1
|
Starko S, Fifer JE, Claar DC, Davies SW, Cunning R, Baker AC, Baum JK. Marine heatwaves threaten cryptic coral diversity and erode associations among coevolving partners. Sci Adv 2023; 9:eadf0954. [PMID: 37566650 PMCID: PMC10421036 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf0954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Climate change-amplified marine heatwaves can drive extensive mortality in foundation species. However, a paucity of longitudinal genomic datasets has impeded understanding of how these rapid selection events alter cryptic genetic structure. Heatwave impacts may be exacerbated in species that engage in obligate symbioses, where the genetics of multiple coevolving taxa may be affected. Here, we tracked the symbiotic associations of reef-building corals for 6 years through a prolonged heatwave, including known survivorship for 79 of 315 colonies. Coral genetics strongly predicted survival of the ubiquitous coral, Porites (massive growth form), with variable survival (15 to 61%) across three morphologically indistinguishable-but genetically distinct-lineages. The heatwave also disrupted strong associations between these coral lineages and their algal symbionts (family Symbiodiniaceae), with symbiotic turnover in some colonies, resulting in reduced specificity across lineages. These results highlight how heatwaves can threaten cryptic genotypes and decouple otherwise tightly coevolved relationships between hosts and symbionts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Starko
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 Station CSC, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2, Canada
- UWA Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - James E. Fifer
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Danielle C. Claar
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 Station CSC, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2, Canada
- Washington Department of Natural Resources, Olympia, WA 98504, USA
| | - Sarah W. Davies
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ross Cunning
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
| | - Andrew C. Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, USA
| | - Julia K. Baum
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 Station CSC, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2, Canada
- Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Connelly MT, Snyder G, Palacio-Castro AM, Gillette PR, Baker AC, Traylor-Knowles N. Antibiotics reduce Pocillopora coral-associated bacteria diversity, decrease holobiont oxygen consumption and activate immune gene expression. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:4677-4694. [PMID: 37317893 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Corals are important models for understanding invertebrate host-microbe interactions; however, to fully discern mechanisms involved in these relationships, experimental approaches for manipulating coral-bacteria associations are needed. Coral-associated bacteria affect holobiont health via nutrient cycling, metabolic exchanges and pathogen exclusion, yet it is not fully understood how bacterial community shifts affect holobiont health and physiology. In this study, a combination of antibiotics (ampicillin, streptomycin and ciprofloxacin) was used to disrupt the bacterial communities of 14 colonies of the reef framework-building corals Pocillopora meandrina and P. verrucosa, originally collected from Panama and hosting diverse algal symbionts (family Symbiodiniaceae). Symbiodiniaceae photochemical efficiencies and holobiont oxygen consumption (as proxies for coral health) were measured throughout a 5-day exposure. Antibiotics altered bacterial community composition and reduced alpha and beta diversity, however, several bacteria persisted, leading to the hypothesis that these bacteria are either antibiotics resistant or occupy internal niches that are shielded from antibiotics. While antibiotics did not affect Symbiodiniaceae photochemical efficiency, antibiotics-treated corals had lower oxygen consumption rates. RNAseq revealed that antibiotics increased expression of Pocillopora immunity and stress response genes at the expense of cellular maintenance and metabolism functions. Together, these results reveal that antibiotic disruption of corals' native bacteria negatively impacts holobiont health by decreasing oxygen consumption and activating host immunity without directly impairing Symbiodiniaceae photosynthesis, underscoring the critical role of coral-associated bacteria in holobiont health. They also provide a baseline for future experiments that manipulate Pocillopora corals' symbioses by first reducing the diversity and complexity of coral-associated bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Connelly
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Grace Snyder
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ana M Palacio-Castro
- University of Miami Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, Miami, Florida, USA
- Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Phillip R Gillette
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Andrew C Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Nikki Traylor-Knowles
