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Addamo AM, Modrell MS, Taviani M, Machordom A. Unravelling the relationships among Madrepora Linnaeus, 1758, Oculina Lamark, 1816 and Cladocora Ehrenberg, 1834 (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Scleractinia). INVERTEBR SYST 2024; 38:IS23027. [PMID: 38744497 DOI: 10.1071/is23027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Despite the widespread use of integrative taxonomic approaches, many scleractinian coral genera and species remain grouped in polyphyletic families, classified as incertae sedis or simply understudied. Oculinidae Gray, 1847 represents a family for which many taxonomic questions remain unresolved, particularly those related to some of the current genera, such as Oculina Lamark, 1816 or recently removed genera, including Cladocora Ehrenberg, 1834 and Madrepora Linnaeus, 1758. Cladocora is currently assigned to the family Cladocoridae Milne Edwards & Haime, 1857 and a new family, Bathyporidae Kitahara, Capel, Zilberberg & Cairns, 2024, was recently raised to accommodate Madrepora . However, the name Bathyporidae is not valid because this was not formed on the basis of a type genus name. To resolve taxonomic questions related to these three genera, the evolutionary relationships are explored through phylogenetic analyses of 18 molecular markers. The results of these analyses support a close relationship between the species Oculina patagonica and Cladocora caespitosa , indicating that these may belong to the same family (and possibly genus), and highlighting the need for detailed revisions of Oculina and Cladocora . By contrast, a distant relationship is found between these two species and Madrepora oculata , with the overall evidence supporting the placement of Madrepora in the resurrected family Madreporidae Ehrenberg, 1834. This study advances our knowledge of coral systematics and highlights the need for a comprehensive review of the genera Oculina , Cladocora and Madrepora .
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Addamo
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), E-28006 Madrid, Spain; and European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), I-21027 Ispra, Italy; and Climate Change Research Centre (CCRC), University of Insubria, I-21100 Varese, Italy; and Present address: Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, NO-8049 Bodø, Norway
| | - Melinda S Modrell
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), E-28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marco Taviani
- Istituto di Scienze Marine, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (ISMAR-CNR), I-40129 Bologna, Italy; and Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Annie Machordom
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), E-28006 Madrid, Spain
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Alvarado-Cerón V, Muñiz-Castillo AI, León-Pech MG, Prada C, Arias-González JE. A decade of population genetics studies of scleractinian corals: A systematic review. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 183:105781. [PMID: 36371949 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs are the most diverse marine ecosystems. However, coral cover has decreased worldwide due to natural disturbances, climate change, and local anthropogenic drivers. In recent decades, various genetic methods and molecular markers have been developed to assess genetic diversity, structure, and connectivity in different coral species to determine the vulnerability of their populations. This review aims to identify population genetic studies of scleractinian corals in the last decade (2010-2020), and the techniques and molecular markers used. Bibliometric analysis was conducted to identify journals and authors working in this field. We then calculated the number of genetic studies by species and ecoregion based on data obtained from 178 studies found in Scopus and Web of Science. Coral Reefs and Molecular Ecology were the main journals published population genetics studies, and microsatellites are the most widely used molecular markers. The Caribbean, Australian Barrier Reef, and South Kuroshio in Japan are among the ecoregions with the most population genetics data. In contrast, we found limited information about the Coral Triangle, a region with the highest biodiversity and key to coral reef conservation. Notably, only 117 (out of 1500 described) scleractinian coral species have genetic studies. This review emphasizes which coral species have been studied and highlights remaining gaps and locations where such data is critical for coral conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viridiana Alvarado-Cerón
- Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del I.P.N., Unidad Mérida. Km. 6 Antigua carretera a Progreso, Cordemex, 97310, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
| | - Aarón Israel Muñiz-Castillo
- Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del I.P.N., Unidad Mérida. Km. 6 Antigua carretera a Progreso, Cordemex, 97310, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
| | - María Geovana León-Pech
- Department of Biological Science, University of Rhode Island, 120 Flag Road, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA.
| | - Carlos Prada
- Department of Biological Science, University of Rhode Island, 120 Flag Road, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA.
