1
|
Rovira GL, Capdevila P, Zentner Y, Margarit N, Ortega J, Casals D, Figuerola-Ferrando L, Aspillaga E, Medrano A, Pagès-Escolà M, Hereu B, Garrabou J, Linares C. When resilience is not enough: 2022 extreme marine heatwave threatens climatic refugia for a habitat-forming Mediterranean octocoral. J Anim Ecol 2024. [PMID: 38867406 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.14112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Climate change is impacting ecosystems worldwide, and the Mediterranean Sea is no exception. Extreme climatic events, such as marine heat waves (MHWs), are increasing in frequency, extent and intensity during the last decades, which has been associated with an increase in mass mortality events for multiple species. Coralligenous assemblages, where the octocoral Paramuricea clavata lives, are strongly affected by MHWs. The Medes Islands Marine Reserve (NW Mediterranean) was considered a climate refugia for P. clavata, as their populations were showing some resilience to these changing conditions. In this study, we assessed the impacts of the MHWs that occurred between 2016 and 2022 in seven shallow populations of the octocoral P. clavata from a Mediterranean Marine Protected Area. The years that the mortality rates increased significantly were associated with the ones with strong MHWs, 2022 being the one with higher mortalities. In 2022, with 50 MHW days, the proportion of total affected colonies was almost 70%, with a proportion of the injured surface of almost 40%, reaching levels never attained in our study site since the monitoring was started. We also found spatial variability between the monitored populations. Whereas few of them showed low levels of mortality, others lost around 75% of their biomass. The significant impacts documented here raise concerns about the future of shallow P. clavata populations across the Mediterranean, suggesting that the resilience of this species may not be maintained to sustain these populations face the ongoing warming trends.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graciel la Rovira
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pol Capdevila
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yanis Zentner
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Margarit
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julia Ortega
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Casals
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Figuerola-Ferrando
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eneko Aspillaga
- Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados (IMEDEA, CSIC-UIB), Esporles, Spain
| | - Alba Medrano
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Pagès-Escolà
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bernat Hereu
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquim Garrabou
- Institut de Ciències del Mar-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
- Aix Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
| | - Cristina Linares
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Estaque T, Basthard-Bogain S, Bianchimani O, Blondeaux V, Cheminée A, Fargetton M, Richaume J, Bally M. Investigating the outcomes of a threatened gorgonian in situ transplantation: Survival and microbiome diversity in Paramuricea clavata (Risso, 1827). MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 196:106384. [PMID: 38320428 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Gorgonian octocorals are threatened by global and local stressors that can act synergistically to affect their health. In recent years, mass mortality events triggered by marine heatwaves have caused demographic declines in Mediterranean gorgonian populations that may lead to their collapse. Potential changes in microbiome composition under stressful conditions may further increase the susceptibility of the gorgonian holobiont to disease. Given the low recovery capacity of gorgonians, restoration approaches using transplantation are becoming an increasingly attractive option to counteract their decline. Here, we compared the survival and microbiome diversity of Paramuricea clavata colonies transplanted to sites differing in depth and local environmental conditions. Gorgonians sampled at a greater depth than the transplantation site were more likely to suffer necrosis after 1 year of monitoring. Gorgonian transplantation into environments disturbed by an anthropogenic source of pollution resulted in an imbalance of the microbiome with potential consequences on the success of restoration initiatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Estaque
- Septentrion Environnement, Campus Nature Provence, Marseille, France.
| | | | | | - Vincent Blondeaux
- Septentrion Environnement, Campus Nature Provence, Marseille, France
| | - Adrien Cheminée
- Septentrion Environnement, Campus Nature Provence, Marseille, France
| | - Margaux Fargetton
- Septentrion Environnement, Campus Nature Provence, Marseille, France
| | - Justine Richaume
- Septentrion Environnement, Campus Nature Provence, Marseille, France
| | - Marc Bally
- Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography, Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chatzimentor A, Doxa A, Katsanevakis S, Mazaris AD. Are Mediterranean marine threatened species at high risk by climate change? GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:1809-1821. [PMID: 36583369 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Rapid anthropogenic climate change is driving threatened biodiversity one step closer to extinction. Effects on native biodiversity are determined by an interplay between species' exposure to climate change and their specific ecological and life-history characteristics that render them even more susceptible. Impacts on biodiversity have already been reported, however, a systematic risk evaluation of threatened marine populations is lacking. Here, we employ a trait-based approach to assess the risk of 90 threatened marine Mediterranean species to climate change, combining species' exposure to increased sea temperature and intrinsic vulnerability. One-quarter of the threatened marine biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea is predicted to be under elevated levels of climate risk, with various traits identified as key vulnerability traits. High-risk taxa including sea turtles, marine mammals, Anthozoa and Chondrichthyes are highlighted. Climate risk, vulnerability and exposure hotspots are distributed along the Western Mediterranean, Alboran, Aegean, and Adriatic Seas. At each Mediterranean marine ecoregion, 21%-31% of their threatened species have high climate risk. All Mediterranean marine protected areas host threatened species with high risk to climate change, with 90% having a minimum of 4 up to 19 species of high climate risk, making the objective of a climate-smart conservation strategy a crucial task for immediate planning and action. Our findings aspire to offer new insights for systematic, spatially strategic planning and prioritization of vulnerable marine life in the face of accelerating climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Chatzimentor
- Department of Ecology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Aggeliki Doxa
- Department of Ecology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Antonios D Mazaris
- Department of Ecology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Exploring the response of a key Mediterranean gorgonian to heat stress across biological and spatial scales. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21064. [PMID: 36473926 PMCID: PMC9726941 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25565-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the factors and processes that shape intra-specific sensitivity to heat stress is fundamental to better predicting the vulnerability of benthic species to climate change. Here, we investigate the response of a habitat-forming Mediterranean octocoral, the red gorgonian Paramuricea clavata (Risso, 1826) to thermal stress at multiple biological and geographical scales. Samples from eleven P. clavata populations inhabiting four localities separated by hundreds to more than 1500 km of coast and with contrasting thermal histories were exposed to a critical temperature threshold (25 °C) in a common garden experiment in aquaria. Ten of the 11 populations lacked thermotolerance to the experimental conditions provided (25 days at 25 °C), with 100% or almost 100% colony mortality by the end of the experiment. Furthermore, we found no significant association between local average thermal regimes nor recent thermal history (i.e., local water temperatures in the 3 months prior to the experiment) and population thermotolerance. Overall, our results suggest that local adaptation and/or acclimation to warmer conditions have a limited role in the response of P. clavata to thermal stress. The study also confirms the sensitivity of this species to warm temperatures across its distributional range and questions its adaptive capacity under ocean warming conditions. However, important inter-individual variation in thermotolerance was found within populations, particularly those exposed to the most severe prior marine heatwaves. These observations suggest that P. clavata could harbor adaptive potential to future warming acting on standing genetic variation (i.e., divergent selection) and/or environmentally-induced phenotypic variation (i.e., intra- and/or intergenerational plasticity).