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, Miami, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Williamson OM, Mustard AT, Bright AJ, Williams DE, Ladd MC, Baker AC. Opportunistic consumption of coral spawn by the ruby brittle star ( Ophioderma rubicundum). Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10096. [PMID: 37214603 PMCID: PMC10196216 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Many reef invertebrates reproduce through simultaneous broadcast spawning, with an apparent advantage of overwhelming potential predators and maximizing propagule survival. Although reef fish have been observed to consume coral gamete bundles during spawning events, there are few records of such predation by benthic invertebrates. Here, we document several instances of the ruby brittle star, Ophioderma rubicundum, capturing and consuming egg-sperm bundles of the mountainous star coral, Orbicella faveolata, and the symmetrical brain coral, Pseudodiploria strigosa, during spawning events in the Cayman Islands in 2012 and the Florida Keys in 2022. These observations are widely separated in space and time (>600 km, 10 years), suggesting that this behavior may be prevalent on western Atlantic reefs. Since O. rubicundum spawns on the same or subsequent nights as these coral species, we hypothesize that this opportunistic feeding behavior takes advantage of lipid-rich coral gamete bundles to recover energy reserves expended by the brittle star during gametogenesis. The consumption of coral gametes by adult brittle stars suggests an underexplored trophic link between reef invertebrates and also provides evidence that ophiuroid-coral symbioses may oscillate between commensalism and parasitism depending on the ontogeny and reproductive status of both animals. Our observations provide insights into the nuanced, dynamic associations between coral reef invertebrates and may have implications for coral reproductive success and resilience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivia M. Williamson
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth ScienceUniversity of MiamiMiamiFloridaUSA
| | | | - Allan J. Bright
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth ScienceUniversity of MiamiMiamiFloridaUSA
- Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA – National Marine Fisheries ServiceMiamiFloridaUSA
| | - Dana E. Williams
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth ScienceUniversity of MiamiMiamiFloridaUSA
- Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA – National Marine Fisheries ServiceMiamiFloridaUSA
| | - Mark C. Ladd
- Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA – National Marine Fisheries ServiceMiamiFloridaUSA
| | - Andrew C. Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth ScienceUniversity of MiamiMiamiFloridaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rosales SM, Huebner LK, Evans JS, Apprill A, Baker AC, Becker CC, Bellantuono AJ, Brandt ME, Clark AS, Del Campo J, Dennison CE, Eaton KR, Huntley NE, Kellogg CA, Medina M, Meyer JL, Muller EM, Rodriguez-Lanetty M, Salerno JL, Schill WB, Shilling EN, Stewart JM, Voss JD. A meta-analysis of the stony coral tissue loss disease microbiome finds key bacteria in unaffected and lesion tissue in diseased colonies. ISME Commun 2023; 3:19. [PMID: 36894742 PMCID: PMC9998881 DOI: 10.1038/s43705-023-00220-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) has been causing significant whole colony mortality on reefs in Florida and the Caribbean. The cause of SCTLD remains unknown, with the limited concurrence of SCTLD-associated bacteria among studies. We conducted a meta-analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA gene datasets generated by 16 field and laboratory SCTLD studies to find consistent bacteria associated with SCTLD across disease zones (vulnerable, endemic, and epidemic), coral species, coral compartments (mucus, tissue, and skeleton), and colony health states (apparently healthy colony tissue (AH), and unaffected (DU) and lesion (DL) tissue from diseased colonies). We also evaluated bacteria in seawater and sediment, which may be sources of SCTLD transmission. Although AH colonies in endemic and epidemic zones harbor bacteria associated with SCTLD lesions, and aquaria and field samples had distinct microbial compositions, there were still clear differences in the microbial composition among AH, DU, and DL in the combined dataset. Alpha-diversity between AH and DL was not different; however, DU showed increased alpha-diversity compared to AH, indicating that, prior to lesion formation, corals may undergo a disturbance to the microbiome. This disturbance may be driven by Flavobacteriales, which were especially enriched in DU. In DL, Rhodobacterales and Peptostreptococcales-Tissierellales were prominent in structuring microbial interactions. We also predict an enrichment of an alpha-toxin in DL samples which is typically found in Clostridia. We provide a consensus of SCTLD-associated bacteria prior to and during lesion formation and identify how these taxa vary across studies, coral species, coral compartments, seawater, and sediment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Rosales
- The University of Miami, Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, Miami, FL, USA.
