1
|
Yu XL, Liu CY, Jiang L, Huang LT, Luo Y, Zhang P, Zhang YY, Liu S, Huang H. Local adaptation of trophic strategy determined the tolerance of coral Galaxea fascicularis to environmental fluctuations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 943:173694. [PMID: 38852868 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173694] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The escalation of global change has resulted in heightened frequencies and intensities of environmental fluctuations within coral reef ecosystems. Corals originating from marginal reefs have potentially enhanced their adaptive capabilities in response to these environmental variations through processes of local adaptation. However, the intricate mechanisms driving this phenomenon remain a subject of limited investigation. This study aimed to investigate how corals in Luhuitou reef, a representative relatively high-latitude reef in China, adapt to seasonal fluctuations in seawater temperature and light availability. We conducted a 190-day plantation experiment with the widespread species, Galaxea fascicularis, in Luhuitou local, and from Meiji reef, a typical offshore tropical reef, to Luhuitou as comparison. Drawing upon insights from physiological adaptations, we focused on fatty acid (FA) profiles to unravel the trophic strategies of G. fascicularis to cope with environmental fluctuations from two origins. Our main findings are threefold: 1) Native corals exhibited a stronger physiological resilience compared to those transplanted from Meiji. 2) Corals from both origins consumed large quantities of energy reserves in winter, during which FA profiles of local corals altered, while the change of FA profiles of corals from Meiji was probably due to the excessive consumption of saturated fatty acid (SFA). 3) The better resilience of native corals is related to high levels of functional polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), while insufficient nutrient reserves, possibly due to weak heterotrophic ability, result in the obstruction of the synthesis pathway of PUFA for corals from Meiji, leading to their intolerance to environmental changes. Consequently, we suggest that the tolerance of G. fascicularis to environmental fluctuations is determined by their local adapted trophic strategies. Furthermore, our findings underscore the notion that the rapid adaptation of relatively high-latitude corals to seasonal environmental fluctuations might not be readily attainable for their tropical counterparts within a brief timeframe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Lei Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya 572000, China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Cheng-Yue Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya 572000, China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya 572000, China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Lin-Tao Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya 572000, China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yong Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya 572000, China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Pan Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya 572000, China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yu-Yang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya 572000, China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Sheng Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya 572000, China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Hui Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya 572000, China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Schaefer N, Dafforn KA, Johnston EL, Clark GF, Mayer-Pinto M. Investigating the interactive effects of habitat type and light intensity on rocky shores. Oecologia 2024; 205:627-642. [PMID: 39046508 PMCID: PMC11358318 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-024-05591-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Light availability and habitat complexity are two key drivers of community assembly. Urbanisation has been shown to affect both, with important consequences to ecological communities. On the intertidal, for instance, studies have shown that light intensity is greater on natural rocky shores than on less complex artificial habitats (seawalls), though different habitats can also experience similar light intensities, for example when shaded by urban structures. Understanding therefore how these factors individually, and combined, affect communities is important to understand the mechanisms driving changes in community structure, and consequently provide solutions to tackle the increasing homogenisation of habitats and lightscapes in urbanised spaces through smart infrastructure designs. Here, we assessed how different light levels affect the recruitment of communities in rock pools and on emergent rock on an intertidal rocky shore. We cleared 30 patches of emergent rock and 30 rock pools and manipulated light using shades with different light transmissions (full light, procedural control, 75%, 35%, and 15% light transmission, full shade) and assessed mobile and sessile communities monthly for 6 months. Effects of reducing light levels were generally stronger on rock than in pools. Fully shaded plots supported double the amount of mobile organisms than plots in full sunlight, in both habitats. Algal cover was higher in pools compared to rock, and at intermediate light levels, but effects varied with site. This study highlights the importance of variable light conditions and different habitats for rocky shore communities, which should be considered in future coastal developments to retain natural biodiversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Schaefer
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Katherine A Dafforn
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Emma L Johnston
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Graeme F Clark
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Mariana Mayer-Pinto
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Denis V, Ferrier-Pagès C, Schubert N, Coppari M, Baker DM, Camp EF, Gori A, Grottoli AG, Houlbrèque F, Maier SR, Mancinelli G, Martinez S, Yalçın Özdilek Ş, Radice VZ, Ribes M, Richter C, Viladrich N, Rossi S. Heterotrophy in marine animal forests in an era of climate change. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:965-978. [PMID: 38284299 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Marine animal forests (MAFs) are benthic ecosystems characterised by biogenic three-dimensional structures formed by suspension feeders such as corals, gorgonians, sponges and bivalves. They comprise highly diversified communities among the most productive in the world's oceans. However, MAFs are in decline due to global and local stressors that threaten the survival and growth of their foundational species and associated biodiversity. Innovative and scalable interventions are needed to address the degradation of MAFs and increase their resilience under global change. Surprisingly, few studies have considered trophic interactions and heterotrophic feeding of MAF suspension feeders as an integral component of MAF conservation. Yet, trophic interactions are important for nutrient cycling, energy flow within the food web, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and MAF stability. This comprehensive review describes trophic interactions at all levels of ecological organisation in tropical, temperate, and cold-water MAFs. It examines the strengths and weaknesses of available tools for estimating the heterotrophic capacities of the foundational species in MAFs. It then discusses the threats that climate change poses to heterotrophic processes. Finally, it presents strategies for improving trophic interactions and heterotrophy, which can help to maintain the health and resilience of MAFs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vianney Denis
- Institute of Oceanography, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Section 4, Roosevelt Road, Da'an District, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | | | - Nadine Schubert
- CCMAR-Center of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus Gambelas, Bld. 7, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal
| | - Martina Coppari
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Brecce Bianche snc, Ancona, 60131, Italy
| | - David M Baker
- School of Biological Sciences & Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Emma F Camp
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Andrea Gori
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Andréa G Grottoli
- School of Earth Sciences, The Ohio State University, 125 South Oval Mall, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Fanny Houlbrèque
- Entropie UMR 9220, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Nouméa, 98848, New Caledonia
| | - Sandra R Maier
- Greenland Climate Research Centre, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Kivioq 2 PO Box 570, Nuuk, 3900, Greenland
| | - Giorgio Mancinelli
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Via Monteroni s/n, Lecce, 73100, Italy
| | - Stephane Martinez
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, 215 South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI, 02882, USA
| | - Şükran Yalçın Özdilek
- Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, 17100, Turkey
| | - Veronica Z Radice
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA
| | - Marta Ribes
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, Barcelona, 08003, Spain
| | - Claudio Richter
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Am Alten Hafen 26, Bremerhaven, 27568, Germany
- Department of Biology/Chemistry, University of Bremen, Leobener Str., NW 2, Bremen, 28359, Germany
| | - Nuria Viladrich
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Sergio Rossi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Via Monteroni s/n, Lecce, 73100, Italy
- Universidade Federal do Ceara, Instituto de Ciencias do Mar (Labomar), Av. da Abolicao 3207, Fortaleza, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Qin B, Yu K, Fu Y, Zhou Y, Wu Y, Zhang W, Chen X. Responses in reef-building corals to wildfire emissions: Heterotrophic plasticity and calcification. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171271. [PMID: 38428592 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171271] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Extreme wildfire events are on the rise globally, and although substantial wildfire emissions may find their way into the ocean, their impact on coral reefs remains uncertain. In a five-week laboratory experiment, we observed a significant reduction in photosynthesis in coral symbionts (Porites lutea) when exposed to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from wildfires. At low PM2.5 level (2 mg L-1), the changes in δ13C and δ15N values in the host and symbiotic algae suggest reduced autotrophy and the utilization of wildfire particulates as a source of heterotrophic nutrients. This adaptive strategy, characterized by an increase in heterotrophy, sustained some aspects of coral growth (total biomass, proteins and lipids) under wildfire stress. Nevertheless, at high PM2.5 level (5 mg L-1), both autotrophy and heterotrophy significantly decreased, resulting in an imbalanced coral-algal nutritional relationship. These changes were related to light attenuation in seawater and particulate accumulation on the coral surface during PM2.5 deposition, ultimately rendering the coral growth unsustainable. Further, the calcification rates decreased by 1.5 to 1.85 times under both low and high levels of PM2.5, primarily affected by photosynthetic autotrophy rather than heterotrophy. Our study highlights a constrained heterotrophic plasticity of corals under wildfire stress. This limitation may restrict wildfire emissions as an alternative nutrient source to support coral growth and calcification, especially when oceanic food availability or autotrophy declines, as seen during bleaching induced by the warming ocean.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Qin
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Kefu Yu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China.
| | - Yichen Fu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yanliu Wu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Wenqian Zhang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Crehan O, Davy SK, Grover R, Ferrier-Pagès C. Nutrient depletion and heat stress impair the assimilation of nitrogen compounds in a scleractinian coral. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb246466. [PMID: 38563292 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Concentrations of dissolved nitrogen in seawater can affect the resilience of the cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis to climate change-induced bleaching. However, it is not yet known how the assimilation and translocation of the various nitrogen forms change during heat stress, nor how the symbiosis responds to nutrient depletion, which may occur due to increasing water stratification. Here, the tropical scleractinian coral Stylophora pistillata, in symbiosis with dinoflagellates of the genus Symbiodinium, was grown at different temperatures (26°C, 30°C and 34°C), before being placed in nutrient-replete or -depleted seawater for 24 h. The corals were then incubated with 13C-labelled sodium bicarbonate and different 15N-labelled nitrogen forms (ammonium, urea and dissolved free amino acids) to determine their assimilation rates. We found that nutrient depletion inhibited the assimilation of all nitrogen sources studied and that heat stress reduced the assimilation of ammonium and dissolved free amino acids. However, the host assimilated over 3-fold more urea at 30°C relative to 26°C. Overall, both moderate heat stress (30°C) and nutrient depletion individually decreased the total nitrogen assimilated by the symbiont by 66%, and combined, they decreased assimilation by 79%. This led to the symbiotic algae becoming nitrogen starved, with the C:N ratio increasing by over 3-fold at 34°C, potentially exacerbating the impacts of coral bleaching.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Crehan
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
| | - Simon K Davy
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
| | - Renaud Grover
- Marine Department, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, MC 98000 Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gregorin C, Di Vito M, Roveta C, Pulido Mantas T, Gridelli S, Domenichelli F, Cilenti L, Vega Fernández T, Puce S, Musco L. Reduction of small-prey capture rate and collective predation in the bleached sea anemone Exaiptasiadiaphana. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 196:106435. [PMID: 38467089 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106435] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Cnidarians may dominate benthic communities, as in the case of coral reefs that foster biodiversity and provide important ecosystem services. Polyps may feed by predating mesozooplantkon and large motile prey, but many species further obtain autotrophic nutrients from photosymbiosis. Anthropogenic disturbance, such as the rise of seawater temperature and turbidity, can lead to the loss of symbionts, causing bleaching. Prolonged periods of bleaching can induce mortality events over vast areas. Heterotrophy may allow bleached cnidarians to survive for long periods of time. We tested the reinforcement of heterotrophic feeding of bleached polyps of Exaiptasia diaphana fed with both small zooplantkon and large prey, in order to evaluate if heterotrophy allows this species to compensate the reduction of autotrophy. Conversely to expected, heterotrophy was higher in unbleached polyps (+54% mesozooplankton prey and +11% large prey). The increase of heterotrophic intake may not be always used as a strategy to compensate autotrophic depletion in bleached polyps. Such a resilience strategy might be more species-specific than expected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Gregorin
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy; Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Marica Di Vito
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Camilla Roveta
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Torcuato Pulido Mantas
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefano Gridelli
- Cattolica Aquarium, Piazzale Delle Nazioni 1/A, 47841 Cattolica, Italy
| | | | - Lucrezia Cilenti
- National Research Council -National Research Council, Institute of Sciences of Food Production (CNR-ISPA), Via Michele Protano, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Tomás Vega Fernández
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefania Puce
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Luigi Musco
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy; Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, Salento University, Via Lecce - Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina, 61 90133 Palermo, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Beck KK, Schmidt-Grieb GM, Kayser AS, Wendels J, Kler Lago A, Meyer S, Laudien J, Häussermann V, Richter C, Wall M. Cold-water coral energy reserves and calcification in contrasting fjord environments. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5649. [PMID: 38454106 PMCID: PMC10920780 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56280-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The relationship between energy reserves of cold-water corals (CWCs) and their physiological performance remains largely unknown. In addition, it is poorly understood how the energy allocation to different metabolic processes might change with projected decreasing food supply to the deep sea in the future. This study explores the temporal and spatial variations of total energy reserves (proteins, carbohydrates and lipids) of the CWC Desmophyllum dianthus and their correlation with its calcification rate. We took advantage of distinct horizontal and vertical physico-chemical gradients in Comau Fjord (Chile) and examined the changes in energy reserves over one year in an in situ reciprocal transplantation experiment (20 m vs. 300 m and fjord head vs. mouth). Total energy reserves correlated positively with calcification rates. The fast-growing deep corals had higher and less variable energy reserves, while the slower-growing shallow corals showed pronounced seasonal changes in energy reserves. Novel deep corals (transplanted from shallow) were able to quickly increase both their calcification rates and energy reserves to similar levels as native deep corals. Our study shows the importance of energy reserves in sustaining CWC growth in spite of aragonite undersaturated conditions (deep corals) in the present, and potentially also future ocean.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina K Beck
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Bremerhaven, Germany.
