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Hoegh-Guldberg O, Skirving W, Dove SG, Spady BL, Norrie A, Geiger EF, Liu G, De La Cour JL, Manzello DP. Coral reefs in peril in a record-breaking year. Science 2023; 382:1238-1240. [PMID: 38060674 DOI: 10.1126/science.adk4532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Climate change and its impacts on coral reefs have reached unchartered territory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ove Hoegh-Guldberg
- School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - William Skirving
- ReefSense, Townsville, QLD, Australia
- Coral Reef Watch, Satellite Oceanography and Climatology Division, Center for Satellite Applications and Research, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), College Park, MD, USA
| | - Sophie G Dove
- School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Blake L Spady
- ReefSense, Townsville, QLD, Australia
- Coral Reef Watch, Satellite Oceanography and Climatology Division, Center for Satellite Applications and Research, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), College Park, MD, USA
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrew Norrie
- ReefSense, Townsville, QLD, Australia
- Coral Reef Watch, Satellite Oceanography and Climatology Division, Center for Satellite Applications and Research, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), College Park, MD, USA
| | - Erick F Geiger
- Coral Reef Watch, Satellite Oceanography and Climatology Division, Center for Satellite Applications and Research, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), College Park, MD, USA
- Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Cooperative Institute for Satellite Earth System Studies, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Gang Liu
- Coral Reef Watch, Satellite Oceanography and Climatology Division, Center for Satellite Applications and Research, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), College Park, MD, USA
| | - Jacqueline L De La Cour
- Coral Reef Watch, Satellite Oceanography and Climatology Division, Center for Satellite Applications and Research, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), College Park, MD, USA
- Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC), University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Cooperative Institute for Satellite Earth System Studies, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Derek P Manzello
- Coral Reef Watch, Satellite Oceanography and Climatology Division, Center for Satellite Applications and Research, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), College Park, MD, USA
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Keith I, Bensted-Smith W, Banks S, Suarez J, Riegl B. Caulerpa chemnitzia in Darwin threatening Galapagos coral reefs. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272581. [PMID: 36044430 PMCID: PMC9432695 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs are rare in the Galapagos and there is concern that, like in many areas around the world, they may be degrading due to increasing anthropogenic pressure, which can cause changes and reorganizations of structure and function with associated phase shifts. Algae of the genus Caulerpa J.V. Lamouroux, 1809 are known as widespread and persistent marine invaders. They grow rapidly, particularly in disturbed areas where they can opportunistically monopolize substratum and compete with native species, thus reducing biodiversity. Caulerpa chemnitzia increased in abundance and overgrew corals on the reef since 2012, ultimately raising fears that a phase-shift from coral to algae might be imminent. However, from 2019 onwards algae populations strongly contracted and while not having returned to baseline level, there is currently low risk of corals being displaced. Visual censuses were conducted on a yearly basis since 2004 using sample quadrats (0.5 x 0.5m) every 5 m along a 50-m-long transects at a depth of 6–15 m at 5 permanent subtidal ecological monitoring sites around Darwin. In addition, 10 m photo-transects were taken using a graduated meter-long measuring stick in the centre of the frame in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2021 at a depth of 15m at Wellington reef. The authors hypothesize that this species could have expanded its distribution over Wellington Reef because of its known morphological plasticity due to a response to change in the environment, in this case high temperature and low nutrients. As ENSO events are predicted to increase in intensity and frequency due to the impact of climate change it is important to develop and implement a functional alert system. Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) protocols are recommended to avoid climate driven Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) entering the GMR or for native species becoming invasive due to warming-related phase shifts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inti Keith
- Charles Darwin Research Station, Charles Darwin Foundation, Santa Cruz, Galapagos, Ecuador
- * E-mail:
| | - William Bensted-Smith
- Charles Darwin Research Station, Charles Darwin Foundation, Santa Cruz, Galapagos, Ecuador
| | - Stuart Banks
- Charles Darwin Research Station, Charles Darwin Foundation, Santa Cruz, Galapagos, Ecuador
| | - Jenifer Suarez
- Galapagos National Park Directorate, Puerto Ayora, Galápagos, Ecuador
| | - Bernhard Riegl