| | - Jesús Ernesto Arias-González
- Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del I.P.N., Unidad Mérida. Km. 6 Antigua carretera a Progreso, Cordemex, 97310, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
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Different skeletal protein toolkits achieve similar structure and performance in the tropical coral Stylophora pistillata and the temperate Oculina patagonica. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16575. [PMID: 36195656 PMCID: PMC9532382 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20744-0] [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: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Stony corals (order: Scleractinia) differ in growth form and structure. While stony corals have gained the ability to form their aragonite skeleton once in their evolution, the suite of proteins involved in skeletogenesis is different for different coral species. This led to the conclusion that the organic portion of their skeleton can undergo rapid evolutionary changes by independently evolving new biomineralization-related proteins. Here, we used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to sequence skeletogenic proteins extracted from the encrusting temperate coral Oculina patagonica. We compare it to the previously published skeletal proteome of the branching subtropical corals Stylophora pistillata as both are regarded as highly resilient to environmental changes. We further characterized the skeletal organic matrix (OM) composition of both taxa and tested their effects on the mineral formation using a series of overgrowth experiments on calcite seeds. We found that each species utilizes a different set of proteins containing different amino acid compositions and achieve a different morphology modification capacity on calcite overgrowth. Our results further support the hypothesis that the different coral taxa utilize a species-specific protein set comprised of independent gene co-option to construct their own unique organic matrix framework. While the protein set differs between species, the specific predicted roles of the whole set appear to underline similar functional roles. They include assisting in forming the extracellular matrix, nucleation of the mineral and cell signaling. Nevertheless, the different composition might be the reason for the varying organization of the mineral growth in the presence of a particular skeletal OM, ultimately forming their distinct morphologies.
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Rivera HE, Davies SW. Symbiosis maintenance in the facultative coral, Oculina arbuscula, relies on nitrogen cycling, cell cycle modulation, and immunity. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21226. [PMID: 34707162 PMCID: PMC8551165 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00697-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Symbiosis with unicellular algae in the family Symbiodiniaceae is common across tropical marine invertebrates. Reef-building corals offer a clear example of cellular dysfunction leading to a dysbiosis that disrupts entire ecosystems in a process termed coral bleaching. Due to their obligate symbiotic relationship, understanding the molecular underpinnings that sustain this symbiosis in tropical reef-building corals is challenging, as any aposymbiotic state is inherently coupled with severe physiological stress. Here, we leverage the subtropical, facultatively symbiotic and calcifying coral Oculina arbuscula to investigate gene expression differences between aposymbiotic and symbiotic branches within the same colonies under baseline conditions. We further compare gene ontology (GO) and KOG enrichment in gene expression patterns from O. arbuscula with prior work in the sea anemone Exaiptasia pallida (Aiptasia) and the salamander Ambystoma maculatum-both of which exhibit endophotosymbiosis with unicellular algae. We identify nitrogen cycling, cell cycle control, and immune responses as key pathways involved in the maintenance of symbiosis under baseline conditions. Understanding the mechanisms that sustain a healthy symbiosis between corals and Symbiodiniaceae algae is of urgent importance given the vulnerability of these partnerships to changing environmental conditions and their role in the continued functioning of critical and highly diverse marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- H E Rivera
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - S W Davies
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
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Martinez S, Bellworthy J, Ferrier-Pagès C, Mass T. Selection of mesophotic habitats by Oculina patagonica in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea following global warming. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18134. [PMID: 34518595 PMCID: PMC8438053 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97447-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, species are migrating in an attempt to track optimal isotherms as climate change increasingly warms existing habitats. Stony corals are severely threatened by anthropogenic warming, which has resulted in repeated mass bleaching and mortality events. Since corals are sessile as adults and with a relatively old age of sexual maturity, they are slow to latitudinally migrate, but corals may also migrate vertically to deeper, cooler reefs. Herein we describe vertical migration of the Mediterranean coral Oculina patagonica from less than 10 m depth to > 30 m. We suggest that this range shift is a response to rapidly warming sea surface temperatures on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline. In contrast to the vast latitudinal distance required to track temperature change, this species has migrated deeper where summer water temperatures are up to 2 °C cooler. Comparisons of physiology, morphology, trophic position, symbiont type, and photochemistry between deep and shallow conspecifics revealed only a few depth-specific differences. At this study site, shallow colonies typically inhabit low light environments (caves, crevices) and have a facultative relationship with photosymbionts. We suggest that this existing phenotype aided colonization of the mesophotic zone. This observation highlights the potential for other marine species to vertically migrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephane Martinez
- grid.18098.380000 0004 1937 0562Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel ,grid.18098.380000 0004 1937 0562Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Sdot Yam, Israel ,grid.452353.60000 0004 0550 8241Coral Ecophysiology Team, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco City, 98000 Monaco
| | - Jessica Bellworthy
- grid.18098.380000 0004 1937 0562Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel ,grid.440849.50000 0004 0496 208XThe Interuniversity Institute of Marine Sciences, Eilat, Israel
| | - Christine Ferrier-Pagès
- grid.452353.60000 0004 0550 8241Coral Ecophysiology Team, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco City, 98000 Monaco
| | - Tali Mass
- grid.18098.380000 0004 1937 0562Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel ,grid.18098.380000 0004 1937 0562Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Sdot Yam, Israel
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Çinar ME, Bilecenoğlu M, Yokeş MB, Öztürk B, Taşkin E, Bakir K, Doğan A, Açik Ş. Current status (as of end of 2020) of marine alien species in Turkey. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251086. [PMID: 33945562 PMCID: PMC8096123 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2020's update of marine alien species list from Turkey yielded a total of 539 species belonging to 18 taxonomic groups, 404 of which have become established in the region and 135 species are casual. A total of 185 new alien species have been added to the list since the previous update of 2011. The present compilation includes reports of an ascidian species (Rhodosoma turcicum) new to the marine fauna of Turkey and range extensions of six species. Among the established species, 105 species have invasive characters at least in one zoogeographic region, comprising 19% of all alien species. Mollusca ranked first in terms of the number of species (123 species), followed by Foraminifera (91 species), Pisces (80 species) and Arthropoda (79 species). The number of alien species found in seas surrounding Turkey ranged from 28 (Black Sea) to 413 (Levantine Sea). The vectoral importance of the Suez Canal diminishes when moving from south to north, accounting for 72% of species introductions in the Levantine Sea vs. only 11% of species introductions in the Black Sea. Most alien species on the coasts of Turkey were originated from the Red Sea (58%), due to the proximity of the country to the Suez Canal. Shipping activities transported 39% of alien species, mainly from the Indo-Pacific area (20%) and the Atlantic Ocean (10%). Misidentified species (such as Pterois volitans, Trachurus declivis, etc.) and species those classified as questionable or cryptogenic were omitted from the list based on new data gathered in the last decade and expert judgements. The documented impacts of invasive species on socio-economy, biodiversity and human health in the last decade as well as the legislation and management backgrounds against alien species in Turkey are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melih Ertan Çinar
- Department of Hydrobiology, Faculty of Fisheries, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
- * E-mail:
| | - Murat Bilecenoğlu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts & Sciences, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey
| | | | - Bilal Öztürk
- Department of Hydrobiology, Faculty of Fisheries, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ergün Taşkin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts & Sciences, Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Kerem Bakir
- Department of Hydrobiology, Faculty of Fisheries, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Alper Doğan
- Department of Hydrobiology, Faculty of Fisheries, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Şermin Açik
- Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, Dokuz Eylül University, İnciraltı, İzmir, Turkey
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Marampouti C, Buma AGJ, de Boer MK. Mediterranean alien harmful algal blooms: origins and impacts. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:3837-3851. [PMID: 32803614 PMCID: PMC7835144 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10383-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are mostly phytoplankton blooms, which have detrimental environmental and socioeconomic impacts. The Mediterranean Sea due to its enclosed nature is of special concern since it has an enormously rich native biodiversity. Though, it is also the world's most invaded marine ecosystem and is considered at very high risk of future invasions. The aim of this review study is to explore the origins, establishment, environmental, and socioeconomic impacts of HABs caused by nonnative algal species in the Mediterranean Sea. Based on this, it is also discussed whether HABs form an increasing threat in the basin, and what could possibly be done to prevent or to minimize their impacts. The increasing rate of their introduction and the harmful impacts that they have on the environment, economy, and human health makes it important to have accurate knowledge about HABs. Anthropogenic activities and climate change are considered the main contributors of alien invasions but also the main enablers of HAB events. Mediterranean HABs are adequately studied, but there are no studies purposefully concerning invasive microalgae species in the basin. In the present study, 20 species have been identified, and an attempt has been made to collect their introduction information, as well as known or suspected impacts. Future research should be focused on data mining, current legislation updates, and monitoring of Mediterranean coastlines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Marampouti
- Department of Ocean Ecosystems, Energy and Sustainability Research Institute Groningen, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, AG 9747, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Anita G J Buma
- Department of Ocean Ecosystems, Energy and Sustainability Research Institute Groningen, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, AG 9747, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M Karin de Boer
- Department of Ocean Ecosystems, Energy and Sustainability Research Institute Groningen, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, AG 9747, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Bèta Science Shop, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 6, AG 9747, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Tempesti J, Mangano MC, Langeneck J, Lardicci C, Maltagliati F, Castelli A. Non-indigenous species in Mediterranean ports: A knowledge baseline. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 161:105056. [PMID: 33070931 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Port areas have been considered bioinvasion hotspots due to the concentration of several invasion vectors. However, the actual distribution of non-indigenous species (NIS) in Mediterranean ports is still poorly understood. Here we conducted a literature review with the aim to provide a knowledge baseline about NIS distribution in Mediterranean ports. NIS distribution in Mediterranean ports showed a high degree of heterogeneity in terms of studies across the whole basin, with a limited knowledge on both specific taxa and geographical areas, as well as a generally low proportion of investigated ports. The low rate of specific studies designed to monitor these particular environments may represent the main source of knowledge gaps. Mediterranean ports host NIS from all regions of the world, playing a key role in marine bioglobalization. Our synthesis represents the first baseline addressing the presence of NIS in Mediterranean ports, which may be useful to define plans of NIS management and strategies focusing on a network of recognised focal hotspots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Tempesti
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Via Derna, 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mangano
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Dipartimento Ecologia Marina Integrata, Sede Interdipartimentale della Sicilia, Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo (complesso Roosevelt), 90142, Palermo, Italy
| | - Joachim Langeneck
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Via Derna, 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudio Lardicci
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Pisa, Via Santa Maria, 53, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Castelli
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Via Derna, 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy
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Leydet KP, Grupstra CGB, Coma R, Ribes M, Hellberg ME. Host-targeted RAD-Seq reveals genetic changes in the coralOculina patagonicaassociated with range expansion along the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Mol Ecol 2018; 27:2529-2543. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.14702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karine Posbic Leydet
- Department of Biological Sciences; Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge Louisiana
| | - Carsten G. B. Grupstra
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics; University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Institut de Ciències del mar; Barcelona Spain
| | - Rafel Coma
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes; Blanes Girona Spain
| | - Marta Ribes
- Institut de Ciències del mar; Barcelona Spain
| | - Michael E. Hellberg
- Department of Biological Sciences; Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge Louisiana
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Cattaneo-Vietti R. Structural changes in Mediterranean marine communities: lessons from the Ligurian Sea. RENDICONTI LINCEI. SCIENZE FISICHE E NATURALI 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s12210-018-0670-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Taking a detour: invasion of an octocoral into the Tropical Eastern Pacific. Biol Invasions 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-017-1469-2] [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]
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El Kateb A, Stalder C, Neururer C, Pisapia C, Spezzaferri S. Correlation between pollution and decline of Scleractinian Cladocora caespitosa (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Gulf of Gabes. Heliyon 2016; 2:e00195. [PMID: 27896319 PMCID: PMC5121140 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2016.e00195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
During an expedition in 2014 in the Gulf of Gabes that aimed to evaluate the impact of the pollution of the phosphate industry on the marine environment, numerous dead coral fragments were retrieved from several stations along a 18 km long transect in front of the industry complex of Gabes. Detailed taxonomy of these coral fragments shows clearly that all fragments belong to the species Cladocora caespitosa (Linnaeus, 1758). Quantitative analysis of the coral fragments indicates a positive correlation with stations characterized by positive bathymetric anomalies. We suggest the presence of probable small-scaled (up to 4 m high) biogenic (palaeo-) build-ups composed mainly of coral colonies and bryozoans. Radiocarbon dating of three coral fragments show ages as old as 1897, 1985 and 1986 AD and suggests the presence of living C. caespitosa as close as 6 km to the phosphate treatment industry of Gabes at least until 1986 AD. This latter age coincides with the construction of the ammonium phosphate production plant, in 1979, in the Gulf of Gabes with an increase of the natural phosphate production. The higher impact of pollution on the marine environment in the inner part of the Gulf of Gabes likely induced the decline of C. caespitosa. This is well in agreement with enhanced siltation processes suggested by the sedimentary facies and grain-size analyses presently characterizing the Gulf of Gabes nowadays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram El Kateb
- Department of Geosciences, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 6, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Claudio Stalder
- Department of Geosciences, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 6, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Neururer
- Department of Geosciences, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 6, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Pisapia
- Department of Geosciences, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 6, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Spezzaferri
- Department of Geosciences, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 6, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
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