- University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany.
- University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | | | - Antonia S Kayser
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Bremerhaven, Germany
- Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Janine Wendels
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Bremerhaven, Germany
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexandra Kler Lago
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Bremerhaven, Germany
- University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Meyer
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Jürgen Laudien
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Vreni Häussermann
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Fundación San Ignacio del Huinay, Puerto Montt, Chile
| | - Claudio Richter
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Bremerhaven, Germany
- University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Marlene Wall
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Bremerhaven, Germany
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Kiel, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jones NP, Gilliam DS. Temperature and local anthropogenic pressures limit stony coral assemblage viability in southeast Florida. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116098. [PMID: 38310721 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116098] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Climate change is viewed as the primary threat to coral reefs, with local pressures exacerbating coral cover decline. The consensus is that improving water quality may increase resilience, but disentangling water quality and temperature impacts is difficult. We used distance-based linear models and random forests to analyze spatiotemporal variation in benthic community structure and interannual changes in the coral assemblage, in relation to specific environmental metrics in Southeast Florida. Temperature accounted for most of the variation, recruitment doubled and interannual increases in coral abundance tripled when mean annual temperature reached 27 °C, until maximum temperatures exceeded 31 °C. Benefits associated with warmer temperatures were negated by poor water quality, as nutrient enrichment was related to increased macroalgal cover, reduced coral recruitment and higher coral partial mortality. We suggest reducing local pressures will contribute to reduced macroalgae and enhance coral recovery, but that temperature is the predominant influence on coral assemblages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P Jones
- National Coral Reef Institute, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, 8000 N Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, FL 33004, USA.
| | - David S Gilliam
- National Coral Reef Institute, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, 8000 N Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, FL 33004, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ashey J, McKelvie H, Freeman J, Shpilker P, Zane LH, Becker DM, Cowen L, Richmond RH, Paul VJ, Seneca FO, Putnam HM. Characterizing transcriptomic responses to sediment stress across location and morphology in reef-building corals. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16654. [PMID: 38313033 PMCID: PMC10836209 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities increase sediment suspended in the water column and deposition on reefs can be largely dependent on colony morphology. Massive and plating corals have a high capacity to trap sediments, and active removal mechanisms can be energetically costly. Branching corals trap less sediment but are more susceptible to light limitation caused by suspended sediment. Despite deleterious effects of sediments on corals, few studies have examined the molecular response of corals with different morphological characteristics to sediment stress. To address this knowledge gap, this study assessed the transcriptomic responses of branching and massive corals in Florida and Hawai'i to varying levels of sediment exposure. Gene expression analysis revealed a molecular responsiveness to sediments across species and sites. Differential Gene Expression followed by Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis identified that branching corals had the largest transcriptomic response to sediments, in developmental processes and metabolism, while significantly enriched GO terms were highly variable between massive corals, despite similar morphologies. Comparison of DEGs within orthogroups revealed that while all corals had DEGs in response to sediment, there was not a concerted gene set response by morphology or location. These findings illuminate the species specificity and genetic basis underlying coral susceptibility to sediments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jill Ashey
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Hailey McKelvie
- Department of Computer Science, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, United States
| | - John Freeman
- Department of Computer Science, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Polina Shpilker
- Department of Computer Science, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Lauren H. Zane
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Danielle M. Becker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Lenore Cowen
- Department of Computer Science, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Robert H. Richmond
- Kewalo Marine Lab, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
| | - Valerie J. Paul
- Smithsonian Marine Station, Smithsonian, Fort Pierce, Florida, United States
| | | | - Hollie M. Putnam
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
López-Londoño T, Enríquez S, Iglesias-Prieto R. Effects of surface geometry on light exposure, photoacclimation and photosynthetic energy acquisition in zooxanthellate corals. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295283. [PMID: 38170717 PMCID: PMC10763928 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Symbiotic corals display a great array of morphologies, each of which has unique effects on light interception and the photosynthetic performance of in hospite zooxanthellae. Changes in light availability elicit photoacclimation responses to optimize the energy balances in primary producers, extensively documented for corals exposed to contrasting light regimes along depth gradients. Yet, response variation driven by coral colony geometry and its energetic implications on colonies with contrasting morphologies remain largely unknown. In this study, we assessed the effect of the inclination angle of coral surface on light availability, short- and long-term photoacclimation responses, and potential photosynthetic usable energy. Increasing surface inclination angle resulted in an order of magnitude reduction of light availability, following a linear relationship explained by the cosine law and relative changes in the direct and diffuse components of irradiance. The light gradient induced by surface geometry triggered photoacclimation responses comparable to those observed along depth gradients: changes in the quantum yield of photosystem II, photosynthetic parameters, and optical properties and pigmentation of the coral tissue. Differences in light availability and photoacclimation driven by surface inclination led to contrasting energetic performance. Horizontally and vertically oriented coral surfaces experienced the largest reductions in photosynthetic usable energy as a result of excessive irradiance and light-limiting conditions, respectively. This pattern is predicted to change with depth or local water optical properties. Our study concludes that colony geometry plays an essential role in shaping the energy balance and determining the light niche of zooxanthellate corals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomás López-Londoño
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Unidad Académica Puerto Morelos, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cancún, México
| | - Susana Enríquez
- Unidad Académica Puerto Morelos, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cancún, México
| | - Roberto Iglesias-Prieto
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Unidad Académica Puerto Morelos, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cancún, México
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Photosynthetic usable energy explains vertical patterns of biodiversity in zooxanthellate corals. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20821. [PMID: 36460717 PMCID: PMC9718771 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25094-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The biodiversity in coral reef ecosystems is distributed heterogeneously across spatial and temporal scales, being commonly influenced by biogeographic factors, habitat area and disturbance frequency. A potential association between gradients of usable energy and biodiversity patterns has received little empirical support in these ecosystems. Here, we analyzed the productivity and biodiversity variation over depth gradients in symbiotic coral communities, whose members rely on the energy translocated by photosynthetic algal symbionts (zooxanthellae). Using a mechanistic model we explored the association between the depth-dependent variation in photosynthetic usable energy to corals and gradients of species diversity, comparing reefs with contrasting water clarity and biodiversity patterns across global hotspots of marine biodiversity. The productivity-biodiversity model explained between 64 and 95% of the depth-related variation in coral species richness, indicating that much of the variation in species richness with depth is driven by changes in the fractional contribution of photosynthetically fixed energy by the zooxanthellae. These results suggest a fundamental role of solar energy availability and photosynthetic production in explaining global-scale patterns of coral biodiversity and community structure along depth gradients. Accordingly, the maintenance of water optical quality in coral reefs is fundamental to protect coral biodiversity and prevent reef degradation.
Collapse
|
12
|
Trophic provisioning and parental trade-offs lead to successful reproductive performance in corals after a bleaching event. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18702. [PMID: 36333369 PMCID: PMC9636168 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21998-4] [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: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Warming ocean temperatures are severely compromising the health and resilience of coral reefs worldwide. Coral bleaching can affect coral physiology and the energy available for corals to reproduce. Mechanisms associated with reproductive allocation in corals are poorly understood, especially after a bleaching event occurs. Using isotopic labeling techniques, we traced the acquisition and allocation of carbon from adults to gametes by autotrophy and heterotrophy in previously bleached and non-bleached Montipora capitata and Porites compressa corals. Experiments revealed that both species: (1) relied only on autotrophy to allocate carbon to gametes, while heterotrophy was less relied upon as a carbon source; (2) experienced a trade-off with less carbon available for adult tissues when provisioning gametes, especially when previously bleached; and (3) used different strategies for allocating carbon to gametes. Over time, M. capitata allocated 10% more carbon to gametes despite bleaching by limiting the allocation of carbon to adult tissues, with 50-80% less carbon allocated to bleached compared to non-bleached colonies. Over the same time period, P. compressa maintained carbon allocation to adult tissues, before allocating carbon to gametes. Our study highlights the importance of autotrophy for carbon allocation from adult corals to gametes, and species-specific differences in carbon allocation depending on bleaching susceptibility.
Collapse
|
13
|
Global change differentially modulates Caribbean coral physiology. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273897. [PMID: 36054126 PMCID: PMC9439252 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Global change driven by anthropogenic carbon emissions is altering ecosystems at unprecedented rates, especially coral reefs, whose symbiosis with algal symbionts is particularly vulnerable to increasing ocean temperatures and altered carbonate chemistry. Here, we assess the physiological responses of three Caribbean coral (animal host + algal symbiont) species from an inshore and offshore reef environment after exposure to simulated ocean warming (28, 31°C), acidification (300–3290 μatm), and the combination of stressors for 93 days. We used multidimensional analyses to assess how a variety of coral physiological parameters respond to ocean acidification and warming. Our results demonstrate reductions in coral health in Siderastrea siderea and Porites astreoides in response to projected ocean acidification, while future warming elicited severe declines in Pseudodiploria strigosa. Offshore S. siderea fragments exhibited higher physiological plasticity than inshore counterparts, suggesting that this offshore population was more susceptible to changing conditions. There were no plasticity differences in P. strigosa and P. astreoides between natal reef environments, however, temperature evoked stronger responses in both species. Interestingly, while each species exhibited unique physiological responses to ocean acidification and warming, when data from all three species are modelled together, convergent stress responses to these conditions are observed, highlighting the overall sensitivities of tropical corals to these stressors. Our results demonstrate that while ocean warming is a severe acute stressor that will have dire consequences for coral reefs globally, chronic exposure to acidification may also impact coral physiology to a greater extent in some species than previously assumed. Further, our study identifies S. siderea and P. astreoides as potential ‘winners’ on future Caribbean coral reefs due to their resilience under projected global change stressors, while P. strigosa will likely be a ‘loser’ due to their sensitivity to thermal stress events. Together, these species-specific responses to global change we observe will likely manifest in altered Caribbean reef assemblages in the future.