Collapse
|
5
|
Garrabou J, Gómez‐Gras D, Medrano A, Cerrano C, Ponti M, Schlegel R, Bensoussan N, Turicchia E, Sini M, Gerovasileiou V, Teixido N, Mirasole A, Tamburello L, Cebrian E, Rilov G, Ledoux J, Souissi JB, Khamassi F, Ghanem R, Benabdi M, Grimes S, Ocaña O, Bazairi H, Hereu B, Linares C, Kersting DK, la Rovira G, Ortega J, Casals D, Pagès‐Escolà M, Margarit N, Capdevila P, Verdura J, Ramos A, Izquierdo A, Barbera C, Rubio‐Portillo E, Anton I, López‐Sendino P, Díaz D, Vázquez‐Luis M, Duarte C, Marbà N, Aspillaga E, Espinosa F, Grech D, Guala I, Azzurro E, Farina S, Cristina Gambi M, Chimienti G, Montefalcone M, Azzola A, Mantas TP, Fraschetti S, Ceccherelli G, Kipson S, Bakran‐Petricioli T, Petricioli D, Jimenez C, Katsanevakis S, Kizilkaya IT, Kizilkaya Z, Sartoretto S, Elodie R, Ruitton S, Comeau S, Gattuso J, Harmelin J. Marine heatwaves drive recurrent mass mortalities in the Mediterranean Sea. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:5708-5725. [PMID: 35848527 PMCID: PMC9543131 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is causing an increase in the frequency and intensity of marine heatwaves (MHWs) and mass mortality events (MMEs) of marine organisms are one of their main ecological impacts. Here, we show that during the 2015-2019 period, the Mediterranean Sea has experienced exceptional thermal conditions resulting in the onset of five consecutive years of widespread MMEs across the basin. These MMEs affected thousands of kilometers of coastline from the surface to 45 m, across a range of marine habitats and taxa (50 taxa across 8 phyla). Significant relationships were found between the incidence of MMEs and the heat exposure associated with MHWs observed both at the surface and across depths. Our findings reveal that the Mediterranean Sea is experiencing an acceleration of the ecological impacts of MHWs which poses an unprecedented threat to its ecosystems' health and functioning. Overall, we show that increasing the resolution of empirical observation is critical to enhancing our ability to more effectively understand and manage the consequences of climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joaquim Garrabou
- Institut de Ciències del Mar‐CSICBarcelonaSpain
- Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIOAix Marseille UnivMarseilleFrance
| | - Daniel Gómez‐Gras
- Institut de Ciències del Mar‐CSICBarcelonaSpain
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO)Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Alba Medrano
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO)Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Carlo Cerrano
- Dept of Life and Environmental SciencesPolytechnic University of MarcheAnconaItaly
- Fano Marine CentreFanoItaly
| | - Massimo Ponti
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of BolognaRavennaItaly
- CoNISMaRomeItaly
| | - Robert Schlegel
- Laboratoire d'Océanographie de VillefrancheSorbonne, Université, CNRSVillefranche‐sur‐merFrance
| | - Nathaniel Bensoussan
- Institut de Ciències del Mar‐CSICBarcelonaSpain
- Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIOAix Marseille UnivMarseilleFrance
| | - Eva Turicchia
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of BolognaRavennaItaly
- CoNISMaRomeItaly
| | - Maria Sini
- Department of Marine SciencesUniversity of the AegeanMytileneGreece
| | - Vasilis Gerovasileiou
- Department of Environment, Faculty of EnvironmentIonian UniversityZakynthosGreece
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR)Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC)HeraklionGreece
| | - Nuria Teixido
- Laboratoire d'Océanographie de VillefrancheSorbonne, Université, CNRSVillefranche‐sur‐merFrance
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Department of Integrative Marine EcologyIschia Marine CentreNaplesItaly
| | - Alice Mirasole
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Department of Integrative Marine EcologyIschia Marine CentreNaplesItaly
| | - Laura Tamburello
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Department of Integrative Marine EcologyIschia Marine CentreNaplesItaly
| | - Emma Cebrian
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB‐CSIC)GironaSpain
| | - Gil Rilov
- National Institute of OceanographyIsrael Oceanographic and Limnological Research (IOLR)HaifaIsrael
| | - Jean‐Baptiste Ledoux
- Institut de Ciències del Mar‐CSICBarcelonaSpain
- CIIMAR‐Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental ResearchUniversity of PortoMatosinhosPortugal
| | - Jamila Ben Souissi
- National Agronomic Institute of TunisiaTunis University of CarthageTunisTunisia
- Biodiversity, Biotechnology and Climate Change Laboratory‐LR11ES09University of Tunis El ManarTunisTunisia
| | - Faten Khamassi
- National Agronomic Institute of TunisiaTunis University of CarthageTunisTunisia
| | - Raouia Ghanem
- Biodiversity, Biotechnology and Climate Change Laboratory‐LR11ES09University of Tunis El ManarTunisTunisia
| | | | - Samir Grimes
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Sciences de la Mer et de l'Aménagement (ENSSMAL)AlgerAlgeria
| | | | - Hocein Bazairi
- Laboratory 'Biodiversity, Ecology and Genome', Faculty of SciencesMohamed V University in RabatRabatMorocco
| | - Bernat Hereu
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO)Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Cristina Linares
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO)Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Diego Kurt Kersting
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO)Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Graciel la Rovira
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO)Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Júlia Ortega
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO)Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - David Casals
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO)Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Marta Pagès‐Escolà
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO)Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Núria Margarit
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO)Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Pol Capdevila
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | | | - Alfonso Ramos
- Departamento de Ciencias del Mar y Biología AplicadaUniversidad de AlicanteAlicanteSpain
| | | | - Carmen Barbera
- Departamento de Ciencias del Mar y Biología AplicadaUniversidad de AlicanteAlicanteSpain
| | | | | | | | - David Díaz
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (IEO‐CSIC)Palma de MallorcaSpain
| | | | - Carlos Duarte
- Red Sea Research CenterKing Abudllah University of Science and TechnologyThuwalSaudi Arabia
- Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis AvançatsMallorcaSpain
| | - Nuria Marbà
- Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis AvançatsMallorcaSpain
| | | | - Free Espinosa
- Laboratorio de Biología MarinaUniversidad de SevillaSevillaSpain
| | | | - Ivan Guala
- IMC—International Marine CentreOristanoItaly
| | - Ernesto Azzurro
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Department of Integrative Marine EcologyIschia Marine CentreNaplesItaly
- CNR‐IRBIM, NR‐IRBIM, National Research CouncilInstitute of Biological Resources and Marine BiotechnologiesAnconaItaly
| | - Simone Farina
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Deptartment of Integrative Marine EcologyGenoa Marine CentreGenoaItaly
| | | | - Giovanni Chimienti
- CoNISMaRomeItaly
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroBariItaly
| | - Monica Montefalcone
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life SciencesUniversity of GenoaGenoaItaly
| | - Annalisa Azzola
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life SciencesUniversity of GenoaGenoaItaly
| | | | - Simonetta Fraschetti
- CoNISMaRomeItaly
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | | | - Silvija Kipson
- SEAFANZagrebCroatia
- Faculty of Science, Department of BiologyUniversity of ZagrebZagrebCroatia
| | | | - Donat Petricioli
- D.I.I.V. Ltd for Marine, Freshwater and Subterranean EcologySaliCroatia
| | - Carlos Jimenez
- Enalia Physis Environmental Research CentreNicosiaCyprus
- The Cyprus Institute Energy Environment and Water Research CenterAglantziaCyprus
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sandrine Ruitton
- Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIOAix Marseille UnivMarseilleFrance
| | - Steeve Comeau
- Laboratoire d'Océanographie de VillefrancheSorbonne, Université, CNRSVillefranche‐sur‐merFrance
| | - Jean‐Pierre Gattuso
- Laboratoire d'Océanographie de VillefrancheSorbonne, Université, CNRSVillefranche‐sur‐merFrance
- Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations. Sciences PoParisFrance
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Keller-Costa T, Kozma L, Silva SG, Toscan R, Gonçalves J, Lago-Lestón A, Kyrpides NC, Nunes da Rocha U, Costa R. Metagenomics-resolved genomics provides novel insights into chitin turnover, metabolic specialization, and niche partitioning in the octocoral microbiome. MICROBIOME 2022; 10:151. [PMID: 36138466 PMCID: PMC9502895 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-022-01343-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of bacterial symbionts that populate octocorals (Cnidaria, Octocorallia) is still poorly understood. To shed light on their metabolic capacities, we examined 66 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) spanning 30 prokaryotic species, retrieved from microbial metagenomes of three octocoral species and seawater. RESULTS Symbionts of healthy octocorals were affiliated with the taxa Endozoicomonadaceae, Candidatus Thioglobaceae, Metamycoplasmataceae, unclassified Pseudomonadales, Rhodobacteraceae, unclassified Alphaproteobacteria and Ca. Rhabdochlamydiaceae. Phylogenomics inference revealed that the Endozoicomonadaceae symbionts uncovered here represent two species of a novel genus unique to temperate octocorals, here denoted Ca. Gorgonimonas eunicellae and Ca. Gorgonimonas leptogorgiae. Their genomes revealed metabolic capacities to thrive under suboxic conditions and high gene copy numbers of serine-threonine protein kinases, type 3-secretion system, type-4 pili, and ankyrin-repeat proteins, suggesting excellent capabilities to colonize, aggregate, and persist inside their host. Contrarily, MAGs obtained from seawater frequently lacked symbiosis-related genes. All Endozoicomonadaceae symbionts harbored endo-chitinase and chitin-binging protein-encoding genes, indicating that they can hydrolyze the most abundant polysaccharide in the oceans. Other symbionts, including Metamycoplasmataceae and Ca. Thioglobaceae, may assimilate the smaller chitin oligosaccharides resulting from chitin breakdown and engage in chitin deacetylation, respectively, suggesting possibilities for substrate cross-feeding and a role for the coral microbiome in overall chitin turnover. We also observed sharp differences in secondary metabolite production potential between symbiotic lineages. Specific Proteobacteria taxa may specialize in chemical defense and guard other symbionts, including Endozoicomonadaceae, which lack such capacity. CONCLUSION This is the first study to recover MAGs from dominant symbionts of octocorals, including those of so-far unculturable Endozoicomonadaceae, Ca. Thioglobaceae and Metamycoplasmataceae symbionts. We identify a thus-far unanticipated, global role for Endozoicomonadaceae symbionts of corals in the processing of chitin, the most abundant natural polysaccharide in the oceans and major component of the natural zoo- and phytoplankton feed of octocorals. We conclude that niche partitioning, metabolic specialization, and adaptation to low oxygen conditions among prokaryotic symbionts likely contribute to the plasticity and adaptability of the octocoral holobiont in changing marine environments. These findings bear implications not only for our understanding of symbiotic relationships in the marine realm but also for the functioning of benthic ecosystems at large. Video Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tina Keller-Costa
- Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Lydia Kozma
- Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Écublens, Switzerland
| | - Sandra G. Silva
- Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rodolfo Toscan
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jorge Gonçalves
- Centro de Ciências Do Mar, Universidade Do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Asunción Lago-Lestón
- Centro de Investigación Científica Y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Ensenada, Mexico
| | - Nikos C. Kyrpides
- Department of Energy, Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA USA
| | | | - Rodrigo Costa
- Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Ciências Do Mar, Universidade Do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liconti A, Pittman SJ, Rees SE, Mieszkowska N. Identifying conservation priorities for gorgonian forests in Italian coastal waters with multiple methods including citizen science and social media content analysis. DIVERS DISTRIB 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13553] [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)
- Arianna Liconti
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences Plymouth University Plymouth UK
- The Marine Biological Association The Laboratory Plymouth UK
| | - Simon J. Pittman
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences Plymouth University Plymouth UK
- Oxford Seascape Ecology Lab School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford Oxford UK
| | - Sian E. Rees
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences Plymouth University Plymouth UK
| | - Nova Mieszkowska
- The Marine Biological Association The Laboratory Plymouth UK
- School of Environmental Sciences University of Liverpool Liverpool UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
The effect of thermal stress on the physiology and bacterial communities of two key Mediterranean gorgonians. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0234021. [PMID: 35108095 PMCID: PMC8939326 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02340-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gorgonians are important habitat-providing species in the Mediterranean Sea, but their populations are declining due to microbial diseases and repeated mass mortality events caused by summer heat waves. Elevated seawater temperatures may impact the stress tolerance and disease resistance of gorgonians and lead to disturbances in their microbiota. However, our knowledge of the biological response of the gorgonian holobiont (i.e., the host and its microbiota) to thermal stress remains limited. Here, we investigated how the holobiont of two gorgonian species (Paramuricea clavata and Eunicella cavolini) are affected throughout a 7-week thermal stress event by following both the corals’ physiology and the composition of their bacterial communities. We found that P. clavata was more sensitive to elevated seawater temperatures than E. cavolini, showing a greater loss in energy reserves, reduced feeding ability, and partial mortality. This lower thermotolerance may be linked to the ∼20× lower antioxidant defense capacity in P. clavata compared with E. cavolini. In the first 4 weeks of thermal stress, we also observed minor shifts in the microbiota of both species, suggesting that the microbiota likely plays a limited role in thermal acclimation of the holobiont. However, major stochastic changes occurred later on in some colonies, which were of a transient nature in E. cavolini, but were linked to partial colony mortality in P. clavata. Overall, our results show significant, but differential, effects of thermal stress on the holobionts of both E. cavolini and P. clavata and predict potentially severe impacts on gorgonian populations under future climate scenarios. IMPORTANCE In the Mediterranean Sea, the tree-shaped gorgonian corals form large forests that provide a place to live for many species. Because of this important ecological role, it is crucial to understand how common habitat-forming gorgonians, like Eunicella cavolini and Paramuricea clavata, are affected by high seawater temperatures that are expected in the future due to climate change. We found that both species lost biomass, but P. clavata was more affected, being also unable to feed and showing signs of mortality. The microbiota of both gorgonians also changed substantively under high temperatures. Although this could be linked to partial colony mortality in P. clavata, the changes were temporary in E. cavolini. The overall higher resistance of E. cavolini may be related to its much higher antioxidant defense levels than P. clavata. Climate change may thus have severe impacts on gorgonian populations and the habitats they provide.