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Lindsay K Huebner
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
| | - James S Evans
- U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
| | - Amy Apprill
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Andrew C Baker
- The University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Cynthia C Becker
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | | | - Marilyn E Brandt
- The University of the Virgin Islands, Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, St. Thomas, VI, USA
| | - Abigail S Clark
- The College of the Florida Keys, Marine Science and Technology, Key West, FL, USA
- Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration, Mote Marine Laboratory, Summerland Key, FL, USA
| | - Javier Del Campo
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC - Universitat Pompeu Fabra)-Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Caroline E Dennison
- The University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Katherine R Eaton
- The University of Miami, Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, Miami, FL, USA
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Miami, FL, USA
- Mote Marine Laboratory, Coral Health and Disease Program, Sarasota, FL, USA
| | - Naomi E Huntley
- The Pennsylvania State University, Biology Department, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Christina A Kellogg
- U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
| | - Mónica Medina
- The Pennsylvania State University, Biology Department, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Julie L Meyer
- University of Florida, Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences Department, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Erinn M Muller
- Mote Marine Laboratory, Coral Health and Disease Program, Sarasota, FL, USA
| | | | - Jennifer L Salerno
- George Mason University, Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Woodbridge, VA, USA
| | - William B Schill
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Leetown, WV, USA
| | - Erin N Shilling
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
| | - Julia Marie Stewart
- The Pennsylvania State University, Biology Department, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Joshua D Voss
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Palacio-Castro AM, Smith TB, Brandtneris V, Snyder GA, van Hooidonk R, Maté JL, Manzello D, Glynn PW, Fong P, Baker AC. Increased dominance of heat-tolerant symbionts creates resilient coral reefs in near-term ocean warming. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2202388120. [PMID: 36780524 PMCID: PMC9974440 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2202388120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change is radically altering coral reef ecosystems, mainly through increasingly frequent and severe bleaching events. Yet, some reefs have exhibited higher thermal tolerance after bleaching severely the first time. To understand changes in thermal tolerance in the eastern tropical Pacific (ETP), we compiled four decades of temperature, coral cover, coral bleaching, and mortality data, including three mass bleaching events during the 1982 to 1983, 1997 to 1998 and 2015 to 2016 El Niño heatwaves. Higher heat resistance in later bleaching events was detected in the dominant framework-building genus, Pocillopora, while other coral taxa exhibited similar susceptibility across events. Genetic analyses of Pocillopora spp. colonies and their algal symbionts (2014 to 2016) revealed that one of two Pocillopora lineages present in the region (Pocillopora "type 1") increased its association with thermotolerant algal symbionts (Durusdinium glynnii) during the 2015 to 2016 heat stress event. This lineage experienced lower bleaching and mortality compared with Pocillopora "type 3", which did not acquire D. glynnii. Under projected thermal stress, ETP reefs may be able to preserve high coral cover through the 2060s or later, mainly composed of Pocillopora colonies that associate with D. glynnii. However, although the low-diversity, high-cover reefs of the ETP could illustrate a potential functional state for some future reefs, this state may only be temporary unless global greenhouse gas emissions and resultant global warming are curtailed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana M. Palacio-Castro
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL33149
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL33149
- NOAA Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division, Miami, FL33149
| | - Tyler B. Smith
- Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, University of the Virgin Islands, Saint Thomas, VI 00802
| | | | - Grace A. Snyder
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL33149
| | - Ruben van Hooidonk
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL33149
- NOAA Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division, Miami, FL33149
| | - Juan L. Maté
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Ancon0843-03092, Panama
| | - Derek Manzello
- Coral Reef Watch, Center for Satellite Applications and Research, Satellite Oceanography & Climatology Division, U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, MD20740
| | - Peter W. Glynn
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL33149
| | - Peggy Fong
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Andrew C. Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL33149
