18098.380000 0004 1937 0562Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel ,grid.18098.380000 0004 1937 0562Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Sdot Yam, Israel ,grid.452353.60000 0004 0550 8241Coral Ecophysiology Team, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco City, 98000 Monaco
| | - Jessica Bellworthy
- grid.18098.380000 0004 1937 0562Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel ,grid.440849.50000 0004 0496 208XThe Interuniversity Institute of Marine Sciences, Eilat, Israel
| | - Christine Ferrier-Pagès
- grid.452353.60000 0004 0550 8241Coral Ecophysiology Team, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco City, 98000 Monaco
| | - Tali Mass
- grid.18098.380000 0004 1937 0562Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel ,grid.18098.380000 0004 1937 0562Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Sdot Yam, Israel
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11
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Depth-dependent parental effects create invisible barriers to coral dispersal. Commun Biol 2021; 4:202. [PMID: 33589736 PMCID: PMC7884412 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01727-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Historically, marine populations were considered to be interconnected across large geographic regions due to the lack of apparent physical barriers to dispersal, coupled with a potentially widely dispersive pelagic larval stage. Recent studies, however, are providing increasing evidence of small-scale genetic segregation of populations across habitats and depths, separated in some cases by only a few dozen meters. Here, we performed a series of ex-situ and in-situ experiments using coral larvae of three brooding species from contrasting shallow- and deep-water reef habitats, and show that their settlement success, habitat choices, and subsequent survival are substantially influenced by parental effects in a habitat-dependent manner. Generally, larvae originating from deep-water corals, which experience less variable conditions, expressed more specific responses than shallow-water larvae, with a higher settlement success in simulated parental-habitat conditions. Survival of juvenile corals experimentally translocated to the sea was significantly lower when not at parental depths. We conclude that local adaptations and parental effects alongside larval selectivity and phenotype-environment mismatches combine to create invisible semipermeable barriers to coral dispersal and connectivity, leading to habitat-dependent population segregation. Tom Shlesinger and Yossi Loya use ex-situ and in-situ experiments with coral larvae of three brooding species from contrasting shallow- and deep-water habitats and show that larvae originating from deep-water corals have narrower tolerances and higher habitat-specificity in simulated parental-habitat conditions. They also show that survival of juvenile corals experimentally translocated to the sea was significantly lower when not at parental depths. Together these results demonstrate that local adaptations and parental effects interact with larval selectivity and phenotype-environment mismatches to create semipermeable barriers to coral dispersal and connectivity.
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12
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Baird AH, Guest JR, Edwards AJ, Bauman AG, Bouwmeester J, Mera H, Abrego D, Alvarez-Noriega M, Babcock RC, Barbosa MB, Bonito V, Burt J, Cabaitan PC, Chang CF, Chavanich S, Chen CA, Chen CJ, Chen WJ, Chung FC, Connolly SR, Cumbo VR, Dornelas M, Doropoulos C, Eyal G, Eyal-Shaham L, Fadli N, Figueiredo J, Flot JF, Gan SH, Gomez E, Graham EM, Grinblat M, Gutiérrez-Isaza N, Harii S, Harrison PL, Hatta M, Ho NAJ, Hoarau G, Hoogenboom M, Howells EJ, Iguchi A, Isomura N, Jamodiong EA, Jandang S, Keyse J, Kitanobo S, Kongjandtre N, Kuo CY, Ligson C, Lin CH, Low J, Loya Y, Maboloc EA, Madin JS, Mezaki T, Min C, Morita M, Moya A, Neo SH, Nitschke MR, Nojima S, Nozawa Y, Piromvaragorn S, Plathong S, Puill-Stephan E, Quigley K, Ramirez-Portilla C, Ricardo G, Sakai K, Sampayo E, Shlesinger T, Sikim L, Simpson C, Sims CA, Sinniger F, Spiji DA, Tabalanza T, Tan CH, Terraneo TI, Torda G, True J, Tun K, Vicentuan K, Viyakarn V, Waheed Z, Ward S, Willis B, Woods RM, Woolsey ES, Yamamoto HH, Yusuf S. An Indo-Pacific coral spawning database. Sci Data 2021; 8:35. [PMID: 33514754 PMCID: PMC7846567 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-020-00793-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of multi-species synchronous spawning of scleractinian corals on the Great Barrier Reef in the 1980s stimulated an extraordinary effort to document spawning times in other parts of the globe. Unfortunately, most of these data remain unpublished which limits our understanding of regional and global reproductive patterns. The Coral Spawning Database (CSD) collates much of these disparate data into a single place. The CSD includes 6178 observations (3085 of which were unpublished) of the time or day of spawning for over 300 scleractinian species in 61 genera from 101 sites in the Indo-Pacific. The goal of the CSD is to provide open access to coral spawning data to accelerate our understanding of coral reproductive biology and to provide a baseline against which to evaluate any future changes in reproductive phenology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H. Baird
- grid.1011.10000 0004 0474 1797ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Townsville, Queensland 4811 Australia
| | - James R. Guest
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU United Kingdom
| | - Alasdair J. Edwards
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU United Kingdom
| | - Andrew G. Bauman
- grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jessica Bouwmeester
- grid.410445.00000 0001 2188 0957Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Smithsonian Institution, Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology, 46-007 Lilipuna Rd, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744 USA
| | - Hanaka Mera
- grid.1011.10000 0004 0474 1797ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Townsville, Queensland 4811 Australia
| | - David Abrego
- grid.1031.30000000121532610National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, 2 Bay Drive, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450 Australia
| | - Mariana Alvarez-Noriega
- grid.1011.10000 0004 0474 1797ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Townsville, Queensland 4811 Australia
| | - Russel C. Babcock
- grid.1016.60000 0001 2173 2719Oceans and Atmosphere, CSIRO, Queensland Biosciences Precinct, 306 Carmody Rd, St Lucia, Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Miguel B. Barbosa
- grid.11914.3c0000 0001 0721 1626School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Sir Harold Mitchell Building, St Andrews, KY16 9TH United Kingdom
| | - Victor Bonito
- Reef Explorer Fiji, Coral Coast Conservation Center, Votua Village, Korolevu, Nadroga Fiji
| | - John Burt
- grid.440573.1Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Patrick C. Cabaitan
- grid.11159.3d0000 0000 9650 2179Marine Science Institute, College of Science, University of the Philippines, Velasquez Street, Diliman, Quezon City, Manila, 1101 Philippines
| | - Ching-Fong Chang
- grid.260664.00000 0001 0313 3026Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, 2 Beining Rd, Keelung, 20224 Taiwan
| | - Suchana Chavanich
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Reef Biology Research Group, Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
| | - Chaolun A. Chen
- grid.506939.0Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei 11529 Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Jhen Chen
- grid.260664.00000 0001 0313 3026Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, 2 Beining Rd, Keelung, 20224 Taiwan
| | - Wei-Jen Chen
- grid.260664.00000 0001 0313 3026Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, 2 Beining Rd, Keelung, 20224 Taiwan
| | - Fung-Chen Chung
- Reef Guardian Sdn. Bhd., Bandar Tyng, Mile 6, North Road, Sandakan, Sabah 90000 Malaysia
| | - Sean R. Connolly
- grid.438006.90000 0001 2296 9689Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092, Balboa, Republic of Panama
| | - Vivian R. Cumbo
- grid.1004.50000 0001 2158 5405Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, New South Wales 2109 Australia
| | - Maria Dornelas
- grid.11914.3c0000 0001 0721 1626Centre for Biological Diversity, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9TH United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Doropoulos
- grid.1016.60000 0001 2173 2719Oceans and Atmosphere, CSIRO, Queensland Biosciences Precinct, 306 Carmody Rd, St Lucia, Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Gal Eyal
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Lee Eyal-Shaham
- grid.22098.310000 0004 1937 0503The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002 Israel
| | - Nur Fadli
- grid.440768.90000 0004 1759 6066Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh, Aceh Indonesia
| | - Joana Figueiredo
- grid.261241.20000 0001 2168 8324Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Department of Marine and Environmental Science, Nova Southeastern University, 8000 N Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, Florida 33004 USA
| | - Jean-François Flot
- grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, B-1050 Belgium
| | - Sze-Hoon Gan
- grid.265727.30000 0001 0417 0814Endangered Marine Species Research Unit, Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah 88400 Malaysia
| | - Elizabeth Gomez
- grid.11159.3d0000 0000 9650 2179Marine Science Institute, College of Science, University of the Philippines, Velasquez Street, Diliman, Quezon City, Manila, 1101 Philippines
| | - Erin M. Graham
- grid.1011.10000 0004 0474 1797eResearch Centre, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Townsville, Queensland 4811 Australia
| | - Mila Grinblat
- grid.1011.10000 0004 0474 1797ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Townsville, Queensland 4811 Australia ,grid.1011.10000 0004 0474 1797Molecular & Cell biology, College of Public Health, Medical & Vet Sciences, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Townsville, Queensland 4811 Australia
| | - Nataly Gutiérrez-Isaza
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072 Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Saki Harii
- grid.267625.20000 0001 0685 5104Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, 3422 Sesoko, Motobu, Okinawa, 905-0227 Japan
| | - Peter L. Harrison
- grid.1031.30000000121532610Marine Ecology Research Centre, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, Lismore, NSW 2480 Australia
| | - Masayuki Hatta
- grid.412314.10000 0001 2192 178XDepartment of Biology, Ochanomizu University, 2-1-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-8610 Japan
| | - Nina Ann Jin Ho
- grid.503008.eChina-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences, Xiamen University Malaysia, Jalan Sunsuria, Bandar Sunsuria, Sepang Selangor, Darul Ehsan, 43900 Malaysia
| | - Gaetan Hoarau
- 12 Rue Caumont, Saint-Pierre Reunion Island, 97410 France
| | - Mia Hoogenboom
- grid.1011.10000 0004 0474 1797ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Townsville, Queensland 4811 Australia
| | - Emily J. Howells
- grid.1007.60000 0004 0486 528XCentre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions and School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522 Australia