Collapse
|
14
|
Clark V, Mello-Athayde MA, Dove S. Colonies of Acropora formosa with greater survival potential have reduced calcification rates. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269526. [PMID: 35679252 PMCID: PMC9182694 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269526] [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: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs are facing increasingly devasting impacts from ocean warming and acidification due to anthropogenic climate change. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, potential solutions have focused either on reducing light stress during heating, or on the potential for identifying or engineering “super corals”. A large subset of these studies, however, have tended to focus primarily on the bleaching response of corals, and assume erroneously that corals that bleach earlier in a thermal event die first. Here, we explore how survival, observable bleaching, coral skeletal growth (as branch extension and densification), and coral tissue growth (protein and lipid concentrations) varies for conspecifics collected from distinctive reef zones at Heron Island on the Southern Great Barrier Reef. A reciprocal transplantation experiment was undertaken using the dominant reef building coral (Acropora formosa) between the highly variable reef flat and the less variable reef slope environments. Coral colonies originating from the reef flat had higher rates of survival and amassed greater protein densities but calcified at reduced rates compared to conspecifics originating from the reef slope. The energetics of both populations however potentially benefited from greater light intensity present in the shallows. Reef flat origin corals moved to the lower light intensity of the reef slope reduced protein density and calcification rates. For A. formosa, genetic differences, or long-term entrainment to a highly variable environment, appeared to promote coral survival at the expense of calcification. The response decouples coral survival from carbonate coral reef resilience, a response that was further exacerbated by reductions in irradiance. As we begin to discuss interventions necessitated by the CO2 that has already been released into the atmosphere, we need to prioritise our focus on the properties that maintain valuable carbonate ecosystems. Rapid and dense calcification by corals such as branching Acropora is essential to the ability of carbonate coral reefs to rebound following disturbance events and maintain 3D structure but may be the first property that is sacrificed to enable coral genet survival under stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Clark
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Matheus A. Mello-Athayde
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sophie Dove
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
High light quantity suppresses locomotion in symbiotic Aiptasia. Symbiosis 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13199-022-00841-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AbstractMany cnidarians engage in endosymbioses with microalgae of the family Symbiodiniaceae. In this association, the fitness of the cnidarian host is closely linked to the photosynthetic performance of its microalgal symbionts. Phototaxis may enable semi-sessile cnidarians to optimize the light regime for their microalgal symbionts. Indeed, phototaxis and phototropism have been reported in the photosymbiotic sea anemone Aiptasia. However, the influence of light quantity on the locomotive behavior of Aiptasia remains unknown. Here we show that light quantity and the presence of microalgal symbionts modulate the phototactic behavior in Aiptasia. Although photosymbiotic Aiptasia were observed to move in seemingly random directions along an experimental light gradient, their probability of locomotion depended on light quantity. As photosymbiotic animals were highly mobile in low light but almost immobile at high light quantities, photosymbiotic Aiptasia at low light quantities exhibited an effective net movement towards light levels sufficient for positive net photosynthesis. In contrast, aposymbiotic Aiptasia exhibited greater mobility than their photosymbiotic counterparts, regardless of light quantity. Our results suggest that photosynthetic activity of the microalgal symbionts suppresses locomotion in Aiptasia, likely by supporting a positive energy balance in the host. We propose that motile photosymbiotic organisms can develop phototactic behavior as a consequence of starvation linked to symbiotic nutrient cycling.
Collapse
|
16
|
Luo Y, Huang L, Lei X, Yu X, Liu C, Jiang L, Sun Y, Cheng M, Gan J, Zhang Y, Zhou G, Liu S, Lian J, Huang H. Light availability regulated by particulate organic matter affects coral assemblages on a turbid fringing reef. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 177:105613. [PMID: 35429821 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105613] [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: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Recently, increasing evidence suggests that reef-building corals exposed to elevated suspended solids (SS) are largely structured by changes in underwater light availability (ULA). However, there are few direct and quantitative observations in situ support for this hypothesis; in particular, the contribution of SS to the diffuse attenuation coefficient of the photosynthetically active radiation (Kd-PAR) variations is not yet fully understood. Here, we investigated the variations in ULA, the structure of coral assemblages, and the concentration and composition of SS on the Luhuitou fringing reef, Sanya, China. Light attenuation was rapid (Kd-PAR: 0.60 ± 0.39 m-1) resulting in a shallow euphotic depth (Zeu-PAR) (<11 m). Benthic PAR showed significant positive correlations with branching and corymbose corals (e.g. Acropora spp.), while massive and encrusting species (e.g. Porites spp.) dominated the coral communities and showed no significant correlations with PAR. These results indicate that the depth range available for coral growth is shallow and the tolerance to low-light stress differs among coral species. Notably, Kd-PAR showed no significant correlations with the grain size fractions of SS, whereas significant positive correlations were found with its organic fraction content, demonstrating that the light attenuation of SS is mainly regulated by particulate organic matter (POM). Intriguingly, our isotopic evidence revealed that POM concentration contributed the most to changes in Kd-PAR, with its source being slightly less important. Combined, our results highlight ULA regulated by POM is an important factor in contributing to changes in coral assemblages on inshore turbid reefs, and reducing the input of terrestrial materials, especially POM, is an effective measure to alleviate the low-light stress on sensitive coral species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lintao Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xinming Lei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya, 572000, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory Guangzhou, Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Xiaolei Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chengyue Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya, 572000, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory Guangzhou, Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya, 572000, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory Guangzhou, Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Youfang Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya, 572000, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory Guangzhou, Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Meng Cheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jianfeng Gan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yuyang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya, 572000, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory Guangzhou, Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Guowei Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya, 572000, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory Guangzhou, Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Sheng Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya, 572000, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory Guangzhou, Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Jiansheng Lian
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya, 572000, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory Guangzhou, Guangzhou, 511458, China
| | - Hui Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510301, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya, 572000, China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya, 572000, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kaposi K, Courtney R, Seymour J. Implications of bleaching on cnidarian venom ecology. Toxicon X 2022; 13:100094. [PMID: 35146416 PMCID: PMC8819380 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100094] [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: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cnidarian bleaching research often focuses on the effects on a cnidarian's physiological health and fitness, whilst little focus has been towards the impacts of these events on their venom ecology. Given the importance of a cnidarian's venom to their survival and the increasing threat of bleaching events, it is important to understand the effects that this threat may have on this important aspect of their ecology as it may have unforeseen impacts on their ability to catch prey and defend themselves. This review aims to explore evidence that suggests that bleaching may impact on each of the key aspects of a cnidarians' venom ecology: cnidae, venom composition, and venom toxicity. Additionally, the resulting energy deficit, compensatory heterotrophic feeding, and increased defensive measures have been highlighted as possible ecological factors driving these changes. Suggestions are also made to guide the success of research in this field into the future, specifically in regards to selecting a study organism, the importance of accurate symbiont and cnidae identification, use of appropriate bleaching methods, determination of bleaching, and animal handling. Ultimately, this review highlights a significant and important gap in our knowledge into how cnidarians are, and will, continue to be impacted by bleaching stress. Information on the effects of bleaching on cnidarian venom ecology is limited. There is evidence to suggest nematocysts, venom composition and venom toxicity may each be impacted by bleaching. Bleaching may result in depleted energy, increased heterotrophy and/or the need for stronger defensive strategies. To fully understand how cnidarians may be impacted by bleaching stress further research in this field is needed. Future studies should consider the model organism and methodologies, thereby minimising indirect confounding effects.