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Davies SW, Gamache MH, Howe-Kerr LI, Kriefall NG, Baker AC, Banaszak AT, Bay LK, Bellantuono AJ, Bhattacharya D, Chan CX, Claar DC, Coffroth MA, Cunning R, Davy SK, del Campo J, Díaz-Almeyda EM, Frommlet JC, Fuess LE, González-Pech RA, Goulet TL, Hoadley KD, Howells EJ, Hume BCC, Kemp DW, Kenkel CD, Kitchen SA, LaJeunesse TC, Lin S, McIlroy SE, McMinds R, Nitschke MR, Oakley CA, Peixoto RS, Prada C, Putnam HM, Quigley K, Reich HG, Reimer JD, Rodriguez-Lanetty M, Rosales SM, Saad OS, Sampayo EM, Santos SR, Shoguchi E, Smith EG, Stat M, Stephens TG, Strader ME, Suggett DJ, Swain TD, Tran C, Traylor-Knowles N, Voolstra CR, Warner ME, Weis VM, Wright RM, Xiang T, Yamashita H, Ziegler M, Correa AMS, Parkinson JE. Building consensus around the assessment and interpretation of Symbiodiniaceae diversity. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15023. [PMID: 37151292 PMCID: PMC10162043 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Within microeukaryotes, genetic variation and functional variation sometimes accumulate more quickly than morphological differences. To understand the evolutionary history and ecology of such lineages, it is key to examine diversity at multiple levels of organization. In the dinoflagellate family Symbiodiniaceae, which can form endosymbioses with cnidarians (e.g., corals, octocorals, sea anemones, jellyfish), other marine invertebrates (e.g., sponges, molluscs, flatworms), and protists (e.g., foraminifera), molecular data have been used extensively over the past three decades to describe phenotypes and to make evolutionary and ecological inferences. Despite advances in Symbiodiniaceae genomics, a lack of consensus among researchers with respect to interpreting genetic data has slowed progress in the field and acted as a barrier to reconciling observations. Here, we identify key challenges regarding the assessment and interpretation of Symbiodiniaceae genetic diversity across three levels: species, populations, and communities. We summarize areas of agreement and highlight techniques and approaches that are broadly accepted. In areas where debate remains, we identify unresolved issues and discuss technologies and approaches that can help to fill knowledge gaps related to genetic and phenotypic diversity. We also discuss ways to stimulate progress, in particular by fostering a more inclusive and collaborative research community. We hope that this perspective will inspire and accelerate coral reef science by serving as a resource to those designing experiments, publishing research, and applying for funding related to Symbiodiniaceae and their symbiotic partnerships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah W. Davies
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Matthew H. Gamache
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | | | | | - Andrew C. Baker
- Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Anastazia T. Banaszak
- Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Mexico
| | - Line Kolind Bay
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Australia
| | - Anthony J. Bellantuono
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Debashish Bhattacharya
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Cheong Xin Chan
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Danielle C. Claar
- Nearshore Habitat Program, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Olympia, WA, USA
| | | | - Ross Cunning
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Simon K. Davy
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Javier del Campo
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC - Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Jörg C. Frommlet
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Lauren E. Fuess
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
| | - Raúl A. González-Pech
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
| | - Tamar L. Goulet
- Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, University, MS, United States
| | - Kenneth D. Hoadley
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama—Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States
| | - Emily J. Howells
- National Marine Science Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Dustin W. Kemp
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama—Birmingham, Birmingham, Al, United States
| | - Carly D. Kenkel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sheila A. Kitchen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Todd C. LaJeunesse
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Senjie Lin
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Shelby E. McIlroy
- Swire Institute of Marine Science, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Ryan McMinds
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Disease Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | | | - Clinton A. Oakley
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Raquel S. Peixoto
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Carlos Prada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - Hollie M. Putnam
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | | | - Hannah G. Reich
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, United States
| | - James Davis Reimer
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Marine Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan
| | | | - Stephanie M. Rosales
- The Cooperative Institute For Marine and Atmospheric Studies, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Osama S. Saad
- Department of Biological Oceanography, Red Sea University, Port-Sudan, Sudan
| | - Eugenia M. Sampayo
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Scott R. Santos
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Eiichi Shoguchi
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Edward G. Smith
