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Pulido Mantas T, Roveta C, Calcinai B, Campanini C, Coppari M, Falco P, Di Camillo CG, Garrabou J, Lee MC, Memmola F, Cerrano C. Mesophotic zone as buffer for biodiversity protection: A promising opportunity to enhance MPA effectiveness. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 201:106676. [PMID: 39142217 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106676] [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: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Coastal areas conservation strategies often left deeper habitats, such as mesophotic ones, unprotected and exposed to anthropogenic activities. In this context, an approach for including the mesophotic zone inside protection plans is proposed, considering 27 Italian Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as a model. MPAs were classified considering their bathymetries, exposure to marine heat waves (MHWs), mass mortality events (MMEs) and, using a local ecological knowledge (LEK) approach, the estimated resilience of certain sessile species after MMEs. Only 8 MPAs contained considerable mesophotic areas, with stronger MHWs mainly occurring in shallower MPAs, and MMEs mostly affecting coralligenous assemblages. Even with only a 10% response rate, the LEK approach provided useful information on the resilience of certain species, allowing us to suggest that the presence of nearby mesophotic areas can help shallower habitats facing climate change, thus making the "deep refugia" hypothesis, usually related to tropical habitats, applicable also for the Mediterranean Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torcuato Pulido Mantas
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche s.n.c., 60131 Ancona, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
| | - Camilla Roveta
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche s.n.c., 60131 Ancona, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy.
| | - Barbara Calcinai
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche s.n.c., 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Claudia Campanini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche s.n.c., 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Martina Coppari
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche s.n.c., 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Falco
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche s.n.c., 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Cristina Gioia Di Camillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche s.n.c., 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Joaquim Garrabou
- Institute of Marine Sciences-CSIC (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Man Chun Lee
- Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Francesco Memmola
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche s.n.c., 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Carlo Cerrano
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche s.n.c., 60131 Ancona, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy; Stazione Zoologica di Napoli Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Via Francesco Caracciolo s.n.c., 80122 Napoli, Italy; Fano Marine Center, Viale Adriatico 1/N, 61032 Fano, Italy
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2
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Capdevila P, Zentner Y, Rovira GL, Garrabou J, Medrano A, Linares C. Mediterranean octocoral populations exposed to marine heatwaves are less resilient to disturbances. J Anim Ecol 2024. [PMID: 39277786 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.14147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
The effects of climate change are now more pervasive than ever. Marine ecosystems have been particularly impacted by climate change, with marine heatwaves (MHWs) being a strong driver of mass mortality events. Even in the most optimistic greenhouse gas emission scenarios, MHWs will continue to increase in frequency, intensity and duration. For this reason, understanding the resilience of marine species to the increase of MHWs is crucial to predicting their viability under future climatic conditions. In this study, we explored the consequences of MHWs on the resilience (the ability of a population to resist and recover after a disturbance) of a Mediterranean key octocoral species, Paramuricea clavata, to further disturbances to their population structure. To quantify P. clavata's capacity to resist and recover from future disturbances, we used demographic information collected from 1999 to 2022, from two different sites in the NW Mediterranean Sea to calculate the transient dynamics of their populations. Our results showed that the differences in the dynamics of populations exposed and those not exposed to MHWs were driven mostly by differences in mean survivorship and growth. We also showed that after MHWs P. clavata populations had lower resistance and slower rates of recovery than those not exposed to MHWs. Populations exposed to MHWs had lower resistance elasticity to most demographic processes compared to unexposed populations. In contrast, the only demographic process showing some differences when comparing the speed of recovery elasticity values between populations exposed and unexposed to MHWs was stasis. Finally, under scenarios of increasing frequency of MHWs, the extinction of P. clavata populations will accelerate and their capacity to resist and recover after further disturbances will be hampered. Overall, these findings confirm that future climatic conditions will make octocoral populations even more vulnerable to further disturbances. These results highlight the importance of limiting local impacts on marine ecosystems to dampen the consequences of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pol Capdevila
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yanis Zentner
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Graciel la Rovira
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquim Garrabou
- Institut de Ciències del Mar-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
| | - Alba Medrano
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Linares
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
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3
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Gobbato J, Work TM, Facchinelli MP, Siena FM, Montalbetti E, Seveso D, Louis YD, Galli P, Montano S. Pathology of tissue loss in three key gorgonian species in the Mediterranean Sea. J Invertebr Pathol 2024; 207:108197. [PMID: 39277165 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2024.108197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
The Mediterranean is known for its marine biodiversity, especially gorgonian forests. Unfortunately, these are experiencing rapid declines due to climate change, manifested by repeated marine heat waves resulting in mass mortality events since the early 1990 s. To better understand why gorgonians are declining, more systematic approaches to investigate the exact causes are needed, and pathology may aid in this goal. We described gross and microscopic pathology of tissue loss in three key gorgonian species in the Mediterranean region, Paramuricea clavata, Eunicella cavolini, and Leptogorgia sarmentosa, that were all experiencing various degrees of acute to subacute tissue loss characterized by exposed axial skeleton sometimes partly colonized by epibionts and thinning of adjacent tissues. The most significant variety of lesions was seen in P. clavata followed by L. sarmentosa and E. cavolini. For all species, dissociation of gastrodermal cells was the dominant microscopic lesion followed by necrosis of the gastrodermis. Ciliates invading gastrodermis and associated with necrosis of polyps were seen only in E. cavolini. Epidermal tissue loss was seen only in L. sarmentosa, while P. clavata was distinguished by a prominent inflammatory response and unidentified dark round structures within the tentacle epidermis and gastrodermis with no host response. Further work to understand the cause of death in gorgonians is needed, particularly to elucidate the role of ciliates and environmental co-factors or infectious agents not visible on light microscopy, as well as applications of additional tools such as cytology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Gobbato
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Maldives.
| | - Thierry M Work
- U. S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Honolulu Field Station, 820 Mililani Street., Honolulu, HI 96850, United States.
| | - Martina P Facchinelli
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica M Siena
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Maldives; NBFC (National Biodiversity Future Center), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Enrico Montalbetti
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Maldives; NBFC (National Biodiversity Future Center), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Davide Seveso
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Maldives; NBFC (National Biodiversity Future Center), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Yohan D Louis
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Maldives; NBFC (National Biodiversity Future Center), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Paolo Galli
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Maldives; NBFC (National Biodiversity Future Center), 90133 Palermo, Italy; University of Dubai, P.O. Box 14143, Dubai Academic City, United Arab Emirates
| | - Simone Montano
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza Della Scienza 1, 20126 Milan, Italy; MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll 12030, Maldives; NBFC (National Biodiversity Future Center), 90133 Palermo, Italy
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4
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Pierdomenico M, Pandolfi F, Mancini G, Ventura D, Falco M, Belluscio A, Ardizzone G, Jona-Lasinio G, Casoli E. Terrain, oceanographic, and biological factors underlying the development of Mediterranean coastal animal forests. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 200:106663. [PMID: 39102776 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106663] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Marine Animal Forests (MAFs) form three-dimensional seascapes and provide substrate and shelter for a variety of species. We investigated the fine-scale distribution pattern of three habitat-forming species of the coastal Mediterranean MAFs: Eunicella cavolini, E. singularis and Paramuricea clavata, and assessed the influence of terrain, oceanographic, and biological factors on their distribution and the formation of MAFs in the central-northern Tyrrhenian Sea. Species presence and abundance were obtained through seafloor HD imagery and were combined with terrain and oceanographic parameters extracted from remote sensing data using distance-based linear modeling (DistLM) and generalized additive model (GAM). The three studied species occurred in all the study areas, with marked differences in their abundance and distribution across the different sites and habitat type, in relation to seafloor characteristics. Specifically, positive relationships emerged between the density of colonies and terrain parameters indicative of high seafloor complexity, such as slope and roughness, as well as the number species structuring MAFs. A clear niche separation for the three species was observed: E. cavolini and P. clavata were reported on coralligenous reefs, and in areas where the seafloor complexity may enhance hydrodynamics and transport of organic matter, while E. singularis was observed on red algal mats at shallower depths. A better understanding of the ecology of these gorgonians, as well as of the drivers determining MAFs formation, represent the first step toward the conservation of these threatened habitats which are currently poorly protected by management and conservation plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Pierdomenico
- Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering, National Research Council, CNR-IGAG, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Pandolfi
- Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies, National Research Council, CNR-IRBIM, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gianluca Mancini
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Ventura
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Falco
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Belluscio
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Edoardo Casoli
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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5
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Golo R, Santamaría J, Vergés A, Cebrian E. The role of species thermal plasticity for alien species invasibility in a changing climate: A case study of Lophocladia trichoclados. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 200:106642. [PMID: 39024996 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The Mediterranean Sea provides fertile ground for understanding the complex interplay between invasive species and native habitats, particularly within the context of climate change. This thermal tolerance study reveals the remarkable ability of Lophocladia trichoclados, a red algae species that has proven highly invasive, to adapt to varying temperatures, particularly thriving in colder Mediterranean waters, where it can withstand temperatures as low as 14 °C, a trait not observed in its native habitat. This rapid acclimation, occurring in less than a century, might entail a trade-off with high temperature resistance. Additionally, all sampled populations in the Mediterranean share the same haplotype, suggesting a common origin and the possibility that we might be facing an exceptionally acclimatable and invasive strain. This high degree of acclimatability could determine the future spread capacity in a changing scenario, highlighting the importance of considering both acclimation and adaptation in understanding the expansion of invasive species' ranges.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Golo
- Departament de Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, C/Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - J Santamaría
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes, CSIC, Accés Cala Sant Francesc 14, 17300, Blanes, Girona, Spain
| | - A Vergés
- Departament de Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, C/Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - E Cebrian
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes, CSIC, Accés Cala Sant Francesc 14, 17300, Blanes, Girona, Spain.
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6
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Stipcich P, Guala I, La Manna G, Merella MM, Pansini A, Vargiu R, Fraschetti S, Ceccherelli G. How the seagrass Posidonia oceanica flowering will benefit from climate change. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 206:116721. [PMID: 39024911 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed at identifying the importance of the thermal framework preceding Posidonia oceanica flowering induction (autumn before the flowering year) and anthesis (summer of the flowering year). In 53 locations of Sardinia (Italy), 35 vertical shoots were collected in 2001, 2020 and 2023 and analyzed through lepidochronology, detecting past flowering events from 1991 to 2022. Flowering probability was positively correlated with autumn SST range and MHWs, stressing the importance of the temperature in the year preceding the flowering. Summer SST mean and Marine Cold Spell duration (the latter emerged as a novel outcome) also positively influenced flowering. A negative association was highlighted with the summer SST range. As the occurrence of MHWs will increase, and the SST range will also increase in the autumn and decrease in the summer, P. oceanica might benefit through a higher flowering frequency, leading to a greater resilience to disturbances due to higher genetic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Stipcich
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Centre, Palermo, Italy; Department of Chemical Physical Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Ivan Guala
- Department of Chemical Physical Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy; IMC - International Marine Centre, Oristano, Italy
| | - Gabriella La Manna
- National Biodiversity Future Centre, Palermo, Italy; Department of Chemical Physical Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Mariangela Moro Merella
- Department of Chemical Physical Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Arianna Pansini
- Department of Chemical Physical Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Riccardo Vargiu
- Department of Chemical Physical Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Simonetta Fraschetti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Centre, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulia Ceccherelli
- National Biodiversity Future Centre, Palermo, Italy; Department of Chemical Physical Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Masanja F, Jiang X, He G, Xu Y, Zang X, He Y, Zhao L. Bivalves under extreme weather events: A comparative study of five economically important species in the South China sea during marine heatwaves. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 202:106716. [PMID: 39226783 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are increasing in frequency and intensity, threatening marine organisms and ecosystems they support. Yet, little is known about impacts of intensifying MHWs on ecologically and economically important bivalves cultured in the South China Sea. Here, we compared survival and physiological responses of five bivalve species, Pinctada fucata, Crassostrea angulata, Perna viridis, Argopecten irradians and Paphia undulata, to two consecutive MHWs events (3 days of thermal exposure to + 4 °C or + 8 °C, following 3 days of recovery under ambient conditions). While P. fucata, P. viridis, and P. undulata are native to the South China Sea region, C. angulata and A. irradians are not. Individuals of P. fucata, C. angulata and P. viridis had higher stress tolerance to MHWs than A. irradians and P. undulata, the latter already experiencing 100% mortality under +8 °C conditions during the first event. With increasing intensity of MHWs, standard metabolic rates of all five species increased significantly, in line with significant depressions of function-related energy-metabolizing enzymes (CMA, NKA, and T-ATP). Likewise, activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and MDA) and shell mineralization-related enzymes (AKP and ACP) responded significantly to MHWs, despite species-specific performances observed. These findings demonstrate that some bivalve species can likely fail to accommodate intensifying MHWs events in the South China Sea, but some may persist. If this is the case, then one would expect substantial loss of fitness in bivalve aquaculture in the South China Sea under intensifying MHWs conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaoyan Jiang
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Guixiang He
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xiaoning Zang
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yu He
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Liqiang Zhao
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China; Pearl Oyster Research Institute, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Science and Technology Innovation Center of Marine Invertebrates, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China.