Collapse
|
18
|
Tuttle LJ, Donahue MJ. Effects of sediment exposure on corals: a systematic review of experimental studies. ENVIRONMENTAL EVIDENCE 2022; 11:4. [PMID: 39294657 PMCID: PMC8818373 DOI: 10.1186/s13750-022-00256-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Management actions that address local-scale stressors on coral reefs can rapidly improve water quality and reef ecosystem condition. In response to reef managers who need actionable thresholds for coastal runoff and dredging, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental studies that explore the effects of sediment on corals. We identified exposure levels that 'adversely' affect corals while accounting for sediment bearing (deposited vs. suspended), coral life-history stage, and species, thus providing empirically based estimates of stressor thresholds on vulnerable coral reefs. METHODS We searched online databases and grey literature to obtain a list of potential studies, assess their eligibility, and critically appraise them for validity and risk of bias. Data were extracted from eligible studies and grouped by sediment bearing and coral response to identify thresholds in terms of the lowest exposure levels that induced an adverse physiological and/or lethal effect. Meta-regression estimated the dose-response relationship between exposure level and the magnitude of a coral's response, with random-effects structures to estimate the proportion of variance explained by factors such as study and coral species. REVIEW FINDINGS After critical appraisal of over 15,000 records, our systematic review of corals' responses to sediment identified 86 studies to be included in meta-analyses (45 studies for deposited sediment and 42 studies for suspended sediment). The lowest sediment exposure levels that caused adverse effects in corals were well below the levels previously described as 'normal' on reefs: for deposited sediment, adverse effects occurred as low as 1 mg/cm2/day for larvae (limited settlement rates) and 4.9 mg/cm2/day for adults (tissue mortality); for suspended sediment, adverse effects occurred as low as 10 mg/L for juveniles (reduced growth rates) and 3.2 mg/L for adults (bleaching and tissue mortality). Corals take at least 10 times longer to experience tissue mortality from exposure to suspended sediment than to comparable concentrations of deposited sediment, though physiological changes manifest 10 times faster in response to suspended sediment than to deposited sediment. Threshold estimates derived from continuous response variables (magnitude of adverse effect) largely matched the lowest-observed adverse-effect levels from a summary of studies, or otherwise helped us to identify research gaps that should be addressed to better quantify the dose-response relationship between sediment exposure and coral health. CONCLUSIONS We compiled a global dataset that spans three oceans, over 140 coral species, decades of research, and a range of field- and lab-based approaches. Our review and meta-analysis inform the no-observed and lowest-observed adverse-effect levels (NOAEL, LOAEL) that are used in management consultations by U.S. federal agencies. In the absence of more location- or species-specific data to inform decisions, our results provide the best available information to protect vulnerable reef-building corals from sediment stress. Based on gaps and limitations identified by our review, we make recommendations to improve future studies and recommend future synthesis to disentangle the potentially synergistic effects of multiple coral-reef stressors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lillian J. Tuttle
- Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Kāne‘ohe, HI 96744 USA
- NOAA NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office, Honolulu, HI 96860 USA
| | - Megan J. Donahue
- Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Kāne‘ohe, HI 96744 USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kaniewska P, Sampayo EM. Macro- and micro-scale adaptations allow distinct Stylophora pistillata-symbiodiniaceae holobionts to optimize performance across a broad light habitat. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2022; 58:55-70. [PMID: 34612522 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In sessile organisms, phenotypic plasticity represents an important strategy for dealing with environmental variability. Here we test if phenotypic plasticity enables the common coral Stylophora pistillata to occupy a broad niche. We find clear differences in the photo-physiology of four putative species of photosynthetic dinoflagellate symbionts associated with the coral S. pistillata, namely, Cladocopium 'C35a', 'C79', 'C78a' and 'C8a'. Coral phenotypic responses were also tightly linked to symbiont identity. Corals with Cladocopium 'C8a' have more "open" macro-morphology compared to colonies associating with depth-restricted Cladocopium 'C35a' or 'C78a' in the same shallow water habitat. Corals with Cladocopium 'C8a' had 40 to 60% lower symbiont cell densities compared to other holobionts but were more efficient at acclimating over a range of light levels, with clear mechanisms to dissipate excess light energy. This holobiont contains host-based green fluorescent pigments, increased concentrations of symbiont-based mycosporine amino acids, and xanthophyll cycling in high light habitats. Photosynthetic efficiency was also adjusted over the light habitat. In contrast, limited micro-scale responses were observed between three depth-restricted symbionts: Cladocopium 'C79', 'C35a', and 'C78a'. To optimize light levels reaching the photosynthetic unit, these colonies rely on a more closed macro-morphology under high light levels, which reduces incident light levels by up to 43%, and higher symbiont densities . Our results show that distinct macro- and micro-scale adaptations lead to functional differences between four distinct S. pistillata holobionts, allowing them to co-exist by filling specific niches on a small, but environmentally diverse, spatial scale. Key index words: Light, Symbiodiniaceae, coral, pigments, Stylophora pistillata, ITS2, phenotypic plasticity, niche diversification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Kaniewska
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Eugenia M Sampayo
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Banc-Prandi G, Evensen NR, Barshis DJ, Perna G, Moussa Omar Y, Fine M. Assessment of temperature optimum signatures of corals at both latitudinal extremes of the Red Sea. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 10:coac002. [PMID: 35492414 PMCID: PMC9040280 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coac002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Rising ocean temperatures are pushing reef-building corals beyond their temperature optima (Topt ), resulting in reduced physiological performances and increased risk of bleaching. Identifying refugia with thermally resistant corals and understanding their thermal adaptation strategy is therefore urgent to guide conservation actions. The Gulf of Aqaba (GoA, northern Red Sea) is considered a climate refuge, hosting corals that may originate from populations selected for thermal resistance in the warmer waters of the Gulf of Tadjoura (GoT, entrance to the Red Sea and 2000 km south of the GoA). To better understand the thermal adaptation strategy of GoA corals, we compared the temperature optima (Topt ) of six common reef-building coral species from the GoA and the GoT by measuring oxygen production and consumption rates as well as photophysiological performance (i.e. chlorophyll fluorescence) in response to a short heat stress. Most species displayed similar Topt between the two locations, highlighting an exceptional continuity in their respective physiological performances across such a large latitudinal range, supporting the GoA refuge theory. Stylophora pistillata showed a significantly lower Topt in the GoA, which may suggest an ongoing population-level selection (i.e. adaptation) to the cooler waters of the GoA and subsequent loss of thermal resistance. Interestingly, all Topt were significantly above the local maximum monthly mean seawater temperatures in the GoA (27.1°C) and close or below in the GoT (30.9°C), indicating that GoA corals, unlike those in the GoT, may survive ocean warming in the next few decades. Finally, Acropora muricata and Porites lobata displayed higher photophysiological performance than most species, which may translate to dominance in local reef communities under future thermal scenarios. Overall, this study is the first to compare the Topt of common reef-building coral species over such a latitudinal range and provides insights into their thermal adaptation in the Red Sea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guilhem Banc-Prandi
- Corresponding author: The Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel. Tel: +33 7 86 94 72 76.
| | - Nicolas R Evensen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Daniel J Barshis
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Gabriela Perna
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Youssouf Moussa Omar
- Center for Studies and Scientific Research of Djibouti, Route de l’Aéroport, BP 1000, Djibouti
| | - Maoz Fine
- The Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
- The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences, Eilat, 88103, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Factors Limiting the Range Extension of Corals into High-Latitude Reef Regions. DIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/d13120632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Reef-building corals show a marked decrease in total species richness from the tropics to high latitude regions. Several hypotheses have been proposed to account for this pattern in the context of abiotic and biotic factors, including temperature thresholds, light limitation, aragonite saturation, nutrient or sediment loads, larval dispersal constraints, competition with macro-algae or other invertebrates, and availability of suitable settlement cues or micro-algal symbionts. Surprisingly, there is a paucity of data supporting several of these hypotheses. Given the immense pressures faced by corals in the Anthropocene, it is critical to understand the factors limiting their distribution in order to predict potential range expansions and the role that high latitude reefs can play as refuges from climate change. This review examines these factors and outlines critical research areas to address knowledge gaps in our understanding of light/temperature interactions, coral-Symbiodiniaceae associations, settlement cues, and competition in high latitude reefs.
Collapse
|
22
|
Bollati E, Rosenberg Y, Simon-Blecher N, Tamir R, Levy O, Huang D. Untangling the molecular basis of coral response to sedimentation. Mol Ecol 2021; 31:884-901. [PMID: 34738686 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Urbanized coral reefs are often chronically affected by sedimentation and reduced light levels, yet many species of corals appear to be able to thrive under these highly disturbed conditions. Recently, these marginal ecosystems have gained attention as potential climate change refugia due to the shading effect of suspended sediment, as well as potential reservoirs for stress-tolerant species. However, little research exists on the impact of sedimentation on coral physiology, particularly at the molecular level. Here, we investigated the transcriptomic response to sediment stress in corals of the family Merulinidae from a chronically turbid reef (one genet each of Goniastrea pectinata and Mycedium elephantotus from Singapore) and a clear-water reef (multiple genets of G. pectinata from the Gulf of Aqaba/Eilat). In two ex-situ experiments, we exposed corals to either natural sediment or artificial sediment enriched with organic matter and used whole-transcriptome sequencing (RNA sequencing) to quantify gene expression. Analysis revealed a shared basis for the coral transcriptomic response to sediment stress, which involves the expression of genes broadly related to energy metabolism and immune response. In particular, sediment exposure induced upregulation of anaerobic glycolysis and glyoxylate bypass enzymes, as well as genes involved in hydrogen sulphide metabolism and in pathogen pattern recognition. Our results point towards hypoxia as a probable driver of this transcriptomic response, providing a molecular basis to previous work that identified hypoxia as a primary cause of tissue necrosis in sediment-stressed corals. Potential metabolic and immunity trade-offs of corals living under chronic sedimentation should be considered in future studies on the ecology and conservation of turbid reefs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bollati
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biology, Marine Biology Section, University of Copenhagen, Helsingør, Denmark
| | - Yaeli Rosenberg
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Noa Simon-Blecher
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Raz Tamir
- School of Zoology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat, Eilat, Israel
| | - Oren Levy
- Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.,The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat, Eilat, Israel
| | - Danwei Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Sturaro N, Hsieh YE, Chen Q, Wang P, Denis V. Trophic plasticity of mixotrophic corals under contrasting environments. Funct Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Sturaro
- Institute of Oceanography National Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Yunli Eric Hsieh
- Institute of Oceanography National Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Qi Chen
- Institute of Oceanography National Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Pei‐Ling Wang
- Institute of Oceanography National Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
- Research Center for Future Earth National Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Vianney Denis
- Institute of Oceanography National Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ding DS, Sun WT, Pan CH. Feeding of a Scleractinian Coral, Goniopora columna, on Microalgae, Yeast, and Artificial Feed in Captivity. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113009. [PMID: 34827743 PMCID: PMC8614412 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113009] [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: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Coral aquaculture is an innovative and sustainable aquaculture industry. Coral husbandry can address ecological environment conservation needs and industrial demand for corals. Many previous studies have confirmed that corals also belong to heterotrophic organisms. Heterotrophic feeding is essential for overcoming nutrient deficiency. The preliminary results of this study indicate that Goniopora columna have high levels of proteases, and artificial feeds containing high protein can be used for feeding during aquaculture, which can increase the growth rate. In conclusion, we have initially explored that Goniopora columna will have better growth by feeding artificial PUFA rich in animal protein. In addition, the best feeding time is 6:00–12:00 in the morning, when there is better digestion and absorption. It is hoped that this research will be helpful to the development of coral aquaculture in the future. Abstract Nutritional requirements are critical in the process of coral aquaculture. In addition to energy from symbiotic algae, corals obtain sufficient nutrition through heterotrophic feeding. Microalgae and yeast are commonly used as nutritional supplements for many aquaculture organisms. In addition, if artificial feed can match or improve upon the nutritional supplementation provided by microalgae and yeast in the case of G. columna, then feeding this coral would be markedly easier. Hence, this article preliminarily discusses feeds suitable for G. columna. In this study, artificial PUFA rich in animal protein (R), Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Isochrysis galbana tml, and Nannochloropsis oculate were fed to G. columna at quantities of 5% and 10% of body weight. Growth, survival, body composition, and digestive enzymes were assessed. Regarding body composition, the coral’s protein content is higher than that of carbohydrate or fat; thus, evaluating the heterotrophic nutrition of G. columna by using protein absorption is appropriate. The protease content is also high in digestive enzymes. Protein content, protease activity, and specific growth rate were significantly higher in the R group than in other groups. The number of polyps in the groups fed R at 5% and 10% of body weight increased by 40.00 ± 2.43 and 47.33 ± 0.89 number, respectively, significantly greater increases than those achieved in the other groups (p < 0.05). Changes in body composition and digestive enzymes over a 24-h period were compared to determine the optimal feeding time. Protein content and protease activity increased markedly between 6:00 and 12:00. The experimental results suggest that R can improve the activity of G. columna digestive enzymes and their protein and lipid content in body tissue, shorten the cultivation time, and enhance the profitability of coral aquaculture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- De-Sing Ding
- Ph.D. Program of Aquatic Science and Technology in Industry, College of Hydrosphere Science, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, No. 142, Haijhuan Rd., Nanzih District, Kaohsiung 811213, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
| | - Wei-Ting Sun
- Department and Graduate Institute of Aquaculture, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, No. 142, Haijhuan Rd., Nanzih District, Kaohsiung 811213, Taiwan; (W.-T.S.); (C.-H.P.)