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Michael Stat
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Timothy G. Stephens
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Marie E. Strader
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - David J. Suggett
- Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Timothy D. Swain
- Department of Marine and Environmental Science, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, FL, United States
| | - Cawa Tran
- Department of Biology, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Nikki Traylor-Knowles
- Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | | | - Mark E. Warner
- School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware, Lewes, DE, United States
| | - Virginia M. Weis
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Rachel M. Wright
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Tingting Xiang
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Hiroshi Yamashita
- Fisheries Technology Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Maren Ziegler
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen (Germany), Giessen, Germany
| | | | - John Everett Parkinson
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cunning R, Parker KE, Johnson-Sapp K, Karp RF, Wen AD, Williamson OM, Bartels E, D'Alessandro M, Gilliam DS, Hanson G, Levy J, Lirman D, Maxwell K, Million WC, Moulding AL, Moura A, Muller EM, Nedimyer K, Reckenbeil B, van Hooidonk R, Dahlgren C, Kenkel C, Parkinson JE, Baker AC. Census of heat tolerance among Florida's threatened staghorn corals finds resilient individuals throughout existing nursery populations. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20211613. [PMID: 34666521 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.1613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid loss of reef-building corals owing to ocean warming is driving the development of interventions such as coral propagation and restoration, selective breeding and assisted gene flow. Many of these interventions target naturally heat-tolerant individuals to boost climate resilience, but the challenges of quickly and reliably quantifying heat tolerance and identifying thermotolerant individuals have hampered implementation. Here, we used coral bleaching automated stress systems to perform rapid, standardized heat tolerance assays on 229 colonies of Acropora cervicornis across six coral nurseries spanning Florida's Coral Reef, USA. Analysis of heat stress dose-response curves for each colony revealed a broad range in thermal tolerance among individuals (approx. 2.5°C range in Fv/Fm ED50), with highly reproducible rankings across independent tests (r = 0.76). Most phenotypic variation occurred within nurseries rather than between them, pointing to a potentially dominant role of fixed genetic effects in setting thermal tolerance and widespread distribution of tolerant individuals throughout the population. The identification of tolerant individuals provides immediately actionable information to optimize nursery and restoration programmes for Florida's threatened staghorn corals. This work further provides a blueprint for future efforts to identify and source thermally tolerant corals for conservation interventions worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ross Cunning
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Katherine E Parker
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kelsey Johnson-Sapp
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Richard F Karp
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Alexandra D Wen
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Olivia M Williamson
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Erich Bartels
- Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration, Mote Marine Laboratory, Summerland Key, FL, USA
| | | | - David S Gilliam
- Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, FL, USA
| | - Grace Hanson
- Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, FL, USA
| | - Jessica Levy
- Coral Restoration Foundation, Key Largo, FL, USA
| | - Diego Lirman
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Kerry Maxwell
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Marathon, FL, USA
| | - Wyatt C Million
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alison L Moulding
- Protected Resources Division, NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office, St Petersburg, FL, USA
| | - Amelia Moura
- Coral Restoration Foundation, Key Largo, FL, USA
| | - Erinn M Muller
- Coral Health and Disease Program, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Ruben van Hooidonk
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.,Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division, NOAA Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Carly Kenkel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - John E Parkinson
