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Villalobos R, Aylagas E, Pearman JK, Curdia J, Coker D, Bell AC, Brown SD, Rowe K, Lozano-Cortés D, Rabaoui LJ, Marshell A, Qurban M, Jones B, Berumen ML, Carvalho S. Biodiversity patterns of the coral reef cryptobiota around the Arabian Peninsula. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9532. [PMID: 38664507 PMCID: PMC11045746 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60336-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The Arabian Peninsula accounts for approximately 6% of the world's coral reefs. Some thrive in extreme environments of temperature and salinity. Using 51 Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structure (ARMS), a standardized non-destructive monitoring device, we investigated the spatial patterns of coral reef cryptobenthic diversity in four ecoregions around the Arabian Peninsula and analyzed how geographical and/or environmental drivers shape those patterns. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was used to identify Amplicon Sequence Variants and assign taxonomy of the cryptobenthic organisms collected from the sessile and mobile fractions of each ARMS. Cryptobenthic communities sampled from the two ecoregions in the Red Sea showed to be more diverse than those inhabiting the Arabian (Persian) Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Geographic distance revealed a stronger relationship with beta diversity in the Mantel partial correlation than environmental distance. However, the two mobile fractions (106-500 µm and 500-2000 µm) also had a significant correlation between environmental distance and beta diversity. In our study, dispersal limitations explained the beta diversity patterns in the selected reefs, supporting the neutral theory of ecology. Still, increasing differences in environmental variables (environmental filtering) also had an effect on the distribution patterns of assemblages inhabiting reefs within short geographic distances. The influence of geographical distance in the cryptofauna assemblages makes these relevant, yet usually ignored, communities in reef functioning vulnerable to large scale coastal development and should be considered in ecosystem management of such projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Villalobos
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center, 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Eva Aylagas
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center, 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - John K Pearman
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center, 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Coastal and Freshwater Group, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand
| | - Joao Curdia
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center, 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Darren Coker
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center, 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Alyssa Clothilde Bell
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center, 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Shannon D Brown
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center, 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Katherine Rowe
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center, 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- School of Science, The University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | | | - Lotfi J Rabaoui
- Center for Environment & Marine Studies, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, 31261, Dhahran, Eastern Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- National Center for Wildlife, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alyssa Marshell
- Sultan Qaboos University, Al Seeb Al Khoudh SQU SEPS, 123, Muscat, Oman
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7053, Australia
| | - Mohammad Qurban
- Center for Environment & Marine Studies, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, 31261, Dhahran, Eastern Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Burton Jones
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center, 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Michael Lee Berumen
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center, 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Susana Carvalho
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Red Sea Research Center, 23955-6900, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Bell JJ, Strano F, Broadribb M, Wood G, Harris B, Resende AC, Novak E, Micaroni V. Sponge functional roles in a changing world. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2023; 95:27-89. [PMID: 37923539 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2023.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Sponges are ecologically important benthic organisms with many important functional roles. However, despite increasing global interest in the functions that sponges perform, there has been limited focus on how such functions will be impacted by different anthropogenic stressors. In this review, we describe the progress that has been made in our understanding of the functional roles of sponges over the last 15 years and consider the impacts of anthropogenic stressors on these roles. We split sponge functional roles into interactions with the water column and associations with other organisms. We found evidence for an increasing focus on functional roles among sponge-focused research articles, with our understanding of sponge-mediated nutrient cycling increasing substantially in recent years. From the information available, many anthropogenic stressors have the potential to negatively impact sponge pumping, and therefore have the potential to cause ecosystem level impacts. While our understanding of the importance of sponges has increased in the last 15 years, much more experimental work is required to fully understand how sponges will contribute to reef ecosystem function in future changing oceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Bell
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Francesca Strano
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Manon Broadribb
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Gabriela Wood
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Ben Harris
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Anna Carolina Resende
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Emma Novak
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Valerio Micaroni
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Sivadas SK, Patil AJ. Moving beyond traditional macrofaunal community structure studies in the Indian Ocean continental shelf: a research synthesis based on research weaving. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:19536-19563. [PMID: 36640230 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-25030-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The Indian Ocean (IO) continental shelf characterized by unique oceanographic and meteorological features and extreme habitat is a biodiversity hotspot region. Marine biodiversity provides valuable resources and services, in terms of economy, cultural, science, and education. Unsustainable exploitation and habitat degradation represent the greatest threat to biodiversity. Understanding how these services will change in the future requires knowledge of marine biodiversity. Although macrofaunal biodiversity is critical for the functioning of shelf systems, it has received much less attention, particularly in the IO, mainly due to logistics reasons precluding our ability to predict future changes. Here, we discuss the state of knowledge of macrofaunal ecology, to identify the knowledge gaps, which will allow for setting research priorities. The new framework in research synthesis, research weaving, that combines systematic mapping with bibliometric analysis was applied. The research weaving approach helps illustrate the evolution of research over time and identifies areas of current research interests and the performance of institutions and collaboration patterns. Data retrieved from the Web of Science were analyzed in the R and VOS Viewer software. The results highlight how macrofaunal research in IO is constrained by spatial and temporal scales, with the majority of studies focused on structural patterns. Moreover, most studies were conducted in a few countries (India, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and South Africa) using different sampling techniques hindering comparison within the IO habitats. Future studies investigating the macrofaunal community using a multidisciplinary approach and scientific collaboration (regional and international) can advance our efforts to close the marine biodiversity knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanitha K Sivadas
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), NIOT Campus, Pallikaranai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Amit Jagannath Patil
- Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region, Ministry of Education, School of Water and Environment, Chang'an University, No.126, Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710064, China
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Cai W, Harper LR, Neave EF, Shum P, Craggs J, Arias MB, Riesgo A, Mariani S. Environmental DNA persistence and fish detection in captive sponges. Mol Ecol Resour 2022; 22:2956-2966. [PMID: 35751617 PMCID: PMC9796769 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Large and hyperdiverse marine ecosystems pose significant challenges to biodiversity monitoring. While environmental DNA (eDNA) promises to meet many of these challenges, recent studies suggested that sponges, as "natural samplers" of eDNA, could further streamline the workflow for detecting marine vertebrates. However, beyond pilot studies demonstrating the ability of sponges to capture eDNA, little is known about the dynamics of eDNA particles in sponge tissue, and the effectiveness of the latter compared to water samples. Here, we present the results of a controlled aquarium experiment to examine the persistence and detectability of eDNA captured by three encrusting sponge species and compare the sponge's eDNA capturing ability with established water filtration techniques. Our results indicate that sponges and water samples have highly similar detectability for fish of different sizes and abundances, but different sponge species exhibit considerable variance in performance. Interestingly, one sponge appeared to mirror the eDNA degradation profile of water samples, while another sponge retained eDNA throughout the experiment. A third sponge yielded virtually no DNA sequences at all. Overall, our study suggests that some sponges will be suitable as natural samplers, while others will introduce significant problems for laboratory processing. We suggest that an initial optimization phase will be required in any future studies aiming to employ sponges for biodiversity assessment. With time, factoring in technical and natural accessibility, it is expected that specific sponge taxa may become the "chosen" natural samplers in certain habitats and regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Cai
- School of Biological and Environmental SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUK
| | - Lynsey R. Harper
- School of Biological and Environmental SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUK,NatureMetrics LtdGuildfordUK
| | - Erika F. Neave
- School of Biological and Environmental SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUK,Department of Life SciencesNatural History MuseumLondonUK
| | - Peter Shum
- School of Biological and Environmental SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUK
| | | | - María Belén Arias
- Department of Life SciencesNatural History MuseumLondonUK,School of Life SciencesUniversity of EssexColchesterUK
| | - Ana Riesgo
- Department of Life SciencesNatural History MuseumLondonUK,Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología EvolutivaMuseo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC)MadridSpain
| | - Stefano Mariani
- School of Biological and Environmental SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUK
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Cleary DFR, Polónia ARM, Reijnen BT, Berumen ML, de Voogd NJ. Prokaryote Communities Inhabiting Endemic and Newly Discovered Sponges and Octocorals from the Red Sea. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2020; 80:103-119. [PMID: 31932882 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-019-01465-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we assessed prokaryotic communities of demosponges, a calcareous sponge, octocorals, sediment and seawater in coral reef habitat of the central Red Sea, including endemic species and species new to science. Goals of the study were to compare the prokaryotic communities of demosponges with the calcareous sponge and octocorals and to assign preliminary high microbial abundance (HMA) or low microbial abundance (LMA) status to the sponge species based on compositional trait data. Based on the compositional data, we were able to assign preliminary LMA or HMA status to all sponge species. Certain species, however, had traits of both LMA and HMA species. For example, the sponge Ectyoplasia coccinea, which appeared to be a LMA species, had traits, including a relatively high abundance of Chloroflexi members, that were more typical of HMA species. This included dominant OTUs assigned to two different classes within the Chloroflexi. The calcareous sponge clustered together with seawater, the known LMA sponge Stylissa carteri and other presumable LMA species. The two dominant OTUs of this species were assigned to the Deltaproteobacteria and had no close relatives in the GenBank database. The octocoral species in the present study had prokaryotic communities that were distinct from sediment, seawater and all sponge species. These were characterised by OTUs assigned to the orders Rhodospirillales, Cellvibrionales, Spirochaetales and the genus Endozoicomonas, which were rare or absent in samples from other biotopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- D F R Cleary
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - A R M Polónia
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - B T Reijnen
- Marine Biodiversity, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - M L Berumen
- Red Sea Research Center, Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - N J de Voogd
- Marine Biodiversity, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Environmental Biology Department, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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