Collapse
|
9
|
Diversity Loss in Coralligenous Structuring Species Impacted by Fishing Gear and Marine Litter. DIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/d13070331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Coralligenous structuring species (CSS) form a group of marine megabenthic species with an engineering capacity. Since they are highly vulnerable to anthropogenic activities, they have been selected for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) monitoring programs. The pressure and impact of fishing gear and marine litter on these species were evaluated through the image analysis of 54 remotely operated vehicle (ROV) routes along the Campania coasts (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy). CSS density was calculated as the number of colonies/100 m2. Anthropogenic pressure was estimated as the frequency of frames showing longline, nets, other gear, plastic objects, metal objects, and other litter; while the impact was expressed as the frequency showing necrosis/epibiosis, broken/upturned and covered/entangled colonies. Cnidaria dominate in the Napoli, Campanella and Capri areas, while Bryozoa dominate in Cilento N and Cilento S areas. Campanella and Capri appeared to be the least heterogeneous despite their higher CSS densities, which was possibly related to the dominance of a few species. These areas were the most affected by showing the highest numbers of fishing gear (longlines) and marine litter (metal objects) recorded, amongst which longlines are the most abundant. In addition, these fishing areas are either close to a large urban center or located along popular touristic routes. In all the areas, colonies with necrosis/epibiosis (CNE) impact are present with low-moderate values, while the category gears covering/entangling (GCE) impact prevails in the Campanella and Capri areas, and this is strictly connected to the high presence of fishing gear.
Collapse
|
10
|
Piazzi L, Cinti MF, Guala I, Grech D, La Manna G, Pansini A, Pinna F, Stipcich P, Ceccherelli G. Variations in coralligenous assemblages from local to biogeographic spatial scale. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 169:105375. [PMID: 34111774 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105375] [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: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The present study aims at contributing to the knowledge of the spatial variability of coralligenous reefs through the evaluation of patterns ranging from local to biogeographic scale around the island of Sardinia. The coralligenous reef assemblages of six areas were studied through a hierarchical sampling design: three sites per area were selected, in each site three plots were sampled and in each plot ten photographic samples were collected. The structure of coralligenous reefs across closed biogeographic regions is described, highlighting that nearly pristine assemblages, although characterized by similar high diversity, can be either dominated by animals, such as gorgonians and bryozoans, or macroalgae. The observed variations seem largely related to biogeographic patterns rather than spatial distance, supporting the need to identify specific reference conditions to assess the ecological quality of this habitat depending on the biogeographic area to be monitored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Piazzi
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - M F Cinti
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - I Guala
- IMC - International Marine Centre, Loc. Sa Mardini, Torregrande, 09170, Oristano, Italy
| | - D Grech
- IMC - International Marine Centre, Loc. Sa Mardini, Torregrande, 09170, Oristano, Italy
| | - G La Manna
- MareTerra Onlus - Environmental Research and Conservation, Regione Sa Londra 9, 07041, Alghero (SS), Italy
| | - A Pansini
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - F Pinna
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - P Stipcich
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - G Ceccherelli
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Sassari, Via Piandanna 4, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Casoli E, Ventura D, Mancini G, Cardone S, Farina F, Donnini L, Pace DS, Shaul R, Belluscio A, Ardizzone G. Rehabilitation of Mediterranean animal forests using gorgonians from fisheries by‐catch. Restor Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Casoli
- Department of Environmental Biology Sapienza University of Rome Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5 Rome 00185 Italy
- Centro Interuniversitario di Biologia Marina ed Ecologia Applicata Viale N. Sauro 4 Livorno I‐57128 Italy
| | - Daniele Ventura
- Department of Environmental Biology Sapienza University of Rome Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5 Rome 00185 Italy
- Centro Interuniversitario di Biologia Marina ed Ecologia Applicata Viale N. Sauro 4 Livorno I‐57128 Italy
| | - Gianluca Mancini
- Department of Environmental Biology Sapienza University of Rome Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5 Rome 00185 Italy
| | - Sara Cardone
- Centro Interuniversitario di Biologia Marina ed Ecologia Applicata Viale N. Sauro 4 Livorno I‐57128 Italy
| | - Fulvia Farina
- Centro Interuniversitario di Biologia Marina ed Ecologia Applicata Viale N. Sauro 4 Livorno I‐57128 Italy
| | - Lorenzo Donnini
- Centro Interuniversitario di Biologia Marina ed Ecologia Applicata Viale N. Sauro 4 Livorno I‐57128 Italy
| | - Daniela Silvia Pace
- Department of Environmental Biology Sapienza University of Rome Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5 Rome 00185 Italy
| | - Richard Shaul
- Sea Byte Inc. P.O. Box 14069 Bradenton Florida 34209 U.S.A
| | - Andrea Belluscio
- Department of Environmental Biology Sapienza University of Rome Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5 Rome 00185 Italy
- Centro Interuniversitario di Biologia Marina ed Ecologia Applicata Viale N. Sauro 4 Livorno I‐57128 Italy
| | - Giandomenico Ardizzone
- Department of Environmental Biology Sapienza University of Rome Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5 Rome 00185 Italy
- Centro Interuniversitario di Biologia Marina ed Ecologia Applicata Viale N. Sauro 4 Livorno I‐57128 Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gómez‐Gras D, Linares C, Dornelas M, Madin JS, Brambilla V, Ledoux J, López‐Sendino P, Bensoussan N, Garrabou J. Climate change transforms the functional identity of Mediterranean coralligenous assemblages. Ecol Lett 2021; 24:1038-1051. [PMID: 33728823 PMCID: PMC8252474 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Quantifying changes in functional community structure driven by disturbance is critical to anticipate potential shifts in ecosystem functioning. However, how marine heatwaves (MHWs) affect the functional structure of temperate coral-dominated communities is poorly understood. Here, we used five long-term (> 10 years) records of Mediterranean coralligenous assemblages in a multi-taxa, trait-based analysis to investigate MHW-driven changes in functional structure. We show that, despite stability in functional richness (i.e. the range of species functional traits), MHW-impacted assemblages experienced long-term directional changes in functional identity (i.e. their dominant trait values). Declining traits included large sizes, long lifespans, arborescent morphologies, filter-feeding strategies or calcified skeletons. These traits, which were mostly supported by few sensitive and irreplaceable species from a single functional group (habitat-forming octocorals), disproportionally influence certain ecosystem functions (e.g. 3D-habitat provision). Hence, MHWs are leading to assemblages that are deficient in key functional traits, with likely consequences for the ecosystem functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gómez‐Gras
- Departament de Biologia MarinaInstitut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Cristina Linares
- Departament de Biologia EvolutivaEcologia i Ciències AmbientalsInstitut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO)Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Maria Dornelas
- Centre for Biological Diversity and Scottish Oceans InstituteSchool of BiologyUniversity of StAndrews, St AndrewsUK
| | - Joshua S. Madin
- Hawai‘i Institute of Marine BiologyUniversity of Hawai‘i at MānoaKaneoheHIUSA
| | - Viviana Brambilla
- Centre for Biological Diversity and Scottish Oceans InstituteSchool of BiologyUniversity of StAndrews, St AndrewsUK
| | - Jean‐Baptiste Ledoux
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR)PortoPortugal
| | - Paula López‐Sendino
- Departament de Biologia MarinaInstitut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC)BarcelonaSpain
| | | | - Joaquim Garrabou
- Departament de Biologia MarinaInstitut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC)BarcelonaSpain
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Who’s Next? Non-Indigenous Cnidarian and Ctenophoran Species Approaching to the Italian Waters. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13081062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The aims of the present paper were to review the knowledge about the Mediterranean non-indigenous species of the taxa Cnidaria and Ctenophora (CC NIS), to screen the risk of 98 species for their potential invasiveness in the Mediterranean Sea and their approach to the Italian waters. Of these, 38% are well established in the basin, 4% are known for their invasiveness, 44% are casual, 11% have a taxonomic status unresolved, and 3% are included in the category ”cryptogenic”. The biodiversity CC NIS of the Mediterranean Sea has changed considerably in the last two decades and 27 out of 98 Mediterranean CC NIS are present in the Italian waters. Fifteen CC NIS, some equipped with high invasive potential, should be regarded as good candidates to become future immigrants of the Italian waters. Anticipatory NIS forecast based on biogeographical and ecological analyses may provide a useful tool for targeted management of the CC NIS issue and for the assessment of the second descriptor of Good Environmental Status. On the other hand, conservation and management of marine ecosystem should be based on the conservation of the essential environmental conditions for the functioning of these ecosystems instead of the contamination or eradication of alien species.