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Andrew C Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rodriguez-Casariego JA, Cunning R, Baker AC, Eirin-Lopez JM. Symbiont shuffling induces differential DNA methylation responses to thermal stress in the coral Montastraea cavernosa. Mol Ecol 2021; 31:588-602. [PMID: 34689363 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Algal symbiont shuffling in favour of more thermotolerant species has been shown to enhance coral resistance to heat-stress. Yet, the mechanistic underpinnings and long-term implications of these changes are poorly understood. This work studied the modifications in coral DNA methylation, an epigenetic mechanism involved in coral acclimatization, in response to symbiont manipulation and subsequent heat stress exposure. Symbiont composition was manipulated in the great star coral Montastraea cavernosa through controlled thermal bleaching and recovery, producing paired ramets of three genets dominated by either their native symbionts (genus Cladocopium) or the thermotolerant species (Durusdinium trenchi). Single-base genome-wide analyses showed significant modifications in DNA methylation concentrated in intergenic regions, introns and transposable elements. Remarkably, DNA methylation changes in response to heat stress were dependent on the dominant symbiont, with twice as many differentially methylated regions found in heat-stressed corals hosting different symbionts (Cladocopium vs. D. trenchii) compared to all other comparisons. Interestingly, while differential gene body methylation was not correlated with gene expression, an enrichment in differentially methylated regions was evident in repetitive genome regions. Overall, these results suggest that changes in algal symbionts favouring heat tolerant associations are accompanied by changes in DNA methylation in the coral host. The implications of these results for coral adaptation, along with future avenues of research based on current knowledge gaps, are discussed in the present work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier A Rodriguez-Casariego
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ross Cunning
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Andrew C Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jose M Eirin-Lopez
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fuess LE, Palacio-Castro AM, Butler CC, Baker AC, Mydlarz LD. Increased Algal Symbiont Density Reduces Host Immunity in a Threatened Caribbean Coral Species, Orbicella faveolata. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.572942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
10
|
Cunning R, Baker AC. Thermotolerant coral symbionts modulate heat stress‐responsive genes in their hosts. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:2940-2950. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.15526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ross Cunning
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science University of Miami Miami FL USA
- Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research John G. Shedd Aquarium Chicago IL USA
| | - Andrew C. Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science University of Miami Miami FL USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Drury C, Pérez Portela R, Serrano XM, Oleksiak M, Baker AC. Fine-scale structure among mesophotic populations of the great star coral Montastraea cavernosa revealed by SNP genotyping. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:6009-6019. [PMID: 32607208 PMCID: PMC7319168 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesophotic reefs (30-150 m) have been proposed as potential refugia that facilitate the recovery of degraded shallow reefs following acute disturbances such as coral bleaching and disease. However, because of the technical difficulty of collecting samples, the connectivity of adjacent mesophotic reefs is relatively unknown compared with shallower counterparts. We used genotyping by sequencing to assess fine-scale genetic structure of Montastraea cavernosa at two sites at Pulley Ridge, a mesophotic coral reef ecosystem in the Gulf of Mexico, and downstream sites along the Florida Reef Tract. We found differentiation between reefs at Pulley Ridge (~68 m) and corals at downstream upper mesophotic depths in the Dry Tortugas (28-36 m) and shallow reefs in the northern Florida Keys (Key Biscayne, ~5 m). The spatial endpoints of our study were distinct, with the Dry Tortugas as a genetic intermediate. Most striking were differences in population structure among northern and southern sites at Pulley Ridge that were separated by just 12km. Unique patterns of clonality and outlier loci allele frequency support these sites as different populations and suggest that the long-distance horizontal connectivity typical of shallow-water corals may not be typical for mesophotic systems in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. We hypothesize that this may be due to the spawning of buoyant gametes, which commits propagules to the surface, resulting in greater dispersal and lower connectivity than typically found between nearby shallow sites. Differences in population structure over small spatial scales suggest that demographic constraints and/or environmental disturbances may be more variable in space and time on mesophotic reefs compared with their shallow-water counterparts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Crawford Drury
- Department of Marine Biology and EcologyRosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric ScienceUniversity of MiamiMiamiFlorida
- Present address:
Hawai'i Institute of Marine BiologyUniversity of Hawai'i at MānoaKāne'oheHawai'i
| | - Rocío Pérez Portela
- Department of Marine Biology and EcologyRosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric ScienceUniversity of MiamiMiamiFlorida
- Present address:
University of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Xaymara M. Serrano
- Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological LaboratoryNational Oceanographic and Atmospheric AdministrationMiamiFlordia
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric StudiesUniversity of MiamiMiamiFlorida
| | - Marjorie Oleksiak
- Department of Marine Biology and EcologyRosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric ScienceUniversity of MiamiMiamiFlorida
| | - Andrew C. Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and EcologyRosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric ScienceUniversity of MiamiMiamiFlorida