- National Coral Reef Institute, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, Florida, United States of America
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Tortolero-Langarica JJA, Rodríguez-Troncoso AP, Cupul-Magaña AL, Morales-de-Anda DE, Caselle JE, Carricart-Ganivet JP. Coral calcification and carbonate production in the eastern tropical Pacific: The role of branching and massive corals in the reef maintenance. GEOBIOLOGY 2022; 20:533-545. [PMID: 35359024 DOI: 10.1111/gbi.12491] [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: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Hermatypic corals have the potential to construct calcium carbonate (CaCO3 ) reef-framework, maintain habitats tridimensionality and contribute to both the biogeochemical and the geo-ecological functionality of coral reefs. However, in the past decades, coral reef growth capacity has been affected by multiple and cumulative anthropogenic stressors, threating the reef functionality and their ecosystem goods and services provision to humankind. This study evaluated temporal changes in geobiological growth characteristics as a function of live coral cover, calcification rate (extension rate and skeletal density) and coral carbonate production at Islas Marias archipelago from the eastern tropical Pacific, using historical data obtained in 2007 (López-Pérez et al., 2015, Marine Ecology, 37, 679) and data obtained through field and laboratory research between 2015 and 2018. Overall, live coral cover decreased (82%), where Pocillopora spp. corals reduced from 26% in 2007 to 4% in 2018, in contrast, Pavona spp. declined from 4.1% to 3.7% over the same period. Coral carbonate production ranged between 1.78 and 10.65 kg CaCO3 m-2 yr-1 , with a significant difference (threefold) between reef zones (shallow vs deep), highlighting the higher carbonate production at deep-reef sites. Coral cover, carbonate production and sclerocronological characteristics showed a decrease rate (between 30 and 60%) associated with thermal anomaly events such as La Niña (2010-2011) and El Niño (2014-2016), with positive sights of recovery (twofold) during the following years 2017-2018. This study provides evidence that massive Pavona and branching Pocillopora corals are key reef-building species at Islas Marias archipelago, due to their capability of sustaining live coral coverage and carbonate through thermal disturbance periods. Revealing, that corals at mid-water depths (>10 m) may significantly contribute to the long-term stability of biogenic reef-framework, and geo-ecological functionality of the eastern tropical Pacific reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Adolfo Tortolero-Langarica
- Laboratorio de Esclerocronología de Corales Arrecifales, Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, México
- Tecnológico Nacional de México / IT Bahía de Banderas, Nayarit, México
| | - Alma P Rodríguez-Troncoso
- Laboratorio de Ecología Marina, Centro de Investigaciones Costeras, Centro Universitario de la Costa, Universidad de Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | - Amílcar L Cupul-Magaña
- Laboratorio de Ecología Marina, Centro de Investigaciones Costeras, Centro Universitario de la Costa, Universidad de Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | - Diana E Morales-de-Anda
- Laboratorio de Ecología Marina, Centro de Investigaciones Costeras, Centro Universitario de la Costa, Universidad de Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | - Jennifer E Caselle
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - Juan P Carricart-Ganivet
- Laboratorio de Esclerocronología de Corales Arrecifales, Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, México
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Marangoni LFDB, Rottier C, Ferrier-Pagès C. Symbiont regulation in Stylophora pistillata during cold stress: an acclimation mechanism against oxidative stress and severe bleaching. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:jeb.235275. [PMID: 33431596 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.235275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Widespread coral bleaching and mortality, leading to coral reef decline, have been mainly associated with climate-change-driven increases in sea surface temperature. However, bleaching and mortality events have also been related to decreases in sea surface temperature, with cold stress events (e.g. La Niña events) being expected to increase in frequency or intensity as a result of a changing climate. Cold stress creates physiological symptoms in symbiotic reef-building corals similar to those observed when they are heat stressed, and the biochemical mechanisms underpinning cold stress in corals have been suggested to be related to an oxidative stress condition. However, up to now, this hypothesis had not been tested. This study assessed how short and long cold excursions in seawater temperature affect the physiology and biochemical processes related to oxidative stress in the reef-building coral Stylophora pistillata We provide, for the first time, direct evidence that the mechanisms underpinning cold stress and bleaching are related to the production of reactive oxygen species, and that rapid expulsion of a significant proportion of the symbiont population by the host during cooling conditions is an acclimation mechanism to avoid oxidative stress and, ultimately, severe bleaching. Furthermore, this study is one of the first to show that upwelling conditions (short-term cold stress+nutrient enrichment) can provoke a more severe oxidative stress condition in corals than cold stress alone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cecile Rottier
- Marine Department, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco MC-98000, Principality of Monaco
| | - Christine Ferrier-Pagès
- Marine Department, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco MC-98000, Principality of Monaco
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Heckwolf MJ, Peterson A, Jänes H, Horne P, Künne J, Liversage K, Sajeva M, Reusch TBH, Kotta J. From ecosystems to socio-economic benefits: A systematic review of coastal ecosystem services in the Baltic Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 755:142565. [PMID: 33059139 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Seagrass meadows, algal forests and mussel beds are widely regarded as foundation species that support communities providing valuable ecosystem services in many coastal regions; however, quantitative evidence of the relationship is scarce. Using the Baltic Sea as a case study, a region of significant socio-economic importance in the northern hemisphere, we systematically synthesized the primary literature and summarized the current knowledge on ecosystem services derived from seagrass, macroalgae, and mussels (see animated video summary of the manuscript: Video abstract). We found 1740 individual ecosystem service records (ESR), 61% of which were related to macroalgae, 26% to mussel beds and 13% to seagrass meadows. The most frequently reported ecosystem services were raw material (533 ESR), habitat provision (262 ESR) and regulation of pollutants (215 ESR). Toxins (356 ESR) and nutrients (302 ESR) were the most well-documented pressures to services provided by coastal ecosystems. Next, we assessed the current state of knowledge as well as knowledge transfer of ecosystem services to policies through natural, social, human and economic dimensions, using a systematic scoring tool, the Eco-GAME matrix. We found good quantitative information about how ecosystems generated the service but almost no knowledge of how they translate into socio-economic benefits (8 out of 657 papers, 1.2%). While we are aware that research on Baltic Sea socio-economic benefits does exist, the link with ecosystems providing the service is mostly missing. To close this knowledge gap, we need a better analytical framework that is capable of directly linking existing quantitative information about ecosystem service generation with human benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie J Heckwolf
- Marine Evolutionary Ecology, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Germany.
| | | | - Holger Jänes
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Jana Künne
- Marine Evolutionary Ecology, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Germany
| | | | | | - Thorsten B H Reusch
- Marine Evolutionary Ecology, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Germany
| | - Jonne Kotta
- Estonian Marine Institute, University of Tartu, Estonia
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Feingold JS, Brulé B. Population fluctuations of the fungiid coral Cycloseris curvata, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2020; 87:141-166. [PMID: 33293009 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Fungiid corals (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Scleractinia) occur at isolated locations scattered throughout the eastern tropical Pacific. They can be reef-associated but are often found on sand and rubble substrata distant from reef coral habitat. Cycloseris curvata is known in this region from the southern Gulf of California, through Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panamá, and with the southern-most populations occurring in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. During Archipelago-wide surveys (1988-2019), living individuals of Cycloseris curvata were observed at only two locations, Devil's Crown (near Floreana Island) and Xarifa Island (near Española Island). The Devil's Crown population was observed from 1988 to 2017, whereas living individuals in the Xarifa population were observed from 2005 to 2009. In 2012 a death assemblage (dead skeletons) was discovered at Darwin Island, at the northern-most extent of the Archipelago. At Devil's Crown, visual surveys were performed annually or biennially from 1990 to 2012, with two more surveys in 2017 and 2019. The living Cycloseris curvata population consisted of 15 individuals in 1990 that gradually increased to 78 individuals by 1995. Over 200 individuals were observed in 1996, and high numbers persisted through 1998 with 335 individuals. Live tissue surface area per polyp ranged from 0.5 to 95.0cm2. The population decreased to 112 individuals in 1999 (following warming associated with the 1997-98 El Niño), with further declines to 20 in 2009 (following cooling associated with the 2007 La Niña) and a rebound to 91 in 2012. After a 5y break in data collection, only one individual (28.3cm2) was observed in 2017, and in 2019 none were observed. Although undetected living Cycloseris curvata populations may exist, and renewed recruitment provides some hope for population reestablishment, it is possible that this fungiid coral species is now extirpated from the Galápagos Archipelago.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S Feingold
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, FL, United States.
| | - Brandon Brulé
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, FL, United States
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Steiner SCC, Martínez P, Rivera F, Johnston M, Riegl BM. Octocoral populations and connectivity in continental Ecuador and Galápagos, Eastern Pacific. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2020; 87:411-441. [PMID: 33293018 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Octocorals are important zoobenthic organisms, contributing to structural heterogeneity and species diversity on hardgrounds. Their persistence amidst global coral reef degradation and ocean acidification, has prompted renewed interest in this taxon. Octocoral assemblages at 52 sites in continental Ecuador and Galápagos (23 species, 3742 colonies) were examined for composition, size distributions within and among populations, and connectivity patterns based on ocean current models. Species richness varied from 1 to 14 species per site, with the richest sites on the continent. Three assemblage clusters were recognised based on species richness and population size, one with a mix of sites from the mainland and Galápagos (defined by Muricea fruticosa and Leptogorgia alba, Muricea plantaginea and Pacifigorgia darwinii), the second from Santa Elena in southern Ecuador (defined by M. plantaginea and L. alba) and the third from the northernmost sites on the continent, in Esmeraldas (defined by Muricea fruticosa, Heterogorgia hickmani, Leptogorgia manabiensis). Based on biophysical larval flow models with 30, 60, 90-day Pelagic Larval Duration, good connectivity existed along the South American mainland, and from the continent to Galápagos. Connectivity between Galápagos, Cocos, Malpelo and the Colombian mainland may explain the wide distribution of L. alba. Muricea plantaginea had the densest populations with the largest colonies and therewith was an important habitat provider both in continental Ecuador and Galápagos. Continental Ecuador harbours the most speciose populations of octocorals so far recorded in the southern Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP). Most species were uncommon and possibly vulnerable to local extirpation. The present study may serve as a base line to determine local and regional impacts of future disturbances on ETP octocorals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha C C Steiner
- Cooperación Alemana al Desarrollo (GIZ), Quito, Ecuador; Institute for Tropical Marine Ecology (ITME) Inc., Roseau, Dominica.
| | | | - Fernando Rivera
- Instituto Nazca de Investigaciones Marinas, Salinas, Ecuador
| | - Matthew Johnston
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, FL, United States
| | - Bernhard M Riegl
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, FL, United States
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Tortolero-Langarica JJA, Rodríguez-Troncoso AP, Cupul-Magaña AL, Rinkevich B. Micro-Fragmentation as an Effective and Applied Tool to Restore Remote Reefs in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17186574. [PMID: 32916999 PMCID: PMC7558289 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Coral reef ecosystems are continuously degraded by anthropogenic and climate change drivers, causing a widespread decline in reef biodiversity and associated goods and services. In response, active restoration methodologies and practices have been developed globally to compensate for losses due to reef degradation. Yet, most activities employ the gardening concept that uses coral nurseries, and are centered in easily-accessible reefs, with existing infrastructure, and impractical for coral reefs in remote locations. Here we evaluate the effectiveness of direct outplanting of coral micro-fragments (Pavona clavus and Pocillopora spp.) as a novel approach to restore remote reefs in the Islas Marías archipelago in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Coral growth (height-width-tissue cover), survival percentage, extension rates (cm year−1), skeletal density (g cm−3) and calcification rates (g cm−2 year−1) were assessed over 13 months of restoration. In spite of detrimental effects of Hurricane Willa, transplants showed a greater-than-twofold increase in all growth metrics, with ~58–61% survival rate and fast self-attachment (within ~3.9 months) for studied species, with Pocilloporids exhibiting higher extension, skeletal density, and calcification rates than Pavona. While comprehensive long-term studies are required, direct transplantation methodologies of coral micro-fragments are emerging as time-effective and affordable restoration tools to mitigate anthropogenic and climate change impacts in remote and marginal reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. J. Adolfo Tortolero-Langarica
- Tecnológico Nacional de México/IT Bahía de Banderas, Crucero a Punta de Mita S/N, Bahía de Banderas, C.P., Nayarit 63734, Mexico
- Correspondence: (J.J.A.T.-L.); (B.R.)
| | - Alma P. Rodríguez-Troncoso
- Laboratorio de Ecología Marina, Centro de Investigaciones Costeras, Centro Universitario de la Costa, Universidad de Guadalajara. Av. Universidad No. 203, Puerto Vallarta, C.P., Jalisco 48280, Mexico; (A.P.R.-T.); (A.L.C.-M.)
| | - Amílcar L. Cupul-Magaña
- Laboratorio de Ecología Marina, Centro de Investigaciones Costeras, Centro Universitario de la Costa, Universidad de Guadalajara. Av. Universidad No. 203, Puerto Vallarta, C.P., Jalisco 48280, Mexico; (A.P.R.-T.); (A.L.C.-M.)
| | - Baruch Rinkevich
- Israel Oceanography and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Tel Shikmona, P.O. Box 8030, Haifa 31080, Israel
- Correspondence: (J.J.A.T.-L.); (B.R.)