Collapse
|
14
|
Keller-Costa T, Lago-Lestón A, Saraiva JP, Toscan R, Silva SG, Gonçalves J, Cox CJ, Kyrpides N, Nunes da Rocha U, Costa R. Metagenomic insights into the taxonomy, function, and dysbiosis of prokaryotic communities in octocorals. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:72. [PMID: 33766108 PMCID: PMC7993494 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-021-01031-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In octocorals (Cnidaria Octocorallia), the functional relationship between host health and its symbiotic consortium has yet to be determined. Here, we employed comparative metagenomics to uncover the distinct functional and phylogenetic features of the microbiomes of healthy Eunicella gazella, Eunicella verrucosa, and Leptogorgia sarmentosa tissues, in contrast with the microbiomes found in seawater and sediments. We further explored how the octocoral microbiome shifts to a pathobiome state in E. gazella. RESULTS Multivariate analyses based on 16S rRNA genes, Clusters of Orthologous Groups of proteins (COGs), Protein families (Pfams), and secondary metabolite-biosynthetic gene clusters annotated from 20 Illumina-sequenced metagenomes each revealed separate clustering of the prokaryotic communities of healthy tissue samples of the three octocoral species from those of necrotic E. gazella tissue and surrounding environments. While the healthy octocoral microbiome was distinguished by so-far uncultivated Endozoicomonadaceae, Oceanospirillales, and Alteromonadales phylotypes in all host species, a pronounced increase of Flavobacteriaceae and Alphaproteobacteria, originating from seawater, was observed in necrotic E. gazella tissue. Increased abundances of eukaryotic-like proteins, exonucleases, restriction endonucleases, CRISPR/Cas proteins, and genes encoding for heat-shock proteins, inorganic ion transport, and iron storage distinguished the prokaryotic communities of healthy octocoral tissue regardless of the host species. An increase of arginase and nitric oxide reductase genes, observed in necrotic E. gazella tissues, suggests the existence of a mechanism for suppression of nitrite oxide production by which octocoral pathogens may overcome the host's immune system. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to employ primer-less, shotgun metagenome sequencing to unveil the taxonomic, functional, and secondary metabolism features of prokaryotic communities in octocorals. Our analyses reveal that the octocoral microbiome is distinct from those of the environmental surroundings, is host genus (but not species) specific, and undergoes large, complex structural changes in the transition to the dysbiotic state. Host-symbiont recognition, abiotic-stress response, micronutrient acquisition, and an antiviral defense arsenal comprising multiple restriction endonucleases, CRISPR/Cas systems, and phage lysogenization regulators are signatures of prokaryotic communities in octocorals. We argue that these features collectively contribute to the stabilization of symbiosis in the octocoral holobiont and constitute beneficial traits that can guide future studies on coral reef conservation and microbiome therapy. Video Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T. Keller-Costa
- Instituto de Bioengenharia e Biociências (iBB), Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - A. Lago-Lestón
- División de Biología Experimental y Aplicada (DBEA), Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Carr. Ensenada-Tijuana 3918, Zona Playitas, C.P 22860 Ensenada, Baja California Mexico
| | - J. P. Saraiva
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Leipzig, 04318 Germany
| | - R. Toscan
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Leipzig, 04318 Germany
| | - S. G. Silva
- Instituto de Bioengenharia e Biociências (iBB), Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - J. Gonçalves
- Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - C. J. Cox
- Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - N. Kyrpides
- Department of Energy, Joint Genome Institute, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| | - U. Nunes da Rocha
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Leipzig, 04318 Germany
| | - R. Costa
- Instituto de Bioengenharia e Biociências (iBB), Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Department of Energy, Joint Genome Institute, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Animal Forest Mortality: Following the Consequences of a Gorgonian Coral Loss on a Mediterranean Coralligenous Assemblage. DIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/d13030133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In this work, the consequences of a local gorgonian coral mortality on the whole coralligenous assemblage were studied. A Before/After-Control/Impact sampling design was used: the structure of the coralligenous assemblage was compared before and after the gorgonian mortality event at the mortality site and two control sites. At the mortality site, a relevant decrease in alpha and beta diversity occurred, with a shift from a stratified assemblage characterized by gorgonians and other invertebrates to an assemblage dominated by algal turfs; conversely, neither significant variations of the structure nor decrease in biodiversity were observed at the control sites. The assemblage shift involved the main taxa in different times: in autumn 2018, a large proportion of the plexaurid coral Paramuricea clavata died, but no significant changes were observed in the structure of the remaining assemblage. Then, in autumn 2019, algal turfs increased significantly and, one year later, the abundance of the gorgonian Eunicella cavolini and bryozoans collapsed. Although the mechanisms of the assemblage shift following gorgonian loss will remain uncertain and a cause-effect relationship cannot be derived, results suggest the need for detecting signs of gorgonian forests stress in monitoring programs, which should be considered early indicators of their condition. in the coralligenous monitoring programs for detecting any sign of gorgonian forests stress which should be considered an early indicator of the assemblage condition.
Collapse
|
16
|
Size/Age Models for Monitoring of the Pink Sea Fan Eunicella verrucosa (Cnidaria: Alcyonacea) and a Case Study Application. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse8110951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The pink sea fan Eunicella verrucosa is a habitat-forming octocoral living in the East Atlantic and in the Mediterranean Sea where, under proper circumstances, it can form large populations known as coral forests. Although these coral forests represent vulnerable marine ecosystems of great importance, these habitats are still poorly known, and their monitoring is almost non-existent to date. For this reason, we compared two different models to infer the age of E. verrucosa based on nondestructive measurements of the colonies’ size, in order to highlight strengths and weaknesses of the existing tools for a potential application in long-term monitoring. We also applied the two models on a case-study population recently found in the northwest Mediterranean Sea. Our results showed which model was more reliable from a biological point of view, considering both its structure and the results obtained on the case study. However, this model uses solely the height of the colonies as proxy to infer the age, while the total branch fan surface area could represent a more appropriate biometric parameter to monitor the size and the growth of E. verrucosa.
Collapse
|
17
|
The constraint of ignoring the subtidal water climatology in evaluating the changes of coralligenous reefs due to heating events. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17332. [PMID: 33060776 PMCID: PMC7562739 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74249-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Predicting community-level responses to seawater warming is a pressing goal of global change ecologists. How far such predictions can be derived from a fine gradient of thermal environments needs to be explored, even if ignoring water climatology does not allow estimating subtidal marine heat waves. In this study insights about the influence of the thermal environment on the coralligenous community structure were gained by considering sites (Sardinia, Italy) at different temperature conditions. Heating events were measured (by loggers at 18 m, 23 m, 28 m, 33 m and 38 m deep) and proxies for their duration (the maximum duration of events warmer than the 90th percentile temperature), intensity (the median temperature) and variability (the number of daily ΔT larger than the mean daily ΔT, and the number of heating events larger in ΔT than the 90th percentile ΔT) were selected by GAM models. Reliable predictions of decrease in coralligenous richness of taxa/morphological groups, with relevant increment in turfs and encrusting coralline algae abundance at the expenses of bryozoans were made. Associations to the different types of heating descriptor have highlighted the aspect (intensity, duration or variability) of the heating events and the threshold for each of them responsible for the trajectories of change.
Collapse
|
18
|
Vulnerable Forests of the Pink Sea Fan Eunicella verrucosa in the Mediterranean Sea. DIVERSITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/d12050176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The pink sea fan Eunicella verrucosa (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Alcyonacea) can form coral forests at mesophotic depths in the Mediterranean Sea. Despite the recognized importance of these habitats, they have been scantly studied and their distribution is mostly unknown. This study reports the new finding of E. verrucosa forests in the Mediterranean Sea, and the updated distribution of this species that has been considered rare in the basin. In particular, one site off Sanremo (Ligurian Sea) was characterized by a monospecific population of E. verrucosa with 2.3 ± 0.2 colonies m−2. By combining new records, literature, and citizen science data, the species is believed to be widespread in the basin with few or isolated colonies, and 19 E. verrucosa forests were identified. The overall associated community showed how these coral forests are essential for species of conservation interest, as well as for species of high commercial value. For this reason, proper protection and management strategies are necessary.
Collapse
|
19
|
Rastelli E, Petani B, Corinaldesi C, Dell'Anno A, Lo Martire M, Cerrano C, Danovaro R. A high biodiversity mitigates the impact of ocean acidification on hard-bottom ecosystems. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2948. [PMID: 32076065 PMCID: PMC7031329 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59886-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity loss and climate change simultaneously threaten marine ecosystems, yet their interactions remain largely unknown. Ocean acidification severely affects a wide variety of marine organisms and recent studies have predicted major impacts at the pH conditions expected for 2100. However, despite the renowned interdependence between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, the hypothesis that the species’ response to ocean acidification could differ based on the biodiversity of the natural multispecies assemblages in which they live remains untested. Here, using experimentally controlled conditions, we investigated the impact of acidification on key habitat-forming organisms (including corals, sponges and macroalgae) and associated microbes in hard-bottom assemblages characterised by different biodiversity levels. Our results indicate that, at higher biodiversity, the impact of acidification on otherwise highly vulnerable key organisms can be reduced by 50 to >90%, depending on the species. Here we show that such a positive effect of a higher biodiversity can be associated with higher availability of food resources and healthy microbe-host associations, overall increasing host resistance to acidification, while contrasting harmful outbreaks of opportunistic microbes. Given the climate change scenarios predicted for the future, we conclude that biodiversity conservation of hard-bottom ecosystems is fundamental also for mitigating the impacts of ocean acidification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Rastelli
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy.
| | - Bruna Petani
- Department of Ecology, Agronomy and Aquaculture, University of Zadar, 23000, Zadar, Croatia
| | - Cinzia Corinaldesi
- Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonio Dell'Anno
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marco Lo Martire
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Carlo Cerrano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Roberto Danovaro
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy. .,Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abrupt Change in a Subtidal Rocky Reef Community Coincided with a Rapid Acceleration of Sea Water Warming. DIVERSITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/d11110215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Seawater warming is impacting marine ecosystems, but proper evaluation of change requires the availability of long-term biological data series. Mesco Reef (Ligurian Sea, Italy) offers one of the longest Mediterranean data series on sessile epibenthic communities, based on underwater photographic surveys. Photographs taken in four stations between 20 m and 40 m depth allowed calculating the percent cover of conspicuous species in 1961, 1990, 1996, 2008, and 2017. Multivariate analysis evidenced an abrupt compositional change between 1990 and 1996. A parallel change was observed in Ligurian Sea temperatures. Two invasive macroalgae (Caulerpa cylindracea and Womersleyella setacea) became dominant after 1996. Community diversity was low in 1961 to 1996, rapidly increased between 1996 and 2008, and exhibited distinctly higher values in 2008–2017. A novel community emerged from the climate shift of the 1990s, with many once characteristic species lost, reduced complexity, biotic homogenization, greater diversity and domination by aliens. Only continued monitoring will help envisage the possibility for a reversal of the present phase shift or for further transformations driven by global change.
Collapse
|
21
|
Valisano L, Palma M, Pantaleo U, Calcinai B, Cerrano C. Characterization of North-Western Mediterranean coralligenous assemblages by video surveys and evaluation of their structural complexity. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 148:134-148. [PMID: 31442852 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Thanks to several European directives and conventions there is a general increase of awareness regarding the key ecological role of coralligenous habitats in the Mediterranean Sea, addressing several research projects to standardize protocols for the description of its integrity. Here we surveyed 13 stations along the Italian coasts of the Western Mediterranean Sea, using video-transects technique, comparing the biological structure of coralligenous assemblages and testing the importance of their three-dimensional complexity as a proxy to define their health conditions. We considered the diversity of taxa, fishing impacts and the entity of damage on gorgonian's choenenchyme due to thermal stress, to evidence a gradient in the coralligenous health conditions. Here we developed a method to evaluate coralligenous complexity, selecting categories of taxa particularly sensitive to multiple stressors, named Structural Descriptors to describe the three-dimensional structure of the bioconcretions and to assess a unique Index of 3D - Structural Complexity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Valisano
- DISVA, via Brecce Bianche, Monte Dago, Ancona 60132, Italy.
| | - Marco Palma
- DISVA, via Brecce Bianche, Monte Dago, Ancona 60132, Italy
| | | | | | - Carlo Cerrano
- DISVA, via Brecce Bianche, Monte Dago, Ancona 60132, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Verdura J, Linares C, Ballesteros E, Coma R, Uriz MJ, Bensoussan N, Cebrian E. Biodiversity loss in a Mediterranean ecosystem due to an extreme warming event unveils the role of an engineering gorgonian species. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5911. [PMID: 30976028 PMCID: PMC6459914 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41929-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Stochastic perturbations can trigger major ecosystem shifts. Marine systems have been severely affected in recent years by mass mortality events related to positive thermal anomalies. Although the immediate effects in the species demography affected by mortality events are well known, information on the mid- to long-term effects at the community level is much less documented. Here, we show how an extreme warming event replaces a structurally complex habitat, dominated by long-lived species, by a simplified habitat (lower species diversity and richness) dominated by turf-forming species. On the basis of a study involving the experimental manipulation of the presence of the gorgonian Paramuricea clavata, we observed that its presence mitigated the effects of warming by maintaining the original assemblage dominated by macroinvertebrates and delaying the proliferation and spread of the invasive alga Caulerpa cylindracea. However, due to the increase of sediment and turf-forming species after the mortality event we hypothesize a further degradation of the whole assemblage as both factors decrease the recruitment of P.clavata, decrease the survival of encrusting coralligenous-dwelling macroinvertebrates and facilitate the spreading of C. cylindracea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Verdura
- Institut d'Ecologia Aquàtica, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, Campus Montilivi, 17071, Girona, Spain.,Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes-CSIC, Accés Cala Sant Francesc 14, 17300, Blanes, Girona, Spain
| | - Cristina Linares
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enric Ballesteros
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes-CSIC, Accés Cala Sant Francesc 14, 17300, Blanes, Girona, Spain
| | - Rafel Coma
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes-CSIC, Accés Cala Sant Francesc 14, 17300, Blanes, Girona, Spain
| | - María J Uriz
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes-CSIC, Accés Cala Sant Francesc 14, 17300, Blanes, Girona, Spain
| | - Nathaniel Bensoussan
- Institut Ciències del Mar, CSIC, Barcelona, Spain.,Aix Marseille University, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
| | - Emma Cebrian
- Institut d'Ecologia Aquàtica, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, Campus Montilivi, 17071, Girona, Spain. .,Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes-CSIC, Accés Cala Sant Francesc 14, 17300, Blanes, Girona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Gómez‐Gras D, Linares C, de Caralt S, Cebrian E, Frleta‐Valić M, Montero‐Serra I, Pagès‐Escolà M, López‐Sendino P, Garrabou J. Response diversity in Mediterranean coralligenous assemblages facing climate change: Insights from a multispecific thermotolerance experiment. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:4168-4180. [PMID: 31015996 PMCID: PMC6468064 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change threatens coastal benthic communities on a global scale. However, the potential effects of ongoing warming on mesophotic temperate reefs at the community level remain poorly understood. Investigating how different members of these communities will respond to the future expected environmental conditions is, therefore, key to anticipating their future trajectories and developing specific management and conservation strategies. Here, we examined the responses of some of the main components of the highly diverse Mediterranean coralligenous assemblages to thermal stress. We performed thermotolerance experiments with different temperature treatments (from 26 to 29°C) with 10 species from different phyla (three anthozoans, six sponges and one ascidian) and different structural roles. Overall, we observed species-specific contrasting responses to warming regardless of phyla or growth form. Moreover, the responses ranged from highly resistant species to sensitive species and were mostly in agreement with previous field observations from mass mortality events (MMEs) linked to Mediterranean marine heat waves. Our results unravel the diversity of responses to warming in coralligenous outcrops and suggest the presence of potential winners and losers in the face of climate change. Finally, this study highlights the importance of accounting for species-specific vulnerabilities and response diversity when forecasting the future trajectories of temperate benthic communities in a warming ocean.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gómez‐Gras
- Departament de Biologia MarinaInstitut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Cristina Linares
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO)Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Sonia de Caralt
- Centre d' Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CSIC)BlanesSpain
- GR MAR, Institut d'Ecologia Aquàtica, Facultat de CiènciesUniversitat de GironaGironaSpain
| | - Emma Cebrian
- Centre d' Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CSIC)BlanesSpain
- GR MAR, Institut d'Ecologia Aquàtica, Facultat de CiènciesUniversitat de GironaGironaSpain
| | - Maša Frleta‐Valić
- Departament de Biologia MarinaInstitut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Ignasi Montero‐Serra
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO)Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Marta Pagès‐Escolà
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBIO)Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Paula López‐Sendino
- Departament de Biologia MarinaInstitut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Joaquim Garrabou
- Departament de Biologia MarinaInstitut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC)BarcelonaSpain
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Pica D, Calcinai B, Poliseno A, Trainito E, Cerrano C. Distribution and phenotypic variability of the Mediterranean gorgonian Paramuricea macrospina (Cnidaria: Octocorallia). EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2018.1529202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. Pica
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - B. Calcinai
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - A. Poliseno
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Palaeontology and Geobiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - C. Cerrano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
From depth to regional spatial genetic differentiation of Eunicella cavolini in the NW Mediterranean. C R Biol 2018; 341:421-432. [PMID: 30318420 DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Connectivity studies in the marine realm are of great importance to understand the evolutionary potential of populations in a context of growing pressures on the marine environment. Here, we investigated the effect of the local, regional, and depth spatial scale on the population genetic structure of the yellow gorgonian Eunicella cavolini, one of the most common octocoral species of the Mediterranean hard-bottom communities. This species, along with other sessile metazoans typical of coralligenous ecosystems, plays an important role in supporting biodiversity, but is also impacted by direct and indirect consequences of human activities, such as physical destruction or mortality events due to thermal anomalies. Samples were taken from 15 sites located in the Ligurian Sea (NW Mediterranean) in two adjacent regions 100 kilometres apart, i.e. from the areas of Marseille (France) and Portofino (Genoa, Italy), and were analysed using six microsatellite loci. A pattern of isolation by distance was observed at the regional as well as the local scales. Although E. cavolini showed less genetic structure than other Mediterranean octocorallian species, we observed a significant genetic differentiation between populations a few kilometres apart. A low genetic differentiation was also observed between shallow and deep populations. The occurrence of genetically differentiated populations of E. cavolini at the scale of kilometres has important consequences for the management of this species and of the associated communities.
Collapse
|
26
|
Turicchia E, Abbiati M, Sweet M, Ponti M. Mass mortality hits gorgonian forests at Montecristo Island. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2018; 131:79-85. [PMID: 30324917 DOI: 10.3354/dao03284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Mediterranean gorgonian forests are species-rich habitats, and like many other marine habitats they are threatened by anthropogenic disturbances and mass mortality events. These mortality events have often been linked to anomalies in the temperature profiles of the Mediterranean region. On 5 September 2017, colonies of the gorgonians Eunicella singularis and Eunicella cavolini exhibited rapid tissue loss, down to a depth of 30 m along the steep cliffs of Montecristo Island, Tuscan Archipelago National Park, Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy. Interestingly, Montecristo has previously been identified as a reference site for the ecological quality assessment of the western Mediterranean benthic assemblages on rocky bottoms. The observed mortality event occurred during a period of increased sea temperature. By utilising a combination of high-resolution oceanographic analysis, forecast models and citizen science initiatives, we propose that an early warning system for the concomitance of heat waves and mortality events can be put in place. A temperature-based coral disease surveillance tool could then be established for the entire Mediterranean Sea. Such a tool would allow for the timely study of mass mortality phenomena and the implementation of prompt mitigation and/or restoration initiatives. Finally, this specific mortality event, in a Marine Protected Area, offers a unique opportunity to monitor and assess the resilience of gorgonian populations and associated benthic assemblages in the absence of other, more directly, anthropogenic disturbances such as pollution and land runoff.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Turicchia
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Via S. Alberto 163, 48123 Ravenna, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ingrosso G, Abbiati M, Badalamenti F, Bavestrello G, Belmonte G, Cannas R, Benedetti-Cecchi L, Bertolino M, Bevilacqua S, Bianchi CN, Bo M, Boscari E, Cardone F, Cattaneo-Vietti R, Cau A, Cerrano C, Chemello R, Chimienti G, Congiu L, Corriero G, Costantini F, De Leo F, Donnarumma L, Falace A, Fraschetti S, Giangrande A, Gravina MF, Guarnieri G, Mastrototaro F, Milazzo M, Morri C, Musco L, Pezzolesi L, Piraino S, Prada F, Ponti M, Rindi F, Russo GF, Sandulli R, Villamor A, Zane L, Boero F. Mediterranean Bioconstructions Along the Italian Coast. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2018; 79:61-136. [PMID: 30012277 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Marine bioconstructions are biodiversity-rich, three-dimensional biogenic structures, regulating key ecological functions of benthic ecosystems worldwide. Tropical coral reefs are outstanding for their beauty, diversity and complexity, but analogous types of bioconstructions are also present in temperate seas. The main bioconstructions in the Mediterranean Sea are represented by coralligenous formations, vermetid reefs, deep-sea cold-water corals, Lithophyllum byssoides trottoirs, coral banks formed by the shallow-water corals Cladocora caespitosa or Astroides calycularis, and sabellariid or serpulid worm reefs. Bioconstructions change the morphological and chemicophysical features of primary substrates and create new habitats for a large variety of organisms, playing pivotal roles in ecosystem functioning. In spite of their importance, Mediterranean bioconstructions have not received the same attention that tropical coral reefs have, and the knowledge of their biology, ecology and distribution is still fragmentary. All existing data about the spatial distribution of Italian bioconstructions have been collected, together with information about their growth patterns, dynamics and connectivity. The degradation of these habitats as a consequence of anthropogenic pressures (pollution, organic enrichment, fishery, coastal development, direct physical disturbance), climate change and the spread of invasive species was also investigated. The study of bioconstructions requires a holistic approach leading to a better understanding of their ecology and the application of more insightful management and conservation measures at basin scale, within ecologically coherent units based on connectivity: the cells of ecosystem functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gianmarco Ingrosso
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy.
| | - Marco Abbiati
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Beni Culturali (DBC), University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Scienze Marine (CNR-ISMAR), Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Badalamenti
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero (CNR-IAMC), Marine Ecology Laboratory, Castellammare del Golfo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Bavestrello
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e della Vita (DiSTAV), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Genuario Belmonte
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Cannas
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lisandro Benedetti-Cecchi
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Biologia, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Bertolino
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e della Vita (DiSTAV), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Stanislao Bevilacqua
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Nike Bianchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e della Vita (DiSTAV), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Marzia Bo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e della Vita (DiSTAV), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Elisa Boscari
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Biologia, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Frine Cardone
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Biologia, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Riccardo Cattaneo-Vietti
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cau
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Carlo Cerrano
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Renato Chemello
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Chimienti
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Biologia, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Leonardo Congiu
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Biologia, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Corriero
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Biologia, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Federica Costantini
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Francesco De Leo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy
| | - Luigia Donnarumma
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie, Parthenope University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Annalisa Falace
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Simonetta Fraschetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy
| | - Adriana Giangrande
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Flavia Gravina
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Biologia, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Guarnieri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Mastrototaro
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Biologia, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Marco Milazzo
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Carla Morri
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e della Vita (DiSTAV), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Luigi Musco
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Integrative Marine Ecology Department, Napoli, Italy
| | - Laura Pezzolesi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Stefano Piraino
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorella Prada
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per l'Ambiente Marino Costiero (CNR-IAMC), Marine Ecology Laboratory, Castellammare del Golfo, Italy
| | - Massimo Ponti
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Fabio Rindi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Fulvio Russo
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie, Parthenope University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Sandulli
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie, Parthenope University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Adriana Villamor
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Zane
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy; Dipartimento di Biologia, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Boero
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy; Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), Rome, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Scienze Marine (CNR-ISMAR), Genova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Keller-Costa T, Eriksson D, Gonçalves JMS, Gomes NCM, Lago-Lestón A, Costa R. The gorgonian coral Eunicella labiata hosts a distinct prokaryotic consortium amenable to cultivation. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2018; 93:4563573. [PMID: 29069352 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fix143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial communities inhabiting gorgonian corals are believed to benefit their hosts through nutrient provision and chemical defence; yet much remains to be learned about their phylogenetic uniqueness and cultivability. Here, we determined the prokaryotic community structure and distinctiveness in the gorgonian Eunicella labiata by Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA genes from gorgonian and seawater metagenomic DNA. Furthermore, we used a 'plate-wash' methodology to compare the phylogenetic diversity of the 'total' gorgonian bacteriome and its 'cultivatable' fraction. With 1016 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), prokaryotic richness was higher in seawater than in E. labiata where 603 OTUs were detected, 68 of which were host-specific. Oceanospirillales and Rhodobacterales predominated in the E. labiata communities. One Oceanospirillales OTU, classified as Endozoicomonas, was particularly dominant, and closest relatives comprised exclusively uncultured clones from other gorgonians. We cultivated a remarkable 62% of the bacterial symbionts inhabiting E. labiata: Ruegeria, Sphingorhabdus, Labrenzia, other unclassified Rhodobacteraceae, Vibrio and Shewanella ranked among the 10 most abundant genera in both the cultivation-independent and dependent samples. In conclusion, the E. labiata microbiome is diverse, distinct from seawater and enriched in (gorgonian)-specific bacterial phylotypes. In contrast to current understanding, many dominant E. labiata symbionts can, indeed, be cultivated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tina Keller-Costa
- Instituto de Bioengenharia e Biociências (iBB), Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Dominic Eriksson
- Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Jorge M S Gonçalves
- Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Newton C M Gomes
- Departamento de Biologia (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Asunción Lago-Lestón
- Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), 22860 Ensenada, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo Costa
- Instituto de Bioengenharia e Biociências (iBB), Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Re-shifting the ecological baseline for the overexploited Mediterranean red coral. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42404. [PMID: 28198382 PMCID: PMC5309836 DOI: 10.1038/srep42404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexploitation leads to the ecological extinction of many oceanic species. The depletion of historical abundances of large animals, such as whales and sea turtles, is well known. However, the magnitude of the historical overfishing of exploited invertebrates is unclear. The lack of rigorous baseline data limits the implementation of efficient management and conservation plans in the marine realm. The precious Mediterranean red coral Corallium rubrum has been intensively exploited since antiquity for its use in jewellery. It shows dramatic signs of overexploitation, with no untouched populations known in shallow waters. Here, we report the discovery of an exceptional red coral population from a previously unexplored shallow underwater cave in Corsica (France) harbouring the largest biomass (by more than 100-fold) reported to date in the Mediterranean. Our findings challenge current assumptions on the pristine state of this emblematic species. Our results suggest that, before intense exploitation, red coral lived in relatively high-density populations with a large proportion of centuries-old colonies, even at very shallow depths. We call for the re-evaluation of the baseline for red coral and question the sustainability of the exploitation of a species that is still common but ecologically (functionally) extinct and in a trajectory of further decline.