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Baums IB, Baker AC, Davies SW, Grottoli AG, Kenkel CD, Kitchen SA, Kuffner IB, LaJeunesse TC, Matz MV, Miller MW, Parkinson JE, Shantz AA. Considerations for maximizing the adaptive potential of restored coral populations in the western Atlantic. Ecol Appl 2019; 29:e01978. [PMID: 31332879 PMCID: PMC6916196 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Active coral restoration typically involves two interventions: crossing gametes to facilitate sexual larval propagation; and fragmenting, growing, and outplanting adult colonies to enhance asexual propagation. From an evolutionary perspective, the goal of these efforts is to establish self-sustaining, sexually reproducing coral populations that have sufficient genetic and phenotypic variation to adapt to changing environments. Here, we provide concrete guidelines to help restoration practitioners meet this goal for most Caribbean species of interest. To enable the persistence of coral populations exposed to severe selection pressure from many stressors, a mixed provenance strategy is suggested: genetically unique colonies (genets) should be sourced both locally as well as from more distant, environmentally distinct sites. Sourcing three to four genets per reef along environmental gradients should be sufficient to capture a majority of intraspecies genetic diversity. It is best for practitioners to propagate genets with one or more phenotypic traits that are predicted to be valuable in the future, such as low partial mortality, high wound healing rate, high skeletal growth rate, bleaching resilience, infectious disease resilience, and high sexual reproductive output. Some effort should also be reserved for underperforming genets because colonies that grow poorly in nurseries sometimes thrive once returned to the reef and may harbor genetic variants with as yet unrecognized value. Outplants should be clustered in groups of four to six genets to enable successful fertilization upon maturation. Current evidence indicates that translocating genets among distant reefs is unlikely to be problematic from a population genetic perspective but will likely provide substantial adaptive benefits. Similarly, inbreeding depression is not a concern given that current practices only raise first-generation offspring. Thus, proceeding with the proposed management strategies even in the absence of a detailed population genetic analysis of the focal species at sites targeted for restoration is the best course of action. These basic guidelines should help maximize the adaptive potential of reef-building corals facing a rapidly changing environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iliana B. Baums
- Department of BiologyPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvania16803USA
| | - Andrew C. Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and EcologyRosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric ScienceUniversity of MiamiMiamiFlorida33149USA
| | - Sarah W. Davies
- Department of BiologyBoston UniversityBostonMassachusetts02215USA
| | | | - Carly D. Kenkel
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCalifornia90007USA
| | - Sheila A. Kitchen
- Department of BiologyPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvania16803USA
| | - Ilsa B. Kuffner
- U.S. Geological Survey600 4th Street S.St. PetersburgFlorida33701USA
| | - Todd C. LaJeunesse
- Department of BiologyPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvania16803USA
| | - Mikhail V. Matz
- Department of Integrative BiologyThe University of Texas at AustinAustinTexas78712USA
| | | | - John E. Parkinson
- SECORE InternationalMiamiFlorida33145USA
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of South FloridaTampaFlorida33620USA
| | - Andrew A. Shantz
- Department of BiologyPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvania16803USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Parkinson JE, Baker AC, Baums IB, Davies SW, Grottoli AG, Kitchen SA, Matz MV, Miller MW, Shantz AA, Kenkel CD. Molecular tools for coral reef restoration: Beyond biomarker discovery. Conserv Lett 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- John Everett Parkinson
- SECORE International Miami Florida
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of South Florida Tampa Florida
| | - Andrew C. Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric ScienceUniversity of Miami Miami Florida
| | - Iliana B. Baums
- Department of BiologyPennsylvania State University University Park Pennsylvania
| | | | | | - Sheila A. Kitchen
- Department of BiologyPennsylvania State University University Park Pennsylvania
| | - Mikhail V. Matz
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of Texas at Austin Austin Texas
| | | | - Andrew A. Shantz
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric ScienceUniversity of Miami Miami Florida
| | - Carly D. Kenkel
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Southern California Los Angeles California
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