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8
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Aunan K, Orru H, Sjödin H. Perspectives on connecting climate change and health. Scand J Public Health 2024:14034948241269748. [PMID: 39185636 DOI: 10.1177/14034948241269748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Over the past century, the Earth's climate has undergone rapid and unprecedented changes, manifested in a noticeable increase in average global temperature. This has led to shifts in precipitation patterns, increased frequency of extreme weather events (e.g. hurricanes, heatwaves, droughts and floods), alterations in ecosystems, and rising sea levels, impacting both natural environments and human societies, health and wellbeing. Without deep and urgent emission cuts and effective adaptation, the toll of climate change on human health and wellbeing is likely to grow. Here, we address the complex relationship between climate change and health, and discuss ways forward for transdisciplinary research and collaboration that can motivate more ambitious mitigation policies and help develop solutions to adapt to the crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Aunan
- CICERO Center for International Climate Research, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hans Orru
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Henrik Sjödin
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Bilajac A, Gljušćić E, Smith S, Najdek M, Iveša L. Effects of extreme temperatures and recovery potential of Gongolaria barbata from a coastal lagoon in the northern Adriatic Sea: an ex situ approach. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2024; 134:415-426. [PMID: 38484147 PMCID: PMC11341668 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcae038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Globally, rising seawater temperatures contribute to the regression of marine macroalgal forests. Along the Istrian coastline (northern Adriatic), an isolated population of Gongolaria barbata persists in a coastal lagoon, representing one of the last marine macroalgal forests in the region. Our objective was to examine the impact of extreme temperatures on the morphology and physiology of G. barbata and test its potential for recovery after simulating marine heatwave (MHW) conditions. METHODS We explored the occurrence of marine heatwaves in southern Istria, adjacent to the study area, in addition to extreme temperatures inside the area itself. Subsequently, we performed a thermotolerance experiment, consisting of a stress and recovery phase, in which we exposed G. barbata thalli to four extreme (28, 30, 32 and 34 °C) and one favourable (18 °C) temperature. We monitored morphological and physiological responses. KEY RESULTS Our findings indicate a significant rise in frequency, duration and intensity of MHWs over decades on the southern Istrian coast. Experimental results show that G. barbata demonstrates potential for both morphological and physiological recovery after exposure to temperatures as high as 32 °C. However, exposure to 34 °C led to thallus decay, with limited ability to regenerate. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that G. barbata has a remarkable resilience to long-term exposure to extreme temperatures ≤32 °C and suggest that short-term exposure to temperatures beyond this, as currently recorded inside the lagoon, do not notably affect the physiology or morphology of local G. barbata. With more MHWs expected in the future, such an adapted population might represent an important donor suitable for future restoration activities along the Istrian coast. These results emphasize the resilience of this unique population, but also warn of the vulnerability of marine macroalgal forests to rising seawater temperatures in rapidly changing climatic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bilajac
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Center for Marine Research, G. Paliaga 5, 52210 Rovinj, Croatia
| | - Edi Gljušćić
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Center for Marine Research, G. Paliaga 5, 52210 Rovinj, Croatia
| | - Shannen Smith
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Center for Marine Research, G. Paliaga 5, 52210 Rovinj, Croatia
| | - Mirjana Najdek
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Center for Marine Research, G. Paliaga 5, 52210 Rovinj, Croatia
| | - Ljiljana Iveša
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Center for Marine Research, G. Paliaga 5, 52210 Rovinj, Croatia
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Martino C, Geraci F, Scudiero R, Barone G, Naselli F, Chiarelli R. Vanadium Toxicity Is Altered by Global Warming Conditions in Sea Urchin Embryos: Metal Bioaccumulation, Cell Stress Response and Apoptosis. J Xenobiot 2024; 14:1130-1142. [PMID: 39311143 PMCID: PMC11417719 DOI: 10.3390/jox14030064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, the global vanadium (V) industry has been steadily growing, together with interest in the potential use of V compounds as therapeutics, leading to V release in the marine environment and making it an emerging pollutant. Since climate change can amplify the sensitivity of marine organisms already facing chemical contamination in coastal areas, here, for the first time, we investigated the combined impact of V and global warming conditions on the development of Paracentrotus lividus sea urchin embryos. Embryo-larval bioassays were carried out in embryos exposed for 24 and 48 h to sodium orthovanadate (Na3VO4) under conditions of near-future ocean warming projections (+3 °C, 21 °C) and of extreme warming at present-day marine heatwave conditions (+6 °C, 24 °C), compared to the control temperature (18 °C). We found that the concomitant exposure to V and higher temperature caused an increased percentage of malformations, impaired skeleton growth, the induction of heat shock protein (HSP)-mediated cell stress response and the activation of apoptosis. We also found a time- and temperature-dependent increase in V bioaccumulation, with a concomitant reduction in intracellular calcium ions (Ca2+). This work demonstrates that embryos' sensitivity to V pollution is increased under global warming conditions, highlighting the need for studies on multiple stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Martino
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (C.M.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (F.N.)
- National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina 61, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabiana Geraci
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (C.M.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (F.N.)
| | - Rosaria Scudiero
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Giampaolo Barone
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (C.M.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (F.N.)
| | - Flores Naselli
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (C.M.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (F.N.)
| | - Roberto Chiarelli
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (C.M.); (F.G.); (G.B.); (F.N.)
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11
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Canessa M, Bertolotto R, Betti F, Bo M, Dagnino A, Enrichetti F, Toma M, Bavestrello G. Variation in the Health Status of the Mediterranean Gorgonian Forests: The Synergistic Effect of Marine Heat Waves and Fishing Activity. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:642. [PMID: 39194580 DOI: 10.3390/biology13080642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Over the past thirty years, the red gorgonian Paramuricea clavata in the Mediterranean Sea has faced increasing threats, including heat waves and human activities such as artisanal and recreational fishing. Epibiosis on damaged gorgonian colonies is generally used as an indirect indication of stressed conditions. The density and height of P. clavata and the percentage of colonies affected by epibiosis and entangled in lost fishing gear were monitored to investigate the phenomenon and its trend over time in the Ligurian Sea. Analyses were based on transects collected during ROV campaigns between 2015 and 2022 at depths of 33-90 m. A strong correlation was observed between fishing efforts in the study area and the level of epibiosis. Maximal percentages of colonies affected by epibiosis and entanglement were recorded at depths of 50-70 m. Temporally, marine heat waves before 2019 were identified as the primary cause of damage to P. clavata. The decrease in epibiosis percentages after 2019, despite the 2022 heat wave, may be due to a quick recovery ability of the populations and a reduction in fishing activities during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Long-term monitoring programmes are essential to understand the changes in marine benthic communities exposed to different stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Canessa
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra dell'Ambiente e della Vita-DISTAV, Università di Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Rosella Bertolotto
- Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione dell'Ambiente Ligure-ARPAL, Via Bombrini 8, 16149 Genova, Italy
| | - Federico Betti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra dell'Ambiente e della Vita-DISTAV, Università di Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Marzia Bo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra dell'Ambiente e della Vita-DISTAV, Università di Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196 Roma, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Centre-NBFC, Piazza Marina 61, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Dagnino
- Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione dell'Ambiente Ligure-ARPAL, Via Bombrini 8, 16149 Genova, Italy
| | - Francesco Enrichetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra dell'Ambiente e della Vita-DISTAV, Università di Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Margherita Toma
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra dell'Ambiente e della Vita-DISTAV, Università di Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale-ISPRA, Via Vitalino Brancati 48, 00144 Roma, Italy
| | - Giorgio Bavestrello
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra dell'Ambiente e della Vita-DISTAV, Università di Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196 Roma, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Centre-NBFC, Piazza Marina 61, 90133 Palermo, Italy
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12
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Cocchi L, Muccini F, Locritani M, Spinelli L, Cocco M. CORAL-Catamaran for Underwater Exploration: Development of a Multipurpose Unmanned Surface Vessel for Environmental Studies. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:4544. [PMID: 39065942 PMCID: PMC11280589 DOI: 10.3390/s24144544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
CORAL (Catamaran fOr UndeRwAter expLoration) is a compact, unmanned catamaran-type vehicle designed and developed to assist the scientific community in exploring marine areas such as inshore regions that are not easily accessible by traditional vessels. This vehicle can operate in different modalities: completely autonomous, semi-autonomous, or remotely assisted by the operator, thus accommodating various investigative scenarios. CORAL is characterized by compact dimensions, a very low draft and a total electric propulsion system. The vehicle is equipped with a single echo-sounder, a 450 kHz Side Scan Sonar, an Inertial Navigation System assisted by a GPS receiver and a pair of high-definition cameras for recording both above and below the water surface. Here, we present results from two investigations: the first conducted in the tourist harbour in Pozzuoli Gulf and the second in the Riomaggiore-Manarola marine area within the Cinque Terre territory (Italy). Both surveys yielded promising results regarding the potentiality of CORAL to collect fine-scale submarine elements such as anthropic objects, sedimentary features, and seagrass meadow spots. These capabilities characterize the CORAL system as a highly efficient investigation tool for depicting shallow bedforms, reconstructing coastal dynamics and erosion processes and monitoring the evolution of biological habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Cocchi
- Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Via di Vigna Murata 605, 00143 Rome, Italy; (F.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Filippo Muccini
- Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Via di Vigna Murata 605, 00143 Rome, Italy; (F.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Marina Locritani
- Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Via di Vigna Murata 605, 00143 Rome, Italy; (F.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Leonardo Spinelli
- Edgelab S.r.l, Via Privata OTO, 10, 19136 La Spezia, Italy; (L.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Michele Cocco
- Edgelab S.r.l, Via Privata OTO, 10, 19136 La Spezia, Italy; (L.S.); (M.C.)
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13
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de Luzinais VG, Gascuel D, Reygondeau G, Cheung WWL. Large potential impacts of marine heatwaves on ecosystem functioning. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17437. [PMID: 39054881 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17437] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Ocean warming is driving significant changes in the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems, shifting species' biogeography and phenology, changing body size and biomass and altering the trophodynamics of the system. Particularly, extreme temperature events such as marine heatwaves (MHWs) have been increasing in intensity, duration and frequency. MHWs are causing large-scale impacts on marine ecosystems, such as coral bleaching, mass mortality of seagrass meadows and declines in fish stocks and other marine organisms in recent decades. In this study, we developed and applied a dynamic version of the EcoTroph trophodynamic modelling approach to study the cascading effects of individual MHW on marine ecosystem functioning. We simulated theoretical user-controlled ecosystems and explored the consequences of various assumptions of marine species mortality along the food web, associated with different MHW intensities. We show that an MHW can lead to a significant biomass reduction of all consumers, with the severity of the declines being dependent on species trophic levels (TLs) and biomes, in addition to the characteristics of MHWs. Biomass of higher TLs declines more than lower TLs under an MHW, leading to changes in ecosystem structure. While tropical ecosystems are projected to be sensitive to low-intensity MHWs, polar and temperate ecosystems are expected to be impacted by more intense MHWs. The estimated time to recover from MHW impacts is twice as long for polar ecosystems and one-third longer for temperate biomes compared with tropical biomes. This study highlights the importance of considering extreme weather events in assessing the effects of climate change on the structures and functions of marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vianney Guibourd de Luzinais
- UMR Dynamics and Sustainability of Ecosystems: From Source to Sea (DECOD), Institut Agro, Ifremer, INRAE, Rennes, France
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Didier Gascuel
- UMR Dynamics and Sustainability of Ecosystems: From Source to Sea (DECOD), Institut Agro, Ifremer, INRAE, Rennes, France
| | - Gabriel Reygondeau
- Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, The University of Miami, Florida, USA
| | - William W L Cheung
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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14
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Chefaoui RM, Martínez BDC, Viejo RM. Temporal variability of sea surface temperature affects marine macrophytes range retractions as well as gradual warming. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14206. [PMID: 38902310 PMCID: PMC11190259 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64745-7] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Record mean sea surface temperatures (SST) during the past decades and marine heatwaves have been identified as responsible for severe impacts on marine ecosystems, but the role of changes in the patterns of temporal variability under global warming has been much less studied. We compare descriptors of two time series of SST, encompassing extirpations (i.e. local extinctions) of six cold-temperate macroalgae species at their trailing range edge. We decompose the effects of gradual warming, extreme events and intrinsic variability (e.g. seasonality). We also relate the main factors determining macroalgae range shifts with their life cycles characteristics and thermal tolerance. We found extirpations of macroalgae were related to stretches of coast where autumn SST underwent warming, increased temperature seasonality, and decreased skewness over time. Regardless of the species, the persisting populations shared a common environmental domain, which was clearly differentiated from those experiencing local extinction. However, macroalgae species responded to temperature components in different ways, showing dissimilar resilience. Consideration of multiple thermal manifestations of climate change is needed to better understand local extinctions of habitat-forming species. Our study provides a framework for the incorporation of unused measures of environmental variability while analyzing the distributions of coastal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa M Chefaoui
- Department of Biology and Geology, Physics and Inorganic Chemistry, Area of Biodiversity and Conservation, University Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Móstoles, 28933, Madrid, Spain.
- Global Change Research Institute (IICG-URJC), University Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, 28933, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Brezo D-C Martínez
- Department of Biology and Geology, Physics and Inorganic Chemistry, Area of Biodiversity and Conservation, University Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Móstoles, 28933, Madrid, Spain
- Global Change Research Institute (IICG-URJC), University Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, 28933, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa M Viejo
- Department of Biology and Geology, Physics and Inorganic Chemistry, Area of Biodiversity and Conservation, University Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Móstoles, 28933, Madrid, Spain
- Global Change Research Institute (IICG-URJC), University Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, 28933, Madrid, Spain
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15
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Smith KE, Aubin M, Burrows MT, Filbee-Dexter K, Hobday AJ, Holbrook NJ, King NG, Moore PJ, Sen Gupta A, Thomsen M, Wernberg T, Wilson E, Smale DA. Global impacts of marine heatwaves on coastal foundation species. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5052. [PMID: 38871692 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49307-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
With increasingly intense marine heatwaves affecting nearshore regions, foundation species are coming under increasing stress. To better understand their impacts, we examine responses of critical, habitat-forming foundation species (macroalgae, seagrass, corals) to marine heatwaves in 1322 shallow coastal areas located across 85 marine ecoregions. We find compelling evidence that intense, summer marine heatwaves play a significant role in the decline of foundation species globally. Critically, detrimental effects increase towards species warm-range edges and over time. We also identify several ecoregions where foundation species don't respond to marine heatwaves, suggestive of some resilience to warming events. Cumulative marine heatwave intensity, absolute temperature, and location within a species' range are key factors mediating impacts. Our results suggest many coastal ecosystems are losing foundation species, potentially impacting associated biodiversity, ecological function, and ecosystem services provision. Understanding relationships between marine heatwaves and foundation species offers the potential to predict impacts that are critical for developing management and adaptation approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E Smith
- Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, Plymouth, UK.
| | - Margot Aubin
- Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Karen Filbee-Dexter
- Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- Institute of Marine Research, His, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Neil J Holbrook
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, 7001, TAS, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes, University of Tasmania, Hobart, 7001, TAS, Australia
| | - Nathan G King
- Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, Plymouth, UK
| | - Pippa J Moore
- Dove Marine Laboratory, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Alex Sen Gupta
- Climate Change Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mads Thomsen
- The Marine Ecology Research Group, Centre of Integrative Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Aarhus University, Department of Ecoscience, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Thomas Wernberg
- Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- Institute of Marine Research, His, Bergen, Norway
| | - Edward Wilson
- Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, Plymouth, UK
| | - Dan A Smale
- Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, Plymouth, UK
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16
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Rovira GL, Capdevila P, Zentner Y, Margarit N, Ortega J, Casals D, Figuerola-Ferrando L, Aspillaga E, Medrano A, Pagès-Escolà M, Hereu B, Garrabou J, Linares C. When resilience is not enough: 2022 extreme marine heatwave threatens climatic refugia for a habitat-forming Mediterranean octocoral. J Anim Ecol 2024. [PMID: 38867406 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.14112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Climate change is impacting ecosystems worldwide, and the Mediterranean Sea is no exception. Extreme climatic events, such as marine heat waves (MHWs), are increasing in frequency, extent and intensity during the last decades, which has been associated with an increase in mass mortality events for multiple species. Coralligenous assemblages, where the octocoral Paramuricea clavata lives, are strongly affected by MHWs. The Medes Islands Marine Reserve (NW Mediterranean) was considered a climate refugia for P. clavata, as their populations were showing some resilience to these changing conditions. In this study, we assessed the impacts of the MHWs that occurred between 2016 and 2022 in seven shallow populations of the octocoral P. clavata from a Mediterranean Marine Protected Area. The years that the mortality rates increased significantly were associated with the ones with strong MHWs, 2022 being the one with higher mortalities. In 2022, with 50 MHW days, the proportion of total affected colonies was almost 70%, with a proportion of the injured surface of almost 40%, reaching levels never attained in our study site since the monitoring was started. We also found spatial variability between the monitored populations. Whereas few of them showed low levels of mortality, others lost around 75% of their biomass. The significant impacts documented here raise concerns about the future of shallow P. clavata populations across the Mediterranean, suggesting that the resilience of this species may not be maintained to sustain these populations face the ongoing warming trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graciel la Rovira
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pol Capdevila
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yanis Zentner
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Margarit
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julia Ortega
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Casals
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Figuerola-Ferrando
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eneko Aspillaga
- Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados (IMEDEA, CSIC-UIB), Esporles, Spain
| | - Alba Medrano
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Pagès-Escolà
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bernat Hereu
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquim Garrabou
- Institut de Ciències del Mar-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
- Aix Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
| | - Cristina Linares
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
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17
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Villeneuve AR, White ER. Predicting organismal response to marine heatwaves using dynamic thermal tolerance landscape models. J Anim Ecol 2024. [PMID: 38850096 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.14120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Marine heatwaves (MHWs) can cause thermal stress in marine organisms, experienced as extreme 'pulses' against the gradual trend of anthropogenic warming. When thermal stress exceeds organismal capacity to maintain homeostasis, organism survival becomes time-limited and can result in mass mortality events. Current methods of detecting and categorizing MHWs rely on statistical analysis of historic climatology and do not consider biological effects as a basis of MHW severity. The re-emergence of ectotherm thermal tolerance landscape models provides a physiological framework for assessing the lethal effects of MHWs by accounting for both the magnitude and duration of extreme heat events. Here, we used a simulation approach to understand the effects of a suite of MHW profiles on organism survival probability across (1) three thermal tolerance adaptive strategies, (2) interannual temperature variation and (3) seasonal timing of MHWs. We identified survival isoclines across MHW magnitude and duration where acute (short duration-high magnitude) and chronic (long duration-low magnitude) events had equivalent lethal effects on marine organisms. While most research attention has focused on chronic MHW events, we show similar lethal effects can be experienced by more common but neglected acute marine heat spikes. Critically, a statistical definition of MHWs does not accurately categorize biological mortality. By letting organism responses define the extremeness of a MHW event, we can build a mechanistic understanding of MHW effects from a physiological basis. Organism responses can then be transferred across scales of ecological organization and better predict marine ecosystem shifts to MHWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Villeneuve
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Easton R White
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA
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18
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Cimini J, Asnaghi V, Chiantore M, Kaleb S, Onida A, Falace A. Can thermal anomalies impair the restoration of Cystoseira s.l. forests? MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 198:106537. [PMID: 38728798 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106537] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Marine macroalgal forests are facing unprecedented challenges worldwide due to the accelerating impacts of climate change. These ecosystems play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, coastal ecosystem functions and services, and are indeed object of several conservation and restoration measures. The Mediterranean Sea is warming faster than the oceans and thermal anomalies are occurring with increasing intensity, frequency and duration. Along the Mediterranean coasts, Cystoseira sensu lato species are the main representatives of macroalgal forests and their decline has been widely documented. Some relevant achievements in the implementation of ecological restoration have been obtained, but rising temperatures and the occurrence of thermal anomalies increasingly threaten the success of these restoration attempts. In the summer of 2022, ex-situ restoration actions of Ericaria amentacea were carried out by collecting fertile material from three donor sites of the Italian coasts along a latitudinal gradient, during the period of sexual maturity (June/July). Noteworthy during the summer of 2022, anomalous thermal conditions were recorded at the donor sites, with sea surface temperatures exceeding the climatological mean up to 4.3 °C and heatwaves lasting up to 78 days. Our results suggest that these thermal anomalies may have affected the culture of the embryos in both the pre- and post-zygotic phases, resulting in significantly low culture efficiency at the three donor sites. The reproductive structures showed some abnormalities, fertilization of eggs was lower and embryo growth was slower, resulting in lower percent cover of seedlings on the tiles and lower survival rate. The observations underscore the vulnerability of Mediterranean algal forests to global change and highlight additional challenges for their restoration due to the increasing frequency and severity of thermal anomalies, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies and a comprehensive understanding of the species in a changing climate. Marine forest restoration requires long lasting projects, to allow for long-term monitoring and better understanding the biology of the species and for mitigating stochastic events that can cause the temporary failure of efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Cimini
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Science, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valentina Asnaghi
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Science, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy.
| | - Mariachiara Chiantore
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Science, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
| | - Sara Kaleb
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandra Onida
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Science, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Falace
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy; National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, Trieste, Italy
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19
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de Winter NJ, Tindall J, Johnson ALA, Goudsmit-Harzevoort B, Wichern N, Kaskes P, Claeys P, Huygen F, van Leeuwen S, Metcalfe B, Bakker P, Goolaerts S, Wesselingh F, Ziegler M. Amplified seasonality in western Europe in a warmer world. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl6717. [PMID: 38748800 PMCID: PMC11095466 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl6717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Documenting the seasonal temperature cycle constitutes an essential step toward mitigating risks associated with extreme weather events in a future warmer world. The mid-Piacenzian Warm Period (mPWP), 3.3 to 3.0 million years ago, featured global temperatures approximately 3°C above preindustrial levels. It represents an ideal period for directed paleoclimate reconstructions equivalent to model projections for 2100 under moderate Shared Socioeconomic Pathway SSP2-4.5. Here, seasonal clumped isotope analyses of fossil mollusk shells from the North Sea are presented to test Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project 2 outcomes. Joint data and model evidence reveals enhanced summer warming (+4.3° ± 1.0°C) compared to winter (+2.5° ± 1.5°C) during the mPWP, equivalent to SSP2-4.5 outcomes for future climate. We show that Arctic amplification of global warming weakens mid-latitude summer circulation while intensifying seasonal contrast in temperature and precipitation, leading to an increased risk of summer heat waves and other extreme weather events in Europe's future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels J. de Winter
- Department of Earth Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Archaeology, Environmental Changes and Geochemistry group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julia Tindall
- School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Barbara Goudsmit-Harzevoort
- Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Texel, Netherlands
- Department of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Nina Wichern
- Institut für Geologie und Paläontologie, Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Pim Kaskes
- Archaeology, Environmental Changes and Geochemistry group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratoire G-Time, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Claeys
- Archaeology, Environmental Changes and Geochemistry group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fynn Huygen
- Institut für Geowissenschaften, Universität Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sonja van Leeuwen
- Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Texel, Netherlands
| | - Brett Metcalfe
- Department of Earth Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Laboratory of Systems and Synthetic Biology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Pepijn Bakker
- Department of Earth Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Stijn Goolaerts
- Directorate Earth and History of Life, Royal Belgian Institute for Natural Sciences, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frank Wesselingh
- Department of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Martin Ziegler
- Department of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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20
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Pisani D, De Lucia C, Pazienza P, Mastrototaro F, Tursi A, Chimienti G. Assessing the economic value of Posidonia oceanica (L.) at Tremiti Islands (Mediterranean Sea): An ecosystem condition-based approach. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116274. [PMID: 38564819 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116274] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
In the context of limiting global warming, the seagrass Posidonia oceanica (L.) gained the centrality of several international climate change mitigation projects being the most effective carbon storage sink among Mediterranean seagrasses. To assess and monitor the change of environmental conditions and economic values of natural resources, the present study moves from the insights of the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting - Ecosystem Accounting to assess the economic value of the carbon sequestration and storage capacity of the Mediterranean-endemic seagrass P. oceanica at the Tremiti Islands Marine Protected Area. The economic value is compared across: i. the reference study by Pergent-Martini et al.; ii. the ecological condition-based approach; and iii. the unit value transfer. Based on the obtained outcomes, an ecosystem-based approach would prevent biases in the accounting of the ecosystem-service provision capacity of P. oceanica and help the policy maker to implement adequate public investment policies to mitigate its overall degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Pisani
- Department of Economics, Management and Territory, University of Foggia, Via Alberto da Zara, 11, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Caterina De Lucia
- Department of Economics, Management and Territory, University of Foggia, Via Alberto da Zara, 11, Foggia, Italy
| | - Pasquale Pazienza
- Department of Economics, Management and Territory, University of Foggia, Via Alberto da Zara, 11, Foggia, Italy
| | - Francesco Mastrototaro
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; CoNISMa, Piazzale Flaminio, 9, 00196 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Tursi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; CoNISMa, Piazzale Flaminio, 9, 00196 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Chimienti
- CoNISMa, Piazzale Flaminio, 9, 00196 Rome, Italy; Red Sea Research Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
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21
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Bisanti L, La Corte C, Dara M, Bertini F, Parisi MG, Chemello R, Cammarata M, Parrinello D. Global warming-related response after bacterial challenge in Astroides calycularis, a Mediterranean thermophilic coral. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8495. [PMID: 38605161 PMCID: PMC11009343 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58652-0] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
A worldwide increase in the prevalence of coral diseases and mortality has been linked to ocean warming due to changes in coral-associated bacterial communities, pathogen virulence, and immune system function. In the Mediterranean basin, the worrying upward temperature trend has already caused recurrent mass mortality events in recent decades. To evaluate how elevated seawater temperatures affect the immune response of a thermophilic coral species, colonies of Astroides calycularis were exposed to environmental (23 °C) or elevated (28 °C) temperatures, and subsequently challenged with bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Using immunolabeling with specific antibodies, we detected the production of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), molecules involved in coral immune responses, and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) activity, involved in general responses to thermal stress. A histological approach allowed us to characterize the tissue sites of activation (epithelium and/or gastroderm) under different experimental conditions. The activity patterns of the examined markers after 6 h of LPS stimulation revealed an up-modulation at environmental temperature. Under warmer conditions plus LPS-challenge, TLR4-NF-kB activation was almost completely suppressed, while constituent elevated values were recorded under thermal stress only. An HSP70 up-regulation appeared in both treatments at elevated temperature, with a significantly higher activation in LPS-challenge colonies. Such an approach is useful for further understanding the molecular pathogen-defense mechanisms in corals in order to disentangle the complex interactive effects on the health of these ecologically relevant organisms related to global climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bisanti
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - C La Corte
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - M Dara
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - F Bertini
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - M G Parisi
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - R Chemello
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - M Cammarata
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy.
| | - D Parrinello
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
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22
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Logares R. Decoding populations in the ocean microbiome. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:67. [PMID: 38561814 PMCID: PMC10983722 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01778-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the characteristics and structure of populations is fundamental to comprehending ecosystem processes and evolutionary adaptations. While the study of animal and plant populations has spanned a few centuries, microbial populations have been under scientific scrutiny for a considerably shorter period. In the ocean, analyzing the genetic composition of microbial populations and their adaptations to multiple niches can yield important insights into ecosystem function and the microbiome's response to global change. However, microbial populations have remained elusive to the scientific community due to the challenges associated with isolating microorganisms in the laboratory. Today, advancements in large-scale metagenomics and metatranscriptomics facilitate the investigation of populations from many uncultured microbial species directly from their habitats. The knowledge acquired thus far reveals substantial genetic diversity among various microbial species, showcasing distinct patterns of population differentiation and adaptations, and highlighting the significant role of selection in structuring populations. In the coming years, population genomics is expected to significantly increase our understanding of the architecture and functioning of the ocean microbiome, providing insights into its vulnerability or resilience in the face of ongoing global change. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramiro Logares
- Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM), CSIC, Barcelona, Catalonia, 08003, Spain.
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23
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Steger J, Bogi C, Lubinevsky H, Galil BS, Zuschin M, Albano PG. Ecological baselines in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea shifted long before the availability of observational time series. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17272. [PMID: 38623753 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Native biodiversity loss and invasions by nonindigenous species (NIS) have massively altered ecosystems worldwide, but trajectories of taxonomic and functional reorganization remain poorly understood due to the scarcity of long-term data. Where ecological time series are available, their temporal coverage is often shorter than the history of anthropogenic changes, posing the risk of drawing misleading conclusions on systems' current states and future development. Focusing on the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, a region affected by massive biological invasions and the largest climate change-driven collapse of native marine biodiversity ever documented, we followed the taxonomic and functional evolution of an emerging "novel ecosystem", using a unique dataset on shelled mollusks sampled in 2005-2022 on the Israeli shelf. To quantify the alteration of observed assemblages relative to historical times, we also analyzed decades- to centuries-old ecological baselines reconstructed from radiometrically dated death assemblages, time-averaged accumulations of shells on the seafloor that constitute natural archives of past community states. Against expectations, we found no major loss of native biodiversity in the past two decades, suggesting that its collapse had occurred even earlier than 2005. Instead, assemblage taxonomic and functional richness increased, reflecting the diversification of NIS whose trait structure was, and has remained, different from the native one. The comparison with the death assemblage, however, revealed that modern assemblages are taxonomically and functionally much impoverished compared to historical communities. This implies that NIS did not compensate for the functional loss of native taxa, and that even the most complete observational dataset available for the region represents a shifted baseline that does not reflect the actual magnitude of anthropogenic changes. While highlighting the great value of observational time series, our results call for the integration of multiple information sources on past ecosystem states to better understand patterns of biodiversity loss in the Anthropocene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Steger
- Department of Palaeontology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cesare Bogi
- Gruppo Malacologico Livornese, c/o Museo di Storia Naturale del Mediterraneo, Livorno, Italy
| | - Hadas Lubinevsky
- National Institute of Oceanography, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, Haifa, Israel
| | - Bella S Galil
- The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History and Israel National Center for Biodiversity Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Martin Zuschin
- Department of Palaeontology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paolo G Albano
- Department of Palaeontology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Marine Animal Conservation and Public Engagement, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
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24
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Estaque T, Basthard-Bogain S, Bianchimani O, Blondeaux V, Cheminée A, Fargetton M, Richaume J, Bally M. Investigating the outcomes of a threatened gorgonian in situ transplantation: Survival and microbiome diversity in Paramuricea clavata (Risso, 1827). MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 196:106384. [PMID: 38320428 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106384] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Gorgonian octocorals are threatened by global and local stressors that can act synergistically to affect their health. In recent years, mass mortality events triggered by marine heatwaves have caused demographic declines in Mediterranean gorgonian populations that may lead to their collapse. Potential changes in microbiome composition under stressful conditions may further increase the susceptibility of the gorgonian holobiont to disease. Given the low recovery capacity of gorgonians, restoration approaches using transplantation are becoming an increasingly attractive option to counteract their decline. Here, we compared the survival and microbiome diversity of Paramuricea clavata colonies transplanted to sites differing in depth and local environmental conditions. Gorgonians sampled at a greater depth than the transplantation site were more likely to suffer necrosis after 1 year of monitoring. Gorgonian transplantation into environments disturbed by an anthropogenic source of pollution resulted in an imbalance of the microbiome with potential consequences on the success of restoration initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Estaque
- Septentrion Environnement, Campus Nature Provence, Marseille, France.
| | | | | | - Vincent Blondeaux
- Septentrion Environnement, Campus Nature Provence, Marseille, France
| | - Adrien Cheminée
- Septentrion Environnement, Campus Nature Provence, Marseille, France
| | - Margaux Fargetton
- Septentrion Environnement, Campus Nature Provence, Marseille, France
| | - Justine Richaume
- Septentrion Environnement, Campus Nature Provence, Marseille, France
| | - Marc Bally
- Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography, Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
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25
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Vagenas G, Karachle PK, Oikonomou A, Stoumboudi MT, Zenetos A. Decoding the spread of non-indigenous fishes in the Mediterranean Sea. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6669. [PMID: 38509139 PMCID: PMC10954742 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57109-8] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The ocean is dynamically changing due to the influence of climate processes and human activities. The construction of the Suez Canal in the late nineteenth century opened the Pandora's box by facilitating the dispersal of Red Sea species in the Mediterranean Sea. In this study, we developed an open-source spatio-temporal numerical analysis framework to decodify the complex spread of Mediterranean non-indigenous fish species (NIS) that entered through the Suez Canal. We utilized 772 historical detection records of 130 NIS to disentangle their dynamic spread through space and time. The results indicated that species follow a north-westward trajectory with an average expansion time step of 2.5 years. Additionally, we estimated the overall time for a NIS to reach the Central Mediterranean Sea from the Suez Canal at approximately 22 years. Based on the analysis, more than half of the introduced fishes have been established in less than 10 years. Finally, we proceeded in the cross-validation of our results using actual spread patterns of invasive fishes of the Mediterranean Sea, resulting up to 90% of temporal and spatial agreement. The methodology and the findings presented herein may contribute to management initiatives in highly invaded regions around the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Vagenas
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 46.7km Athens-Sounio Av., 19013, Anavissos, Greece.
| | - Paraskevi K Karachle
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 46.7km Athens-Sounio Av., 19013, Anavissos, Greece
| | - Anthi Oikonomou
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 46.7km Athens-Sounio Av., 19013, Anavissos, Greece
| | - Maria Th Stoumboudi
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 46.7km Athens-Sounio Av., 19013, Anavissos, Greece
| | - Argyro Zenetos
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 46.7km Athens-Sounio Av., 19013, Anavissos, Greece
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26
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Carbonne C, Comeau S, Plichon K, Schaub S, Gattuso JP, Teixidó N. Response of two temperate scleractinian corals to projected ocean warming and marine heatwaves. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:231683. [PMID: 38545609 PMCID: PMC10966389 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The Mediterranean Sea is a hotspot of global change, particularly exposed to ocean warming and the increasing occurrence of marine heatwaves (MHWs). However, experiments based on long-term temperature data from the field are scarce. Here, we investigate the response of the zooxanthellate coral Cladocora caespitosa and the azooxanthellate coral Astroides calycularis to future warming and MHWs based on 8 years of in situ data. Corals were maintained in the laboratory for five months under four temperature conditions: Warming (3.2°C above the in situ mean from 2012 to 2020), Heatwave (temperatures of 2018 with two heatwaves), Ambient (in situ mean) and Cool (deeper water temperatures). Under the Warming treatment, some C. caespitosa colonies severely bleached and A. calycularis colonies presented necrosis. Cladocora caespitosa symbiosis was impaired by temperature with a decrease in the density of endosymbiotic algae and an increase in per cent whiteness in all the treatments except for the coolest. Recovery for both species was observed through different mechanisms such as regrowth of polyps of A. calycularis and recovery of pigmentation for C. caespitosa. These results suggest that A. calycularis and C. caespitosa may be resilient to heat stress and can recover from physiological stresses caused by heatwaves in the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Carbonne
- CNRS, Laboratoire d’Océanographie de Villefranche, Sorbonne Université, 181 chemin du Lazaret, Villefranche-sur-mer, Monaco06230, France
| | - Steeve Comeau
- CNRS, Laboratoire d’Océanographie de Villefranche, Sorbonne Université, 181 chemin du Lazaret, Villefranche-sur-mer, Monaco06230, France
| | - Keyla Plichon
- CNRS, Laboratoire d’Océanographie de Villefranche, Sorbonne Université, 181 chemin du Lazaret, Villefranche-sur-mer, Monaco06230, France
- MSc MARRES, Université Côte d’Azur, Sophia Antipolis Campus, Nice06103, France
| | - Sébastien Schaub
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche, Sorbonne Université, 181 chemin du Lazaret, Villefranche-sur-mer, Monaco06230, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Gattuso
- CNRS, Laboratoire d’Océanographie de Villefranche, Sorbonne Université, 181 chemin du Lazaret, Villefranche-sur-mer, Monaco06230, France
- Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations, Sciences Po, 27 rue Saint Guillaume, Paris75007, France
| | - Núria Teixidó
- CNRS, Laboratoire d’Océanographie de Villefranche, Sorbonne Université, 181 chemin du Lazaret, Villefranche-sur-mer, Monaco06230, France
- Department of Integrated Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Ischia Marine Centre, Punta San Pietro, Ischia, Naples80077, Italy
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27
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Figuerola-Ferrando L, Linares C, Zentner Y, López-Sendino P, Garrabou J. Marine Citizen Science and the Conservation of Mediterranean Corals: The Relevance of Training, Expert Validation, and Robust Sampling Protocols. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 73:646-656. [PMID: 38103092 PMCID: PMC10884135 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-023-01913-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Marine Citizen Science (MCS) has emerged as a promising tool to enhance conservation efforts. Although the quality of volunteer data has been questioned, the design of specific protocols, effective training programs, and data validation by experts have enabled us to overcome these quality concerns, thus ensuring data reliability. Here, we validated the effectiveness of volunteer training in assessing the conservation status of Mediterranean coral species. We conducted a comparative analysis of data collected by volunteers with different levels of expertise, demonstrating improvements in data precision and accuracy with only one training session, thereby achieving values equivalent to those obtained by scientists. These outcomes align with the feedback received from volunteers through a qualitative survey. Finally, we analysed the data generated by volunteers and validated by experts using the developed protocol in the Coral Alert project from the Observadores del Mar MCS initiative. Our findings highlight the importance of proper training, expert validation, robust sampling protocols, and a well-structured platform to ensure the success of long-term MCS projects. Overall, our results stress the key role MCS plays in enhancing the conservation and management strategies designed to mitigate the ongoing environmental crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Figuerola-Ferrando
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Cristina Linares
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yanis Zentner
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula López-Sendino
- Departament de Biologia Marina, Institut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquim Garrabou
- Departament de Biologia Marina, Institut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
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28
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Macleod KL, Jenkins TL, Witt MJ, Stevens JR. Rare, long-distance dispersal underpins genetic connectivity in the pink sea fan, Eunicella verrucosa. Evol Appl 2024; 17:e13649. [PMID: 38463749 PMCID: PMC10918604 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Characterizing patterns of genetic connectivity in marine species is of critical importance given the anthropogenic pressures placed on the marine environment. For sessile species, population connectivity can be shaped by many processes, such as pelagic larval duration, oceanographic boundaries and currents. This study combines restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) and passive particle dispersal modelling to delineate patterns of population connectivity in the pink sea fan, Eunicella verrucosa, a temperate octocoral. Individuals were sampled from 20 sites covering most of the species' northeast Atlantic range, and a site in the northwest Mediterranean Sea to inform on connectivity across the Atlantic-Mediterranean transition. Using 7510 neutral SNPs, a geographic cline of genetic clusters was detected, partitioning into Ireland, Britain, France, Spain (Atlantic), and Portugal and Spain (Mediterranean). Evidence of significant inbreeding was detected at all sites, a finding not detected in a previous study of this species based on microsatellite loci. Genetic connectivity was characterized by an isolation by distance pattern (IBD) (r 2 = 0.78, p < 0.001), which persisted across the Mediterranean-Atlantic boundary. In contrast, exploration of ancestral population assignment using the program ADMIXTURE indicated genetic partitioning across the Bay of Biscay, which we suggest represents a natural break in the species' range, possibly linked to a lack of suitable habitat. As the pelagic larval duration (PLD) is unknown, passive particle dispersal simulations were run for 14 and 21 days. For both modelled PLDs, inter-annual variations in particle trajectories suggested that in a long-lived, sessile species, range-wide IBD is driven by rare, longer dispersal events that act to maintain gene flow. These results suggest that oceanographic patterns may facilitate range-wide stepping-stone genetic connectivity in E. verrucosa and highlight that both oceanography and natural breaks in a species' range should be considered in the designation of ecologically coherent MPA networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty L. Macleod
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life SciencesUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Tom L. Jenkins
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life SciencesUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Matthew J. Witt
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life SciencesUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Jamie R. Stevens
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life SciencesUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
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29
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Fernández I, Larrán AM, de Paz P, Riesco MF. The Direct Effects of Climate Change on Tench ( Tinca tinca) Sperm Quality under a Real Heatwave Event Scenario. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:778. [PMID: 38473163 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Global aquaculture growth will most probably face specific conditions derived from climate change. In fact, the most severe impacts of these changes will be suffered by aquatic populations in restrictive circumstances, such as current aquaculture locations, which represent a perfect model to study global warming effects. Although the impact of temperature on fish reproduction has been characterized in many aspects, this study was focused on recreating more realistic models of global warming, particularly considering heatwave phenomena, in order to decipher its effects on male gametes (spermatozoa). For this purpose, thermal stress via a heatwave simulation (mimicking a natural occurring heatwave, from 24 to 30 °C) was induced in adult tench (Tinca tinca) males and compared with a control group (55.02 ± 16.44 g of average body wet weight). The impact of the thermal stress induced by this climate change event was assessed using cellular and molecular approaches. After the heatwave recreation, a multiparametric analysis of sperm quality, including some traditional parameters (such as sperm motility) and new ones (focus on redox balance and sperm quality biomarkers), was performed. Although sperm concentration and the volume produced were not affected, the results showed a significant deleterious effect on motility parameters (e.g., reduced progressive motility and total motility during the first minute post-activation). Furthermore, the sperm produced under the thermal stress induced by this heatwave simulation exhibited an increased ROS content in spermatic cells, confirming the negative effect that this thermal stress model (heatwave recreation) might have had on sperm quality. More importantly, the expression of some known sperm quality and fertilization markers was decreased in males exposed to thermal stress. This present study not only unveils the potential effects of climate change in contemporary and future fish farming populations (and their underlying mechanisms) but also provides insights on how to mitigate and/or avoid thermal stress due to heatwave events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Fernández
- Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO-CSIC), Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Subida a Radio Faro nº 52, 36390 Vigo, Spain
| | - Ana M Larrán
- Aquaculture Research Center, Agro-Technological Institute of Castilla y León (ITACyL), Ctra. Arévalo, Zamarramala, 40196 Segovia, Spain
| | - Paulino de Paz
- Cell Biology Area, Department of Molecular Biology, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana, sn, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Marta F Riesco
- Cell Biology Area, Department of Molecular Biology, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana, sn, 24071 León, Spain
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Benedetti-Cecchi L, Bates AE, Strona G, Bulleri F, Horta E Costa B, Edgar GJ, Hereu B, Reed DC, Stuart-Smith RD, Barrett NS, Kushner DJ, Emslie MJ, García-Charton JA, Gonçalves EJ, Aspillaga E. Marine protected areas promote stability of reef fish communities under climate warming. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1822. [PMID: 38418445 PMCID: PMC10902350 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44976-y] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Protection from direct human impacts can safeguard marine life, yet ocean warming crosses marine protected area boundaries. Here, we test whether protection offers resilience to marine heatwaves from local to network scales. We examine 71,269 timeseries of population abundances for 2269 reef fish species surveyed in 357 protected versus 747 open sites worldwide. We quantify the stability of reef fish abundance from populations to metacommunities, considering responses of species and functional diversity including thermal affinity of different trophic groups. Overall, protection mitigates adverse effects of marine heatwaves on fish abundance, community stability, asynchronous fluctuations and functional richness. We find that local stability is positively related to distance from centers of high human density only in protected areas. We provide evidence that networks of protected areas have persistent reef fish communities in warming oceans by maintaining large populations and promoting stability at different levels of biological organization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda E Bates
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | | | - Fabio Bulleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, URL CoNISMa, Via Derna 1, Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Horta E Costa
- CCMAR, Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Building 7, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal
| | - Graham J Edgar
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- Reef Life Survey Foundation, Battery Point, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Bernat Hereu
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dan C Reed
- Marine Science Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA
| | - Rick D Stuart-Smith
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- Reef Life Survey Foundation, Battery Point, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Neville S Barrett
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | | | - Michael J Emslie
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Emanuel J Gonçalves
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Eneko Aspillaga
- Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados (IMEDEA, CSIC-UIB), 07190, Esporles, Spain
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Beca-Carretero P, Winters G, Teichberg M, Procaccini G, Schneekloth F, Zambrano RH, Chiquillo K, Reuters H. Climate change and the presence of invasive species will threaten the persistence of the Mediterranean seagrass community. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 910:168675. [PMID: 37981144 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The Mediterranean Sea has been experiencing rapid increases in temperature and salinity triggering its tropicalization. Additionally, its connection with the Red Sea has been favouring the establishment of non-native species. In this study, we investigated the effects of predicted climate change and the introduction of invasive seagrass species (Halophila stipulacea) on the native Mediterranean seagrass community (Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa) by applying a novel ecological and spatial model with different configurations and parameter settings based on a Cellular Automata (CA). The proposed models use a discrete (stepwise) representation of space and time by executing deterministic and probabilistic rules that develop complex dynamic processes. Model applications were run under two climate scenarios (RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5) projected from 2020 to 2100 in four different regions within the Mediterranean. Results indicate that the slow-growing P. oceanica will be highly vulnerable to climate change, suffering vast declines in its abundance. However, the results also show that western and colder areas of the Mediterranean Sea might represent refuge areas for this species. Cymodocea nodosa has been reported to exhibit resilience to predicted climate scenarios; however, it has shown habitat regression in the warmest predicted regions in the easternmost part of the basin. Our models indicate that H. stipulacea will thrive under projected climate scenarios, facilitating its spread across the basin. Also, H. stipulacea grew at the expense of C. nodosa, limiting the distribution of the latter, and eventually displacing this native species. Additionally, simulations demonstrated that areas from which P. oceanica meadows disappear would be partially covered by C. nodosa and H. stipulacea. These outcomes project that the Mediterranean seagrass community will experience a transition from long-lived, large and slow-growing species to small and fast-growing species as climate change progresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Beca-Carretero
- Department of Theoretical Ecology and Modelling, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Bremen, Germany; Dead Sea-Arava Science Center, Masada, Israel.
| | | | - Mirta Teichberg
- The Ecosystems Center, Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Gabriele Procaccini
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Centre (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabian Schneekloth
- Department of Theoretical Ecology and Modelling, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Bremen, Germany
| | - Ramon H Zambrano
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, University of Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Kelcie Chiquillo
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hauke Reuters
- Department of Theoretical Ecology and Modelling, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Bremen, Germany
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Vivanco-Bercovich M, Sandoval-Gil JM, Bonet-Meliá P, Cabello-Pasini A, Muñiz-Salazar R, Montoya LR, Schubert N, Marín-Guirao L, Procaccini G, Ferreira-Arrieta A. Marine heatwaves recurrence aggravates thermal stress in the surfgrass Phyllospadix scouleri. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:115943. [PMID: 38176159 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The surfgrass Phyllospadix scouleri grows in highly productive meadows along the Pacific coast of North America. This region has experienced increasingly severe marine heatwaves (MHWs) in recent years. Our study evaluated the impact of consecutive MHWs, simulated in mesocosms, on essential ecophysiological features of P. scouleri. Overall, our findings show that the plants' overall physiological status has been progressively declining. Interestingly, the indicators of physiological stress in photosynthesis only showed up once the initial heat exposure stopped (i.e., during the recovery period). The warming caused increased oxidative damage and a decrease in nitrate uptake rates. However, the levels of non-structural carbohydrates and relative growth rates were not affected. Our findings emphasize the significance of incorporating recovery periods in this type of study as they expose delayed stress responses. Furthermore, experiencing consecutive intense MHWs can harm surfgrasses over time, compromising the health of their meadows and the services they offer to the ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Vivanco-Bercovich
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC), Instituto de Investigaciones Oceanológicas (IIO), Marine Botany Research Group, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Jose Miguel Sandoval-Gil
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC), Instituto de Investigaciones Oceanológicas (IIO), Marine Botany Research Group, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
| | - Paula Bonet-Meliá
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC), Instituto de Investigaciones Oceanológicas (IIO), Marine Botany Research Group, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Cabello-Pasini
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC), Instituto de Investigaciones Oceanológicas (IIO), Marine Botany Research Group, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Raquel Muñiz-Salazar
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC), Instituto de Investigaciones Oceanológicas (IIO), Marine Botany Research Group, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico; Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC), Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Leonardo Ruiz Montoya
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC), Instituto de Investigaciones Oceanológicas (IIO), Marine Botany Research Group, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Nadine Schubert
- CCMAR - Center of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Lázaro Marín-Guirao
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Seagrass Ecology Group, C/Varadero s/n, 30740 San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Gabriele Procaccini
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Villa Comunale, Naples, Italy
| | - Alejandra Ferreira-Arrieta
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC), Instituto de Investigaciones Oceanológicas (IIO), Marine Botany Research Group, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
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Rubio-Portillo E, Robertson S, Antón J. Coral mucus as a reservoir of bacteriophages targeting Vibrio pathogens. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrae017. [PMID: 38366190 PMCID: PMC10945359 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrae017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
The increasing trend in sea surface temperature promotes the spread of Vibrio species, which are known to cause diseases in a wide range of marine organisms. Among these pathogens, Vibrio mediterranei has emerged as a significant threat, leading to bleaching in the coral species Oculina patagonica. Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that infect bacteria, thereby regulating microbial communities and playing a crucial role in the coral's defense against pathogens. However, our understanding of phages that infect V. mediterranei is limited. In this study, we identified two phage species capable of infecting V. mediterranei by utilizing a combination of cultivation and metagenomic approaches. These phages are low-abundance specialists within the coral mucus layer that exhibit rapid proliferation in the presence of their hosts, suggesting a potential role in coral defense. Additionally, one of these phages possesses a conserved domain of a leucine-rich repeat protein, similar to those harbored in the coral genome, that plays a key role in pathogen recognition, hinting at potential coral-phage coevolution. Furthermore, our research suggests that lytic Vibrio infections could trigger prophage induction, which may disseminate genetic elements, including virulence factors, in the coral mucus layer. Overall, our findings underscore the importance of historical coral-phage interactions as a form of coral immunity against invasive Vibrio pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Rubio-Portillo
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante 03690, Spain
| | - Sophia Robertson
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante 03690, Spain
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, United States
| | - Josefa Antón
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante 03690, Spain
- Multidisciplinary Institute of Environmental Studies Ramon Margalef, Alicante 03690, Spain
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Ding C, Newbold T, Ameca EI. Assessing the global vulnerability of dryland birds to heatwaves. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17136. [PMID: 38273501 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
As global average surface temperature increases, extreme climatic events such as heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, which can drive biodiversity responses such as rapid population declines and/or shifts in species distributions and even local extirpations. However, the impacts of extreme climatic events are largely ignored in conservation plans. Birds are known to be susceptible to heatwaves, especially in dryland ecosystems. Understanding which birds are most vulnerable to heatwaves, and where these birds occur, can offer a scientific basis for adaptive management and conservation. We assessed the relative vulnerability of 1196 dryland bird species to heatwaves using a trait-based approach. Among them, 888 bird species are estimated to be vulnerable to heatwaves (170 highly vulnerable, eight extremely vulnerable), of which ~91% are currently considered non-threatened by the IUCN, which suggests that many species will likely become newly threatened with intensifying climate change. We identified the top three hotspot areas of heatwave-vulnerable species in Australia (208 species), Southern Africa (125 species) and Eastern Africa (99 species). Populations of vulnerable species recorded in the Living Planet Database were found to be declining significantly faster than those of non-vulnerable species (p = .048) after heatwaves occurred. In contrast, no significant difference in population trends between vulnerable and non-vulnerable species was detected when no heatwave occurred (p = .34). This suggests that our vulnerability framework correctly identified vulnerable species and that heatwaves are already impacting the population trends of these species. Our findings will help prioritize heatwave-vulnerable birds in dryland ecosystems in risk mitigation and adaptation management as the frequency of heatwaves accelerates in the coming decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Ding
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tim Newbold
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK
| | - Eric I Ameca
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- Climate Change Specialist Group, Species Survival Commission, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Gland, Switzerland
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García-Souto D, Martínez-Mariño V, Morán P, Olabarria C, Vázquez E. Hiding from heat: The transcriptomic response of two clam species is modulated by behaviour and habitat. J Therm Biol 2024; 119:103776. [PMID: 38163416 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Rising occurrence of extreme warming events are profoundly impacting ecosystems, altering their functioning and services with significant socio-economic consequences. Particularly susceptible to heatwaves are intertidal shellfish beds, located in estuarine areas already stressed by factors such as rainfall events, red tides, eutrophication, and pollution. In Galicia, Northwestern Spain, these beds support vital shellfisheries, featuring the native clam Ruditapes decussatus and the non-indigenous R. philippinarum. Over recent decades, these populations have experienced notable abundance shifts due to various anthropogenic impacts, including climate change. In this habitat, patches of the seagrass Zostera noltei that coexist with bare sand can act as thermal refuges for benthic organisms such as clams. To assess the impact of heatwaves on these ecosystems, a mesocosm experiment was conducted. Juveniles of both clam species in two habitat types-bare sand and sand with Z. noltei-were exposed to simulated atmospheric heatwaves during diurnal low tide for four consecutive days. Subsequent transcriptomic analysis revealed that high temperatures had a more pronounced impact on the transcriptome of R. philippinarum compared to R. decussatus. The habitat type played a crucial role in mitigating heat stress in R. philippinarum, with the presence of Z. noltei notably ameliorating the transcriptomic response. These findings have direct applications in shellfishery management, emphasizing the importance of preserving undisturbed patches of Z. noltei as thermal refuges, contributing to the mitigation of heatwave effects on shellfish populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel García-Souto
- Genomas y Enfermedad, Centro Singular de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Departamento de Zoología, Genética y Antropología Física, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Víctor Martínez-Mariño
- Centro de Investigación Mariña (CIM) and Departamento de Bioquímica, Xenética e Inmunoloxía, Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Vigo, 36310, Vigo, Spain.
| | - Paloma Morán
- Centro de Investigación Mariña (CIM) and Departamento de Bioquímica, Xenética e Inmunoloxía, Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Vigo, 36310, Vigo, Spain.
| | - Celia Olabarria
- Centro de Investigación Mariña (CIM) and Departamento de Ecoloxía e Bioloxía Animal, Facultade de Ciencias do Mar, Universidade de Vigo, 36310, Vigo, Spain.
| | - Elsa Vázquez
- Centro de Investigación Mariña (CIM) and Departamento de Ecoloxía e Bioloxía Animal, Facultade de Ciencias do Mar, Universidade de Vigo, 36310, Vigo, Spain.
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Bonacolta AM, Miravall J, Gómez-Gras D, Ledoux JB, López-Sendino P, Garrabou J, Massana R, Del Campo J. Differential apicomplexan presence predicts thermal stress mortality in the Mediterranean coral Paramuricea clavata. Environ Microbiol 2024; 26:e16548. [PMID: 38072822 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16548] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Paramuricea clavata is an ecosystem architect of the Mediterranean temperate reefs that is currently threatened by episodic mass mortality events related to global warming. The microbiome may play an active role in the thermal stress susceptibility of corals, potentially holding the answer as to why corals show differential sensitivity to heat stress. To investigate this, the prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbiome of P. clavata collected from around the Mediterranean was characterised before experimental heat stress to determine if its microbial composition influences the thermal response of the holobiont. We found that members of P. clavata's microeukaryotic community were significantly correlated with thermal stress sensitivity. Syndiniales from the Dino-Group I Clade 1 were significantly enriched in thermally resistant corals, while the apicomplexan corallicolids were significantly enriched in thermally susceptible corals. We hypothesise that P. clavata mortality following heat stress may be caused by a shift from apparent commensalism to parasitism in the corallicolid-coral host relationship driven by the added stress. Our results show the potential importance of corallicolids and the rest of the microeukaryotic community of corals to understanding thermal stress response in corals and provide a useful tool to guide conservation efforts and future research into coral-associated microeukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony M Bonacolta
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Programa de Biodiversiat, Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jordi Miravall
- Departament de Biologia Marina i Oceanografia, Institut de Ciències del Mar-CSIC, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Daniel Gómez-Gras
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kaneohe, Hawaii, USA
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jean-Baptiste Ledoux
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula López-Sendino
- Departament de Biologia Marina i Oceanografia, Institut de Ciències del Mar-CSIC, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Joaquim Garrabou
- Departament de Biologia Marina i Oceanografia, Institut de Ciències del Mar-CSIC, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ramon Massana
- Departament de Biologia Marina i Oceanografia, Institut de Ciències del Mar-CSIC, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Javier Del Campo
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Programa de Biodiversiat, Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Bosch-Belmar M, Milanese M, Sarà A, Mobilia V, Sarà G. Effect of Acute Thermal Stress Exposure on Ecophysiological Traits of the Mediterranean Sponge Chondrilla nucula: Implications for Climate Change. BIOLOGY 2023; 13:9. [PMID: 38248440 PMCID: PMC10813260 DOI: 10.3390/biology13010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
As a result of climate change, the Mediterranean Sea has been exposed to an increase in the frequency and intensity of marine heat waves in the last decades, some of which caused mass mortality events of benthic invertebrates, including sponges. Sponges are an important component of benthic ecosystems and can be the dominant group in some rocky shallow-water areas in the Mediterranean Sea. In this study, we exposed the common shallow-water Mediterranean sponge Chondrilla nucula (Demospongiae: Chondrillidae) to six different temperatures for 24 h, ranging from temperatures experienced in the field during the year (15, 19, 22, 26, and 28 °C) to above normal temperatures (32 °C) and metabolic traits (respiration and clearance rate) were measured. Both respiration and clearance rates were affected by temperature. Respiration rates increased at higher temperatures but were similar between the 26 and 32 °C treatments. Clearance rates decreased at temperatures >26 °C, indicating a drop in food intake that was not reflected by respiration rates. This decline in feeding, while maintaining high respiration rates, may indicate a negative energy balance that could affect this species under chronic or repeated thermal stress exposure. C. nucula will probably be a vulnerable species under climate change conditions, affecting its metabolic performance, ecological functioning and the ecosystem services it provides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mar Bosch-Belmar
- Laboratory of Ecology, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (V.M.); (G.S.)
| | - Martina Milanese
- Studio Associato Gaia, Piazza della Vittoria 15/23, 16121 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Antonio Sarà
- Studio Associato Gaia, Piazza della Vittoria 15/23, 16121 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Valeria Mobilia
- Laboratory of Ecology, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (V.M.); (G.S.)
| | - Gianluca Sarà
- Laboratory of Ecology, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (V.M.); (G.S.)
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Mueller JS, Grammel PJ, Bill N, Rohde S, Schupp PJ. Mass mortality event of the giant barrel sponge Xestospongia sp.: population dynamics and size distribution in Koh Phangan, Gulf of Thailand. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16561. [PMID: 38107566 PMCID: PMC10722979 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16561] [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: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine sponges are prominent organisms of the benthic coral reef fauna, providing important ecosystem services. While there have been increasing reports that sponges are becoming one of the dominant benthic organisms in some locations and ecoregions (e.g. Caribbean), they can be impacted by changing environmental conditions. This study presents the first documentation of a mass mortality event of the barrel sponge Xestospongia sp. in the lower Gulf of Thailand and its consequences on population dynamics and size distribution. Two anthropogenic impacted reefs (Haad Khom and Mae Haad) of the island Koh Phangan and two anthropogenic non-impacted reefs of the islands Koh Yippon and Hin Yippon within the Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park were surveyed in the years 2015 and 2016. The results showed a strong shift in population densities at Koh Phangan. Fatal "bleaching" ending up in mass mortality was observed for these reefs in 2015. Xestospongia sp. abundance decreased from 2015 to 2016 by 80.6% at Haad Khom and by 98.4% at Mae Haad. Sponges of all sizes were affected, and mortality occurred regardless of the survey depth (4 and 6 m). However, Xestospongia population densities in the Marine Park were at a constant level during the surveys. The abundances in 2015 were 65% higher at the Marine Park than at Koh Phangan and 92% higher in 2016. The most likely causes of the mass mortality event was a local harmful algal bloom event, pathogens, undetected local higher water temperatures, or a combination of these factors, whereas sea surface temperature analyses showed no marine heatwave during the observed mass mortality event in 2015. Considering the ecological importance of sponges such as Xestospongia sp., long-term monitoring of reefs and their environmental parameters should be implemented to prevent such mass die-offs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin S. Mueller
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Wilhelmshaven, Germany
- Center for Oceanic Research and Education (CORE sea), Chaloklum, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, Thailand
| | - Paul-Jannis Grammel
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Wilhelmshaven, Germany
- Center for Oceanic Research and Education (CORE sea), Chaloklum, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, Thailand
| | - Nicolas Bill
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Sven Rohde
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Peter J. Schupp
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Wilhelmshaven, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB), Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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Papantoniou G, Zervoudaki S, Assimakopoulou G, Stoumboudi MT, Tsagarakis K. Ecosystem-level responses to multiple stressors using a time-dynamic food-web model: The case of a re-oligotrophicated coastal embayment (Saronikos Gulf, E Mediterranean). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:165882. [PMID: 37574071 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Multiple stressors may combine in unexpected ways to alter the structure of ecological systems, however, our current ability to evaluate their ecological impact is limited due to the lack of information concerning historic trophic interactions and ecosystem dynamics. Saronikos Gulf is a heavily exploited embayment in the E Mediterranean that has undergone significant ecological alterations during the last 20 years including a shift from long-standing eutrophic to oligotrophic conditions in the mid-2000's. Here we used a historical Ecopath food-web model of Saronikos Gulf (1998-2000) and fitted the time-dynamic module Ecosim to biomass and catch time series for the period 2001-2020. We then projected the model forward in time from 2021 to 2050 under 8 scenarios to simulate ecosystem responses to the individual and combined effect of sea surface temperature increase, primary productivity shifts and fishing effort release. Incorporating trophic interactions, climate warming, fishing and primary production improved model fit, depicting that both fishing and the environment have historically influenced ecosystem dynamics. Retrospective simulations of the model captured historical biomass and catch trends of commercially important stocks and reproduced successfully the marked recovery of marine resources 10 years after re-oligotrophication. In future scenarios increasing temperature had a detrimental impact on most functional groups, increasing and decreasing productivity had a positive and negative effect on all respectively, while fishing reductions principally benefited top predators. Combined stressors produced synergistic or antagonistic effects depending on the direction and magnitude of change of each stressor in isolation while their overall impact seemed to be strongly mediated via food-web interactions. Such holistic approaches advance of our mechanistic understanding of ecosystems enabling us to develop more effective management strategies in the face of a rapidly changing marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Papantoniou
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, 46.7 km Athinon-Souniou Ave, P.O. BOX 712, Anavyssos, GR19013, Greece.
| | - Soultana Zervoudaki
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Oceanography, 46.7 km Athinon-Souniou Ave, P.O. BOX 712, Anavyssos, GR19013, Greece
| | - Georgia Assimakopoulou
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Oceanography, 46.7 km Athinon-Souniou Ave, P.O. BOX 712, Anavyssos, GR19013, Greece
| | - Maria Th Stoumboudi
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, 46.7 km Athinon-Souniou Ave, P.O. BOX 712, Anavyssos, GR19013, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tsagarakis
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, 46.7 km Athinon-Souniou Ave, P.O. BOX 712, Anavyssos, GR19013, Greece
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40
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Prioux C, Tignat-Perrier R, Gervais O, Estaque T, Schull Q, Reynaud S, Béraud E, Mérigot B, Beauvieux A, Marcus MI, Richaume J, Bianchimani O, Cheminée A, Allemand D, Ferrier-Pagès C. Unveiling microbiome changes in Mediterranean octocorals during the 2022 marine heatwaves: quantifying key bacterial symbionts and potential pathogens. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:271. [PMID: 38053218 PMCID: PMC10696765 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01711-x] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change has accelerated the occurrence and severity of heatwaves in the Mediterranean Sea and poses a significant threat to the octocoral species that form the foundation of marine animal forests (MAFs). As coral health intricately relies on the symbiotic relationships established between corals and microbial communities, our goal was to gain a deeper understanding of the role of bacteria in the observed tissue loss of key octocoral species following the unprecedented heatwaves in 2022. RESULTS Using amplicon sequencing and taxon-specific qPCR analyses, we unexpectedly found that the absolute abundance of the major bacterial symbionts, Spirochaetaceae (C. rubrum) and Endozoicomonas (P. clavata), remained, in most cases, unchanged between colonies with 0% and 90% tissue loss. These results suggest that the impairment of coral health was not due to the loss of the main bacterial symbionts. However, we observed a significant increase in the total abundance of bacterial opportunists, including putative pathogens such as Vibrio, which was not evident when only their relative abundance was considered. In addition, there was no clear relation between bacterial symbiont loss and the intensity of thermal stress, suggesting that factors other than temperature may have influenced the differential response of octocoral microbiomes at different sampling sites. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that tissue loss in octocorals is not directly caused by the decline of the main bacterial symbionts but by the proliferation of opportunistic and pathogenic bacteria. Our findings thus underscore the significance of considering both relative and absolute quantification approaches when evaluating the impact of stressors on coral microbiome as the relative quantification does not accurately depict the actual changes in the microbiome. Consequently, this research enhances our comprehension of the intricate interplay between host organisms, their microbiomes, and environmental stressors, while offering valuable insights into the ecological implications of heatwaves on marine animal forests. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Prioux
- Collège Doctoral, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Unité de Recherche sur la Biologie des Coraux Précieux CSM - CHANEL, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco, MC-98000 Monaco, Principality of Monaco
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco, MC 98000, Principality of Monaco
| | - Romie Tignat-Perrier
- Unité de Recherche sur la Biologie des Coraux Précieux CSM - CHANEL, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco, MC-98000 Monaco, Principality of Monaco
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco, MC 98000, Principality of Monaco
| | - Ophélie Gervais
- Unité de Recherche sur la Biologie des Coraux Précieux CSM - CHANEL, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco, MC-98000 Monaco, Principality of Monaco
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco, MC 98000, Principality of Monaco
| | - Tristan Estaque
- Septentrion Environnement, Campus Nature Provence, Marseille, 13008, France
| | - Quentin Schull
- MARBEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, Sète, France
| | - Stéphanie Reynaud
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco, MC 98000, Principality of Monaco
| | - Eric Béraud
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco, MC 98000, Principality of Monaco
| | | | | | - Maria-Isabelle Marcus
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco, MC 98000, Principality of Monaco
| | - Justine Richaume
- Septentrion Environnement, Campus Nature Provence, Marseille, 13008, France
| | | | - Adrien Cheminée
- Septentrion Environnement, Campus Nature Provence, Marseille, 13008, France
| | - Denis Allemand
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco, MC 98000, Principality of Monaco
| | - Christine Ferrier-Pagès
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco, MC 98000, Principality of Monaco.
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Dinçtürk E, Öndes F, Leria L, Maldonado M. Mass mortality of the keratose sponge Sarcotragus foetidus in the Aegean Sea (Eastern Mediterranean) correlates with proliferation of Vibrio bacteria in the tissues. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1272733. [PMID: 38107859 PMCID: PMC10722426 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1272733] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, episodes of mass mortality in benthic communities have often been associated with climatic anomalies, but the ultimate mechanisms through which they lead to death have rarely been identified. This study reports a mass mortality of wild sponges in the Aegean Sea (Turkey, Eastern Mediterranean), which affected the keratose demosponge Sarcotragus foetidus in September 2021. We examined the occurrence of thermo-dependent bacteria of the genus Vibrio in the sponges, identified through 16S rRNA of colonies isolated from sponge tissue in specific culturing media. Six Vibrio sequences were identified from the sponges, three of them being putatively pathogenic (V. fortis, V. owensii, V. gigantis). Importantly, those Vibrios were isolated from only tissues of diseased sponges. In contrast, healthy individuals sampled in both summer and winter led to no Vibrio growth in laboratory cultures. A 50 years record of sea surface temperature (SST) data for the study area reveals a progressive increase in temperature from 1970 to 2021, with values above 24°C from May to September 2021, reaching an absolute historical maximum of 28.9°C in August 2021. We hypothesize that such elevated SST values maintained for several months in 2021 promoted proliferation of pathogenic Vibrio species (thermo-dependent bacteria) in S. foetidus, triggering or aggravating the course of sponge disease. Thus, vibrioisis emerges as one of the putative mechanisms through which global water warming in the Mediterranean Sea translates into sponge mortality. The historical time course of temperature data for the studied area in the Aegean Sea predicts that recurrent waves of elevated SST are likely to occur in the coming summers. If so, recurrent disease may eventually eliminate this abundant sponge from the sublittoral in the midterm, altering the original bathymetric distribution of the species and compromising its ecological role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Dinçtürk
- Fish Disease and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Fikret Öndes
- Fisheries Laboratory, Department of Fisheries and Seafood Processing Technology, Faculty of Fisheries, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Türkiye
- Department of Marine Sciences and Applied Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Laia Leria
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), Girona, Spain
| | - Manuel Maldonado
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), Girona, Spain
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Fabbrizzi E, Munari M, Fraschetti S, Arena C, Chiarore A, Cannavacciuolo A, Colletti A, Costanzo G, Soler-Fajardo A, Nannini M, Savinelli B, Silvestrini C, Vitale E, Tamburello L. Canopy-forming macroalgae can adapt to marine heatwaves. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 238:117218. [PMID: 37778611 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Seawater warming and marine heatwaves (MHWs) have a major role on the fragmentation and loss of coastal marine habitats. Understanding the resilience and potential for adaptation of marine habitat forming species to ocean warming becomes pivotal for predicting future changes, improving present conservation and restoration strategies. In this study, a thermo-tolerance experiment was conducted to investigate the physiological effects of short vs long MHWs occurring at different timing on recruits of Gongolaria barbata, a canopy-forming species widespread in the Mediterranean Sea. The recruits were collected from a population of the Marine Protected Area of Porto Cesareo (Apulia, Ionian Sea). Recruits length, PSII maximal photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), photosynthetic pigments content, concentrations of antioxidant compounds and total antioxidant activity (DPPH) were the response variables measured during the experiment. Univariate asymmetrical analyses highlighted that all physiological variables were significantly affected by both the duration and the timing of the thermal stress with the only exception of recruits length. The higher Fv/Fm ratio, chlorophylls and carotenoids content, and antioxidant compounds concentration in recruits exposed to long-term stress likely indicate an acclimation of thalli to the new environmental conditions and hence, an increased tolerance of G. barbata to thermal stress. Results also suggest that the mechanisms of adaptation activated in response to thermal stress did not affect the natural growth rate of recruits. Overall, this study supports the hypothesis that canopy-forming species can adapt to future climate conditions demonstrating a physiological acclimation to cope with MHWs, providing strong evidence that adaptation of marine species to thermal stress is more frequent than expected, this contributing to design tailored conservation and restoration strategies for marine coastal habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Fabbrizzi
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Ischia Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Ischia (Naples), Italy; CoNISMa, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Munari
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Ischia Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Ischia (Naples), Italy; Department of Biology, Stazione Idrobiologica Umberto D'Ancona, University of Padova, Chioggia (Venice), Italy
| | - Simonetta Fraschetti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; CoNISMa, Rome, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo 90133, Italy.
| | - Carmen Arena
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo 90133, Italy
| | - Antonia Chiarore
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Ischia Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Ischia (Naples), Italy
| | - Antonio Cannavacciuolo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Ischia Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Ischia (Naples), Italy
| | - Alberto Colletti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; CoNISMa, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Costanzo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Ana Soler-Fajardo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Ischia Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Ischia (Naples), Italy
| | - Matteo Nannini
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Ischia Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Ischia (Naples), Italy
| | | | - Chiara Silvestrini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; CoNISMa, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Laura Tamburello
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily, Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo (complesso Roosevelt), 90142 Palermo, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo 90133, Italy
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Beck M, Cailleton C, Guidi L, Desnos C, Jalabert L, Elineau A, Stemmann L, Ayata SD, Irisson JO. Morphological diversity increases with decreasing resources along a zooplankton time series. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20232109. [PMID: 38018115 PMCID: PMC10685124 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2109] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity is studied notably because of its reciprocal relationship with ecosystem functions such as production. Diversity is traditionally described from a taxonomic, genetic or functional point of view but the diversity in organism morphology is seldom explicitly considered, except for body size. We describe morphological diversity of marine zooplankton seasonally and over 12 years using quantitative imaging of weekly plankton samples, in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. We extract 45 morphological features on greater than 800 000 individuals, which we summarize into four main morphological traits (size, transparency, circularity and shape complexity). In this morphological space, we define objective morphological groups and, from those, compute morphological diversity indices (richness, evenness and divergence) using metrics originally defined for functional diversity. On both time scales, morphological diversity increased when nutritive resources and plankton concentrations were low, thus matching the theoretical reciprocal relationship. Over the long term at least, this diversity increase was not fully attributable to taxonomic diversity changes. The decline in the most common plankton forms and the increase in morphological variance and in extreme morphologies suggest a mechanism akin to specialization under low production, with likely consequences for trophic structure and carbon flux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Beck
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, LOV, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
| | - Caroline Cailleton
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, LOV, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
| | - Lionel Guidi
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, LOV, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
| | - Corinne Desnos
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de la mer de Villefranche, IMEV, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
| | - Laetitia Jalabert
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de la mer de Villefranche, IMEV, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
| | - Amanda Elineau
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de la mer de Villefranche, IMEV, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
| | - Lars Stemmann
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, LOV, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
| | - Sakina-Dorothée Ayata
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, IRD, MNHN, Laboratoire d'Océanographie et du Climat: Expérimentation et Analyses Numériques, LOCEAN-IPSL, 75005 Paris, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 75005 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Olivier Irisson
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, LOV, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
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Friedlander AM, Ballesteros E, Adler AM, Goodell W, Jenkinson R, Knopp JA, Thompson CDH, Timmers M, Walsh CAJ, Sala E. Shallow subtidal marine benthic communities of Nachvak Fjord, Nunatsiavut, Labrador: A glimpse into species composition and drivers of their distribution. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293702. [PMID: 37943756 PMCID: PMC10635441 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293702] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine fjords along the northern Labrador coast of Arctic Canada are influenced by freshwater, nutrients, and sediment inputs from ice fields and rivers. These ecosystems, further shaped by both Atlantic and Arctic water masses, are important habitats for fishes, marine mammals, seabirds, and marine invertebrates and are vital to the Labrador Inuit who have long depended on these areas for sustenance. Despite their ecological and socio-cultural importance, these marine ecosystems remain largely understudied. Here we conducted the first quantitative underwater scuba surveys, down to 12 m, of the nearshore marine ecology of Nachvak Fjord, which is surrounded by Torngat Mountains National Park located in Nunatsiavut, the Indigenous lands claim region of northeastern Canada. Our goal was to provide the Nunatsiavut Government with a baseline of the composition and environmental influences on the subtidal community in this isolated region as they work towards the creation of an Indigenous-led National Marine Conservation Area that includes Nachvak Fjord. We identified four major benthic habitat types: (1) boulders (2) rocks with sediment, (3) sediment with rocks, and (4) unconsolidated sediments, including sand, gravel, and cobble. Biogenic cover (e.g., kelp, coralline algae, and sediment) explained much of the variability in megabenthic invertebrate community structure. The kelp species Alaria esculenta, Saccharina latissima, and Laminaria solidungula dominated the boulder habitat outside of the fjord covering 35%, 13%, and 11% of the sea floor, respectively. In contrast, the middle and inner portions of the fjord were devoid of kelp and dominated by encrusting coralline algae. More diverse megabenthic invertebrate assemblages were detected within the fjord compared to the periphery. Fish assemblages were depauperate overall with the shorthorn sculpin, Myoxocephalus scorpius, and the Greenland cod, Gadus ogac, dominating total fish biomass contributing 64% and 30%, respectively. Understanding the composition and environmental influences within this fjord ecosystem not only contributes towards the protection of this ecological and culturally important region but serves as a baseline in a rapidly changing climatic region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan M. Friedlander
- Pristine Seas, National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Hawaiʿi Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaiʿi, Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʿi, United States of America
| | | | - Alyssa M. Adler
- Division of Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Beaufort, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Whitney Goodell
- Pristine Seas, National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Ryan Jenkinson
- Pristine Seas, National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Hawaiʿi Division of Aquatic Resources, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Honolulu, Hawaiʿi, United States of America
| | - Jennie A. Knopp
- Pristine Seas, National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Oceans North, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Christopher D. H. Thompson
- Pristine Seas, National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Marine Futures Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, West Australia, Australia
| | - Molly Timmers
- Pristine Seas, National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Hawaiʿi Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaiʿi, Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʿi, United States of America
| | - Cameron A. J. Walsh
- Hawaiʿi Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaiʿi, Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʿi, United States of America
| | - Enric Sala
- Pristine Seas, National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, United States of America
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Higueruelo A, Santín A, Salazar J, Ambroso S, Soler-Membrives A, Grinyó J. Coexistence of megabenthic assemblages and artisanal fishers: The case of Cap de Creus Marine Protected Area (North-Western Mediterranean Sea). MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 192:106211. [PMID: 37801780 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Artisanal fisheries, although considered less harmful, can still endanger marine ecosystems, especially in areas with long-standing tradition. In Cap de Creus, where artisanal fisheries has likely occurred for centuries, the status of benthic communities in fishing grounds was poorly understood. Through collaboration with local fishers, the benthic assemblages in three artisanal fishing grounds within Cap de Creus Marine Protected Area (MPA) were studied. Using video transects recorded by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), the diversity and distribution of species were analysed in relation to substrate type, slope, and depth. The study also assessed the impacts on these communities by examining marine litter, lost fishing gear, and the condition of gorgonian populations. The findings identified three megabenthic assemblages and revealed higher fishing pressure and impact in the Maça d'Oros area, likely due to multiple fishing guilds converging. However, the study demonstrated lower impact in MPAs compared to unprotected Mediterranean areas, highlighting the importance of coastal management.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Higueruelo
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola Del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - A Santín
- Institut de Ciències Del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Marítim de La Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - J Salazar
- Institut de Ciències Del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Marítim de La Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Programa de Ciències Del Mar, Facultat de Ciències de La Terra, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal, 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Ambroso
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia I Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal, 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Soler-Membrives
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola Del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Grinyó
- Department of Ocean Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), Den Burg, Netherlands
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46
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Estaque T, Richaume J, Bianchimani O, Schull Q, Mérigot B, Bensoussan N, Bonhomme P, Vouriot P, Sartoretto S, Monfort T, Basthard-Bogain S, Fargetton M, Gatti G, Barth L, Cheminée A, Garrabou J. Marine heatwaves on the rise: One of the strongest ever observed mass mortality event in temperate gorgonians. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:6159-6162. [PMID: 37681400 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Gorgonian population after the 2022 mass mortality event (MME) in the Calanques National Park. The year 2022 was marked by a historic gorgonian MME. This study describes the consequences for the red gorgonian (Paramuricea clavata) and red coral (Corallium rubrum) populations in the Calanques National Park (Marseille, France).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Quentin Schull
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, IFREMER, IRD, CNRS, Sète, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Laura Barth
- Septentrion Environnement, Marseille, France
| | | | - Joaquim Garrabou
- Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), Marseille, France
- Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
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47
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Kytinou E, Issaris Y, Sini M, Salomidi M, Katsanevakis S. ECOfast - An integrative ecological evaluation index for an ecosystem-based assessment of shallow rocky reefs. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 344:118323. [PMID: 37354588 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118323] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
The degradation of marine ecosystems is a growing concern worldwide, emphasizing the need for efficient tools to assess their ecological status. Herein, a novel ecosystem-based ecological evaluation index of shallow rocky reefs is introduced and tested in the Aegean and Ionian Seas (NE Mediterranean). The index focuses on a specific set of pre-selected species, including habitat-forming, key, commercially important, and non-indigenous species, across a wide range of trophic levels (1.00-4.53). Data acquisition is conducted through rapid non-destructive SCUBA diving surveys to assess all macroscopic food web components (macroalgae, invertebrates, and fish). Two versions of the index, ECOfast and ECOfast-NIS, were developed, each applying a different approach to account for the impact of non-indigenous species. In our case study, the correlations between the two versions of the index and sea surface temperature, protection status, occurrence of carnivorous fish, and non-indigenous herbivores were assessed through generalized additive models (GAMs). The assessment assigned 93% (ECOfast) or 96% (ECOfast-NIS) of the sites to a moderate to bad ecological status, indicating an alarming situation in the shallow rocky reefs of the NE Mediterranean. Sites evaluated as poor or bad were characterized by extensive coverage of ephemeral macroalgae, absence or minimal presence of large indigenous carnivorous fish, and complete absence of one to three out of five invertebrate functional trophic groups. The community composition of macroalgae, herbivorous species, and carnivorous fishes differed between the 5 m and 15 m depth zones. Surface temperature and carnivorous fish occurrence were the most important tested predictors of the ecological status of shallow rocky reefs. The best GAMs showed that the ECOfast score declined with sea surface temperature and increased with the occurrence of carnivorous fish; ECOfast-NIS declined with sea surface temperature and the occurrence of non-indigenous fish and increased with the occurrence of carnivorous fish. The non-destructive and integrative nature of this approach, its speed of data acquisition and analysis, and its capacity to account for highly mobile predatory fish and non-indigenous species render the ECOfast index a novel, robust, and valuable tool for assessing the ecological status of shallow rocky reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Kytinou
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean, Lofos Panepistimiou, 81100, Mytilene, Greece; Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 46.7 km Athens Sounio Ave., 19013, Anavyssos, Greece.
| | - Yiannis Issaris
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 46.7 km Athens Sounio Ave., 19013, Anavyssos, Greece
| | - Maria Sini
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean, Lofos Panepistimiou, 81100, Mytilene, Greece
| | - Maria Salomidi
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 46.7 km Athens Sounio Ave., 19013, Anavyssos, Greece
| | - Stelios Katsanevakis
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean, Lofos Panepistimiou, 81100, Mytilene, Greece
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48
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Zhang Y, Du Y, Feng M, Hobday AJ. Vertical structures of marine heatwaves. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6483. [PMID: 37838721 PMCID: PMC10576754 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42219-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
A marine heatwave (MHW) is typically defined as an anomalous warm event in the surface ocean, with wide-ranging impacts on marine and socio-economic systems. The surface warming associated with MHWs can penetrate into the deep ocean; however, the vertical structure of MHWs is poorly known in the global ocean. Here, we identify four main types of MHWs with different vertical structures using Argo profiles: shallow, subsurface-reversed, subsurface-intensified, and deep MHWs. These MHW types are characterized by different spatial distributions with hotspots of subsurface-reversed and subsurface-intensified MHWs at low latitudes and shallow and deep MHWs at middle-high latitudes. These vertical structures are influenced by ocean dynamical processes, including oceanic planetary waves, boundary currents, eddies, and mixing. The area and depth of all types of MHWs exhibit significant increasing trends over the past two decades. These results contribute to a better understanding of the physical drivers and ecological impacts of MHWs in a warming climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tropical Oceanography, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Du
- State Key Laboratory of Tropical Oceanography, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Ming Feng
- CSIRO Environment, Crawley, WA, Australia
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49
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Kim CH, Lee SH, Cho IY, Kim MS, Woo S, Kim KY, Hwang SJ. The complete mitochondrial genome of soft coral, Eleutherobia rubra (Brundin, 1896) (Cnidaria; Anthozoa; Malacalcyonacea; Alcyoniidae). Mitochondrial DNA B Resour 2023; 8:1059-1062. [PMID: 37810613 PMCID: PMC10557623 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2023.2263198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitogenome of a soft coral, Eleutherobia rubra (Brundin, 1896), was completely sequenced for the first time. The total mitogenome length of E. rubra is 18,724 bp with 14 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, one transfer RNA gene (tRNA-Met), and one non-coding region (NCR). The gene order is also consistent with other Alcyoniidae species. The base composition is 30.1% A, 16.7% C, 19.5% G, and 33.7% T, with a G-C content of 36.2%. This is the first record of the complete mitogenome sequence of the genus Eleutherobia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Hyeon Kim
- National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seocheon, South Korea
| | - Sang-Hwa Lee
- Invertebrate Diversity Institute (InDI), Cheongju, South Korea
| | - In-Young Cho
- National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seocheon, South Korea
| | - Min-Seop Kim
- National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seocheon, South Korea
| | - Seonock Woo
- Marine Biotechnology Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan, South Korea
| | | | - Sung-Jin Hwang
- Department of Life Science, Woosuk University, Jincheon, South Korea
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50
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Litsi-Mizan V, Efthymiadis PT, Gerakaris V, Serrano O, Tsapakis M, Apostolaki ET. Decline of seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) production over two decades in the face of warming of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 239:2126-2137. [PMID: 37366062 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19084] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The response of Posidonia oceanica meadows to global warming of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, where the increase in sea surface temperature (SST) is particularly severe, is poorly investigated. Here, we reconstructed the long-term P. oceanica production in 60 meadows along the Greek Seas over two decades (1997-2018), using lepidochronology. We determined the effect of warming on production by reconstructing the annual and maximum (i.e. August) SST, considering the role of other production drivers related to water quality (i.e. Chla, suspended particulate matter, Secchi depth). Grand mean (±SE) production across all sites and the study period was 48 ± 1.1 mg DW per shoot yr-1 . Production over the last two decades followed a trajectory of decrease, which was related to the concurrent increase in annual SST and SSTaug . Annual SST > 20°C and SSTaug > 26.5°C was related to production decline (GAMM, P < 0.05), while the rest of the tested factors did not help explain the production pattern. Our results indicate a persistent and increasing threat for Eastern Mediterranean meadows, drawing attention to management authorities, highlighting the necessity of reducing local impacts to enhance the resilience of seagrass meadows to global change threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Litsi-Mizan
- Biology Department, University of Crete, Voutes University Campus, PO Box 2208, Heraklion, Crete, GR-70013, Greece
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, PO Box 2214, Heraklion, Crete, GR-71003, Greece
| | - Pavlos T Efthymiadis
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, PO Box 2214, Heraklion, Crete, GR-71003, Greece
| | - Vasilis Gerakaris
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, PO Box 712, Anavyssos, Attiki, 19013, Greece
| | - Oscar Serrano
- Centre of Advanced Studies of Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), Cala Sant Francesc 14, Blanes, 17300, Spain
- School of Science & Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Manolis Tsapakis
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, PO Box 2214, Heraklion, Crete, GR-71003, Greece
| | - Eugenia T Apostolaki
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, PO Box 2214, Heraklion, Crete, GR-71003, Greece
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