Collapse
|
30
|
van de Water JAJM, Melkonian R, Voolstra CR, Junca H, Beraud E, Allemand D, Ferrier-Pagès C. Comparative Assessment of Mediterranean Gorgonian-Associated Microbial Communities Reveals Conserved Core and Locally Variant Bacteria. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2017; 73:466-478. [PMID: 27726033 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-016-0858-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Gorgonians are key habitat-forming species of Mediterranean benthic communities, but their populations have suffered from mass mortality events linked to high summer seawater temperatures and microbial disease. However, our knowledge on the diversity, dynamics and function of gorgonian-associated microbial communities is limited. Here, we analysed the spatial variability of the microbiomes of five sympatric gorgonian species (Eunicella singularis, Eunicella cavolini, Eunicella verrucosa, Leptogorgia sarmentosa and Paramuricea clavata), collected from the Mediterranean Sea over a scale of ∼1100 km, using next-generation amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The microbiomes of all gorgonian species were generally dominated by members of the genus Endozoicomonas, which were at very low abundance in the surrounding seawater. Although the composition of the core microbiome (operational taxonomic units consistently present in a species) was found to be unique for each host species, significant overlap was observed. These spatially consistent associations between gorgonians and their core bacteria suggest intricate symbiotic relationships and regulation of the microbiome composition by the host. At the same time, local variations in microbiome composition were observed. Functional predictive profiling indicated that these differences could be attributed to seawater pollution. Taken together, our data indicate that gorgonian-associated microbiomes are composed of spatially conserved bacteria (core microbiome members) and locally variant members, and that local pollution may influence these local associations, potentially impacting gorgonian health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rémy Melkonian
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1, MC 98000, Monaco, Monaco
| | - Christian R Voolstra
- Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Howard Junca
- Microbiomas Foundation - Division of Ecogenomics & Holobionts, Chia, Colombia
| | - Eric Beraud
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1, MC 98000, Monaco, Monaco
| | - Denis Allemand
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, 8 Quai Antoine 1, MC 98000, Monaco, Monaco
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Pezzolesi L, Falace A, Kaleb S, Hernandez-Kantun JJ, Cerrano C, Rindi F. Genetic and morphological variation in an ecosystem engineer, Lithophyllum byssoides (Corallinales, Rhodophyta). JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2017; 53:146-160. [PMID: 27809349 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.12488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Lithophyllum byssoides is a common coralline alga in the intertidal zone of Mediterranean coasts, where it produces biogenic concretions housing a high algal and invertebrate biodiversity. This species is an ecosystem engineer and is considered a target for conservation efforts, but designing effective conservation strategies currently is impossible due to lack of information about its population structure. The morphological and molecular variation of L. byssoides was investigated using morphoanatomy and DNA sequences (psbA and cox2,3) obtained from populations at 15 localities on the Italian and Croatian coasts. Lithophyllum byssoides exhibited a high number of haplotypes (31 psbA haplotypes and 24 cox2,3 haplotypes) in the central Mediterranean. The psbA and cox2,3 phylogenies were congruent and showed seven lineages. For most of these clades, the distribution was limited to one or a few localities, but one of them (clade 7) was widespread across the central Mediterranean, spanning the main biogeographic boundaries recognized in this area. The central Mediterranean populations formed a lineage separate from Atlantic samples; psbA pair-wise divergences suggested that recognition of Atlantic and Mediterranean L. byssoides as different species may be appropriate. The central Mediterranean haplotype patterns of L. byssoides were interpreted as resulting from past climatic events in the hydrogeological history of the Mediterranean Sea. The high haplotype diversity and the restricted spatial distribution of the seven lineages suggest that individual populations should be managed as independent units.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pezzolesi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali, Università di Bologna, Via Sant'Alberto 163, I-48123, Ravenna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, I-60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Annalisa Falace
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, I-34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sara Kaleb
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, I-34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Jazmin J Hernandez-Kantun
- Botany Department, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, MRC 166 PO Box 37012, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Carlo Cerrano
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, I-60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Fabio Rindi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, I-60131, Ancona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Structure and biodiversity of coralligenous assemblages dominated by the precious red coral Corallium rubrum over broad spatial scales. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36535. [PMID: 27857209 PMCID: PMC5114658 DOI: 10.1038/srep36535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Data on species diversity and structure in coralligenous outcrops dominated by Corallium rubrum are lacking. A hierarchical sampling including 3 localities and 9 sites covering more than 400 km of rocky coasts in NW Mediterranean, was designed to characterize the spatial variability of structure, composition and diversity of perennial species inhabiting coralligenous outcrops. We estimated species/taxa composition and abundance. Eight morpho-functional groups were defined according to their life span and growth to characterize the structural complexity of the outcrops. The species composition and structural complexity differed consistently across all spatial scales considered. The lowest and the highest variability were found among localities (separated by >200 km) and within sites (separated by 1–5 km), respectively supporting differences in diversity indices. The morpho-functional groups displayed a consistent spatial arrangement in terms of the number, size and shape of patches across study sites. These results contribute to filling the gap on the understanding of assemblage composition and structure and to build baselines to assess the response of this of this highly threatened habitat to anthropogenic disturbances.