McIlroy SE, Cunning R, Baker AC, Coffroth MA. Competition and succession among coral endosymbionts. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:12767-12778. [PMID: 31788212 PMCID: PMC6875658 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Host species often support a genetically diverse guild of symbionts, the identity and performance of which can determine holobiont fitness under particular environmental conditions. These symbiont communities are structured by a complex set of potential interactions, both positive and negative, between the host and symbionts and among symbionts. In reef-building corals, stable associations with specific symbiont species are common, and we hypothesize that this is partly due to ecological mechanisms, such as succession and competition, which drive patterns of symbiont winnowing in the initial colonization of new generations of coral recruits. We tested this hypothesis using the experimental framework of the de Wit replacement series and found that competitive interactions occurred among symbionts which were characterized by unique ecological strategies. Aposymbiotic octocoral recruits within high- and low-light environments were inoculated with one of three Symbiodiniaceae species as monocultures or with cross-paired mixtures, and we tracked symbiont uptake using quantitative genetic assays. Priority effects, in which early colonizers excluded competitive dominants, were evidenced under low light, but these early opportunistic species were later succeeded by competitive dominants. Under high light, a more consistent competitive hierarchy was established in which competitive dominants outgrew and limited the abundance of others. These findings provide insight into mechanisms of microbial community organization and symbiosis breakdown and recovery. Furthermore, transitions in competitive outcomes across spatial and temporal environmental variation may improve lifetime host fitness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shelby E. McIlroy
- Graduate Program in Evolution, Ecology and BehaviorState University of New YorkUniversity at BuffaloBuffaloNew York
- Swire Institute of Marine ScienceSchool of Biological ScienceThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
- Present address:
Swire Institute of Marine ScienceSchool of Biological ScienceThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Ross Cunning
- Department of Marine Biology and EcologyRosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric ScienceUniversity of MiamiMiamiFlorida
- Present address:
Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and ResearchJohn G. Shedd AquariumChicagoIllinois
| | - Andrew C. Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and EcologyRosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric ScienceUniversity of MiamiMiamiFlorida
| | - Mary Alice Coffroth
- Graduate Program in Evolution, Ecology and BehaviorState University of New YorkUniversity at BuffaloBuffaloNew York
- Department of GeologyState University of New YorkUniversity at BuffaloBuffaloNew York
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cunning R, Silverstein RN, Barnes BB, Baker AC. Extensive coral mortality and critical habitat loss following dredging and their association with remotely-sensed sediment plumes. Mar Pollut Bull 2019; 145:185-199. [PMID: 31590775 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.05.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Dredging poses a potential threat to coral reefs, yet quantifying impacts is often difficult due to the large spatial footprint of potential effects and co-occurrence of other disturbances. Here we analyzed in situ monitoring data and remotely-sensed sediment plumes to assess impacts of the 2013-2015 Port of Miami dredging on corals and reef habitat. To control for contemporaneous bleaching and disease, we analyzed the spatial distribution of impacts in relation to the dredged channel. Areas closer to dredging experienced higher sediment trap accumulation, benthic sediment cover, coral burial, and coral mortality, and our spatial analyses indicate that >560,000 corals were killed within 0.5 km, with impacts likely extending over 5-10 km. The occurrence of sediment plumes explained ~60% of spatial variability in measured impacts, suggesting that remotely-sensed plumes, when properly calibrated against in situ monitoring data, can reliably estimate the magnitude and extent of dredging impacts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ross Cunning
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, USA; Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, USA.
| | | | - Brian B Barnes
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, 140 7th Avenue South, MSL119, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
| | - Andrew C Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Cunning R, Silverstein RN, Barnes BB, Baker AC. Extensive coral mortality and critical habitat loss following dredging and their association with remotely-sensed sediment plumes. Mar Pollut Bull 2019; 145:185-199. [PMID: 31590775 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Dredging poses a potential threat to coral reefs, yet quantifying impacts is often difficult due to the large spatial footprint of potential effects and co-occurrence of other disturbances. Here we analyzed in situ monitoring data and remotely-sensed sediment plumes to assess impacts of the 2013-2015 Port of Miami dredging on corals and reef habitat. To control for contemporaneous bleaching and disease, we analyzed the spatial distribution of impacts in relation to the dredged channel. Areas closer to dredging experienced higher sediment trap accumulation, benthic sediment cover, coral burial, and coral mortality, and our spatial analyses indicate that >560,000 corals were killed within 0.5 km, with impacts likely extending over 5-10 km. The occurrence of sediment plumes explained ~60% of spatial variability in measured impacts, suggesting that remotely-sensed plumes, when properly calibrated against in situ monitoring data, can reliably estimate the magnitude and extent of dredging impacts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ross Cunning
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, USA; