1
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Foreman AD, Duprey NN, Yuval M, Dumestre M, Leichliter JN, Rohr MC, Dodwell RCA, Dodwell GAS, Clua EEG, Treibitz T, Martínez-García A. Severe cold-water bleaching of a deep-water reef underscores future challenges for Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175210. [PMID: 39098414 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175210] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Elevated sea surface temperatures are causing an increase in coral bleaching events worldwide, and represent an existential threat to coral reefs. Early studies of Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems (MCEs) highlighted their potential as thermal refuges for shallow-water coral species in the face of predicted 21st century warming. However, recent genetic evidence implies that limited ecological connectivity between shallow- and deep-water coral communities inhibits their effectiveness as refugia; instead MCEs host distinct endemic communities that are ecologically significant in and of themselves. In either scenario, understanding the response of MCEs to climate change is critical given their ecological significance and widespread global distribution. Such an understanding has so far eluded the community, however, because of the challenges associated with long-term field monitoring, the stochastic nature of climatic events that drive bleaching, and the paucity of deep-water observations. Here we document the first observed cold-water bleaching of a mesophotic coral reef at Clipperton Atoll, a remote Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) atoll with high coral cover and a well-developed MCE. The severe bleaching (>70 % partially or fully bleached coral cover at 32 m depth) was driven by an anomalously shallow thermocline, and highlights a significant and previously unreported challenge for MCEs. Prompted by these observations, we compiled published cold-water bleaching events for the ETP, and demonstrate that the timing of past cold-water bleaching events in the ETP coincides with decadal oscillations in mean zonal wind strength and thermocline depth. The latter observation suggests any future intensification of easterly winds in the Pacific could be a significant concern for its MCEs. Our observations, in combination with recent reports of warm-water bleaching of Red Sea and Indian Ocean MCEs, highlight that 21st century MCEs in the Eastern Pacific face a two-pronged challenge: warm-water bleaching from above, and cold-water bleaching from below.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan D Foreman
- Climate Geochemistry Department, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Nicolas N Duprey
- Climate Geochemistry Department, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Matan Yuval
- Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences of Eilat, Eilat 8810302, Israel
| | - Marielle Dumestre
- Climate Geochemistry Department, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Jennifer N Leichliter
- Emmy Noether Group for Hominin Meat Consumption, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Mark C Rohr
- The Rohr Foundation, 6506 Northaven Road, Dallas, TX 75230, United States
| | - Rose C A Dodwell
- The Rohr Foundation, 6506 Northaven Road, Dallas, TX 75230, United States
| | - Guy A S Dodwell
- The Rohr Foundation, 6506 Northaven Road, Dallas, TX 75230, United States
| | - Eric E G Clua
- PSL Research University, Centre de Recherche Insulaire et Observatoire de l'Environnement (CRIOBE) UAR3278 EPHE-CNRS-UPVD, BP 1013, Moorea 98729, French Polynesia; Labex CORAIL, CRIOBE UAR3278 EPHE-CNRS-UPVD, Université de Perpignan, 66000 Perpignan, France
| | - Tali Treibitz
- Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
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2
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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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3
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Mathon L, Baletaud F, Lebourges-Dhaussy A, Lecellier G, Menkes C, Bachelier C, Bonneville C, Dejean T, Dumas M, Fiat S, Grelet J, Habasque J, Manel S, Mannocci L, Mouillot D, Peran M, Roudaut G, Sidobre C, Varillon D, Vigliola L. Three-dimensional conservation planning of fish biodiversity metrics to achieve the deep-sea 30×30 conservation target. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024:e14368. [PMID: 39225250 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Accelerating rate of human impact and environmental change severely affects marine biodiversity and increases the urgency to implement the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) 30×30 plan for conserving 30% of sea areas by 2030. However, area-based conservation targets are complex to identify in a 3-dimensional (3D) ocean where deep-sea features such as seamounts have been seldom studied mostly due to challenging methodologies to implement at great depths. Yet, the use of emerging technologies, such as environmental DNA combined with modern modeling frameworks, could help address the problem. We collected environmental DNA, echosounder acoustic, and video data at 15 seamounts and deep island slopes across the Coral Sea. We modeled 7 fish community metrics and the abundances of 45 individual species and molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) in benthic and pelagic waters (down to 600-m deep) with boosted regression trees and generalized joint attribute models to describe biodiversity on seamounts and deep slopes and identify 3D protection solutions for achieving the CBD area target in New Caledonia (1.4 million km2). We prioritized the identified conservation units in a 3D space, based on various biodiversity targets, to meet the goal of protecting at least 30% of the spatial domain, with a focus on areas with high biodiversity. The relationship between biodiversity protection targets and the spatial area protected by the solution was linear. The scenario protecting 30% of each biodiversity metric preserved almost 30% of the considered spatial domain and accounted for the 3D distribution of biodiversity. Our study paves the way for the use of combined data collection methodologies to improve biodiversity estimates in 3D structured marine environments for the selection of conservation areas and for the use of biodiversity targets to achieve area-based international targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laetitia Mathon
- ENTROPIE, IRD, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de la Réunion, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, Nouméa, New Caledonia
- CEFE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE-PSL University, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Florian Baletaud
- ENTROPIE, IRD, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de la Réunion, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, Nouméa, New Caledonia
- MARBEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
- Soproner, groupe GINGER, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | | | - Gaël Lecellier
- ENTROPIE, IRD, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de la Réunion, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Christophe Menkes
- ENTROPIE, IRD, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de la Réunion, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | | | - Claire Bonneville
- ENTROPIE, IRD, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de la Réunion, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | | | - Mahé Dumas
- ENTROPIE, IRD, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de la Réunion, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Sylvie Fiat
- ENTROPIE, IRD, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de la Réunion, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | | | | | - Stéphanie Manel
- CEFE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE-PSL University, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Laura Mannocci
- MARBEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - David Mouillot
- MARBEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Maëlis Peran
- ENTROPIE, IRD, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de la Réunion, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, Nouméa, New Caledonia
- LEMAR, Univ. Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, Plouzané, France
| | - Gildas Roudaut
- LEMAR, Univ. Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, Plouzané, France
| | - Christine Sidobre
- ENTROPIE, IRD, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de la Réunion, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | | | - Laurent Vigliola
- ENTROPIE, IRD, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de la Réunion, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, Nouméa, New Caledonia
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4
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Eckert RJ, Sturm AB, Carreiro AM, Klein AM, Voss JD. Cryptic diversity of shallow and mesophotic Stephanocoenia intersepta corals across Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Heredity (Edinb) 2024; 133:137-148. [PMID: 38937604 PMCID: PMC11350147 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-024-00698-x] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Population genetic analyses can provide useful data on species' regional connectivity and diversity which can inform conservation and restoration efforts. In this study, we quantified the genetic connectivity and diversity of Stephanocoenia intersepta corals from shallow (<30 m) to mesophotic (30-45 m) depths across Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. We generated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to identify genetic structuring of shallow and mesophotic S. intersepta corals. We uncovered four distinct, cryptic genetic lineages with varying levels of depth-specificity. Shallow-specific lineages exhibited lower heterozygosity and higher inbreeding relative to depth-generalist lineages found across both shallow and mesophotic reefs. Estimation of recent genetic migration rates demonstrated that mesophotic sites are more prolific sources than shallow sites, particularly in the Lower Keys and Upper Keys. Additionally, we compared endosymbiotic Symbiodiniaceae among sampled S. intersepta using the ITS2 region and SYMPORTAL analysis framework, identifying symbionts from the genera Symbiodinium, Breviolum, and Cladocopium. Symbiodiniaceae varied significantly across depth and location and exhibited significant, but weak correlation with host lineage and genotype. Together, these data demonstrate that despite population genetic structuring across depth, some mesophotic populations may provide refuge for shallow populations moving forward and remain important contributors to the overall genetic diversity of this species throughout the region. This study highlights the importance of including mesophotic as well as shallow corals in population genetic assessments and informs future science-based management, conservation, and restoration efforts within Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Eckert
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, FL, USA.
| | - Alexis B Sturm
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
| | - Ashley M Carreiro
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
| | - Allison M Klein
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
| | - Joshua D Voss
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
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5
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Jacquemont J, Brandl SJ, McFarland EP, Claudet J, Baldwin CC, Barrett J, Tornabene L. Vertical structure of Caribbean deep-reef fishes from the altiphotic to deep-sea boundary. Sci Rep 2024; 14:19489. [PMID: 39174608 PMCID: PMC11341716 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69774-w] [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: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
While recent technical breakthroughs have enabled advances in the description of reefs down to 150 m, the structure and depth zonation of deep-reef communities below 150 m remains largely unknown. Here, we present results from over 10 years of deep-reef fish surveys using human-occupied submersibles at four locations across the Caribbean Sea, constituting one of the only continuous reef-fish surveys from 10 to 480 m (1 site) and 40 to 300 m (3 sites). We identify four vertically stratified deep-reef fish communities between 40 and 300 m bordered by an altiphotic (0-10 m) and a deep-sea (300-480 m) community. We found a strong faunal break around 150 m that separates mesophotic and rariphotic zones and secondary breaks at ~ 70 to 90 m and ~ 180 to 200 m subdividing these zones into upper and lower communities. From 300 to 480 m in Roatán, we found a single fish community dominated by deep-sea families, indicating that the lower boundary of the reef-fish realm occurs at 300 m. No differences were found between communities ranging from 20 to 60 m, suggesting that fishes from the lower altiphotic and upper mesophotic form an ecological continuum. While some variability was observed across sites, the overall depth zonation and key species characterizing depth zones were consistent. Most deep-reef species observed were depth specialists restricted to a single depth zone, but many shallow-reef species extended down to mesophotic depths. Depth segregation among species of a genus was found across ten reef-fish genera and likely constitutes one of the mechanisms driving community distinctiveness and thereby fish diversity across depths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Jacquemont
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, 1122 NE Boat St 98195, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Simon J Brandl
- Department of Marine Science, The University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Dr, Port Aransas, TX, 78373, USA
| | - Emily P McFarland
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Joachim Claudet
- National Center for Scientific Research, PSL Université Paris, CRIOBE, CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Maison de l'Océan, 195 rue Saint-Jacques, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Carole C Baldwin
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jenna Barrett
- National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration SWFSC, 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Luke Tornabene
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, 1122 NE Boat St 98195, Seattle, WA, USA
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6
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Slattery M, Lesser MP, Rocha LA, Spalding HL, Smith TB. Function and stability of mesophotic coral reefs. Trends Ecol Evol 2024; 39:585-598. [PMID: 38413283 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2024.01.011] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The function and stability of mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) have been extensively studied in recent years. These deep reefs are characterized by local physical processes, particularly the steep gradient in irradiance with increasing depth, and their impact on trophic resources. Mesophotic reefs exhibit distinct zonation patterns that segregate shallow reef biodiversity from ecologically unique deeper communities of endemic species. While mesophotic reefs are hypothesized as relatively stable refuges from anthropogenic stressors and a potential seed bank for degraded shallow reefs, these are site-specific features, if they occur at all. Mesophotic reefs are now known to be susceptible to many of the same stressors that are degrading shallow reefs, suggesting that they require their own specific conservation and management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Slattery
- Department of BioMolecular Science, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS 38677, USA.
| | - Michael P Lesser
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA; School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Luiz A Rocha
- Department of Ichthyology, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
| | | | - Tyler B Smith
- University of the Virgin Islands, Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, St Thomas, VI 00802-9990, USA
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7
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Jacquemont J, Loiseau C, Tornabene L, Claudet J. 3D ocean assessments reveal that fisheries reach deep but marine protection remains shallow. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4027. [PMID: 38773096 PMCID: PMC11109251 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47975-1] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The wave of new global conservation targets, the conclusion of the High Seas Treaty negotiations, and the expansion of extractive use into the deep sea call for a paradigm shift in ocean conservation. The current reductionist 2D representation of the ocean to set targets and measure impacts will fail at achieving effective biodiversity conservation. Here, we develop a framework that overlays depth realms onto marine ecoregions to conduct the first three-dimensional spatial analysis of global marine conservation achievements and fisheries footprint. Our novel approach reveals conservation gaps of mesophotic, rariphotic, and abyssal depths and an underrepresentation of high protection levels across all depths. In contrast, the 3D footprint of fisheries covers all depths, with benthic fishing occurring down to the lower bathyal and mesopelagic fishing peaking in areas overlying abyssal depths. Additionally, conservation efforts are biased towards areas where the lowest fishing pressures occur, compromising the effectiveness of the marine conservation network. These spatial mismatches emphasize the need to shift towards 3D thinking to achieve ocean sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Jacquemont
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, 1122 NE Boat St, Seattle, WA, USA.
- National Center for Scientific Research, PSL Université Paris, CRIOBE, CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Maison de l'Océan, 195 rue Saint-Jacques, Paris, France.
| | - Charles Loiseau
- National Center for Scientific Research, PSL Université Paris, CRIOBE, CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Maison de l'Océan, 195 rue Saint-Jacques, Paris, France
| | - Luke Tornabene
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, 1122 NE Boat St, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joachim Claudet
- National Center for Scientific Research, PSL Université Paris, CRIOBE, CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Maison de l'Océan, 195 rue Saint-Jacques, Paris, France.
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8
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Wang T, Tian J, Huang J, Yuan Y, Naman CB, Wu S, Wang H, Lin W, Tong Z, Ding L, Wang W, He S. Irpetones A and B, Anti-Osteoclastic Heptaketides from a Marine Mesophotic Zone Ircinia Sponge-Associated Fungus Irpex sp. NBUF088. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2024; 87:1203-1208. [PMID: 38359398 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c01078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Chemical investigation of Irpex sp. NBUF088, associated with an Ircinia sp. sponge located at an 84 m deep mesophotic zone, led to the discovery of two new heptaketides, named irpetones A (1) and B (2). Their structures were identified by analysis of spectroscopic data and quantum-chemical calculations. Compound 1 exhibited inhibition against the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand-induced osteoclastogenesis in bone marrow monocytes with an IC50 of 6.3 ± 0.2 μM, causing no notable cytotoxicity. It was also determined that 1 inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2-JNK1/2-p38 MAPKs and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB, consequently suppressing the activation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways induced by the NF-κB ligand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Wang
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Center, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiaxin Tian
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Center, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Ningbo Institute of Marine Medicine, Peking University, Ningbo 315832, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ye Yuan
- Ningbo Institute of Marine Medicine, Peking University, Ningbo 315832, Zhejiang, China
| | - C Benjamin Naman
- Department of Science and Conservation, San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas, California 92024, United States
| | - Sitong Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Hong Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Wenhan Lin
- Ningbo Institute of Marine Medicine, Peking University, Ningbo 315832, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhiwu Tong
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropical Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lijian Ding
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Center, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weiyi Wang
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Center, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biogenetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Shan He
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Center, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China
- Ningbo Institute of Marine Medicine, Peking University, Ningbo 315832, Zhejiang, China
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9
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McWhorter JK, Halloran PR, Roff G, Mumby PJ. Climate change impacts on mesophotic regions of the Great Barrier Reef. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2303336121. [PMID: 38588432 PMCID: PMC11032494 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2303336121] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change projections for coral reefs are founded exclusively on sea surface temperatures (SST). While SST projections are relevant for the shallowest reefs, neglecting ocean stratification overlooks the striking differences in temperature experienced by deeper reefs for all or part of the year. Density stratification creates a buoyancy barrier partitioning the upper and lower parts of the water column. Here, we mechanistically downscale climate models and quantify patterns of thermal stratification above mesophotic corals (depth 30 to 50 m) of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Stratification insulates many offshore regions of the GBR from heatwaves at the surface. However, this protection is lost once global average temperatures exceed ~3 °C above preindustrial, after which mesophotic temperatures surpass a recognized threshold of 30 °C for coral mortality. Bottom temperatures on the GBR (30 to 50 m) from 2050 to 2060 are estimated to increase by ~0.5 to 1 °C under lower climate emissions (SSP1-1.9) and ~1.2 to 1.7 °C under higher climate emissions (SSP5-8.5). In short, mesophotic coral reefs are also threatened by climate change and research might prioritize the sensitivity of such corals to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K. McWhorter
- Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, ExeterEX4 4QJ, United Kingdom
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of the Environment The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD4072, Australia
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystem Divisions, Miami, FL33149
| | - Paul R. Halloran
- Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, ExeterEX4 4QJ, United Kingdom
| | - George Roff
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of the Environment The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD4072, Australia
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Oceans & Atmosphere, St Lucia, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Peter J. Mumby
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of the Environment The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD4072, Australia
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10
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Sannassy Pilly S, Roche RC, Richardson LE, Turner JR. Depth variation in benthic community response to repeated marine heatwaves on remote Central Indian Ocean reefs. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:231246. [PMID: 38545610 PMCID: PMC10966399 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Coral reefs are increasingly impacted by climate-induced warming events. However, there is limited empirical evidence on the variation in the response of shallow coral reef communities to thermal stress across depths. Here, we assess depth-dependent changes in coral reef benthic communities following successive marine heatwaves from 2015 to 2017 across a 5-25 m depth gradient in the remote Chagos Archipelago, Central Indian Ocean. Our analyses show an overall decline in hard and soft coral cover and an increase in crustose coralline algae, sponge and reef pavement following successive marine heatwaves on the remote reef system. Our findings indicate that the changes in benthic communities in response to elevated seawater temperatures varied across depths. We found greater changes in benthic group cover at shallow depths (5-15 m) compared with deeper zones (15-25 m). The loss of hard coral cover was better predicted by initial thermal stress, while the loss of soft coral was associated with repeated thermal stress following successive warming events. Our study shows that benthic communities extending to 25 m depth were impacted by successive marine heatwaves, supporting concerns about the resilience of shallow coral reef communities to increasingly severe climate-driven warming events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ronan C. Roche
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, BangorLL59 5AB, UK
| | | | - John R. Turner
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, BangorLL59 5AB, UK
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11
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Hays GC, Laloë JO, Mortimer JA, Rattray A, Tromp JJ, Esteban N. Remote submerged banks and mesophotic ecosystems can provide key habitat for endangered marine megafauna. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl2838. [PMID: 38381823 PMCID: PMC10881038 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl2838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The importance of some ecosystems remains poorly understood. We showed that mesophotic ecosystems (30 to 150 m) are a key habitat for a critically endangered species, with strong evidence that a globally important population of adult hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) almost exclusively foraged at these depths on remote submerged banks. This discovery highlights the need for such areas to be included in conservation planning, for example, as part of the United Nations High Seas Treaty. We equipped nesting turtles with Fastloc-GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite tags at an Indian Ocean breeding area and they all traveled to deep foraging sites (6765 days of tracking data across 22 individuals including 183,921 dive-depth measurements) rather than shallow coral reef sites. Both chart depths and depth data relayed from the tags indicated that turtles foraged at mesophotic depths, the modal dive depths being between 35 and 40 m. We calculate that 55,554 km2 of the western Indian Ocean alone consists of submerged banks between 30 and 60 m.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme C. Hays
- Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jacques-Olivier Laloë
- Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeanne A. Mortimer
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- PO Box 1443, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
| | - Alex Rattray
- Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jared J. Tromp
- Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicole Esteban
- Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
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12
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Bell JJ, Micaroni V, Harris B, Strano F, Broadribb M, Rogers A. Global status, impacts, and management of rocky temperate mesophotic ecosystems. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024; 38:e13945. [PMID: 35587786 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The ecology and function of rocky temperate mesophotic ecosystems (TMEs) remain poorly understood globally despite their widespread distribution. They typically occur at 20-150 m (the limit of photosynthesis), and on rocky substratum they support rich benthic communities and mobile fauna. We determined the distribution of rocky TMEs, their conservation status, and their most characteristic biological groups. Rocky TMEs were dominated by algae, turf-invertebrate matrices (<50 m only), sponges, bryozoans, and cnidarians. The community composition of TMEs differed significantly from shallow (0-15 m) subtidal reefs. Data were geographically biased and variable, available only from the North and South Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Temperate Australasia. Degree of protection of rocky TMEs varied considerably across the world. The biggest threats to rocky TMEs were identified changes in temperature, sedimentation rates, nutrient concentrations, and certain fishing types. We propose a conservation framework to inform future rocky TME management and conservation, highlighting the need to recognize the importance of these biologically diverse and functionally important ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Bell
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Valerio Micaroni
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Benjamin Harris
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Francesca Strano
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Manon Broadribb
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Alice Rogers
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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13
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Saenz-Agudelo P, Ramirez P, Beldade R, Campoy AN, Garmendia V, Search FV, Fernández M, Wieters EA, Navarrete SA, Landaeta MF, Pérez-Matus A. Environmental DNA reveals temporal variation in mesophotic reefs of the Humboldt upwelling ecosystems of central Chile: Toward a baseline for biodiversity monitoring of unexplored marine habitats. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e10999. [PMID: 38390005 PMCID: PMC10881902 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10999] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Temperate mesophotic reef ecosystems (TMREs) are among the least known marine habitats. Information on their diversity and ecology is geographically and temporally scarce, especially in highly productive large upwelling ecosystems. Lack of information remains an obstacle to understanding the importance of TMREs as habitats, biodiversity reservoirs and their connections with better-studied shallow reefs. Here, we use environmental DNA (eDNA) from water samples to characterize the community composition of TMREs on the central Chilean coast, generating the first baseline for monitoring the biodiversity of these habitats. We analyzed samples from two depths (30 and 60 m) over four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) and at two locations approximately 16 km apart. We used a panel of three metabarcodes, two that target all eukaryotes (18S rRNA and mitochondrial COI) and one specifically targeting fishes (16S rRNA). All panels combined encompassed eDNA assigned to 42 phyla, 90 classes, 237 orders, and 402 families. The highest family richness was found for the phyla Arthropoda, Bacillariophyta, and Chordata. Overall, family richness was similar between depths but decreased during summer, a pattern consistent at both locations. Our results indicate that the structure (composition) of the mesophotic communities varied predominantly with seasons. We analyzed further the better-resolved fish assemblage and compared eDNA with other visual methods at the same locations and depths. We recovered eDNA from 19 genera of fish, six of these have also been observed on towed underwater videos, while 13 were unique to eDNA. We discuss the potential drivers of seasonal differences in community composition and richness. Our results suggest that eDNA can provide valuable insights for monitoring TMRE communities but highlight the necessity of completing reference DNA databases available for this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Saenz-Agudelo
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile Valdivia Chile
- Millennium Nucleus for Ecology and Conservation of Temperate Marine Ecosystems, NUTME Las Cruces Chile
| | - Paula Ramirez
- Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas, Universidad Austral de Chile Valdivia Chile
- Millennium Nucleus for Ecology and Conservation of Temperate Marine Ecosystems, NUTME Las Cruces Chile
| | - Ricardo Beldade
- Millennium Nucleus for Ecology and Conservation of Temperate Marine Ecosystems, NUTME Las Cruces Chile
- Estación Costera de Investigaciones Marinas Pontificia Universidad Católica Las Cruces Chile
| | - Ana N Campoy
- Center of Marine Sciences (CCMAR-CIMAR) University of the Algarve Faro Portugal
| | - Vladimir Garmendia
- Millennium Nucleus for Ecology and Conservation of Temperate Marine Ecosystems, NUTME Las Cruces Chile
- Estación Costera de Investigaciones Marinas Pontificia Universidad Católica Las Cruces Chile
| | - Francesca V Search
- Millennium Nucleus for Ecology and Conservation of Temperate Marine Ecosystems, NUTME Las Cruces Chile
| | - Miriam Fernández
- Millennium Nucleus for Ecology and Conservation of Temperate Marine Ecosystems, NUTME Las Cruces Chile
- Estación Costera de Investigaciones Marinas Pontificia Universidad Católica Las Cruces Chile
| | - Evie A Wieters
- Millennium Nucleus for Ecology and Conservation of Temperate Marine Ecosystems, NUTME Las Cruces Chile
- Estación Costera de Investigaciones Marinas Pontificia Universidad Católica Las Cruces Chile
| | - Sergio A Navarrete
- Millennium Nucleus for Ecology and Conservation of Temperate Marine Ecosystems, NUTME Las Cruces Chile
- Estación Costera de Investigaciones Marinas Pontificia Universidad Católica Las Cruces Chile
- Center for Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES) and Coastal Socio-Ecological Millennium Institute (SECOS) Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago Chile
- Center for Oceanographic Research COASTAL-COASTAL Universidad de Concepción Concepción Chile
| | - Mauricio F Landaeta
- Millennium Nucleus for Ecology and Conservation of Temperate Marine Ecosystems, NUTME Las Cruces Chile
- Laboratorio de Ictiología e Interacciones Biofísicas (LABITI) Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso Valparaíso Chile
| | - Alejandro Pérez-Matus
- Millennium Nucleus for Ecology and Conservation of Temperate Marine Ecosystems, NUTME Las Cruces Chile
- Estación Costera de Investigaciones Marinas Pontificia Universidad Católica Las Cruces Chile
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14
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Scucchia F, Wong K, Zaslansky P, Putnam HM, Goodbody-Gringley G, Mass T. Morphological and genetic mechanisms underlying the plasticity of the coral Porites astreoides across depths in Bermuda. J Struct Biol 2023; 215:108036. [PMID: 37832837 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2023.108036] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The widespread decline of shallow-water coral reefs has fueled interest in assessing whether mesophotic reefs can act as refugia replenishing deteriorated shallower reefs through larval exchange. Here we explore the morphological and molecular basis facilitating survival of planulae and adults of the coral Porites astreoides (Lamarck, 1816; Hexacorallia: Poritidae) along the vertical depth gradient in Bermuda. We found differences in micro-skeletal features such as bigger calyxes and coarser surface of the skeletal spines in shallow corals. Yet, tomographic reconstructions reveal an analogous mineral distribution between shallow and mesophotic adults, pointing to similar skeleton growth dynamics. Our study reveals patterns of host genetic connectivity and minimal symbiont depth-zonation across a broader depth range than previously known for this species in Bermuda. Transcriptional variations across life stages showed different regulation of metabolism and stress response functions, unraveling molecular responses to environmental conditions at different depths. Overall, these findings increase our understanding of coral acclimatory capability across broad vertical gradients, ultimately allowing better evaluation of the refugia potential of mesophotic reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Scucchia
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences University of Haifa, Israel; The Interuniversity Institute of Marine Sciences, Eilat, Israel.
| | - Kevin Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, United States
| | - Paul Zaslansky
- Department for Operative, Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hollie M Putnam
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, United States
| | - Gretchen Goodbody-Gringley
- Central Caribbean Marine Institute, Little Cayman, Cayman Islands; Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, St. George's, Bermuda
| | - Tali Mass
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences University of Haifa, Israel.
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15
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Diaz C, Foster NL, Attrill MJ, Bolton A, Ganderton P, Howell KL, Robinson E, Hosegood P. Mesophotic coral bleaching associated with changes in thermocline depth. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6528. [PMID: 37845210 PMCID: PMC10579316 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42279-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
As global temperatures continue to rise, shallow coral reef bleaching has become more intense and widespread. Mesophotic coral ecosystems reside in deeper (30-150 m), cooler water and were thought to offer a refuge to shallow-water reefs. Studies now show that mesophotic coral ecosystems instead have limited connectivity with shallow corals but host diverse endemic communities. Given their extensive distribution and high biodiversity, understanding their susceptibility to warming oceans is imperative. In this multidisciplinary study of an atoll in the Chagos Archipelago in the central Indian Ocean, we show evidence of coral bleaching at 90 m, despite the absence of shallow-water bleaching. We also show that the bleaching was associated with sustained thermocline deepening driven by the Indian Ocean Dipole, which might be further enhanced by internal waves whose influence varied at a sub-atoll scale. Our results demonstrate the potential vulnerability of mesophotic coral ecosystems to thermal stress and highlight the need for oceanographic knowledge to predict bleaching susceptibility and heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Diaz
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - Nicola L Foster
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - Martin J Attrill
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Adam Bolton
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Peter Ganderton
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Kerry L Howell
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Edward Robinson
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Phil Hosegood
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.
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16
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Hoban ML, Bunce M, Bowen BW. Plumbing the depths with environmental DNA (eDNA): Metabarcoding reveals biodiversity zonation at 45-60 m on mesophotic coral reefs. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:5590-5608. [PMID: 37728237 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) are tropical reefs found at depths of ~30-150 m, below the region most heavily impacted by heat stress and other disturbances. Hence, MCEs may serve as potential refugia for threatened shallow reefs, but they also harbour depth-endemic fauna distinct from shallow reefs. Previous studies have characterized biodiversity patterns along depth gradients, but focussed primarily on conspicuous taxa (fishes, corals, etc.). Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding offers a more holistic approach to assess biodiversity patterns across the tree of life. Here, we use three metabarcoding assays targeting fishes (16S rRNA), eukaryotes (18S rDNA) and metazoans (COI) to assess biodiversity change from the surface to ~90 m depth across 15-m intervals at three sites within the Hawaiian Archipelago. We observed significant community differences between most depth zones, with distinct zonation centred at 45-60 m for eukaryotes and metazoans, but not for fishes. This finding may be attributable to the higher mobility of reef fishes, although methodological limitations are likely a contributing factor. The possibility for MCEs to serve as refugia is not excluded for fishes, but invertebrate communities >45 m are distinct, indicating limited connectivity for the majority of reef fauna. This study provides a new approach for surveying biodiversity on MCEs, revealing patterns in a much broader context than the limited-taxon studies that comprise the bulk of our present knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mykle L Hoban
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, Kāne'ohe, Hawai'i, USA
| | - Michael Bunce
- Department of Conservation, Wellington, New Zealand
- Trace and Environmental DNA Laboratory, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Brian W Bowen
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, Kāne'ohe, Hawai'i, USA
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17
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Bellworthy J, Pardo R, Scucchia F, Zaslansky P, Goodbody-Gringley G, Mass T. Physiological and morphological plasticity in Stylophora pistillata larvae from Eilat, Israel, to shallow and mesophotic light conditions. iScience 2023; 26:106969. [PMID: 37534177 PMCID: PMC10391605 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesophotic reefs have been proposed as climate change refugia but are not synonymous ecosystems with shallow reefs and remain exposed to anthropogenic impacts. Planulae from the reef-building coral Stylophora pistillata, Gulf of Aqaba, from 5- and 45-m depth were tested ex situ for capacity to settle, grow, and acclimate to reciprocal light conditions. Skeletons were scanned by phase contrast-enhanced micro-CT to study morphology. Deep planulae had reduced volume, smaller diameter on settlement, and greater algal symbiont density. Light conditions did not have significant impact on settlement or mortality rates. Photosynthetic acclimation of algal symbionts was evident within 21-35 days after settlement but growth rate and polyp development were slower for individuals translocated away from their parental origin compared to controls. Though our data reveal rapid symbiont acclimation, reduced growth rates and limited capacity for skeletal modification likely limit the potential for mesophotic larvae to settle on shallow reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Bellworthy
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Interuniversity Institute of Marine Sciences, Eilat, Israel
| | - Rachel Pardo
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Federica Scucchia
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Interuniversity Institute of Marine Sciences, Eilat, Israel
| | - Paul Zaslansky
- Department for Operative and Preventive Dentistry, Charité Dental School – Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Tali Mass
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Sdot Yam, Israel
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18
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Pinheiro HT, MacDonald C, Santos RG, Ali R, Bobat A, Cresswell BJ, Francini-Filho R, Freitas R, Galbraith GF, Musembi P, Phelps TA, Quimbayo JP, Quiros TEAL, Shepherd B, Stefanoudis PV, Talma S, Teixeira JB, Woodall LC, Rocha LA. Plastic pollution on the world's coral reefs. Nature 2023; 619:311-316. [PMID: 37438592 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06113-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs are losing the capacity to sustain their biological functions1. In addition to other well-known stressors, such as climatic change and overfishing1, plastic pollution is an emerging threat to coral reefs, spreading throughout reef food webs2, and increasing disease transmission and structural damage to reef organisms3. Although recognized as a global concern4, the distribution and quantity of plastics trapped in the world's coral reefs remains uncertain3. Here we survey 84 shallow and deep coral ecosystems at 25 locations across the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian ocean basins for anthropogenic macrodebris (pollution by human-generated objects larger than 5 centimetres, including plastics), performing 1,231 transects. Our results show anthropogenic debris in 77 out of the 84 reefs surveyed, including in some of Earth's most remote and near-pristine reefs, such as in uninhabited central Pacific atolls. Macroplastics represent 88% of the anthropogenic debris, and, like other debris types, peak in deeper reefs (mesophotic zones at 30-150 metres depth), with fishing activities as the main source of plastics in most areas. These findings contrast with the global pattern observed in other nearshore marine ecosystems, where macroplastic densities decrease with depth and are dominated by consumer items5. As the world moves towards a global treaty to tackle plastic pollution6, understanding its distribution and drivers provides key information to help to design the strategies needed to address this ubiquitous threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hudson T Pinheiro
- Department of Ichthyology, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Center for Marine Biology, University of São Paulo, São Sebastião, Brazil.
| | - Chancey MacDonald
- Department of Ichthyology, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Robson G Santos
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Cidade Universitária, Maceió, Brazil
| | - Ramadhoine Ali
- Faculté des Sciences Techniques, Université des Comores, Mvouni, Comoros
| | - Ayesha Bobat
- Wildlands Conservation Trust, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Benjamin J Cresswell
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and College of Science and Engineering James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Rui Freitas
- Instituto de Engenharia e Ciências do Mar, Universidade Técnica do Atlântico, Mindelo, Cabo Verde
| | - Gemma F Galbraith
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and College of Science and Engineering James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter Musembi
- CORDIO East Africa, Mombasa, Kenya
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Kenya Marine Program, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Tyler A Phelps
- Department of Ichthyology, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Juan P Quimbayo
- Center for Marine Biology, University of São Paulo, São Sebastião, Brazil
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - T E Angela L Quiros
- Akkeshi Marine Station, Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Bart Shepherd
- Steinhart Aquarium, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Paris V Stefanoudis
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Nekton Foundation, Oxford, UK
- Museum of Natural History, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | | | - João B Teixeira
- Departamento de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Lucy C Woodall
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Nekton Foundation, Oxford, UK
- Center of Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Luiz A Rocha
- Department of Ichthyology, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
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19
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Gijsbers JC, Englebert N, Prata KE, Pichon M, Dinesen Z, Brunner R, Eyal G, González-Zapata FL, Kahng SE, Latijnhouwers KRW, Muir P, Radice VZ, Sánchez JA, Vermeij MJA, Hoegh-Guldberg O, Jacobs SJ, Bongaerts P. Global phylogenomic assessment of Leptoseris and Agaricia reveals substantial undescribed diversity at mesophotic depths. BMC Biol 2023; 21:147. [PMID: 37365558 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01630-1] [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: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesophotic coral communities are increasingly gaining attention for the unique biological diversity they host, exemplified by the numerous mesophotic fish species that continue to be discovered. In contrast, many of the photosynthetic scleractinian corals observed at mesophotic depths are assumed to be depth-generalists, with very few species characterised as mesophotic-specialists. This presumed lack of a specialised community remains largely untested, as phylogenetic studies on corals have rarely included mesophotic samples and have long suffered from resolution issues associated with traditional sequence markers. RESULTS Here, we used reduced-representation genome sequencing to conduct a phylogenomic assessment of the two dominant mesophotic genera of plating corals in the Indo-Pacific and Western Atlantic, respectively, Leptoseris and Agaricia. While these genome-wide phylogenies broadly corroborated the morphological taxonomy, they also exposed deep divergences within the two genera and undescribed diversity across the current taxonomic species. Five of the eight focal species consisted of at least two sympatric and genetically distinct lineages, which were consistently detected across different methods. CONCLUSIONS The repeated observation of genetically divergent lineages associated with mesophotic depths highlights that there may be many more mesophotic-specialist coral species than currently acknowledged and that an urgent assessment of this largely unstudied biological diversity is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Gijsbers
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, 94118, USA.
| | - N Englebert
- Global Change Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - K E Prata
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, 94118, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - M Pichon
- Biodiversity Section, Queensland Museum, Townsville, 4810, Australia
| | - Z Dinesen
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - R Brunner
- Global Change Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - G Eyal
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, 5290002, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - F L González-Zapata
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular Marina (BIOMMAR), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, 111711, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - S E Kahng
- Department of Oceanography, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1000 Pope Road, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - K R W Latijnhouwers
- CARMABI Foundation, Piscaderabaai Z/N, PO Box 2090, Willemstad, Curaçao
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 700, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P Muir
- Global Change Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - V Z Radice
- Global Change Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA
| | - J A Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular Marina (BIOMMAR), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, 111711, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - M J A Vermeij
- CARMABI Foundation, Piscaderabaai Z/N, PO Box 2090, Willemstad, Curaçao
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 700, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - O Hoegh-Guldberg
- Global Change Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - S J Jacobs
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, 94118, USA
| | - P Bongaerts
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, 94118, USA.
- Global Change Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
- CARMABI Foundation, Piscaderabaai Z/N, PO Box 2090, Willemstad, Curaçao.
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20
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Stefanoudis PV, Fassbender N, Samimi-Namin K, Adam PA, Ebrahim A, Harlay J, Koester A, Samoilys M, Sims H, Swanborn D, Talma S, Winter S, Woodall LC. Trait-based approaches reveal that deep reef ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean are functionally distinct. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 872:162111. [PMID: 36773924 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162111] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Tropical deep reefs (>30 m) are biologically and ecologically unique ecosystems with a higher geographic reach to shallow (<30 m) reefs. Yet they are poorly understood and rarely considered in conservation practices. Here, we characterise benthic and fish communities across a depth gradient (10-350 m) in remote coral atolls in Seychelles, Western Indian Ocean. Using taxonomic and trait-based approaches we present the taxonomic and functional composition of shallow and deep reef communities, with distinct communities and traits dominating different depths. Depth-related changes in community metrics (taxa richness, abundance and biomass) and functional diversity metrics (richness, dispersion, and evenness) indicate complex relationships across different biological components (fish, benthos) that differ between shallow and deep reefs. These in turn translate into different patterns of reef resilience against disturbance or species invasions with depth. Notably, deep reefs host on average fewer and less abundant taxa but with higher functional contribution and originality scores, some of which are of conservation concern. Overall, the results highlight the unique nature of deep reefs that requires their explicit consideration in conservation and management activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paris V Stefanoudis
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nekton Foundation, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Kaveh Samimi-Namin
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nekton Foundation, Oxford, United Kingdom; Taxonomy and Systematics Group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, Netherlands; Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Jerome Harlay
- Blue Economy Research Institute, University of Seychelles, Mahé, Seychelles
| | - Anna Koester
- Seychelles Islands Foundation, Victoria, Seychelles
| | - Melita Samoilys
- CORDIO East Africa, Mombasa, Kenya; Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Helena Sims
- The Nature Conservancy, Victoria, Seychelles
| | - Denise Swanborn
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nekton Foundation, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Lucy C Woodall
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nekton Foundation, Oxford, United Kingdom
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21
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Bosch NE, Espino F, Tuya F, Haroun R, Bramanti L, Otero-Ferrer F. Black coral forests enhance taxonomic and functional distinctiveness of mesophotic fishes in an oceanic island: implications for biodiversity conservation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4963. [PMID: 36973395 PMCID: PMC10043018 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32138-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The degradation of shallow ecosystems has called for efforts to understand the biodiversity and functioning of Mesophotic Ecosystems. However, most empirical studies have been restricted to tropical regions and have majorly focused on taxonomic entities (i.e., species), neglecting important dimensions of biodiversity that influence community assembly and ecosystem functioning. Here, using a subtropical oceanic island in the eastern Atlantic Ocean (Lanzarote, Canary Islands), we investigated variation in (a) alpha and (b) beta functional (i.e., trait) diversity across a depth gradient (0-70 m), as a function of the presence of black coral forests (BCFs, order Antipatharian) in the mesophotic strata, a vulnerable but often overlooked 'ecosystem engineer' in regional biodiversity. Despite occupying a similar volume of the functional space (i.e., functional richness) than shallow (< 30 m) reefs, mesophotic fish assemblages inhabiting BCFs differed in their functional structure when accounting for species abundances, with lower evenness and divergence. Similarly, although mesophotic BCFs shared, on average, 90% of the functional entities with shallow reefs, the identity of common and dominant taxonomic and functional entities shifted. Our results suggest BCFs promoted the specialization of reef fishes, likely linked to convergence towards optimal traits to maximize the use of resources and space. Regional biodiversity planning should thus focus on developing specific management and conservation strategies for preserving the unique biodiversity and functionality of mesophotic BCFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nestor E Bosch
- Asociación Biodiversidad Atlántica y Sostenibilidad (ABAS), 35214, Telde, Spain.
- Grupo en Biodiversidad y Conservación (IU-ECOAQUA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35214, Telde, Spain.
| | - Fernando Espino
- Grupo en Biodiversidad y Conservación (IU-ECOAQUA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35214, Telde, Spain
| | - Fernando Tuya
- Grupo en Biodiversidad y Conservación (IU-ECOAQUA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35214, Telde, Spain
| | - Ricardo Haroun
- Grupo en Biodiversidad y Conservación (IU-ECOAQUA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35214, Telde, Spain
| | - Lorenzo Bramanti
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire d'Ecogéochimie des Environnements Benthiques, LECOB, 66500, Banyuls-sur-Mer, France
| | - Francisco Otero-Ferrer
- Asociación Biodiversidad Atlántica y Sostenibilidad (ABAS), 35214, Telde, Spain
- Grupo en Biodiversidad y Conservación (IU-ECOAQUA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35214, Telde, Spain
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22
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Broad A, Rees M, Knott N, Swadling D, Hammond M, Ingleton T, Morris B, Davis AR. Anchor scour from shipping and the defaunation of rocky reefs: A quantitative assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 863:160717. [PMID: 36528099 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Anchor scour from shipping is increasingly recognised as a global threat to benthic marine biodiversity, yet no replicated ecological assessment exists for any seabed community. Without quantification of impacts to biota, there is substantial uncertainty for maritime stakeholders and managers of the marine estate on how these impacts can be managed or minimised. Our study focuses on a region in SE Australia with a high proportion of mesophotic reef (>30 m), where ships anchor while waiting to enter nearby ports. Temperate mesophotic rocky reefs are unique, providing a platform for a diversity of biota, including sponges, ahermatypic corals and other sessile invertebrates. They are rich in biodiversity, provide essential food resources, habitat refugia and ecosystem services for a range of economically, as well as ecologically important taxa. We examined seven representative taxa from four phyla (porifera, cnidaria, bryozoan, hydrozoa) across anchored and 'anchor-free' sites to determine which biota and which of their morphologies were most at risk. Using stereo-imagery, we assessed the richness of animal forest biota, morphology, size, and relative abundance. Our analysis revealed striking impacts to animal forests exposed to anchoring with between three and four-fold declines in morphotype richness and relative abundance. Marked compositional shifts, relative to those reefs that were anchor-free, were also apparent. Six of the seven taxonomic groups, most notably sponge morphotypes, exhibited strong negative responses to anchoring, while one morphotype, soft bryozoans, showed no difference between treatments. Our findings confirm that anchoring on reefs leads to the substantial removal of biota, with marked reductions of biodiversity and requires urgent management. The exclusion of areas of high biological value from anchorages is an important first step towards ameliorating impacts and promoting the recovery of biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Broad
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Matthew Rees
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Marine Ecosystem Unit, Fisheries Research, 89, Huskisson, NSW 2540, Australia
| | - Nathan Knott
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Marine Ecosystem Unit, Fisheries Research, 89, Huskisson, NSW 2540, Australia
| | - Daniel Swadling
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Marine Ecosystem Unit, Fisheries Research, 89, Huskisson, NSW 2540, Australia
| | - Matthew Hammond
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Marine Ecosystem Unit, Fisheries Research, 89, Huskisson, NSW 2540, Australia
| | - Tim Ingleton
- Waters, Wetlands and Coasts, New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment (DPE), Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Bradley Morris
- Waters, Wetlands and Coasts, New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment (DPE), Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Andrew R Davis
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
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23
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Pinheiro HT, MacDonald C, Quimbayo JP, Shepherd B, Phelps TA, Loss AC, Teixeira JB, Rocha LA. Assembly rules of coral reef fish communities along the depth gradient. Curr Biol 2023; 33:1421-1430.e4. [PMID: 36917975 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs are home to some of the most studied ecological assemblages on the planet. However, differences in large-scale assembly rules have never been studied using empirical quantitative data stratified along the depth gradient of reefs. Consequently, little is known about the small- and regional-scale effects of depth on coral reef assemblages. Using a large dataset of underwater surveys, we observed that the influence of classic biogeographic drivers on the species richness of coral reef fishes changes significantly with depth, shaping distinct assemblages governed by different rules in mesophotic coral ecosystems. We show that a general pattern of decreased taxonomic and functional richness of reef fish assemblages with depth results from convergent filtering of species composition and trophic strategies on deeper reefs across ocean basins and that at smaller scales deep-reef communities are less influenced by regional factors than shallower reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hudson T Pinheiro
- Department of Ichthyology, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA; Center for Marine Biology, University of São Paulo, São Sebastião, SP 11612-109, Brazil.
| | - Chancey MacDonald
- Department of Ichthyology, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
| | - Juan Pablo Quimbayo
- Center for Marine Biology, University of São Paulo, São Sebastião, SP 11612-109, Brazil
| | - Bart Shepherd
- Steinhart Aquarium, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
| | - Tyler A Phelps
- Department of Ichthyology, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA; Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Ana Carolina Loss
- Instituto Nacional da Mata Atlântica, Santa Teresa, ES 29650-000, Brazil
| | - João Batista Teixeira
- Departamento de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES 29075-910, Brazil
| | - Luiz A Rocha
- Department of Ichthyology, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
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24
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The Hidden Diversity of Temperate Mesophotic Ecosystems from Central Chile (Southeastern Pacific Ocean) Assessed through Towed Underwater Videos. DIVERSITY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/d15030360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
The largely unexplored diversity in temperate mesophotic ecosystems (TME, ~30–150 m depth) has attracted much attention over the past years. However, the number of studies and knowledge of TME diversity and ecology remains limited and geographically restricted. The absence of information on how assemblages vary across environmental gradients and with depth for most regions also limits our capacity to delimit conservation areas and devise management plans effectively. This study focuses on TME from central Chile and describes the depth distribution of reef fishes and benthic invertebrates and algae for the first time. Through the analysis of towed underwater video surveys between 4.7–95.5 m in multiple sites, we show that total reef fish density and richness decrease with depth but increase with local topographic complexity. The depth-related density varies among fish species and trophic groups, and it reverses in the case of Sebastes oculatus, which increases in density with depth. Sponges and gorgonians dominate benthic assemblages below 20 m depth, and brachiopods and anemones increase below 40 and 60 m, respectively. Some of these species form animal forests which, to some extent, replace the shallow-water kelp forests as structural habitat providers. Nevertheless, the reef fish and benthic community do not show a clear structure with depth or across studied sites. We highlight the urgency to intensify and expand the quantitative characterization of these communities, through this and other methodologies, to better define ecological patterns and advance towards conservation plans for TME, including the Souteastern Pacific region.
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25
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Godefroid M, Dubois P, Hédouin L. Thermal performance with depth: Comparison of a mesophotic scleractinian and an antipatharian species subjected to internal waves in Mo'orea, French Polynesia. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 184:105851. [PMID: 36603344 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Local thermal environment has a strong influence on the physiology of marine ectotherms. This is particularly relevant for tropical organisms living close to their thermal optimum, well exemplified by the increasing frequency of bleaching occurrence in shallow-water corals. Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems (MCEs) were suggested as potential oases, especially when they are submitted to internal waves inducing short-term cooling events. Indeed, probability of bleaching occurrence in scleractinians was reported to decrease with depth in Mo'orea as temperature variability increases. However, ecophysiological data are currently lacking to understand the cause of lower susceptibility/increased plasticity of deeper corals. A growing interest has been devoted the last decade to MCEs, but our understanding of the physiological performance of benthic organisms living in this environment remains relatively unexplored. To tackle that question, we first compared the metabolic responses (dark respiration, net photosynthesis and photosynthetic efficiency) of the depth-generalist scleractinian Pachyseris speciosa from two heterogeneous thermal environment (25 and 85 m depths) to acute heat stress to determine if the local thermal environment could predict coral response to warming. Then, we tested the thermal performance of two sympatric species (the scleractinian P. speciosa and the antipatharian Stichopathes sp.) to determine if there are inter-species differences in performances in species experiencing identical levels of temperature variability, at mesophotic depths (85 m). Results revealed broader thermal performances in the mesophotic P. speciosa compared to mid-depth ones, and constrained performances in the mesophotic antipatharian compared to the scleractinian species. We hypothesize that the high fluctuations in temperature due to internal waves in deeper areas contribute to the broader thermal performances of mesophotic P. speciosa. However, the constrained performances of the mesophotic antipatharian compared to P. speciosa suggests that other processes than the symbiosis with zooxanthellae also influence thermal performances of these mesophotic organisms. Our results supported that Stichopathes sp. lives close to its thermal optimum, suggesting a (relatively) cold thermal specialist strategy. In this context, composition of MCEs in the future is unlikely to shift to antipatharian-dominated landscape and will remain coral-dominated landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Godefroid
- Laboratoire de Biologie Marine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 50, CP160/15, 1050, Bruxelles, Belgium.
| | - Philippe Dubois
- Laboratoire de Biologie Marine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 50, CP160/15, 1050, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Laetitia Hédouin
- PSL Research University: EPHE-CNRS-UPVD, USR 3278 CRIOBE, BP 1013, 98729, Papetoai, Mo'orea, French Polynesia; Laboratoire D'Excellence CORAIL, Mo'orea, French Polynesia
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26
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Nunes Peinemann V, Pombo-Ayora L, Cochran JEM, Marchese F, Chimienti G, Rodrigue M, Eweida AA, Marshall PA, Benzoni F, Berumen ML. First record of Boulenger's anthias Sacura boulengeri (Heemstra 1973) in the Red Sea. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2023; 102:294-298. [PMID: 36263673 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15254] [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: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In November 2020, we observed several individuals and collected one juvenile of an unidentified anthiadine fish (Serranidae) between depths of 250 and 307 m near vertical walls of rocky reefs in the northern Red Sea. Further morphological and molecular analyses revealed that the collected specimen matches Sacura boulengeri, a species previously reported only from the Gulf of Oman to India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Nunes Peinemann
- Red Sea Research Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lucía Pombo-Ayora
- Red Sea Research Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jesse E M Cochran
- Red Sea Research Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fabio Marchese
- Red Sea Research Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Giovanni Chimienti
- Department of Biology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
- CoNISMa, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Ameer A Eweida
- Department of Nature Conservation, NEOM, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Paul A Marshall
- Department of Nature Conservation, NEOM, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Francesca Benzoni
- Red Sea Research Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michael L Berumen
- 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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27
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Duhamet A, Albouy C, Marques V, Manel S, Mouillot D. The global depth range of marine fishes and their genetic coverage for environmental DNA metabarcoding. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e9672. [PMID: 36699576 PMCID: PMC9846838 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9672] [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: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The bathymetric and geographical distribution of marine species represent a key information in biodiversity conservation. Yet, deep-sea ecosystems are among the least explored on Earth and are increasingly impacted by human activities. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has emerged as a promising method to study fish biodiversity but applications to the deep-sea are still scarce. A major limitation in the application of eDNA metabarcoding is the incompleteness of species sequences available in public genetic databases which reduces the extent of detected species. This incompleteness by depth is still unknown. Here, we built the global bathymetric and geographical distribution of 10,826 actinopterygian and 960 chondrichthyan fish species. We assessed their genetic coverage by depth and by ocean for three main metabarcoding markers used in the literature: teleo and MiFish-U/E. We also estimated the number of primer mismatches per species amplified by in silico polymerase chain reaction which influence the probability of species detection. Actinopterygians show a stronger decrease in species richness with depth than Chondrichthyans. These richness gradients are accompanied by a continuous species turnover between depths. Fish species coverage with the MiFish-U/E markers is higher than with teleo while threatened species are more sequenced than the others. "Deep-endemic" species, those not ascending to the shallow depth layer, are less sequenced than not threatened species. The number of primer mismatches is not higher for deep-sea species than for shallower ones. eDNA metabarcoding is promising for species detection in the deep-sea to better account for the 3-dimensional structure of the ocean in marine biodiversity monitoring and conservation. However, we argue that sequencing efforts on "deep-endemic" species are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnès Duhamet
- MARBECUniv Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, IfremerMontpellierFrance
- CEFEUniv Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE‐PSL University, IRDMontpellierFrance
| | - Camille Albouy
- Ecosystem and Landscape Evolution, Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, Department of Environmental Systems ScienceETH ZürichZürichSwitzerland
- Unit of Land Change ScienceSwiss Federal Research Institute WSLBirmensdorfSwitzerland
| | - Virginie Marques
- Ecosystem and Landscape Evolution, Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, Department of Environmental Systems ScienceETH ZürichZürichSwitzerland
- Unit of Land Change ScienceSwiss Federal Research Institute WSLBirmensdorfSwitzerland
| | - Stephanie Manel
- CEFEUniv Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE‐PSL University, IRDMontpellierFrance
| | - David Mouillot
- MARBECUniv Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, IfremerMontpellierFrance
- Institut Universitaire de FranceParisFrance
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28
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Rotjan RD, Ray NE, Cole I, Castro KG, Kennedy BRC, Barbasch T, Lesneski KC, Lord KS, Bhardwaj A, Edens M, Karageorge I, Klawon C, Kruh-Needleman H, McCarthy G, Perez R, Roberts C, Trumble IF, Volk A, Torres J, Morey J. Shifts in predator behaviour following climate induced disturbance on coral reefs. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20221431. [PMID: 36541169 PMCID: PMC9768634 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.1431] [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] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs are increasingly ecologically destabilized across the globe due to climate change. Behavioural plasticity in corallivore behaviour and short-term trophic ecology in response to bleaching events may influence the extent and severity of coral bleaching and subsequent recovery potential, yet our understanding of these interactions in situ remains unclear. Here, we investigated interactions between corallivory and coral bleaching during a severe high thermal event (10.3-degree heating weeks) in Belize. We found that parrotfish changed their grazing behaviour in response to bleaching by selectively avoiding bleached Orbicella spp. colonies regardless of bleaching severity or coral size. For bleached corals, we hypothesize that this short-term respite from corallivory may temporarily buffer coral energy budgets by not redirecting energetic resources to wound healing, and may therefore enable compensatory nutrient acquisition. However, colonies that had previously been heavily grazed were also more susceptible to bleaching, which is likely to increase mortality risk. Thus, short-term respite from corallivory during bleaching may not be sufficient to functionally rescue corals during prolonged bleaching. Such pairwise interactions and behavioural shifts in response to disturbance may appear small scale and short term, but have the potential to fundamentally alter ecological outcomes, especially in already-degraded ecosystems that are vulnerable and sensitive to change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randi D. Rotjan
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA,Boston University Marine Program, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Nicholas E. Ray
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA,Boston University Marine Program, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Ingrid Cole
- Boston University Marine Program, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kurt G. Castro
- Boston University Marine Program, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Brian R. C. Kennedy
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA,Boston University Marine Program, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Tina Barbasch
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA,Boston University Marine Program, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kathryn C. Lesneski
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA,Boston University Marine Program, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Karina Scavo Lord
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA,Boston University Marine Program, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Anjali Bhardwaj
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA,Boston University Marine Program, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Madeleine Edens
- Boston University Marine Program, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ioanna Karageorge
- Boston University Marine Program, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Caitlynn Klawon
- Boston University Marine Program, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Hallie Kruh-Needleman
- Boston University Marine Program, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Gretchen McCarthy
- Boston University Marine Program, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Raziel Perez
- Boston University Marine Program, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Christopher Roberts
- Boston University Marine Program, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Isabela F. Trumble
- Boston University Marine Program, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Aryanna Volk
- Boston University Marine Program, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Stefanoudis PV, Talma S, Fassbender N, Swanborn D, Ochieng CN, Mearns K, Komakoma JD, Otwoma LM, Mbije NE, Osuka KE, Samoilys M, Shah N, Samaai T, Trotzuk E, Tuda A, Zivane F, Wagner D, Woodall LC. Stakeholder‐derived recommendations and actions to support deep‐reef conservation in the Western Indian Ocean. Conserv Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Denise Swanborn
- Department of Biology University of Oxford Oxford UK
- Nekton Foundation Oxford UK
| | | | - Kevin Mearns
- Department of Environmental Sciences University of South Africa Pretoria South Africa
| | | | - Levy M. Otwoma
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute Mombasa Kenya
| | | | - Kennedy E. Osuka
- CORDIO East Africa Mombasa Kenya
- Department of Mathematics University of York York UK
| | - Melita Samoilys
- Department of Biology University of Oxford Oxford UK
- CORDIO East Africa Mombasa Kenya
| | | | - Toufiek Samaai
- Department of Forestry Fisheries and Environment Cape Town South Africa
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
- Department of Biodiversity and Conservation University of Western Cape Cape Town South Africa
- Iziko Museum Cape Town South Africa
| | | | - Arthur Tuda
- The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association Zanzibar Tanzania
| | | | - Daniel Wagner
- Conservation International Center for Oceans Arlington Virginia USA
| | - Lucy C. Woodall
- Department of Biology University of Oxford Oxford UK
- Nekton Foundation Oxford UK
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Eyal G, Laverick JH, Ben-Zvi O, Brown KT, Kramer N, Tamir R, Lindemann Y, Levy O, Pandolfi JM. Selective deep water coral bleaching occurs through depth isolation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 844:157180. [PMID: 35809731 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157180] [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: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is degrading coral reefs around the world. Mass coral bleaching events have become more frequent in recent decades, leading to dramatic declines in coral cover. Mesophotic coral ecosystems (30-150 m depth) comprise an estimated 50-80 % of global coral reef area. The potential for these to act as refuges from climate change is unresolved. Here, we report three mesophotic-specific coral bleaching events in the northern Red Sea over the course of eight years. Over the last decade, faster temperature increases at mesophotic depths resulted in ~50 % decline in coral populations, while the adjacent shallow coral reefs remained intact. Further, community structure shifted from hard coral dominated to turf algae dominated throughout these recurrent bleaching events. Our results do not falsify the notion of the northern Red Sea as a thermal refuge for shallow coral reefs, but question the capacity of mesophotic ecosystems to act as a universal tropical refuge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gal Eyal
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
| | - Jack H Laverick
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Or Ben-Zvi
- School of Zoology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat, Eilat, Israel
| | - Kristen T Brown
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Netanel Kramer
- School of Zoology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Raz Tamir
- School of Zoology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat, Eilat, Israel
| | - Yoav Lindemann
- The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat, Eilat, Israel; The Fredy & Nadine Herrmann Institute of Earth Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Oren Levy
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel; The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat, Eilat, Israel
| | - John M Pandolfi
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Pérez-Rosales G, Hernández-Agreda A, Bongaerts P, Rouzé H, Pichon M, Carlot J, Torda G, Parravicini V, Hédouin L. Mesophotic depths hide high coral cover communities in French Polynesia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 844:157049. [PMID: 35780903 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157049] [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: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The rapid decline of shallow coral reefs has increased the interest in the long-understudied mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs). However, MCEs are usually characterised by rather low to moderate scleractinian coral cover, with only a few descriptions of high coral cover at depth. Here, we explored eight islands across French Polynesia over a wide depth range (6 to 120 m) to identify coral cover hotspots at mesophotic depths and the co-occurrent biotic groups and abiotic factors that influence such high scleractinian cover. Using Bayesian modelling, we found that 20 out of 64 of studied deep sites exhibited a coral cover higher than expected in the mesophotic range (e.g. as high as 81.8 % at 40 m, 74.5 % at 60 m, 53 % at 90 m and 42 % at 120 m vs the average expected values based on the model of 31.2 % at 40 m, 22.8 % at 60 m, 14.6 % at 90 m and 9.8 % at 120 m). Omitting the collinear factors light-irradiance and depth, these 'hotspots' of coral cover corresponded to mesophotic sites and depths characterised by hard substrate, a steep to moderate slope, and the dominance of laminar corals. Our work unveils the presence of unexpectedly and unique high coral cover communities at mesophotic depths in French Polynesia, highlighting the importance of expanding the research on deeper depths for the potential relevance in the conservation management of tropical coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Pérez-Rosales
- PSL Research University, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, 98729 Moorea, French Polynesia; PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 66860 Perpignan Cedex, France.
| | | | - Pim Bongaerts
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
| | - Héloïse Rouzé
- PSL Research University, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, 98729 Moorea, French Polynesia; Marine Laboratory, University of Guam, Mangilao, Guam 96923, USA
| | - Michel Pichon
- Biodiversity Section, Queensland Museum, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - Jérémy Carlot
- PSL Research University, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, 98729 Moorea, French Polynesia
| | - Gergely Torda
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Valeriano Parravicini
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 66860 Perpignan Cedex, France
| | - Laetitia Hédouin
- PSL Research University, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, 98729 Moorea, French Polynesia; PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 66860 Perpignan Cedex, France
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32
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Villalobos R, Aylagas E, Pearman JK, Curdia J, Lozano-Cortés D, Coker DJ, Jones B, Berumen ML, Carvalho S. Inter-annual variability patterns of reef cryptobiota in the central Red Sea across a shelf gradient. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16944. [PMID: 36210380 PMCID: PMC9548503 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21304-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The combination of molecular tools, standard surveying techniques, and long-term monitoring programs are relevant to understanding environmental and ecological changes in coral reef communities. Here we studied temporal variability in cryptobenthic coral reef communities across the continental shelf in the central Red Sea spanning 6 years (three sampling periods: 2013-2019) and including the 2015 mass bleaching event. We used a combination of molecular tools (barcoding and metabarcoding) to assess communities on Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) as a standardized sampling approach. Community composition associated with ARMS for both methodologies (barcoding and metabarcoding) was statistically different across reefs (shelf position) and time periods. The partition of beta diversity showed a higher turnover and lower nestedness between pre-bleaching and post-bleaching samples than between the two post-bleaching periods, revealing a community shift from the bleaching event. However, a slight return to the pre-bleaching community composition was observed in 2019 suggesting a recovery trajectory. Given the predictions of decreasing time between bleaching events, it is concerning that cryptobenthic communities may not fully recover and communities with new characteristics will emerge. We observed a high turnover among reefs for all time periods, implying a homogenization of the cryptobiome did not occur across the cross shelf following the 2015 bleaching event. It is possible that dispersal limitations and the distinct environmental and benthic structures present across the shelf maintained the heterogeneity in communities among reefs. This study has to the best of our knowledge presented for the first time a temporal aspect into the analysis of ARMS cryptobenthic coral reef communities and encompasses a bleaching event. We show that these structures can detect cryptic changes associated with reef degradation and provides support for these being used as long-term monitoring tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Villalobos
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - E Aylagas
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- The Red Sea Development Company, 5th Floor, MU04 Tower, ITCC Complex, AlRaidah Digital City, Al Nakhil District 3807, Riyadh, 12382-6726, Saudi Arabia
| | - J K Pearman
- Coastal and Freshwater Group, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand
| | - J Curdia
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - D Lozano-Cortés
- Environmental Protection, Saudi Aramco, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - D J Coker
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - B Jones
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - M L Berumen
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - S Carvalho
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
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Kitchel ZJ, Conrad HM, Selden RL, Pinsky ML. The role of continental shelf bathymetry in shaping marine range shifts in the face of climate change. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:5185-5199. [PMID: 35698263 PMCID: PMC9540106 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
As a consequence of anthropogenic climate change, marine species on continental shelves around the world are rapidly shifting deeper and poleward. However, whether these shifts deeper and poleward will allow species to access more, less, or equivalent amounts of continental shelf area and associated critical habitats remains unclear. By examining the proportion of seabed area at a range of depths for each large marine ecosystem (LME), we found that shelf area declined monotonically for 19% of LMEs examined. However, the majority exhibited a greater proportion of shelf area in mid-depths or across several depth ranges. By comparing continental shelf area across 2° latitudinal bands, we found that all coastlines exhibit multiple instances of shelf area expansion and contraction, which have the potential to promote or restrict poleward movement of marine species. Along most coastlines, overall shelf habitat increases or exhibits no significant change moving towards the poles. The exception is the Southern West Pacific, which experiences an overall loss of area with increasing latitude. Changes in continental shelf area availability across latitudes and depths are likely to affect the number of species local ecosystems can support. These geometric analyses help identify regions of conservation priority and ecological communities most likely to face attrition or expansion due to variations in available area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë J. Kitchel
- Ecology and Evolution Graduate ProgramRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
| | - Hailey M. Conrad
- Department of Fish and Wildlife ConservationBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
| | | | - Malin L. Pinsky
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural ResourcesRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
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34
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Contrasting hydrodynamic regimes of submerged pinnacle and emergent coral reefs. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273092. [PMID: 35972945 PMCID: PMC9380949 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrodynamics on coral reefs vary with depth, reef morphology and seascape position. Differences in hydrodynamic regimes strongly influence the structure and function of coral reef ecosystems. Submerged coral reefs on steep-sided, conical bathymetric features like seamounts experience enhanced water circulation as a result of interactions between currents and the abrupt physical structure. There may also be similar interactions between smaller pinnacles and regional water currents in offshore locations (crests > 10 m), while shallow reefs (crests <10 m) may be more subject to surface currents driven by wind, waves and tide. Here we tested whether coral pinnacles experienced stronger and more variable currents compared to emergent reefs at the same depth in both nearshore and offshore positions. Current speeds and temperature were monitored for 12 months at 11 reefs, representing the three different reef categories: submerged offshore pinnacles, emergent offshore reefs and emergent nearshore reefs. We found different patterns in current speeds and temperature among reef types throughout the year and between seasons. Submerged pinnacles exhibited stronger, more variable current speeds compared to both near and offshore emergent reefs. We found seasonal changes in current speeds for pinnacle and nearshore reefs but no variation in current strength on offshore reefs. Whilst instantaneous current directions did reflect the seascape position of individual sites, there was no difference in the directional variability of current speeds between reef types. Annual daily average temperatures at all reef types were not strongly seasonal, changing by less than 2 °C throughout the year. Daily temperature ranges at specific sites however, exhibited considerable variability (annual range of up to 6.5 °C), particularly amongst offshore emergent reefs which experienced the highest temperatures despite greater exposure to regional-scale circulation patterns. Additionally, we found a consistent mismatch between satellite sea surface temperatures and in-situ temperature data, which was on average 2 °C cooler throughout the annual study period. Our results suggest that distinct hydrodynamic processes occur on smaller submerged structures that are physically analogous to seamounts. Our findings highlight important nuances in environmental processes that occur on morphologically distinct coral reef habitats and these are likely to be important drivers for the community dynamics of organisms that inhabit these reefs.
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35
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Carpenter GE, Chequer AD, Weber S, Mass T, Goodbody‐Gringley G. Light and photoacclimatization drive distinct differences between shallow and mesophotic coral communities. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gaby E. Carpenter
- Central Caribbean Marine Institute Little Cayman Island Cayman Islands
| | - Alex D. Chequer
- Central Caribbean Marine Institute Little Cayman Island Cayman Islands
| | - Sabrina Weber
- Central Caribbean Marine Institute Little Cayman Island Cayman Islands
| | - Tali Mass
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences University of Haifa Mount Carmel Haifa Israel
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa Sdot Yam Israel
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36
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Pérez‐Rosales G, Pichon M, Rouzé H, Villeger S, Torda G, Bongaerts P, Carlot J, Parravicini V, Hédouin L, Bardout G, Fauchet J, Ferucci A, Gazzola F, Lagarrigue G, Leblond J, Marivint E, Mittau A, Mollon N, Paulme N, Périé‐Bardout E, Pete R, Pujolle S, Siu G. Mesophotic coral ecosystems of French Polynesia are hotspots of alpha and beta generic diversity for scleractinian assemblages. DIVERS DISTRIB 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Pérez‐Rosales
- PSL Research University EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE Moorea French Polynesia
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE Université de Perpignan Perpignan Cedex France
| | - Michel Pichon
- Biodiversity Section Queensland Museum Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Héloïse Rouzé
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE Université de Perpignan Perpignan Cedex France
- Marine Laboratory University of Guam Mangilao Guam USA
| | | | - Gergely Torda
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Pim Bongaerts
- California Academy of Sciences San Francisco California USA
| | - Jeremey Carlot
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE Université de Perpignan Perpignan Cedex France
| | - Valeriano Parravicini
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE Université de Perpignan Perpignan Cedex France
| | - Laetitia Hédouin
- PSL Research University EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE Moorea French Polynesia
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE‐UPVD‐CNRS USR 3278 CRIOBE Université de Perpignan Perpignan Cedex France
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37
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Salvetat J, Bez N, Habasque J, Lebourges-Dhaussy A, Lopes C, Roudaut G, Simier M, Travassos P, Vargas G, Bertrand A. Comprehensive spatial distribution of tropical fish assemblages from multifrequency acoustics and video fulfils the island mass effect framework. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8787. [PMID: 35610249 PMCID: PMC9130204 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12409-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tropical marine ecosystems are highly biodiverse and provide resources for small-scale fisheries and tourism. However, precise information on fish spatial distribution is lacking, which limits our ability to reconcile exploitation and conservation. We combined acoustics to video observations to provide a comprehensive description of fish distribution in a typical tropical environment, the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (FNA) off Northeast Brazil. We identified and classified all acoustic echoes into ten fish assemblage and two triggerfish species. This opened up the possibility to relate the different spatial patterns to a series of environmental factors and the level of protection. We provide the first biomass estimation of the black triggerfish Melichthys niger, a key tropical player. By comparing the effects of euphotic and mesophotic reefs we show that more than the depth, the most important feature is the topography with the shelf-break as the most important hotspot. We also complete the portrait of the island mass effect revealing a clear spatial dissymmetry regarding fish distribution. Indeed, while primary productivity is higher downstream, fish concentrate upstream. The comprehensive fish distribution provided by our approach is directly usable to implement scientific-grounded Marine Spatial Planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Salvetat
- Pós-Graduação em Recursos Pesqueiros e Aquicultura, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil. .,MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, Sète, France. .,Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Sète, France.
| | - Nicolas Bez
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, Sète, France.,Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Sète, France
| | | | | | - Cristiano Lopes
- Pós-Graduação em Recursos Pesqueiros e Aquicultura, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | | | - Monique Simier
- MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, Sète, France.,Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Sète, France
| | - Paulo Travassos
- Pós-Graduação em Recursos Pesqueiros e Aquicultura, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Gary Vargas
- Pós-Graduação em Recursos Pesqueiros e Aquicultura, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Arnaud Bertrand
- Pós-Graduação em Recursos Pesqueiros e Aquicultura, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil.,MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, Sète, France.,Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Sète, France.,Laboratório de Oceanografia Física Estuarina e Costeira, Depto. Oceanografia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235-Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, 50670-901, Brazil
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Godefroid M, Hédouin L, Mercière A, Dubois P. Thermal stress responses of the antipatharian Stichopathes sp. from the mesophotic reef of Mo'orea, French Polynesia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 820:153094. [PMID: 35051469 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Antipatharians, also called black corals, are present in almost all oceans of the world, until extreme depths. In several regions, they aggregate in higher densities to form black coral beds that support diverse animal communities and create biodiversity hotspots. These recently discovered ecosystems are currently threatened by fishing activities and illegal harvesting for commercial purposes. Despite this, studies dedicated to the physiology of antipatharians are scarce and their responses to global change stressors have remained hardly explored since recently. Here, we present the first study on the physiological responses of a mesophotic antipatharian Stichopathes sp. (70-90 m) to thermal stress through a 16-d laboratory exposure (from 26 to 30.5 °C). Oxygen consumption measurements allowed identifying the physiological tipping point of Stichopathes sp. (Topt = 28.3 °C; 2.7 °C above mean ambient condition). Our results follow theoretical predictions as performances start to decrease beyond Topt, with lowered oxygen consumption rates, impairment of the healing capacities, increased probability of tissue necrosis and stress responses activated as a function of temperature (i.e. increase in mucocyte density and total antioxidant capacity). Altogether, our work indicates that Stichopathes sp. lives at suboptimal performances during the coldest months of the year, but also that it is likely to have low acclimatization capacity and a narrow thermal breadth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Godefroid
- Laboratoire de Biologie marine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 50, CP160/15, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium.
| | - Laetitia Hédouin
- PSL Research University: EPHE-CNRS-UPVD, USR 3278 CRIOBE, BP 1013, 98729 Papetoai, Mo'orea, French Polynesia; Laboratoire d'Excellence « CORAIL», Mo'orea, French Polynesia
| | - Alexandre Mercière
- PSL Research University: EPHE-CNRS-UPVD, USR 3278 CRIOBE, BP 1013, 98729 Papetoai, Mo'orea, French Polynesia; Laboratoire d'Excellence « CORAIL», Mo'orea, French Polynesia
| | - Philippe Dubois
- Laboratoire de Biologie marine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 50, CP160/15, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium
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39
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Bongaerts P. Mesophotic coral ecosystems. Curr Biol 2022; 32:R345-R346. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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40
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Brown K, Monk J, Williams J, Carroll A, Harasti D, Barrett N. Depth and benthic habitat influence shallow and mesophotic predatory fishes on a remote, high-latitude coral reef. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265067. [PMID: 35324946 PMCID: PMC8947262 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Predatory fishes on coral reefs continue to decline globally despite playing key roles in ecosystem functioning. Remote atolls and platform reefs provide potential refugia for predator populations, but quantitative information on their spatial distribution is required to establish accurate baselines for ongoing monitoring and conservation management. Current knowledge of predatory fish populations has been derived from targeted shallow diver-based surveys (<15 m). However, the spatial distribution and extent of predatory fishes on outer mesophotic shelf environments has remained under described. Middleton Reef is a remote, high-latitude, oceanic platform reef that is located within a no-take area in the Lord Howe Marine Park off eastern Australia. Here we used baited remote underwater stereo video to sample predatory fishes across lagoon and outer shelf habitats from depths 0–100 m, extending knowledge on use of mesophotic depths and habitats. Many predatory fish demonstrated clear depth and habitat associations over this depth range. Carcharhinid sharks and Carangid fishes were the most abundant predators sampled on Middleton Reef, with five predatory fishes accounting for over 90% of the predator fish biomass. Notably, Galapagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) and the protected black rockcod (Epinephelus daemelii) dominated the predator fish assemblage. A higher richness of predator fish species was sampled on reef areas north and south of the lagoon. The more exposed southern aspect of the reef supported a different suite of predator fish across mesophotic habitats relative to the assemblage recorded in the north and lagoonal habitats, a pattern potentially driven by differences in hard coral cover. Biomass of predatory fishes in the more sheltered north habitats was twice that of other areas, predominantly driven by high abundances of Galapagos shark. This work adds to the growing body of literature highlighting the conservation value of isolated oceanic reefs and the need to ensure that lagoon, shallow and mesophotic habitats in these systems are adequately protected, as they support vulnerable ecologically and economically important predator fish assemblages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy Brown
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jacquomo Monk
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Joel Williams
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- Fisheries Research, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Taylors Beach, NSW, Australia
| | | | - David Harasti
- Fisheries Research, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Taylors Beach, NSW, Australia
| | - Neville Barrett
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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41
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Voerman SE, Marsh BC, Bahia RG, Pereira-Filho GH, Yee TW, Becker ACF, Amado-Filho GM, Ruseckas A, Turnbull GA, Samuel IDW, Burdett HL. Ecosystem engineer morphological traits and taxon identity shape biodiversity across the euphotic-mesophotic transition. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20211834. [PMID: 35193402 PMCID: PMC8864346 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.1834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The euphotic-mesophotic transition is characterized by dramatic changes in environmental conditions, which can significantly alter the functioning of ecosystem engineers and the structure of their associated communities. However, the drivers of biodiversity change across the euphotic-mesophotic transition remain unclear. Here, we investigated the mechanisms affecting the biodiversity-supporting potential of free-living red coralline algae-globally important habitat creators-towards mesophotic depths. Across a 73 m depth gradient, we observed a general decline in macrofaunal biodiversity (fauna abundance, taxon richness and alpha diversity), but an increase in beta-diversity (i.e. variation between assemblages) at the deepest site (86 m depth, where light levels were less than 1% surface irradiance). We identified a gradient in abundance decline rather than distinct ecological shifts, driven by a complex interaction between declining light availability, declining size of the coralline algal host individuals and a changing host taxonomy. However, despite abundance declines, high between-assemblage variability at deeper depths allowed biodiversity-supporting potential to be maintained, highlighting their importance as coastal refugia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie E. Voerman
- Lyell Centre for Earth and Marine Science and Technology, Edinburgh, UK
- School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Beauregard C. Marsh
- Lyell Centre for Earth and Marine Science and Technology, Edinburgh, UK
- School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ricardo G. Bahia
- Botanical Garden Research Institute of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Guilherme H. Pereira-Filho
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação Marinha, Instituto do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thomas W. Yee
- Department of Statistics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ana Clara F. Becker
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação Marinha, Instituto do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Arvydas Ruseckas
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Graham A. Turnbull
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Ifor D. W. Samuel
- Organic Semiconductor Centre, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Heidi L. Burdett
- Lyell Centre for Earth and Marine Science and Technology, Edinburgh, UK
- School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
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42
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Hernandez‐Agreda A, Marina Sahit F, Englebert N, Hoegh‐Guldberg O, Bongaerts P. Hidden in the deep: Distinct benthic trajectories call for monitoring of mesophotic reefs. Conserv Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Marina Sahit
- Global Change Institute and School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland Saint Lucia Australia
| | - Norbert Englebert
- Global Change Institute and School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland Saint Lucia Australia
| | - Ove Hoegh‐Guldberg
- Global Change Institute and School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland Saint Lucia Australia
| | - Pim Bongaerts
- California Academy of Sciences San Francisco California USA
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43
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OUP accepted manuscript. Zool J Linn Soc 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlac013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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44
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Montgomery AD, Fenner D, Donahue MJ, Toonen RJ. Community similarity and species overlap between habitats provide insight into the deep reef refuge hypothesis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23787. [PMID: 34893672 PMCID: PMC8664904 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03128-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The deep reef refuge hypothesis (DRRH) postulates that mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) may provide a refuge for shallow coral reefs (SCRs). Understanding this process is an important conservation tool given increasing threats to coral reefs. To establish a better framework to analyze the DRRH, we analyzed stony coral communities in American Sāmoa across MCEs and SCRs to describe the community similarity and species overlap to test the foundational assumption of the DRRH. We suggest a different approach to determine species as depth specialists or generalists that changes the conceptual role of MCEs and emphasizes their importance in conservation planning regardless of their role as a refuge or not. This further encourages a reconsideration of a broader framework for the DRRH. We found 12 species of corals exclusively on MCEs and 183 exclusively on SCRs with another 63 species overlapping between depth zones. Of these, 19 appear to have the greatest potential to serve as reseeding species. Two additional species are listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, Acropora speciosa and Fimbriaphyllia paradivisa categorized as an occasional deep specialist and a deep exclusive species, respectively. Based on the community distinctiveness and minimal species overlap of SCR and MCE communities, we propose a broader framework by evaluating species overlap across coral reef habitats. This provides an opportunity to consider the opposite of the DRRH where SCRs support MCEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony D Montgomery
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kaneohe, HI, 96744, USA. .,Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Honolulu, HI, 96850, USA.
| | - Douglas Fenner
- Pacific Islands Regional Office, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, Linker, Inc., Pago Pago, AS, 96799, USA
| | - Megan J Donahue
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kaneohe, HI, 96744, USA
| | - Robert J Toonen
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kaneohe, HI, 96744, USA
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45
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MacDonald C, Pinheiro HT, Shepherd B, Phelps TAY, Rocha LA. Disturbance and distribution gradients influence resource availability and feeding behaviours in corallivore fishes following a warm-water anomaly. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23656. [PMID: 34880357 PMCID: PMC8654952 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03061-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding interactions between spatial gradients in disturbances, species distributions and species’ resilience mechanisms is critical to identifying processes that mediate environmental change. On coral reefs, a global expansion of coral bleaching is likely to drive spatiotemporal pulses in resource quality for obligate coral associates. Using technical diving and statistical modelling we evaluated how depth gradients in coral distribution, coral bleaching, and competitor density interact with the quality, preference and use of coral resources by corallivore fishes immediately following a warm-water anomaly. Bleaching responses varied among coral genera and depths but attenuated substantially between 3 and 47 m for key prey genera (Acropora and Pocillopora). While total coral cover declined with depth, the cover of pigmented corals increased slightly. The abundances of three focal obligate-corallivore butterflyfish species also decreased with depth and were not related to spatial patterns in coral bleaching. Overall, all species selectively foraged on pigmented corals. However, the most abundant species avoided feeding on bleached corals more successfully in deeper waters, where bleaching prevalence and conspecific densities were lower. These results suggest that, as coral bleaching increases, energy trade-offs related to distributions and resource acquisition will vary with depth for some coral-associated species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chancey MacDonald
- Department of Ichthyology, California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA, 90118, USA.
| | - Hudson T Pinheiro
- Department of Ichthyology, California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA, 90118, USA.,Center of Marine Biology, University of São Paulo, Rod. Dr. Manoel Hipólito do Rego, km 131.5, São Sebastião, SP, 11612-109, Brazil
| | - Bart Shepherd
- Steinhart Aquarium, California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA, 90118, USA
| | - Tyler A Y Phelps
- Department of Ichthyology, California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA, 90118, USA.,Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94132, USA
| | - Luiz A Rocha
- Department of Ichthyology, California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA, 90118, USA
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46
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Mesophotic Gorgonian Corals Evolved Multiple Times and Faster Than Deep and Shallow Lineages. DIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/d13120650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems (MCEs) develop on a unique environment, where abrupt environmental changes take place. Using a time-calibrated molecular phylogeny (mtDNA: mtMutS), we examined the lineage membership of mesophotic gorgonian corals (Octocorallia: Cnidaria) in comparison to shallow and deep-sea lineages of the wider Caribbean-Gulf of Mexico and the Tropical Eastern Pacific. Our results show mesophotic gorgonians originating multiple times from old deep-sea octocoral lineages, whereas shallow-water species comprise younger lineages. The mesophotic gorgonian fauna in the studied areas is related to their zooxanthellate shallow-water counterparts in only two clades (Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae), where the bathymetrical gradient could serve as a driver of diversification. Interestingly, mesophotic clades have diversified faster than either shallow or deep clades. One of this groups with fast diversification is the family Ellisellidae, a major component of the mesophotic gorgonian coral assemblage worldwide.
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47
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Monchanin C, Mehrotra R, Haskin E, Scott CM, Urgell Plaza P, Allchurch A, Arnold S, Magson K, Hoeksema BW. Contrasting coral community structures between natural and artificial substrates at Koh Tao, Gulf of Thailand. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 172:105505. [PMID: 34717128 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Concrete cubic frames and decommissioned steel naval vessels have been deployed in Thailand liberally to act as artificial substrates for coral restoration and marine recreation. We assessed recruitment at such substrate types at Koh Tao, Gulf of Thailand, and compared the community structure of scleractinian corals between artificial substrates and nearby natural reefs. Our results from a sample of 2677 recruits from nine sites highlighted significant differences in community structure between both reef types. Investigations of variables including time since deployment, distance from the natural reef, and seafloor depth revealed only the latter as a possible influencing factor. The diversity of recruits could not be explained by dynamics in coral spawning, and were found to represent groups with lower structural complexity. Our results suggest that coral community structure on artificial and natural reefs differs and supports distinct ecological and functional roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coline Monchanin
- Conservation Diver, 7321 Timber Trail Road, Evergreen, CO, 80439, USA; Research Center on Animal Cognition (CRCA), Center for Integrative Biology (CBI), CNRS, University Paul Sabatier - Toulouse III, France; Aow Thai Marine Ecology Center, Love Wildlife Foundation, FREC Bangkok, 77 Nakhon Sawan Rd, Wat Sommanat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok, 10100, Thailand
| | - Rahul Mehrotra
- Conservation Diver, 7321 Timber Trail Road, Evergreen, CO, 80439, USA; Aow Thai Marine Ecology Center, Love Wildlife Foundation, FREC Bangkok, 77 Nakhon Sawan Rd, Wat Sommanat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok, 10100, Thailand; Reef Biology Research Group. Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
| | - Elouise Haskin
- Conservation Diver, 7321 Timber Trail Road, Evergreen, CO, 80439, USA; The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Chad M Scott
- Conservation Diver, 7321 Timber Trail Road, Evergreen, CO, 80439, USA
| | - Pau Urgell Plaza
- Conservation Diver, 7321 Timber Trail Road, Evergreen, CO, 80439, USA
| | - Alyssa Allchurch
- Conservation Diver, 7321 Timber Trail Road, Evergreen, CO, 80439, USA; School of Resource and Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Spencer Arnold
- Conservation Diver, 7321 Timber Trail Road, Evergreen, CO, 80439, USA
| | - Kirsty Magson
- Conservation Diver, 7321 Timber Trail Road, Evergreen, CO, 80439, USA; New Heaven Reef Conservation Program, 48 Moo 2, Chalok Ban Kao, Koh Tao, Suratthani, 84360, Thailand
| | - Bert W Hoeksema
- Taxonomy, Systematics, and Geodiversity Group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O. Box 9517, 2300, RA, Leiden, the Netherlands; Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 11103, 9700, CC, Groningen, the Netherlands
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48
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García-Hernández JE, Tuohy E, Toledo-Rodríguez DA, Sherman C, Schizas NV, Weil E. Detrimental conditions affecting Xestospongia muta across shallow and mesophotic coral reefs off the southwest coast of Puerto Rico. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2021; 147:47-61. [PMID: 34789587 DOI: 10.3354/dao03633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sponges are fundamental components of coral reef communities and, unfortunately, like other major benthic members, they too have been impacted by epizootic and panzootic events. We report on the prevalence of disease-like conditions affecting populations of the giant barrel sponge Xestospongia muta across shallow and mesophotic coral reefs off La Parguera Natural Reserve (LPNR) and Mona Island Marine Reserve (MIMR) in Puerto Rico. Four different conditions affecting X. muta were observed during our surveys, of which 3 have been previously reported: cyclic spotted bleaching (CSB; apparently non-lethal), Xestospongia-tissue wasting disease (X-TWD; apparently lethal), and sponge orange band disease (SOB; sparsely associated with X-TWD infected individuals). Additionally, we describe a fourth condition, Xestospongia-tissue hardening condition (X-THC), a previously unreported disease recently observed along the insular shelf margin off LPNR and MIMR. Within LPNR, a total of 764 specimens of X. muta were inspected and measured. Of these, 590 sponges (72.2%) had CSB, 25 (3.27%) had signs of X-TWD, 7 (0.92%) had SOB, and the remaining 142 (18.6%) were apparently healthy. Three colonies inhabiting upper mesophotic depths on the LPNR insular shelf showed signs of CSB and X-TWD. At MIMR, video-transect surveys revealed a total of 514 colonies, of which 40 (7.78%) had signs of CSB and/or XTWD, 14 (2.72%) were affected by X-THC, while the remaining 460 (89.5%) showed no external signs of disease and appeared healthy. The presence of 4 concomitant disease-like conditions in barrel sponges of Puerto Rico is alarming, and indicative of the deteriorating status of Caribbean coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E García-Hernández
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, PO Box 9000, Mayagüez, PR 00681, USA
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49
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Pinheiro HT, Shepherd B, Teixeira JB, Pimentel CR, Pereira PHC, Stein CE, Reis-Filho JA, Garla RC, Macieira RM, Delfino SD, Giarrizzo T, Joyeux JC, Gasparini JL, Rocha LA. Fish aggregations and reproductive behaviour on mesophotic coral ecosystems of a southwestern Atlantic Oceanic archipelago. J NAT HIST 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2021.1985645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hudson T. Pinheiro
- Center for Marine Biology, University of São Paulo, São Sebastião, SP, Brazil
- Department of Ichthyology, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Associação Ambiental Voz da Natureza, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Bart Shepherd
- Steinhart Aquarium, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - João Batista Teixeira
- Associação Ambiental Voz da Natureza, Vitória, ES, Brazil
- Departamento De Oceanografia E Ecologia, Universidade Federal Do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Caio R. Pimentel
- Department of Ichthyology, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Departamento De Oceanografia E Ecologia, Universidade Federal Do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Ricardo C. Garla
- Departamento De Botânica E Zoologia, Univ. Federal Do Rio Grande Do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Raphael M. Macieira
- Departamento De Oceanografia E Ecologia, Universidade Federal Do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Stephanie D.T. Delfino
- Departamento De Oceanografia E Ecologia, Universidade Federal Do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Tommaso Giarrizzo
- Núcleo De Ecologia Aquática E Pesca Da Amazônia, Univ. Federal Do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Jean-Christophe Joyeux
- Departamento De Oceanografia E Ecologia, Universidade Federal Do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - João Luiz Gasparini
- Instituto De Biodiversidade E Sustentabilidade, Univ. Federal Do Rio De Janeiro, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luiz A. Rocha
- Department of Ichthyology, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
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50
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Pérez-Rosales G, Rouzé H, Torda G, Bongaerts P, Pichon M, Parravicini V, Hédouin L. Mesophotic coral communities escape thermal coral bleaching in French Polynesia. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:210139. [PMID: 34804562 PMCID: PMC8580450 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.210139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Climate change and consequent coral bleaching are causing the disappearance of reef-building corals worldwide. While bleaching episodes significantly impact shallow waters, little is known about their impact on mesophotic coral communities. We studied the prevalence of coral bleaching two to three months after a heat stress event, along an extreme depth range from 6 to 90 m in French Polynesia. Bayesian modelling showed a decreasing probability of bleaching of all coral genera over depth, with little to no bleaching observed at lower mesophotic depths (greater than or equal to 60 m). We found that depth-generalist corals benefit more from increasing depth than depth-specialists (corals with a narrow depth range). Our data suggest that the reduced prevalence of bleaching with depth, especially from shallow to upper mesophotic depths (40 m), had a stronger relation with the light-irradiance attenuation than temperature. While acknowledging the geographical and temporal variability of the role of mesophotic reefs as spatial refuges during thermal stress, we ought to understand why coral bleaching reduces with depth. Future studies should consider repeated monitoring and detailed ecophysiological and environmental data. Our study demonstrated how increasing depth may offer a level of protection and that lower mesophotic communities could escape the impacts of a thermal bleaching event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Pérez-Rosales
- PSL Research University, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, BP 1013 Papetoai, 98729 Moorea, French Polynesia
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan, France
| | - Héloïse Rouzé
- PSL Research University, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, BP 1013 Papetoai, 98729 Moorea, French Polynesia
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan, France
| | - Gergely Torda
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Pim Bongaerts
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
| | - Michel Pichon
- Biodiversity Section, Queensland Museum, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | | | - Valeriano Parravicini
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan, France
| | - Laetitia Hédouin
- PSL Research University, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, BP 1013 Papetoai, 98729 Moorea, French Polynesia
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan, France
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