| | - Chih-Hung Pan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Aquaculture, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, No. 142, Haijhuan Rd., Nanzih District, Kaohsiung 811213, Taiwan; (W.-T.S.); (C.-H.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Luter HM, Pineda MC, Ricardo G, Francis DS, Fisher R, Jones R. Assessing the risk of light reduction from natural sediment resuspension events and dredging activities in an inshore turbid reef environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 170:112536. [PMID: 34126443 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112536] [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] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The reduction in benthic light from natural sediment resuspension events, dredging activities and clouds was quantified over multiple time periods (days to weeks) from a 3-year in-situ field study in the inshore turbid-zone coral communities of the Great Barrier Reef. The results were then used to examine the tolerance levels of three coral species and a sponge to light reduction and associated changes in spectral light quality (in conjunction with elevated sediment concentrations) in a 28-day laboratory-based study. All species survived the exposures but sub-lethal responses involving changes in pigmentation, lipids and lipid ratios were observed. A pocilloporid coral was the most sensitive taxon, with a 28-d EC10 value for bleaching (dissociation of the symbiosis) of 2.7 mol photons m2 d-1. The possibility of such light reduction levels occurring naturally and/or during maintenance dredging activities was then examined using the 3-year in-situ field study as part of a risk assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi M Luter
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD and Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Mari-Carmen Pineda
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD and Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Gerard Ricardo
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD and Perth, WA, Australia
| | - David S Francis
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Rebecca Fisher
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD and Perth, WA, Australia; The UWA Oceans Institute University of Western Australia, WA, Australia
| | - Ross Jones
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD and Perth, WA, Australia; The UWA Oceans Institute University of Western Australia, WA, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Simancas-Giraldo SM, Xiang N, Kennedy MM, Nafeh R, Zelli E, Wild C. Photosynthesis and respiration of the soft coral Xenia umbellata respond to warming but not to organic carbon eutrophication. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11663. [PMID: 34395065 PMCID: PMC8323596 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Eutrophication with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) as a far under-investigated stressor, and ocean warming, can strongly affect coral reefs and hard corals as major reefs ecosystem engineers. However, no previous studies have investigated the metabolic responses of soft corals to DOC eutrophication, or its interaction with ocean warming. Thus, we investigated respiration and photosynthesis response of Xenia umbellata, a common mixotrophic soft coral from the Indo-pacific, to (1) three levels of DOC eutrophication simulated by glucose addition over the first 21 days of experiment and (2) ocean warming scenarios where the temperature was gradually increased from 26 °C (control condition) to 32 °C over another 24 days in an aquarium experiment. We found no significant difference in response to DOC treatments and all corals survived regardless of the DOC concentrations, whilst subsequent exposure to simulated ocean warming significantly decreased gross photosynthesis by approximately 50% at 30 °C, and 65% at 32 °C, net photosynthesis by 75% at 30 °C and 79% at 32 °C, and respiration by a maximum of 75% at 30 °C; with a slight increase at 32 °C of 25%. The ratio between gross photosynthesis and respiration decreased by the end of the warming period but remained similar between controls and colonies previously exposed to DOC. Our findings suggest that soft corals may be more resistant than hard corals to DOC eutrophication and in consequence, may potentially experiment in less magnitude the negative effects of increased temperature or subsequently both stressors. The results of this study may contribute to explain the successful role of soft corals in phase shifts as reported from many coral reefs. Where predicted declines in reef ecosystems health due to increased eutrophication levels can be exacerbated by future warming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nan Xiang
- Marine Ecology Department, Universität Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Alfred Wegener Institute, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | | | - Rassil Nafeh
- Marine Ecology Department, Universität Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Edoardo Zelli
- Marine Ecology Department, Universität Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA) & Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali (CIRSA), University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Christian Wild
- Marine Ecology Department, Universität Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
The Effects of Temperature, Light, and Feeding on the Physiology of Pocillopora damicornis, Stylophora pistillata, and Turbinaria reniformis Corals. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13152048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Evidence has shown that individually feeding or reduced light can mitigate the negative effects of elevated temperature on coral physiology. We aimed to evaluate if simultaneous low light and feeding would mitigate, minimize, or exacerbate negative effects of elevated temperature on coral physiology and carbon budgets. Pocillopora damicornis, Stylophora pistillata, and Turbinaria reniformis were grown for 28 days under a fully factorial experiment including two seawater temperatures (ambient temperature of 25 °C, elevated temperature of 30 °C), two light levels (high light of 300 μmol photons m−2 s−1, low light of 150 μmol photons m−2 s−1), and either fed (Artemia nauplii) or unfed. Coral physiology was significantly affected by temperature in all species, but the way in which low light and feeding altered their physiological responses was species-specific. All three species photo-acclimated to low light by increasing chlorophyll a. Pocillopora damicornis required feeding to meet metabolic demand irrespective of temperature but was unable to maintain calcification under low light when fed. In T. reniformis, low light mitigated the negative effect of elevated temperature on total lipids, while feeding mitigated the negative effects of elevated temperature on metabolic demand. In S. pistillata, low light compounded the negative effects of elevated temperature on metabolic demand, while feeding minimized this negative effect but was not sufficient to provide 100% metabolic demand. Overall, low light and feeding did not act synergistically, nor additively, to mitigate the negative effects of elevated temperature on P. damicornis, S. pistillata, or T. reniformis. However, feeding alone was critical to the maintenance of metabolic demand at elevated temperature, suggesting that sufficient supply of heterotrophic food sources is likely essential for corals during thermal stress (bleaching) events.
Collapse
|
28
|
Turak E, DeVantier L, Szava-Kovats R, Brodie J. Impacts of coastal land use change in the wet tropics on nearshore coral reefs: Case studies from Papua New Guinea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 168:112445. [PMID: 33991988 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112445] [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: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Logging and plantation agriculture are vital to economies and livelihoods in tropical nations, including Papua New Guinea. To meet global demand, hundreds of thousands of ha of diverse natural habitat have been logged, cleared and replaced with monoculture crops. Resulting hydrological changes have increased sediment, nutrient and pesticide runoff, impacting down-stream habitats. Here, case studies from Kimbe Bay (New Britain) and Mullins Harbour (Milne Bay), examine effects on nearshore coral reefs. In both places, logging and oil palm development had destabilized soils and removed or degraded riparian vegetation. Downstream, nearshore reefs had high silt levels, which, coincident with minor coral bleaching and predation by crown-of-thorns starfish, were correlated with high levels of coral mortality and low coral species richness. Sediment and related impacts can be reduced by effective catchment management, such as avoiding steep slopes, expanding stream and coastal buffer zones, minimizing fertilizer and pesticide use, monitoring and reactive management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emre Turak
- Coral Reef Research, PO Box 129, Millaa Millaa, QLD, Australia.
| | | | | | - Jon Brodie
- Formerly ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Rippe JP, Dixon G, Fuller ZL, Liao Y, Matz M. Environmental specialization and cryptic genetic divergence in two massive coral species from the Florida Keys Reef Tract. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:3468-3484. [PMID: 33894013 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Broadcast-spawning coral species have wide geographical ranges spanning strong environmental gradients, but it is unclear how much spatially varying selection these gradients actually impose. Strong divergent selection might present a considerable barrier for demographic exchange between disparate reef habitats. We investigated whether the cross-shelf gradient is associated with spatially varying selection in two common coral species, Montastraea cavernosa and Siderastrea siderea, in the Florida Keys. To this end, we generated a de novo genome assembly for M. cavernosa and used 2bRAD to genotype 20 juveniles and 20 adults of both species from each of the three reef zones to identify signatures of selection occurring within a single generation. Unexpectedly, each species was found to be composed of four genetically distinct lineages, with gene flow between them still ongoing but highly reduced in 13.0%-54.7% of the genome. Each species includes two sympatric lineages that are only found in the deep (20 m) habitat, while the other lineages are found almost exclusively on the shallower reefs (3-10 m). The two "shallow" lineages of M. cavernosa are also specialized for either nearshore or offshore: comparison between adult and juvenile cohorts indicates that cross-shelf migrants are more than twice as likely to die before reaching adulthood than local recruits. S. siderea and M. cavernosa are among the most ecologically successful species on the Florida Keys Reef Tract, and this work offers important insight into the genomic background of divergent selection and environmental specialization that may in part explain their resilience and broad environmental range.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John P Rippe
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Groves Dixon
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Zachary L Fuller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yi Liao
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Mikhail Matz
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that coral reefs exposed to elevated turbidity may be more resilient to climate change impacts and serve as an important conservation hotspot. However, logistical difficulties in studying turbid environments have led to poor representation of these reef types within the scientific literature, with studies using different methods and definitions to characterize turbid reefs. Here we review the geological origins and growth histories of turbid reefs from the Holocene (past), their current ecological and environmental states (present), and their potential responses and resilience to increasing local and global pressures (future). We classify turbid reefs using new descriptors based on their turbidity regime (persistent, fluctuating, transitional) and sources of sediment input (natural versus anthropogenic). Further, by comparing the composition, function and resilience of two of the most studied turbid reefs, Paluma Shoals Reef Complex, Australia (natural turbidity) and Singapore reefs (anthropogenic turbidity), we found them to be two distinct types of turbid reefs with different conservation status. As the geographic range of turbid reefs is expected to increase due to local and global stressors, improving our understanding of their responses to environmental change will be central to global coral reef conservation efforts.
Collapse
|
31
|
Dellisanti W, Chung JTH, Chow CFY, Wu J, Wells ML, Chan LL. Experimental Techniques to Assess Coral Physiology in situ Under Global and Local Stressors: Current Approaches and Novel Insights. Front Physiol 2021; 12:656562. [PMID: 34163371 PMCID: PMC8215126 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.656562] [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: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs are declining worldwide due to global changes in the marine environment. The increasing frequency of massive bleaching events in the tropics is highlighting the need to better understand the stages of coral physiological responses to extreme conditions. Moreover, like many other coastal regions, coral reef ecosystems are facing additional localized anthropogenic stressors such as nutrient loading, increased turbidity, and coastal development. Different strategies have been developed to measure the health status of a damaged reef, ranging from the resolution of individual polyps to the entire coral community, but techniques for measuring coral physiology in situ are not yet widely implemented. For instance, while there are many studies of the coral holobiont response in single or limited-number multiple stressor experiments, they provide only partial insights into metabolic performance under more complex and temporally and spatially variable natural conditions. Here, we discuss the current status of coral reefs and their global and local stressors in the context of experimental techniques that measure core processes in coral metabolism (respiration, photosynthesis, and biocalcification) in situ, and their role in indicating the health status of colonies and communities. We highlight the need to improve the capability of in situ studies in order to better understand the resilience and stress response of corals under multiple global and local scale stressors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Walter Dellisanti
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, China.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, China
| | - Jeffery T H Chung
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, China
| | - Cher F Y Chow
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, China.,Centre for Biological Diversity, Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Jiajun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, China
| | - Mark L Wells
- School of Marine Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States.,State Key Laboratory of Satellite Ocean Environment Dynamics, Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou, China
| | - Leo L Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, China.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, China.,Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Lord KS, Barcala A, Aichelman HE, Kriefall NG, Brown C, Knasin L, Secor R, Tone C, Tsang L, Finnerty JR. Distinct Phenotypes Associated with Mangrove and Lagoon Habitats in Two Widespread Caribbean Corals, Porites astreoides and Porites divaricata. THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2021; 240:169-190. [PMID: 34129438 DOI: 10.1086/714047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
AbstractAs coral reefs experience dramatic declines in coral cover throughout the tropics, there is an urgent need to understand the role that non-reef habitats, such as mangroves, play in the ecological niche of corals. Mangrove habitats present a challenge to reef-dwelling corals because they can differ dramatically from adjacent reef habitats with respect to key environmental parameters, such as light. Because variation in light within reef habitats is known to drive intraspecific differences in coral phenotype, we hypothesized that coral species that can exploit both reef and mangrove habitats will exhibit predictable differences in phenotypes between habitats. To investigate how intraspecific variation, driven by either local adaptation or phenotypic plasticity, might enable particular coral species to exploit these two qualitatively different habitat types, we compared the phenotypes of two widespread Caribbean corals, Porites divaricata and Porites astreoides, in mangrove versus lagoon habitats on Turneffe Atoll, Belize. We document significant differences in colony size, color, structural complexity, and corallite morphology between habitats. In every instance, the phenotypic differences between mangrove prop root and lagoon corals exhibited consistent trends in both P. divaricata and P. astreoides. We believe this study is the first to document intraspecific phenotypic diversity in corals occupying mangrove prop root versus lagoonal patch reef habitats. A difference in the capacity to adopt an alternative phenotype that is well suited to the mangrove habitat may explain why some reef coral species can exploit mangroves, while others cannot.
Collapse
|
33
|
Thibault M, Lorrain A, Houlbrèque F. Comment on Trophic strategy and bleaching resistance in reef-building corals. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabd9453. [PMID: 34078595 PMCID: PMC8172127 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abd9453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In an era of major environmental changes, understanding corals' resistance to bleaching is as crucial as it is challenging. A promising framework for inferring corals' trophic strategies from Stable Isotope Bayesian Ellipses has been recently proposed to this end. As a contribution to this framework, we quantify a risk of bias inherent in its application and propose three alternative adjustments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Thibault
- Laboratoire d'Excellence Labex-CORAIL, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR ENTROPIE (IRD-Université de La Réunion-CNRS), BP A5, Nouméa Cedex 98848, New Caledonia, France.
| | - Anne Lorrain
- University of Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, LEMAR, F-29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Fanny Houlbrèque
- Laboratoire d'Excellence Labex-CORAIL, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR ENTROPIE (IRD-Université de La Réunion-CNRS), BP A5, Nouméa Cedex 98848, New Caledonia, France.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Kim T, Lee JCY, Kang DH, Duprey NN, Leung KS, Archana A, Baker DM. Modification of fatty acid profile and biosynthetic pathway in symbiotic corals under eutrophication. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 771:145336. [PMID: 33736184 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145336] [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: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Symbiotic corals receive energy not only by ingesting food (e.g. plankton, inorganic/organic matter, i.e. heterotrophy), but also by endosymbiosis, which supplies photosynthates (dissolved inorganic carbon, i.e. autotrophy). These two sources of energy have distinct fatty acid (FA) profiles, which can be used to differentiate corals by their primary feeding mode. FA profiles have been applied as biomarkers to evaluate the quality of nutrition in the midst of environmental change. However, species-specific responses of coral FA profiles and biosynthetic pathway under cultural eutrophication are still unknown. We collected two coral species (Acropora samoensis, Platygyra carnosa) from sites with different levels of eutrophication to test for variations in FA profiles. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was performed to identify FA profiles and quantify their concentration. Our main findings are threefold: 1) chronic eutrophication inhibits corals' ability to synthesize essential FA; 2) PUFA:SFA ratio and certain FA biomarkers or their pathway can be successfully utilized to determine the relative degree of autotrophy and heterotrophy in corals; 3) under eutrophication, different FA profiles of coral host tissue are attributed to different feeding strategies. Thus, our research provides significant new insights into the roles of FA as a risk assessment tool in coral reef ecosystems under the pressure of eutrophication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taihun Kim
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar Road, Shek O, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Jetty C Y Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Do-Hyung Kang
- Jeju Marine Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, 2670 Iljudong-ro, Gujwa-eup, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Nicolas N Duprey
- Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (Otto Hahn Institute), Hahn-Meitner-Weg 1, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Kin Sum Leung
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Anand Archana
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar Road, Shek O, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - David M Baker
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar Road, Shek O, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ng CSL, Chan YKS, Nguyen NTH, Kikuzawa YP, Sam SQ, Toh TC, Mock AYJ, Chou LM, Huang D. Coral community composition and carbonate production in an urbanized seascape. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 168:105322. [PMID: 33857701 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Coastal urbanization causes environmental modifications that directly and indirectly influence the distribution and functioning of coral reefs. However, the capacity of urban infrastructure to support corals and vertically accrete is less understood. Here, we investigated if coral communities on reefs and seawalls in Singapore are distinct, and examined the environmental variables influencing coral carbonate production. Surveys at 22 sites yielded 134 coral species, with richness significantly higher on reefs. Coral cover and Shannon index did not differ between habitat types. Community composition was distinct between habitat types, with seawalls supporting a higher proportion of massive and thick-plating species. 'Distance from mainland' was the single most important variable influencing normalized carbonate production rates (a function of species-specific linear extension rate and skeletal bulk density and site coral cover), which were higher further from the mainland where human activity and development pressures were greater. Our results indicate that environmental filtering strongly shapes coral communities and may influence ecosystem functioning in Singapore's urbanized reef system. The findings will guide the management of reefs on increasingly urbanized coastlines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chin Soon Lionel Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore; Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 14 Kent Ridge Road, 119223, Singapore.
| | - Yong Kit Samuel Chan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore
| | - Nhung Thi Hong Nguyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore
| | - Yuichi Preslie Kikuzawa
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 14 Kent Ridge Road, 119223, Singapore
| | - Shu Qin Sam
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 14 Kent Ridge Road, 119223, Singapore
| | - Tai Chong Toh
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 14 Kent Ridge Road, 119223, Singapore; College of Alice and Peter Tan, National University of Singapore, 8 College Avenue East, 138615, Singapore
| | - Aidan Yong Jie Mock
- Yale-NUS College, Environmental Studies, National University of Singapore, 16 College Avenue West, 138527, Singapore
| | - Loke Ming Chou
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore; Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 14 Kent Ridge Road, 119223, Singapore
| | - Danwei Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore; Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 14 Kent Ridge Road, 119223, Singapore; Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Brunner CA, Uthicke S, Ricardo GF, Hoogenboom MO, Negri AP. Climate change doubles sedimentation-induced coral recruit mortality. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 768:143897. [PMID: 33454467 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143897] [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] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Coral reef replenishment is threatened by global climate change and local water-quality degradation, including smothering of coral recruits by sediments generated by anthropogenic activities. Here we show that the ability of Acropora millepora recruits to remove sediments diminishes under future climate conditions, leading to increased mortality. Recruits raised under future climate scenarios for fourteen weeks (highest treatment: +1.2 °C, pCO2: 950 ppm) showed twofold higher mortality following repeated sediment deposition (50% lethal sediment concentration LC50: 14-24 mg cm-2) compared to recruits raised under current climate conditions (LC50: 37-51 mg cm-2), depending on recruit age at the time of sedimentation. Older and larger recruits were more resistant to sedimentation and only ten-week-old recruits grown under current climate conditions survived sediment loads possible during dredging operations. This demonstrates that water-quality guidelines for managing sediment concentrations will need to be climate-adjusted to protect future coral recruitment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Brunner
- James Cook University School of Marine and Tropical Biology, Townsville, Queensland, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Townsville, Queensland, Australia; Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia; AIMS@JCU, School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University and Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Sven Uthicke
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia; AIMS@JCU, School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University and Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Gerard F Ricardo
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Mia O Hoogenboom
- James Cook University School of Marine and Tropical Biology, Townsville, Queensland, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Andrew P Negri
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia; AIMS@JCU, School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University and Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wall CB, Wallsgrove NJ, Gates RD, Popp BN. Amino acid δ 13C and δ 15N analyses reveal distinct species-specific patterns of trophic plasticity in a marine symbiosis. LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY 2021; 66:2033-2050. [PMID: 34248204 PMCID: PMC8252108 DOI: 10.1002/lno.11742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Compound-specific isotope analyses (CSIA) and multivariate "isotope fingerprinting" track biosynthetic sources and reveal trophic interactions in food webs. However, CSIA have not been widely applied in the study of marine symbioses. Here, we exposed a reef coral (Montipora capitata) in symbiosis with Symbiodiniaceae algae to experimental treatments (autotrophy, mixotrophy, heterotrophy) to test for trophic shifts and amino acid (AA) sources using paired bulk (δ13C, δ15N) and AA-CSIA (δ13CAA, δ15NAA). Treatments did not influence carbon or nitrogen trophic proxies, thereby not supporting nutritional plasticity. Instead, hosts and symbionts consistently overlapped in essential- and nonessential-δ13CAA (11 of 13 amino acids) and trophic- and source-δ15NAA values (9 of 13 amino acids). Host and symbiont trophic-δ15NAA values positively correlated with a plankton end-member, indicative of trophic connections and dietary sources for trophic-AA nitrogen. However, mass balance of AA-trophic positions (TPGlx-Phe) revealed heterotrophic influences to be highly variable (1-41% heterotrophy). Linear discriminant analysis using M. capitata mean-normalized essential-δ13CAA with previously published values (Pocillopora meandrina) showed similar nutrition isotope fingerprints (Symbiodiniaceae vs. plankton) but revealed species-specific trophic strategies. Montipora capitata and Symbiodiniaceae shared identical AA-fingerprints, whereas P. meandrina was assigned to either symbiont or plankton nutrition. Thus, M. capitata was 100% reliant on symbionts for essential-δ13CAA and demonstrated autotrophic fidelity and contrasts with trophic plasticity reported in P. meandrina. While M. capitata AA may originate from host and/or symbiont biosynthesis, AA carbon is Symbiodiniaceae-derived. Together, AA-CSIA/isotope fingerprinting advances the study of coral trophic plasticity and are powerful tools in the study of marine symbioses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B. Wall
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine BiologyUniversity of Hawai'i at MānoaHonoluluHawaiiUSA
- Pacific Biosciences Research CenterUniversity of Hawai'i at MānoaHonoluluHawaiiUSA
| | | | - Ruth D. Gates
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine BiologyUniversity of Hawai'i at MānoaHonoluluHawaiiUSA
| | - Brian N. Popp
- Department of Earth SciencesUniversity of Hawai'i at MānoaHonoluluHawaiiUSA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Selective Uptake of Pelagic Microbial Community Members by Caribbean Reef Corals. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:AEM.03175-20. [PMID: 33674432 PMCID: PMC8091028 DOI: 10.1128/aem.03175-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We identify interactions between coral grazing behavior and the growth rates and cell abundances of pelagic microbial groups found surrounding a Caribbean reef. During incubation experiments with three reef corals, reductions in microbial cell abundance differed according to coral species and suggest specific coral or microbial mechanisms are at play. Coral reefs are possible sinks for microbes; however, the removal mechanisms at play are not well understood. Here, we characterize pelagic microbial groups at the CARMABI reef (Curaçao) and examine microbial consumption by three coral species: Madracis mirabilis, Porites astreoides, and Stephanocoenia intersepta. Flow cytometry analyses of water samples collected from a depth of 10 m identified 6 microbial groups: Prochlorococcus, three groups of Synechococcus, photosynthetic eukaryotes, and heterotrophic bacteria. Minimum growth rates (μ) for Prochlorococcus, all Synechococcus groups, and photosynthetic eukaryotes were 0.55, 0.29, and 0.45 μ day−1, respectively, and suggest relatively high rates of productivity despite low nutrient conditions on the reef. During a series of 5-h incubations with reef corals performed just after sunset or prior to sunrise, reductions in the abundance of photosynthetic picoeukaryotes, Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus cells, were observed. Of the three Synechococcus groups, one decreased significantly during incubations with each coral and the other two only with M. mirabilis. Removal of carbon from the water column is based on coral consumption rates of phytoplankton and averaged between 138 ng h−1 and 387 ng h−1, depending on the coral species. A lack of coral-dependent reduction in heterotrophic bacteria, differences in Synechococcus reductions, and diurnal variation in reductions of Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus, coinciding with peak cell division, point to selective feeding by corals. Our study indicates that bentho-pelagic coupling via selective grazing of microbial groups influences carbon flow and supports heterogeneity of microbial communities overlying coral reefs. IMPORTANCE We identify interactions between coral grazing behavior and the growth rates and cell abundances of pelagic microbial groups found surrounding a Caribbean reef. During incubation experiments with three reef corals, reductions in microbial cell abundance differed according to coral species and suggest specific coral or microbial mechanisms are at play. Peaks in removal rates of Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus cyanobacteria appear highest during postsunset incubations and coincide with microbial cell division. Grazing rates and effort vary across coral species and picoplankton groups, possibly influencing overall microbial composition and abundance over coral reefs. For reef corals, use of such a numerically abundant source of nutrition may be advantageous, especially under environmentally stressful conditions when symbioses with dinoflagellate algae break down.