Collapse
|
33
|
Fava F, Ponti M, Abbiati M. Role of Recruitment Processes in Structuring Coralligenous Benthic Assemblages in the Northern Adriatic Continental Shelf. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163494. [PMID: 27701418 PMCID: PMC5049771 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Coralligenous biogenic reefs are among the most diverse marine habitats in the Mediterranean Sea. The northern Adriatic mesophotic coralligenous outcrops host very rich and diverse epibenthic assemblages. Several studies quantified the low temporal variability and high spatial heterogeneity of these habitats, while processes driving structuring and differentiation are still poorly understood. To shed light on these processes, temporal and spatial patterns of colonisation were investigated using travertine tiles deployed on three coralligenous outcrops, corresponding to the main typologies of benthic assemblages described in previous studies. Three years after deployment, assemblages colonising travertine tiles resembled the differentiation among sites revealed by the natural assemblages in terms of major ecological groups. Processes structuring and maintaining species diversity have been explored. Pioneer species with high reproduction rate, long distance larval dispersal and fast growth (e.g. the serpulid polychaete Spirobranchus triqueter and the bivalve Anomia ephippium), were the most abundant in the early stages of recruitment on the two outcrops further away from the coast and with lower sedimentation. Their success may vary according to larval availability and environmental conditions (e.g., sedimentation rates). At these sites early-stage lasted 10-12 months, during which even species from natural substrates began colonising tiles by settlement of planktonic propagules (e.g., encrusting calcareous Rhodophyta) and lateral encroachment (e.g., sponges and ascidians). On coastal outcrop, exposed to a higher sedimentation rates, tiles were colonised by fast-growing algal turfs. Resilience of northern Adriatic coralligenous assemblages, and maintenance of their diversity, appeared largely entrusted to asexual reproduction. Exploring the mechanisms that underlie the formation and maintenance of the species diversity is crucial to improve our understanding of ecological processes and to implement appropriate conservation strategies of the Adriatic coralligenous reefs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Fava
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA) & Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali (CIRSA), University of Bologna, CoNISMa, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Massimo Ponti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA) & Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali (CIRSA), University of Bologna, CoNISMa, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Marco Abbiati
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA) & Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali (CIRSA), University of Bologna, CoNISMa, Ravenna, Italy
- Istituto di Scienze Marine, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Di Camillo CG, Cerrano C. Mass Mortality Events in the NW Adriatic Sea: Phase Shift from Slow- to Fast-Growing Organisms. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126689. [PMID: 25974111 PMCID: PMC4431775 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Massive outbreaks are increasing all over the world, which are likely related to climate change. The North Adriatic Sea, a sub-basin of the Mediterranean Sea, is a shallow semi-closed sea receiving high nutrients inputs from important rivers. These inputs sustain the highest productive basin of the Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, this area shows a high number of endemisms probably due to the high diversity of environmental conditions and the conspicuous food availability. Here, we documented two massive mortalities (2009 and 2011) and the pattern of recovery of the affected biocoenoses in the next two years. Results show an impressive and fast shift of the benthic assemblage from a biocoenosis mainly composed of slow-growing and long-lived species to a biocoenosis dominated by fast-growing and short-lived species. The sponge Chondrosia reniformis, one of the key species of this assemblage, which had never been involved in previous massive mortality events in the Mediterranean Sea, reduced its coverage by 70%, and only few small specimens survived. All the damaged sponges, together with many associated organisms, were detached by rough-sea conditions, leaving large bare areas on the rocky wall. Almost three years after the disease, the survived specimens of C. reniformis did not increase significantly in size, while the bare areas were colonized by fast-growing species such as stoloniferans, hydrozoans, mussels, algae, serpulids and bryozoans. Cnidarians were more resilient than massive sponges since they quickly recovered in less than one month. In the study area, the last two outbreaks caused a reduction in the filtration efficiency of the local benthic assemblage by over 60%. The analysis of the times series of wave heights and temperature revealed that the conditions in summer 2011 were not so extreme as to justify severe mass mortality, suggesting the occurrence of other factors which triggered the disease. The long-term observations of a benthic assemblage in the NW Adriatic Sea allowed us to monitor its dynamics before, during and after the mortality event. The N Adriatic Sea responds quickly to climatic anomalies and other environmental stresses because of the reduced dimension of the basin. The long-term consequences of frequent mass mortality episodes in this area could promote the shift from biocoenoses dominated by slow-growing and long-lived species to assemblages dominated by plastic and short life cycle species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlo Cerrano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Sini M, Kipson S, Linares C, Koutsoubas D, Garrabou J. The Yellow Gorgonian Eunicella cavolini: Demography and Disturbance Levels across the Mediterranean Sea. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126253. [PMID: 25942319 PMCID: PMC4420262 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The yellow octocoral Eunicella cavolini is one of the most common gorgonians thriving in Mediterranean hard-bottom communities. However, information regarding its distribution and ecology in several parts of the Mediterranean is lacking, while population trends and conservation status remain largely unknown. We investigated 19 populations of E. cavolini over three representative geographic regions: the NW Mediterranean, CE Adriatic, and N Aegean. Focusing on the upper bathymetric range of the species (<40 m), data were collected on the populations' upper depth limit, density, colony height, and extent of injury. A three-level hierarchical sampling design was applied to assess the existence of spatial patterns, using: a) regions (located thousands of km apart), b) localities within regions (tens to hundreds of km apart), and c) sites within localities (hundreds of m to a few km apart). In the NW Mediterranean and CE Adriatic, the upper distribution limit was at depths ≤15 m, whereas in the N Aegean most populations were found deeper than 30 m. Population density ranged between 4.46-62 colonies per m2, while mean colony height was 15.6±8.9 SD cm with a maximum of 62 cm. The NW Mediterranean sites were characterized by dense populations dominated by small colonies (<20 cm), periodic recruitment, and low proportion of large gorgonians (>30 cm). The CE Adriatic displayed intermediate densities, with well-structured populations, and continuous recruitment. In the N Aegean, most populations presented low densities, high proportion of large colonies, but low number of small colonies, signifying limited recruitment. Disturbance levels, as a function of extent and type of injury, are discussed in relation to past or present human-induced threats. This work represents geographically the most wide ranging demographic study of a Mediterranean octocoral to date. The quantitative information obtained provides a basis for future monitoring at a Mediterranean scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sini
- Department of Marine Sciences, Faculty of Environment, Univeristy of the Aegean, Mytilene, Lesvos, Greece
| | - Silvija Kipson
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Cristina Linares
- Departament d’Ecologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Drosos Koutsoubas
- Department of Marine Sciences, Faculty of Environment, Univeristy of the Aegean, Mytilene, Lesvos, Greece
| | - Joaquim Garrabou
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, CSIC, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- CNRS/INSU, IRD, Aix-Marseille Université, Université du Sud Toulon Var, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Huete-Stauffer C, Valisano L, Gaino E, Vezzulli L, Cerrano C. Development of long-term primary cell aggregates from Mediterranean octocorals. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2015; 51:815-26. [DOI: 10.1007/s11626-015-9896-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
37
|
Bo M, Bavestrello G, Angiolillo M, Calcagnile L, Canese S, Cannas R, Cau A, D’Elia M, D’Oriano F, Follesa MC, Quarta G, Cau A. Persistence of pristine deep-sea coral gardens in the Mediterranean Sea (SW Sardinia). PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119393. [PMID: 25790333 PMCID: PMC4366093 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Leiopathes glaberrima is a tall arborescent black coral species structuring important facies of the deep-sea rocky bottoms of the Mediterranean Sea that are severely stifled by fishing activities. At present, however, no morphological in vivo description, ecological characterization, age dating and evaluation of the possible conservation actions have ever been made for any population of this species in the basin. A dense coral population was reported during two Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) surveys conducted on a rocky bank off the SW coasts of Sardinia (Western Mediterranean Sea). L. glaberrima forms up to 2 m-tall colonies with a maximal observed basal diameter of nearly 7 cm. The radiocarbon dating carried out on a colony from this site with a 4 cm basal diameter revealed an approximately age of 2000 years. Considering the size-frequency distribution of the colonies in the area it is possible to hypothesize the existence of other millennial specimens occupying a supposedly very stable ecosystem. The persistence of this ecosystem is likely guaranteed by the heterogeneous rocky substrate hosting the black coral population that represents a physical barrier against the mechanical impacts acted on the surrounding muddy areas, heavily exploited as trawling fishing grounds. This favorable condition, together with the existence of a nursery area for catsharks within the coral ramifications and the occurrence of a meadow of the now rare soft bottom alcyonacean Isidella elongata in small surviving muddy enclaves, indicates that this ecosystem have to be considered a pristine Mediterranean deep-sea coral sanctuary that would deserve special protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Bo
- Università degli Studi di Genova, Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e della Vita, Genova, Italy
| | - Giorgio Bavestrello
- Università degli Studi di Genova, Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e della Vita, Genova, Italy
| | - Michela Angiolillo
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, Roma, Italy
| | - Lucio Calcagnile
- Università del Salento, Centro di Datazione e Diagnostica, Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Innovazione, Lecce, Italy
| | | | - Rita Cannas
- Università di Cagliari, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cau
- Università di Cagliari, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marisa D’Elia
- Università del Salento, Centro di Datazione e Diagnostica, Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Innovazione, Lecce, Italy
| | - Filippo D’Oriano
- Geophi S.r.l. c/o Research Area Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Follesa
- Università di Cagliari, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gianluca Quarta
- Università del Salento, Centro di Datazione e Diagnostica, Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Innovazione, Lecce, Italy
| | - Angelo Cau
- Università di Cagliari, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Gatti G, Bianchi CN, Parravicini V, Rovere A, Peirano A, Montefalcone M, Massa F, Morri C. Ecological change, sliding baselines and the importance of historical data: lessons from Combining [corrected] observational and quantitative data on a temperate reef over 70 years. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118581. [PMID: 25714413 PMCID: PMC4340909 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the effects of environmental change on ecosystems requires the identification of baselines that may act as reference conditions. However, the continuous change of these references challenges our ability to define the true natural status of ecosystems. The so-called sliding baseline syndrome can be overcome through the analysis of quantitative time series, which are, however, extremely rare. Here we show how combining historical quantitative data with descriptive ‘naturalistic’ information arranged in a chronological chain allows highlighting long-term trends and can be used to inform present conservation schemes. We analysed the long-term change of a coralligenous reef, a marine habitat endemic to the Mediterranean Sea. The coralligenous assemblages of Mesco Reef (Ligurian Sea, NW Mediterranean) have been studied, although discontinuously, since 1937 thus making available both detailed descriptive information and scanty quantitative data: while the former was useful to understand the natural history of the ecosystem, the analysis of the latter was of paramount importance to provide a formal measure of change over time. Epibenthic assemblages remained comparatively stable until the 1990s, when species replacement, invasion by alien algae, and biotic homogenisation occurred within few years, leading to a new and completely different ecosystem state. The shift experienced by the coralligenous assemblages of Mesco Reef was probably induced by a combination of seawater warming and local human pressures, the latter mainly resulting in increased water turbidity; in turn, cumulative stress may have favoured the establishment of alien species. This study showed that the combined analysis of quantitative and descriptive historical data represent a precious knowledge to understand ecosystem trends over time and provide help to identify baselines for ecological management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gatti
- DiSTAV, Department of the Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, Genoa, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Carlo Nike Bianchi
- DiSTAV, Department of the Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valeriano Parravicini
- CRIOBE, USR 3278 CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, LABEX ‘CORAIL’, University of Perpignan, Perpignan, France
| | - Alessio Rovere
- MARUM, University of Bremen, & ZMT, Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology, Leobener Str., Bremen, Germany
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, P.O. Box 1000, 61 Route 9W, Palisades, New York, United States of America
| | - Andrea Peirano
- ENEA, Marine Environment Research Centre, C.P. 224, La Spezia, Italy
| | - Monica Montefalcone
- DiSTAV, Department of the Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Massa
- DiSTAV, Department of the Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carla Morri
- DiSTAV, Department of the Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|