| | - Akira Iguchi
- grid.466781.a0000 0001 2222 3430Geological Survey of Japan, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8567 Japan
| | - Naoko Isomura
- grid.471922.b0000 0004 4672 6261Department of Bioresources Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Okinawa College, 905 Henoko, Nago, Okinawa, 905-2192 Japan
| | - Emmeline A. Jamodiong
- grid.267625.20000 0001 0685 5104Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 902-0213 Japan
| | - Suppakarn Jandang
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Reef Biology Research Group, Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
| | - Jude Keyse
- Glenala State High School, Durack, Queensland 4077 Australia
| | - Seiya Kitanobo
- grid.267625.20000 0001 0685 5104Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, 3422 Sesoko, Motobu, Okinawa, 905-0227 Japan
| | - Narinratana Kongjandtre
- grid.411825.b0000 0000 9482 780XAquatic Science, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, 169 LongHaad Bangsaen Rd, Saensook, Mueang Chonburi 20131 Thailand
| | - Chao-Yang Kuo
- grid.506939.0Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei 11529 Taiwan
| | - Charlon Ligson
- grid.11159.3d0000 0000 9650 2179Marine Science Institute, College of Science, University of the Philippines, Velasquez Street, Diliman, Quezon City, Manila, 1101 Philippines
| | - Che-Hung Lin
- grid.506939.0Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei 11529 Taiwan
| | - Jeffrey Low
- Coastal and Marine Branch, National Biodiversity Centre, National Parks Board, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yossi Loya
- grid.12136.370000 0004 1937 0546School of Zoology, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 6997801 Israel
| | - Elizaldy A. Maboloc
- grid.24515.370000 0004 1937 1450Department of Ocean Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Joshua S. Madin
- grid.410445.00000 0001 2188 0957Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 46-007 Lilipuna Rd, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744 USA
| | - Takuma Mezaki
- Kuroshio Biological Research Foundation, 560 Nishidomari, Otsuki Town, Hata Kochi, 788-0333 Japan
| | - Choo Min
- grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Reef Ecology Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Masaya Morita
- grid.267625.20000 0001 0685 5104Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, 3422 Sesoko, Motobu, Okinawa, 905-0227 Japan
| | - Aurelie Moya
- grid.1011.10000 0004 0474 1797ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Townsville, Queensland 4811 Australia
| | - Su-Hwei Neo
- grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Matthew R. Nitschke
- grid.267827.e0000 0001 2292 3111School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, 2820 New Zealand
| | | | - Yoko Nozawa
- grid.506939.0Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei 11529 Taiwan
| | | | - Sakanan Plathong
- grid.7130.50000 0004 0470 1162Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, 15 Karnjanavanich Rd, Hat Yai, 90110 Thailand
| | | | - Kate Quigley
- grid.1046.30000 0001 0328 1619Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville, Queensland 4810 Australia
| | - Catalina Ramirez-Portilla
- grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, B-1050 Belgium
| | - Gerard Ricardo
- grid.1046.30000 0001 0328 1619Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville, Queensland 4810 Australia
| | - Kazuhiko Sakai
- grid.267625.20000 0001 0685 5104Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, 3422 Sesoko, Motobu, Okinawa, 905-0227 Japan
| | - Eugenia Sampayo
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072 Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Tom Shlesinger
- grid.255966.b0000 0001 2229 7296Institute for Global Ecology, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 West University Boulevard, Melbourne, Florida 32901-6988 USA
| | - Leony Sikim
- Reef Guardian Sdn. Bhd., Bandar Tyng, Mile 6, North Road, Sandakan, Sabah 90000 Malaysia
| | - Chris Simpson
- 25 Mettam Street, Trigg, Western Australia 6029 Australia
| | - Carrie A. Sims
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072 Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Frederic Sinniger
- grid.267625.20000 0001 0685 5104Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, 3422 Sesoko, Motobu, Okinawa, 905-0227 Japan
| | - Davies A. Spiji
- Reef Guardian Sdn. Bhd., Bandar Tyng, Mile 6, North Road, Sandakan, Sabah 90000 Malaysia
| | - Tracy Tabalanza
- grid.11159.3d0000 0000 9650 2179Marine Science Institute, College of Science, University of the Philippines, Velasquez Street, Diliman, Quezon City, Manila, 1101 Philippines
| | - Chung-Hong Tan
- grid.412255.50000 0000 9284 9319Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu 21030 Malaysia
| | - Tullia I. Terraneo
- grid.45672.320000 0001 1926 5090Red Sea Research Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900 Saudi Arabia
| | - Gergely Torda
- grid.1011.10000 0004 0474 1797ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Townsville, Queensland 4811 Australia
| | - James True
- grid.419784.70000 0001 0816 7508Faculty of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Chalongkrung Rd, Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520 Thailand
| | - Karenne Tun
- Coastal and Marine Branch, National Biodiversity Centre, National Parks Board, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kareen Vicentuan
- grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 18 Kent Ridge Road, 119227 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Voranop Viyakarn
- grid.7922.e0000 0001 0244 7875Reef Biology Research Group, Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Phayathai Road, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
| | - Zarinah Waheed
- grid.265727.30000 0001 0417 0814Endangered Marine Species Research Unit, Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah 88400 Malaysia
| | - Selina Ward
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072 Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Bette Willis
- grid.1011.10000 0004 0474 1797ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Townsville, Queensland 4811 Australia ,grid.1011.10000 0004 0474 1797College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Townsville, Queensland 4811 Australia
| | - Rachael M. Woods
- grid.1004.50000 0001 2158 5405Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, New South Wales 2109 Australia
| | | | - Hiromi H. Yamamoto
- grid.505718.eOkinawa Churashima Research Center, Okinawa Churashima Foundation, 888 Ishikawa, Motobu, Okinawa, 905-0206 Japan
| | - Syafyudin Yusuf
- grid.412001.60000 0000 8544 230XFaculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
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Riegl BM, Glynn PW. Population dynamics of the reef crisis: Consequences of the growing human population. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2020; 87:1-30. [PMID: 33293007 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2020.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
An unequivocal link exists between human population density and environmental degradation, both in the near field (local impacts) and far field (impacts due to teleconnections). Human population is most widely predicted to reach 9-11 billion by 2100, when the demographic transition is expected in all but a handful of countries. Strongest population growth is in the tropics, where coral reefs face dense human population and concomitant heavy usage. In most countries, >50% will be urbanized but growth of rural population and need for food in urban centres will not alleviate pressure on reef resources. Aquaculture will alleviate some fishing pressure, but still utilizes reef surface and is also destructive. Denser coastal populations and greater wealth will lead to reef degradation by coastal construction. Denser populations inland will lead to more runoff and siltation. Effects of human perturbations can be explored with metapopulation theory since they translate to increases in patch-mortality and decreases in patch-colonization (=regeneration). All such changes will result in a habitat with overall fewer settled patches, so fewer live reefs. If rescue effects are included, bifurcations in system dynamics will allow for many empty patches and, depending on system state relative to stable and unstable equilibria, a part-empty system may either trend towards stability at higher patch occupancy or extinction. Thus, unless the disturbance history is known, it may be difficult to assess the direction of system trajectory-making management difficult. If habitat is decreased by destruction, rescue effects become even more important as extinction-debt, accumulated by efficient competitors with weaker dispersal ability, is realized. Easily visible trends in human population dynamics combined with well-established and tested ecological theory give a clear, intuitive, yet quantifiable guide to the severity of survival challenges faced by coral reefs. Management challenges and required actions can be clearly shown and, contrary to frequent claims, no scientific ambiguity exists with regards to the serious threat posed to coral reefs by humankind's continued numerical increase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard M Riegl
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, FL, United States.
| | - Peter W Glynn
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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14
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Soares MDO, Araújo JTD, Ferreira SMC, Santos BA, Boavida JRH, Costantini F, Rossi S. Why do mesophotic coral ecosystems have to be protected? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 726:138456. [PMID: 32481209 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs; ~30-150 m depth) are among the most biologically diverse and least protected ecosystems in the world's oceans. However, discussions regarding the conservation of these unique ecosystems are scarce. To address this issue, we identified the features of MCEs that demonstrate they should be considered as a global conservation priority. Some MCEs are characterized by their well-preserved and unique seascapes; their narrow environmental tolerance and high vulnerability to anthropogenic effects; and their slow recovery and reduced reproductive performance. The unique biodiversity of MCEs includes depth-adapted specialist species and new species, most of which are threatened or important fishery resources. MCEs also provide refuge against human stressors, valuable ecosystem services, and ecological connectivity. MCEs generally meet the criteria to be classified as Ecologically and Biologically Significant Marine Areas under the Convention on Biological Diversity. However, we highlight that many MCEs worldwide are threatened and not yet adequately protected by fishery regulations, marine protected areas, or considered in marine spatial planning. Establishing MCEs as a global conservation priority requires the designation of national, international, transnational, public, and private policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo de Oliveira Soares
- Instituto de Ciências do Mar-LABOMAR, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Av. da Abolição, 3207, Fortaleza, Brazil; Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Carrer de les Columnes, Edifici Z, Cerdanyolla del Vallés, Barcelona, Spain; Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali (DISTEBA), Università del Salento, Lecce, Italy.
| | - Jorge Thé de Araújo
- Instituto de Ciências do Mar-LABOMAR, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Av. da Abolição, 3207, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | - Bráulio Almeida Santos
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Joana Ruela Heimbürger Boavida
- Aix Marseille Université, Univ Toulon, CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO) UM 110, 13288, Marseille, France; Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
| | - Federica Costantini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA) and Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali (CIRSA), University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Rossi
- Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Carrer de les Columnes, Edifici Z, Cerdanyolla del Vallés, Barcelona, Spain; Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali (DISTEBA), Università del Salento, Lecce, Italy; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy
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15
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Giraldo-Ospina A, Kendrick GA, Hovey RK. Depth moderates loss of marine foundation species after an extreme marine heatwave: could deep temperate reefs act as a refuge? Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20200709. [PMID: 32517616 PMCID: PMC7341917 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.0709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine heatwaves (MHWs) have been documented around the world, causing widespread mortality of numerous benthic species on shallow reefs (less than 15 m depth). Deeper habitats are hypothesized to be a potential refuge from environmental extremes, though we have little understanding of the response of deeper benthic communities to MHWs. Here, we show how increasing depth moderates the response of seaweed- and coral-dominated benthic communities to an extreme MHW across a subtropical–temperate biogeographical transition zone. Benthic community composition and key habitat-building species were characterized across three depths (15, 25 and 40 m) before and several times after the 2011 Western Australian MHW to assess resistance during and recovery after the heatwave. We found high natural variability in benthic community composition along the biogeographic transition zone and across depths with a clear shift in the composition after the MHW in shallow (15 m) sites but a lot less in deeper communities (40 m). Most importantly, key habitat-building seaweeds such as Ecklonia radiata and Syctothalia dorycarpa which had catastrophic losses on shallow reefs, remained and were less affected in deeper communities. Evidently, deep reefs have the potential to act as a refuge during MHWs for the foundation species of shallow reefs in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Giraldo-Ospina
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 64 Fairway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Gary A Kendrick
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 64 Fairway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Renae K Hovey
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 64 Fairway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
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16
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Drury C, Pérez Portela R, Serrano XM, Oleksiak M, Baker AC. Fine-scale structure among mesophotic populations of the great star coral Montastraea cavernosa revealed by SNP genotyping. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:6009-6019. [PMID: 32607208 PMCID: PMC7319168 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesophotic reefs (30-150 m) have been proposed as potential refugia that facilitate the recovery of degraded shallow reefs following acute disturbances such as coral bleaching and disease. However, because of the technical difficulty of collecting samples, the connectivity of adjacent mesophotic reefs is relatively unknown compared with shallower counterparts. We used genotyping by sequencing to assess fine-scale genetic structure of Montastraea cavernosa at two sites at Pulley Ridge, a mesophotic coral reef ecosystem in the Gulf of Mexico, and downstream sites along the Florida Reef Tract. We found differentiation between reefs at Pulley Ridge (~68 m) and corals at downstream upper mesophotic depths in the Dry Tortugas (28-36 m) and shallow reefs in the northern Florida Keys (Key Biscayne, ~5 m). The spatial endpoints of our study were distinct, with the Dry Tortugas as a genetic intermediate. Most striking were differences in population structure among northern and southern sites at Pulley Ridge that were separated by just 12km. Unique patterns of clonality and outlier loci allele frequency support these sites as different populations and suggest that the long-distance horizontal connectivity typical of shallow-water corals may not be typical for mesophotic systems in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. We hypothesize that this may be due to the spawning of buoyant gametes, which commits propagules to the surface, resulting in greater dispersal and lower connectivity than typically found between nearby shallow sites. Differences in population structure over small spatial scales suggest that demographic constraints and/or environmental disturbances may be more variable in space and time on mesophotic reefs compared with their shallow-water counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crawford Drury
- Department of Marine Biology and EcologyRosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric ScienceUniversity of MiamiMiamiFlorida
- Present address:
Hawai'i Institute of Marine BiologyUniversity of Hawai'i at MānoaKāne'oheHawai'i
| | - Rocío Pérez Portela
- Department of Marine Biology and EcologyRosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric ScienceUniversity of MiamiMiamiFlorida
- Present address:
University of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Xaymara M. Serrano
- Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological LaboratoryNational Oceanographic and Atmospheric AdministrationMiamiFlordia
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric StudiesUniversity of MiamiMiamiFlorida
| | - Marjorie Oleksiak
- Department of Marine Biology and EcologyRosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric ScienceUniversity of MiamiMiamiFlorida
| | - Andrew C. Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and EcologyRosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric ScienceUniversity of MiamiMiamiFlorida
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17
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Temporal variation in daily temperature minima in coral reefs of Nanwan Bay, Southern Taiwan. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8656. [PMID: 32457318 PMCID: PMC7250922 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65194-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Temporal variation in seawater temperature plays a crucial role in coral reef ecology. Nanwan Bay, Southern Taiwan is home to well-developed coral reefs, which frequently experience cold-water intrusions caused by internal wave-induced upwelling, that manifest in distinct daily temperature minima. These temperature minima and their associated sources were studied by recording in situ bottom temperatures and sea levels observed at depths of 5 and 30 m from May 2007 to September 2008. These data were then compared to the East Asian Seas Nowcast/Forecast System, and it was found that daily temperature minima presented large variations with magnitudes of 2–3 °C over periods from days to months. It was further demonstrated that the cold-water intrusions may have originated from depths of ~100 m and were strongly affected by westward propagating mesoscale eddies from the Pacific basin. An impinging warm anticyclonic eddy in July 2007 may have combined with the El Niño, resulting in temperatures surpassing 29 °C and degree heating days >4.0 °C-days at both depths, which were coincidental with a mass coral bleaching event. This eddy’s impact was additionally evident in high correlations between daily temperature minima and residual sea levels, suggesting that mesoscale eddies alter stratification, substantially influence temperature variation, and play important roles in understanding ecological processes on coral reefs.
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18
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Shlesinger T, Loya Y. Breakdown in spawning synchrony: A silent threat to coral persistence. Science 2019; 365:1002-1007. [PMID: 31488683 DOI: 10.1126/science.aax0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The impacts of human and natural disturbances on coral reefs are typically quantified through visible damage (e.g., reduced coral coverage as a result of bleaching events), but changes in environmental conditions may also cause damage in less visible ways. Despite the current paradigm, which suggests consistent, highly synchronized spawning events, corals that reproduce by broadcast spawning are particularly vulnerable because their reproductive phenology is governed by environmental cues. Here, we quantify coral spawning intensity during four annual reproductive seasons, alongside laboratory analyses at the polyp, colony, and population levels, and we demonstrate that, compared with historical data, several species from the Red Sea have lost their reproductive synchrony. Ultimately, such a synchrony breakdown reduces the probability of successful fertilization, leading to a dearth of new recruits, which may drive aging populations to extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Shlesinger
- School of Zoology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Yossi Loya
- School of Zoology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
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19
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Stefanoudis PV, Rivers M, Smith SR, Schneider CW, Wagner D, Ford H, Rogers AD, Woodall LC. Low connectivity between shallow, mesophotic and rariphotic zone benthos. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2019; 6:190958. [PMID: 31598316 PMCID: PMC6774966 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.190958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide coral reefs face catastrophic damage due to a series of anthropogenic stressors. Investigating how coral reefs ecosystems are connected, in particular across depth, will help us understand if deeper reefs harbour distinct communities. Here, we explore changes in benthic community structure across 15-300 m depths using technical divers and submersibles around Bermuda. We report high levels of floral and faunal differentiation across depth, with distinct assemblages occupying each depth surveyed, except 200-300 m, corresponding to the lower rariphotic zone. Community turnover was highest at the boundary depths of mesophotic coral ecosystems (30-150 m) driven largely by taxonomic turnover and to a lesser degree by ordered species loss (nestedness). Our work highlights the biologically unique nature of benthic communities in the mesophotic and rariphotic zones, and their limited connectivity to shallow reefs, thus emphasizing the need to manage and protect deeper reefs as distinct entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paris V. Stefanoudis
- Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Begbroke Hill, Woodstock Road, Begbroke, Oxfordshire OX5 1PF, UK
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Zoology Research and Administration Building, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
- Author for correspondence: Paris V. Stefanoudis e-mail:
| | - Molly Rivers
- Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Begbroke Hill, Woodstock Road, Begbroke, Oxfordshire OX5 1PF, UK
| | - Struan R. Smith
- Natural History Museum, Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, 40 North Shore Road, Hamilton Parish FL04, Bermuda
| | | | - Daniel Wagner
- NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, 331 Fort, Johnston Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Helen Ford
- Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Begbroke Hill, Woodstock Road, Begbroke, Oxfordshire OX5 1PF, UK
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Alex D. Rogers
- Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Begbroke Hill, Woodstock Road, Begbroke, Oxfordshire OX5 1PF, UK
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Zoology Research and Administration Building, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Lucy C. Woodall
- Nekton Foundation, Begbroke Science Park, Begbroke Hill, Woodstock Road, Begbroke, Oxfordshire OX5 1PF, UK
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Zoology Research and Administration Building, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
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20
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Roberts TE, Bridge TCL, Caley MJ, Madin JS, Baird AH. Resolving the depth zonation paradox in reef-building corals. Ecology 2019; 100:e02761. [PMID: 31125422 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Changes in abundance across a natural environmental gradient provide important insights into a species' realized ecological niche. In reef-building corals, a species' niche is often defined using its depth range. However, most reef-building coral species occur over a broad depth range, a fact that is incompatible with the strong zonation found in coral assemblages across depth. We resolve this paradox by modeling the abundance distributions of 110 coral species across a 45 m depth gradient to show that most are in fact depth specialists and reveal that depth range alone is incapable of capturing a species' depth use. We then highlight the significance of our results by demonstrating how depth range greatly overestimates the potential number of species with a refuge at depth from global warming. Our findings illustrate both the limitations of the simple metric of depth range and the ecological insights that can be gained by moving beyond it.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Edward Roberts
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellent for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.,AIMS@JCU, Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia
| | - Tom C L Bridge
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellent for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.,Biodiversity and Geosciences Program, Museum of Tropical Queensland, Queensland Museum Network, Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia
| | - M Julian Caley
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, 4001, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers (ACEMS), Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Joshua S Madin
- Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii Manoa, Kaneohe, Hawaii, 96744, USA
| | - Andrew H Baird
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellent for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
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21
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Chow GSE, Chan YKS, Jain SS, Huang D. Light limitation selects for depth generalists in urbanised reef coral communities. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 147:101-112. [PMID: 31029435 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Depth range is an important species trait for coral reef organisms, yet it remains to be quantified and analysed adequately among tropical coral species. Filling this knowledge gap is crucial as the depth limits of corals are related to important environmental factors such as light and temperature. Furthermore, the health and survivorship of corals may be threatened due to warming-induced sea-level rise, particularly for colonies living at the deeper limits of species depth ranges. Here we collected benthic and environmental data along the reef profile to characterise the depth ranges of coral species, and analysed species diversity and community structure in relation to possible depth-related biophysical parameters on the sediment-stressed reefs of Singapore. The results reveal clear environmental covariations with depth, expectedly with light availability showing the most marked decline as depth increases. Live coral cover, species richness and diversity are associated positively and significantly with light, which also structures coral communities along the reef profile more strongly than temperature or sediment levels. Relatedly, we detect species-specific depth distributions with two main strategies observed among coral species: shallow specialists and depth generalists. We suggest that corals in Singapore are unlikely to be impacted by light limitation specifically as sea level rises due to the wider depth range of the deeper species. Our data will inform conservation efforts especially in the selection of sites and depths for coral transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwendolyn S E Chow
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117558, Singapore
| | - Y K Samuel Chan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117558, Singapore
| | | | - Danwei Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117558, Singapore; Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 119227, Singapore.
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22
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Ben-Zvi O, Eyal G, Loya Y. Response of fluorescence morphs of the mesophotic coral Euphyllia paradivisa to ultra-violet radiation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5245. [PMID: 30918298 PMCID: PMC6437176 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41710-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Euphyllia paradivisa is a strictly mesophotic coral in the reefs of Eilat that displays a striking color polymorphism, attributed to fluorescent proteins (FPs). FPs, which are used as visual markers in biomedical research, have been suggested to serve as photoprotectors or as facilitators of photosynthesis in corals due to their ability to transform light. Solar radiation that penetrates the sea includes, among others, both vital photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) and ultra-violet radiation (UVR). Both types, at high intensities, are known to have negative effects on corals, ranging from cellular damage to changes in community structure. In the present study, fluorescence morphs of E. paradivisa were used to investigate UVR response in a mesophotic organism and to examine the phenomenon of fluorescence polymorphism. E. paradivisa, although able to survive in high-light environments, displayed several physiological and behavioral responses that indicated severe light and UVR stress. We suggest that high PAR and UVR are potential drivers behind the absence of this coral from shallow reefs. Moreover, we found no significant differences between the different fluorescence morphs' responses and no evidence of either photoprotection or photosynthesis enhancement. We therefore suggest that FPs in mesophotic corals might have a different biological role than that previously hypothesized for shallow corals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Or Ben-Zvi
- School of Zoology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel. .,The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat, Eilat, Israel.
| | - Gal Eyal
- School of Zoology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat, Eilat, Israel.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Yossi Loya
- School of Zoology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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23
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Upper mesophotic depths in the coral reefs of Eilat, Red Sea, offer suitable refuge grounds for coral settlement. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2263. [PMID: 30783139 PMCID: PMC6381148 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38795-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to increasing frequency of disturbances to shallow reefs, it has been suggested that Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems (MCEs, 30–150 m depth) may serve as a refuge for corals and a source of larvae that can facilitate the recovery of shallow degraded reefs. As such, they have received increased attention in the past decade, yet remained understudied regarding recruitment dynamics. Here we describe coral recruitment dynamics on settlement tiles and their adjacent natural habitats (10 m vs. 50 m depths) in Eilat, over a period of 5.5 years. The tiles were deployed along three sites onto 18 racks (3 at each depth and at each site). Recruitment patterns varied both temporally and spatially, ending up to two-fold higher juvenile density and higher recruitment rates at mesophotic sites. Settlement surface preference changed with depth, favoring exposed surfaces in mesophotic waters and cryptic surfaces in shallow waters. Juvenile assemblages differed between depths and were distinct from adjacent natural habitats. Over half of the recruited genera overlapped between depths. We suggest that Eilat MCEs serve as a larval sink, providing settlement grounds for shallow-reef propagules. In view of their significance, we call for the protection of these unique and distinct deep-reef habitats.
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24
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Kahng SE, Akkaynak D, Shlesinger T, Hochberg EJ, Wiedenmann J, Tamir R, Tchernov D. Light, Temperature, Photosynthesis, Heterotrophy, and the Lower Depth Limits of Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems. CORAL REEFS OF THE WORLD 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-92735-0_42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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25
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Sexual Reproduction of Scleractinian Corals in Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems vs. Shallow Reefs. CORAL REEFS OF THE WORLD 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-92735-0_35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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26
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Beyond the “Deep Reef Refuge” Hypothesis: A Conceptual Framework to Characterize Persistence at Depth. CORAL REEFS OF THE WORLD 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-92735-0_45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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27
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Muir PR, Wallace CC, Pichon M, Bongaerts P. High species richness and lineage diversity of reef corals in the mesophotic zone. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:20181987. [PMID: 30963905 PMCID: PMC6304044 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.1987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs are increasingly threatened by thermal bleaching and tropical storm events associated with rising sea surface temperatures. Deeper habitats offer some protection from these impacts and may safeguard reef-coral biodiversity, but their faunas are largely undescribed for the Indo-Pacific. Here, we show high species richness of scleractinian corals in mesophotic habitats (30-125 m) for the northern Great Barrier Reef region that greatly exceeds previous records for mesophotic habitats globally. Overall, 45% of shallow-reef species (less than or equal to 30 m), 78% of genera, and all families extended below 30 m depth, with 13% of species, 41% of genera, and 78% of families extending below 45 m. Maximum depth of occurrence showed a weak relationship to phylogeny, but a strong correlation with maximum latitudinal extent. Species recorded in the mesophotic had a significantly greater than expected probability of also occurring in shaded microhabitats and at higher latitudes, consistent with light as a common limiting factor. The findings suggest an important role for deeper habitats, particularly depths 30-45 m, in preserving evolutionary lineages of Indo-Pacific corals. Deeper reef areas are clearly more diverse than previously acknowledged and therefore deserve full consideration in our efforts to protect the world's coral reef biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R. Muir
- Queensland Museum, Biodiversity and Geosciences, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia
| | - Carden C. Wallace
- Queensland Museum, Biodiversity and Geosciences, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia
| | - Michel Pichon
- Queensland Museum, Biodiversity and Geosciences, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia
| | - Pim Bongaerts
- Global Change Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
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28
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Soares MDO, Tavares TCL, Carneiro PBDM. Mesophotic ecosystems: Distribution, impacts and conservation in the South Atlantic. DIVERS DISTRIB 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo de Oliveira Soares
- Instituto de Ciências do Mar (Labomar)Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC) Fortaleza Brazil
- Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA)Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) Barcelona Spain
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29
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Shlesinger T, Loya Y. Mass medusae release and temporal reproductive segregation among the three Red Sea fire coral species. Ecology 2018; 100:e02581. [PMID: 30516279 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tom Shlesinger
- School of Zoology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Yossi Loya
- School of Zoology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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30
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Lesser MP, Slattery M, Mobley CD. Biodiversity and Functional Ecology of Mesophotic Coral Reefs. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ECOLOGY EVOLUTION AND SYSTEMATICS 2018. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-110617-062423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Mesophotic coral reefs, currently defined as deep reefs between 30 and 150 m, are linked physically and biologically to their shallow water counterparts, have the potential to be refuges for shallow coral reef taxa such as coral and sponges, and might be a source of larvae that could contribute to the resiliency of shallow water reefs. Mesophotic coral reefs are found worldwide, but most are undescribed and understudied. Here, we review our current knowledge of mesophotic coral reefs and their functional ecology as it relates to their geomorphology, changes in the abiotic environment along depth gradients, trophic ecology, their reproduction, and their connectivity to shallow depths. Understanding the ecology of mesophotic coral reefs, and the connectivity between them and their shallow water counterparts, is now a primary focus for many reef studies as the worldwide degradation of shallow coral reefs, and the ecosystem services they provide, continues unabated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P. Lesser
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, and School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, USA
| | - Marc Slattery
- Department of BioMolecular Science, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi 38677, USA
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