Collapse
|
39
|
Physiological and molecular responses of lobe coral indicate nearshore adaptations to anthropogenic stressors. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3423. [PMID: 33564085 PMCID: PMC7873073 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82569-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Corals in nearshore marine environments are increasingly exposed to reduced water quality, which is the primary local threat to Hawaiian coral reefs. It is unclear if corals surviving in such conditions have adapted to withstand sedimentation, pollutants, and other environmental stressors. Lobe coral populations from Maunalua Bay, Hawaii showed clear genetic differentiation between the 'polluted, high-stress' nearshore site and the 'less polluted, lower-stress' offshore site. To understand the driving force of the observed genetic partitioning, reciprocal transplant and common-garden experiments were conducted to assess phenotypic differences between these two populations. Physiological responses differed significantly between the populations, revealing more stress-resilient traits in the nearshore corals. Changes in protein profiles highlighted the inherent differences in the cellular metabolic processes and activities between the two; nearshore corals did not significantly alter their proteome between the sites, while offshore corals responded to nearshore transplantation with increased abundances of proteins associated with detoxification, antioxidant defense, and regulation of cellular metabolic processes. The response differences across multiple phenotypes between the populations suggest local adaptation of nearshore corals to reduced water quality. Our results provide insight into coral’s adaptive potential and its underlying processes, and reveal potential protein biomarkers that could be used to predict resiliency.
Collapse
|
40
|
Martinez S, Kolodny Y, Shemesh E, Scucchia F, Nevo R, Levin-Zaidman S, Paltiel Y, Keren N, Tchernov D, Mass T. Energy Sources of the Depth-Generalist Mixotrophic Coral Stylophora pistillata. FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE 2020; 7:988. [PMID: 33409285 PMCID: PMC7116548 DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2020.566663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Energy sources of corals, ultimately sunlight and plankton availability, change dramatically from shallow to mesophotic (30-150 m) reefs. Depth-generalist corals, those that occupy both of these two distinct ecosystems, are adapted to cope with such extremely diverse conditions. In this study, we investigated the trophic strategy of the depth-generalist hermatypic coral Stylophora pistillata and the ability of mesophotic colonies to adapt to shallow reefs. We compared symbiont genera composition, photosynthetic traits and the holobiont trophic position and carbon sources, calculated from amino acids compound-specific stable isotope analysis (AA-CSIA), of shallow, mesophotic and translocated corals. This species harbors different Symbiodiniaceae genera at the two depths: Cladocopium goreaui (dominant in mesophotic colonies) and Symbiodinium microadriaticum (dominant in shallow colonies) with a limited change after transplantation. This allowed us to determine which traits stem from hosting different symbiont species compositions across the depth gradient. Calculation of holobiont trophic position based on amino acid δ15N revealed that heterotrophy represents the same portion of the total energy budget in both depths, in contrast to the dogma that predation is higher in corals growing in low light conditions. Photosynthesis is the major carbon source to corals growing at both depths, but the photosynthetic rate is higher in the shallow reef corals, implicating both higher energy consumption and higher predation rate in the shallow habitat. In the corals transplanted from deep to shallow reef, we observed extensive photo-acclimation by the Symbiodiniaceae cells, including substantial cellular morphological modifications, increased cellular chlorophyll a, lower antennae to photosystems ratios and carbon signature similar to the local shallow colonies. In contrast, non-photochemical quenching remains low and does not increase to cope with the high light regime of the shallow reef. Furthermore, host acclimation is much slower in these deep-to-shallow transplanted corals as evident from the lower trophic position and tissue density compared to the shallow-water corals, even after long-term transplantation (18 months). Our results suggest that while mesophotic reefs could serve as a potential refuge for shallow corals, the transition is complex, as even after a year and a half the acclimation is only partial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephane Martinez
- Department of Marine Biology, The 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
| | - Yuval Kolodny
- Applied Physics Department, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University
of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eli Shemesh
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine
Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Federica Scucchia
- Department of Marine Biology, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine
Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- The Interuniversity Institute of Marine Sciences, Eilat,
Israel
| | - Reinat Nevo
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science,
Rehovot, Israel
| | - Smadar Levin-Zaidman
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of
Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yossi Paltiel
- Applied Physics Department, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University
of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nir Keren
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, The Alexander
Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
Israel
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Department of Marine Biology, The 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
| | - Tali Mass
- Department of Marine Biology, The 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
- Correspondence: Tali Mass,
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Huang YL, Mayfield AB, Fan TY. Effects of feeding on the physiological performance of the stony coral Pocillopora acuta. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19988. [PMID: 33203892 PMCID: PMC7673984 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76451-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Reef-building corals rely on both heterotrophy and endosymbiotic dinoflagellate autotrophy to meet their metabolic needs. Those looking to culture these organisms for scientific or industrial purposes must therefore consider both feeding regimes and the light environment. Herein the effects of three photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) levels were assessed in fed and unfed specimens of the model coral Pocillopora acuta that were cultured in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Half of the corals were fed Artemia sp. brine shrimp in a separate feeding tank to prevent biofouling, and fragments were exposed to PAR levels of 105, 157, or 250 μmol quanta m-2 s-1 over a 12-h period each day. All cultured corals survived the 140-day treatment, and the physiological response variables assessed-buoyant weight, specific growth rate, linear extension, color, and Fv/Fm-were significantly influenced by feeding, and, to a lesser extent, light. Specifically, fed corals grew faster and larger, and presented darker pigmentation; corals fed at the highest light levels grew at the fastest rate (6 cm year-1 or 175 mg g-1 week-1). Given the high physiological performance observed, we advocate the active feeding of brine shrimp in RAS by those looking to cultivate P. acuta, and likely other corals, over long-term timescales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Leng Huang
- Institute of Marine Biology, National Dong Hwa University, Pingtung, 944, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Anderson B Mayfield
- National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung, 944, Taiwan, ROC
- Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
| | - Tung-Yung Fan
- Institute of Marine Biology, National Dong Hwa University, Pingtung, 944, Taiwan, ROC.
- National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung, 944, Taiwan, ROC.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Pereira CM, Fonseca JS, Paiva ES, Costa PG, Mies M, Silva AG, Calderon EN, Bianchini A, Castro CB. Larvae of the South Atlantic coral Favia gravida are tolerant to salinity and nutrient concentrations associated with river discharges. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 161:105118. [PMID: 32890984 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Rivers release freshwater, nutrients and pollutants into reefs. This type of environmental stress reduces coral larvae settlement and alter its energy metabolism. We investigated the tolerance of Favia gravida (Scleractinia) larvae to river discharges. We exposed larvae to (i) different salinities (25, 30, 35 and 40 PSU); and (ii) dilutions of river water containing nutrients and metals (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% river water) under control salinity of 35 PSU. We then examined settlement and larval enzymatic activity. No differences in settlement were detected among salinities. Settlement was also similar to control for larvae under 100% river water. Enzymatic activity for citrate synthase remained unaltered for all treatments. Lactate dehydrogenase activity was slightly altered under different salinities, suggesting a mild stress response. Findings suggest that F. gravida larvae are tolerant to a wide range of salinity and nutrient conditions and that this is a stress-tolerant species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristiano M Pereira
- Instituto Coral Vivo, R. dos Coqueiros 87, Parque Yaya, Santa Cruz Cabrália, BA, Brazil; Departamento de Invertebrados, Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Quinta da Boa Vista, São Cristóvão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Juliana S Fonseca
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Av. Itália Km 8, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Edney S Paiva
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia da Bahia, Rod. BR 367 Km 57,5, Porto Seguro, BA, Brazil
| | - Patrícia G Costa
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Av. Itália Km 8, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Miguel Mies
- Instituto Coral Vivo, R. dos Coqueiros 87, Parque Yaya, Santa Cruz Cabrália, BA, Brazil; Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, Praça do Oceanográfico 191, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Allison G Silva
- Instituto Coral Vivo, R. dos Coqueiros 87, Parque Yaya, Santa Cruz Cabrália, BA, Brazil; Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia da Bahia, Rod. BR 367 Km 57,5, Porto Seguro, BA, Brazil
| | - Emiliano N Calderon
- Instituto Coral Vivo, R. dos Coqueiros 87, Parque Yaya, Santa Cruz Cabrália, BA, Brazil; Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. São José Barreto 764, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
| | - Adalto Bianchini
- Instituto Coral Vivo, R. dos Coqueiros 87, Parque Yaya, Santa Cruz Cabrália, BA, Brazil; Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Av. Itália Km 8, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Clovis B Castro
- Instituto Coral Vivo, R. dos Coqueiros 87, Parque Yaya, Santa Cruz Cabrália, BA, Brazil; Departamento de Invertebrados, Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Quinta da Boa Vista, São Cristóvão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Allgeier JE, Andskog MA, Hensel E, Appaldo R, Layman C, Kemp DW. Rewiring coral: Anthropogenic nutrients shift diverse coral-symbiont nutrient and carbon interactions toward symbiotic algal dominance. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2020; 26:5588-5601. [PMID: 32710518 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Improving coral reef conservation requires heightened understanding of the mechanisms by which coral cope with changing environmental conditions to maintain optimal health. We used a long-term (10 month) in situ experiment with two phylogenetically diverse scleractinians (Acropora palmata and Porites porites) to test how coral-symbiotic algal interactions changed under real-world conditions that were a priori expected to be beneficial (fish-mediated nutrients) and to be harmful, but non-lethal, for coral (fish + anthropogenic nutrients). Analyzing nine response variables of nutrient stoichiometry and stable isotopes per coral fragment, we found that nutrients from fish positively affected coral growth, and moderate doses of anthropogenic nutrients had no additional effects. While growing, coral maintained homeostasis in their nutrient pools, showing tolerance to the different nutrient regimes. Nonetheless, structural equation models revealed more nuanced relationships, showing that anthropogenic nutrients reduced the diversity of coral-symbiotic algal interactions and caused nutrient and carbon flow to be dominated by the symbiont. Our findings show that nutrient and carbon pathways are fundamentally "rewired" under anthropogenic nutrient regimes in ways that could increase corals' susceptibility to further stressors. We hypothesize that our experiment captured coral in a previously unrecognized transition state between mutualism and antagonism. These findings highlight a notable parallel between how anthropogenic nutrients promote symbiont dominance with the holobiont, and how they promote macroalgal dominance at the coral reef scale. Our findings suggest more realistic experimental conditions, including studies across gradients of anthropogenic nutrient enrichment as well as the incorporation of varied nutrient and energy pathways, may facilitate conservation efforts to mitigate coral loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob E Allgeier
- Department of Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mona A Andskog
- Department of Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Enie Hensel
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Richard Appaldo
- Department of Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Craig Layman
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Dustin W Kemp
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Suzuki G, Kadota T, Yatsuya K, Muko S, Arakaki S, Kiyomoto S, Yoshimura T. Occasional loss of fecundity in peripheral coral populations. Ecol Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1703.12177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Go Suzuki
- Seikai National Fisheries Research Institute Nagasaki Japan
| | - Tatsuru Kadota
- Seikai National Fisheries Research Institute Nagasaki Japan
| | | | - Soyoka Muko
- Graduate School of Fisheries Science and Environmental Studies Nagasaki University Nagasaki Japan
| | - Seiji Arakaki
- Amakusa Marine Biological Laboratory Kyushu University Kumamoto Japan
| | - Setuo Kiyomoto
- Seikai National Fisheries Research Institute Nagasaki Japan
| | - Taku Yoshimura
- Seikai National Fisheries Research Institute Nagasaki Japan
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Wenger AS, Harris D, Weber S, Vaghi F, Nand Y, Naisilisili W, Hughes A, Delevaux J, Klein CJ, Watson J, Mumby PJ, Jupiter SD. Best‐practice forestry management delivers diminishing returns for coral reefs with increased land‐clearing. J Appl Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amelia S. Wenger
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Queensland St. Lucia Qld Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science University of Queensland St. Lucia Qld Australia
| | - Daniel Harris
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Queensland St. Lucia Qld Australia
| | - Samuel Weber
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California Irvine CA USA
| | - Ferguson Vaghi
- Kolombangara Island Biodiversity Conservation AssociationKolombangara Island Solomon Islands
| | | | | | | | - Jade Delevaux
- Department of Earth Sciences School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology University of Hawai'i at Mānoa HI USA
| | - Carissa J. Klein
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Queensland St. Lucia Qld Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science University of Queensland St. Lucia Qld Australia
| | - James Watson
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Queensland St. Lucia Qld Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science University of Queensland St. Lucia Qld Australia
| | - Peter J. Mumby
- School of Biological Sciences University of Queensland St. Lucia Qld Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
|
47
|
Sangmanee K, Casareto BE, Nguyen TD, Sangsawang L, Toyoda K, Suzuki T, Suzuki Y. Influence of thermal stress and bleaching on heterotrophic feeding of two scleractinian corals on pico-nanoplankton. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 158:111405. [PMID: 32753190 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The feeding strategies of Montipora digitata and Porites lutea, two dominant corals in the Okinawan reefs, were investigated. The focus was on pico- and nanoplankton feeding efficiencies, using 6-h incubations. Although healthy M. digitata consumed from 72% to 87% more pico-nanoplankton cells than P. lutea, feeding rates of bleached corals of both species were similarly low at heat stress (33 °C). Heterotrophic carbon acquisition with respect to dark respiration varied from 3% to 65% in M. digitata and from 7% to 68% in P. lutea. A decrease in the feeding efficiency of bleached M. digitata under heat stress shows its vulnerability to water heating events. Feeding rates of P. lutea were low under all conditions and treatments; therefore, this species is less vulnerable to heat stress due to the strategy of meeting metabolic costs by using translocated organic matter from endoliths and selecting pico-nanoplankton cells with a high C/N ratio.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kanwara Sangmanee
- Environment and Energy Systems, Graduate Schools of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan; Marine Biodiversity Research Group, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok 10240, Thailand
| | - Beatriz E Casareto
- Environment and Energy Systems, Graduate Schools of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan.
| | - The Duc Nguyen
- Environment and Energy Systems, Graduate Schools of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan; Institute of Marine Environment and Resources, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet St., Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Laddawan Sangsawang
- Environment and Energy Systems, Graduate Schools of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan; Marine and Coastal Resources Research and Development Center, the Eastern Gulf of Thailand, Rayong Province 21170, Thailand
| | - Keita Toyoda
- Environment and Energy Systems, Graduate Schools of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan.
| | - Toshiyuki Suzuki
- Environment and Energy Systems, Graduate Schools of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan.
| | - Yoshimi Suzuki
- Environment and Energy Systems, Graduate Schools of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Evans RD, Wilson SK, Fisher R, Ryan NM, Babcock R, Blakeway D, Bond T, Dorji P, Dufois F, Fearns P, Lowe RJ, Stoddart J, Thomson DP. Early recovery dynamics of turbid coral reefs after recurring bleaching events. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 268:110666. [PMID: 32510431 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The worlds' coral reefs are declining due to the combined effects of natural disturbances and anthropogenic pressures including thermal coral bleaching associated with global climate change. Nearshore corals are receiving increased anthropogenic stress from coastal development and nutrient run-off. Considering forecast increases in global temperatures, greater understanding of drivers of recovery on nearshore coral reefs following widespread bleaching events is required to inform management of local stressors. The west Pilbara coral reefs, with cross-shelf turbidity gradients coupled with a large nearby dredging program and recent history of repeated coral bleaching due to heat stress, represent an opportune location to study recovery from multiple disturbances. Mean coral cover at west Pilbara reefs was monitored from 2009 to 2018 and declined from 45% in 2009 to 5% in 2014 following three heat waves. Recruitment and juvenile abundance of corals were monitored from 2014 to 2018 and were combined with biological and physical data to identify which variables enhanced or hindered early-stage coral recovery of all hard corals and separately for the acroporids, the genera principally responsible for recovery in the short-term (<7 years). From 2014 to 2018, coral cover increased from 5 to 10% but recovery varied widely among sites (0-13%). Hard coral cover typically recovered most at shallower sites that had higher abundance of herbivorous fish, less macroalgae, and lower turbidity. Similarly, acroporid corals recovered most at sites with lower turbidity and macroalgal cover. Juvenile acroporid densities were a good indicator of recovery at least two years after they were recorded. However, recruitment to settlement tiles was not a good predictor of total coral or acroporid recovery. This study shows that coral recovery can be slower in areas of high turbidity and the rate may be reduced by local pressures, such as dredging. Management should focus on improving or maintaining local water quality to increase the likelihood of coral recovery under climate stress. Further, in turbid environments, juvenile coral density predicts early coral recovery better than recruits on tiles and may be a more cost-effective technique for monitoring recovery potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard D Evans
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, W.A, 6151, Australia; Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - Shaun K Wilson
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, W.A, 6151, Australia; Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Rebecca Fisher
- Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Nicole M Ryan
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Russ Babcock
- CSIRO Oceans & Atmosphere, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | | | - Todd Bond
- Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; School of Biological Science, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Passang Dorji
- Remote Sensing and Satellite Research Group, Department of Imaging and Applied Physics, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Francois Dufois
- IFREMER, DYNECO/DHYSED, ZI Pointe du Diable, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Peter Fearns
- Remote Sensing and Satellite Research Group, Department of Imaging and Applied Physics, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Ryan J Lowe
- School of Biological Science, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Jim Stoddart
- Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; MScience Pty Ltd, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Damian P Thomson
- CSIRO Oceans & Atmosphere, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Gene Expression and Photophysiological Changes in Pocillopora acuta Coral Holobiont Following Heat Stress and Recovery. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8081227. [PMID: 32806647 PMCID: PMC7463449 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8081227] [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: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of corals to withstand changes in their surroundings is a critical survival mechanism for coping with environmental stress. While many studies have examined responses of the coral holobiont to stressful conditions, its capacity to reverse responses and recover when the stressor is removed is not well-understood. In this study, we investigated among-colony responses of Pocillopora acuta from two sites with differing distance to the mainland (Kusu (closer to the mainland) and Raffles Lighthouse (further from the mainland)) to heat stress through differential expression analysis of target genes and quantification of photophysiological metrics. We then examined how these attributes were regulated after the stressor was removed to assess the recovery potential of P. acuta. The fragments that were subjected to heat stress (2 °C above ambient levels) generally exhibited significant reduction in their endosymbiont densities, but the extent of recovery following stress removal varied depending on natal site and colony. There were minimal changes in chl a concentration and maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm, the proportion of variable fluorescence (Fv) to maximum fluorescence (Fm)) in heat-stressed corals, suggesting that the algal endosymbionts’ Photosystem II was not severely compromised. Significant changes in gene expression levels of selected genes of interest (GOI) were observed following heat exposure and stress removal among sites and colonies, including Actin, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type IV (Camk4), kinesin-like protein (KIF9), and small heat shock protein 16.1 (Hsp16.1). The most responsive GOIs were Actin, a major component of the cytoskeleton, and the adaptive immune-related Camk4 which both showed significant reduction following heat exposure and subsequent upregulation during the recovery phase. Our findings clearly demonstrate specific responses of P. acuta in both photophysiological attributes and gene expression levels, suggesting differential capacity of P. acuta corals to tolerate heat stress depending on the colony, so that certain colonies may be more resilient than others.
Collapse
|
50
|
Montano S, Seveso D, Maggioni D, Galli P, Corsarini S, Saliu F. Spatial variability of phthalates contamination in the reef-building corals Porites lutea, Pocillopora verrucosa and Pavona varians. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 142:234-241. [PMID: 32469762 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution represents a serious hazard for the marine environment, including coral reefs. Scleractinian corals can easily mistake microplastics with their natural preys, and ingest them and all the annexed plasticizer additives. Here we selectively searched on field for five phthalates esters (PAEs) namely dibutyl-phthalate (DBP), benzylbutyl-phthalate (BBzP), diethyl-phthalate (DEP), Bis(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP), and dimethyl-phthalate (DMP) in the coral species Pocillopora verrucosa, Porites lutea and Pavona varians. Our data reveal that >95% of corals sampled were contaminated, with a maximum of 172.4 ng/g, a value 7 time-fold higher than those found in a previous study. The Σ5 PAEs showed an average of about 30 ng/g per coral, but no differences in PAEs contamination was detected between species, depth or reef exposure. Despite their effects on coral physiology are not yet known, PAEs should be now considered as a novel, and ubiquitous, form of contamination in corals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Montano
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island Faafu Atoll, Maldives.
| | - Davide Seveso
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island Faafu Atoll, Maldives
| | - Davide Maggioni
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island Faafu Atoll, Maldives
| | - Paolo Galli
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island Faafu Atoll, Maldives
| | - Stefano Corsarini
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|