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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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10
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Bioenergy on Islands: An Environmental Comparison of Continental Palm Oil vs. Local Waste Cooking Oil for Electricity Generation. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10113806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Energy security on islands is a challenging issue due to their isolation from energy markets and fossil fuel dependence. In addition, islands’ average energy intensity has increased in recent years due to economic development. This research explores the environmental performance of two alternative non-variable bioelectricity feedstocks to increase energy resilience on islands. The study was developed for the Galápagos islands to address the environmental impacts from the direct use of waste cooking oil (WCO) and refined palm oil (RPO) to produce 1 MWh using the life cycle assessment methodological framework. A combination of primary and secondary data sources was used. The results show better performance for the electricity derived from WCO in all the impact categories considered when compared to RPO.
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11
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Some environmental and biological determinants of coral richness, resilience and reef building in Galápagos (Ecuador). Sci Rep 2019; 9:10322. [PMID: 31311961 PMCID: PMC6635370 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46607-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Throughout the Galápagos, differences in coral reef development and coral population dynamics were evaluated by monitoring populations from 2000–2019, and environmental parameters (sea temperatures, pH, NO3−, PO43−) from 2015–19. The chief goal was to explain apparent coral community differences between the northern (Darwin and Wolf) and southern (Sta. Cruz, Fernandina, San Cristóbal, Española, Isabela) islands. Site coral species richness was highest at Darwin and Wolf. In the three most common coral taxa, a declining North (N)-South (S) trend in colony sizes existed for Porites lobata and Pocillopora spp., but not for Pavona spp. Frequent coral recruitment was observed in all areas. Algal competition was highest at Darwin, but competition by bioeroding sea urchins and burrowing fauna (polychaete worms, bivalve mollusks) increased from N to S with declining coral skeletal density. A biophysical model suggested strong connectivity among southern islands with weaker connectivity to Wolf and even less to Darwin. Also, strong connectivity was observed between Darwin and Wolf, but from there only intermittently to the south. From prevailing ocean current trajectories, coral larvae from Darwin and Wolf drift primarily towards Malpelo and Cocos Islands, some reaching Costa Rica and Colombia. Mean temperature, pH, and PO43− declined from N to S. Strong thermocline shoaling, especially in the warm season, was observed at most sites. A single environmental factor could not explain the variability in observed coral community characteristics, with minimum temperature, pH and nutrient levels the strongest determinants. Thus, complex environmental determinants combined with larval connectivity patterns may explain why the northern Galápagos Islands (Darwin, Wolf) have higher coral richness and cover and also recover more rapidly than central/southern islands after region-wide disturbances. These northern islands are therefore potentially of critical conservation importance as important reservoirs of regional coral biodiversity and source of larvae.
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12
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Evaluation of Sample Preparation Methods for the Analysis of Reef-Building Corals Using ¹H-NMR-Based Metabolomics. Metabolites 2019; 9:metabo9020032. [PMID: 30781808 PMCID: PMC6410050 DOI: 10.3390/metabo9020032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of metabolomics generally lacks standardized methods for the preparation of samples prior to analysis. This is especially true for metabolomics of reef-building corals, where the handful of studies that were published employ a range of sample preparation protocols. The utilization of metabolomics may prove essential in understanding coral biology in the face of increasing environmental threats, and an optimized method for preparing coral samples for metabolomics analysis would aid this cause. The current study evaluates three important steps during sample processing of stony corals: (i) metabolite extraction, (ii) metabolism preservation, and (iii) subsampling. Results indicate that a modified Bligh and Dyer extraction is more reproducible across multiple coral species compared to methyl tert-butyl ether and methanol extractions, while a methanol extraction is superior for feature detection. Additionally, few differences were detected between spectra from frozen or lyophilized coral samples. Finally, extraction of entire coral nubbins increased feature detection, but decreased throughput and was more susceptible to subsampling error compared to a novel tissue powder subsampling method. Overall, we recommend the use of a modified Bligh and Dyer extraction, lyophilized samples, and the analysis of brushed tissue powder for the preparation of reef-building coral samples for 1H NMR metabolomics.
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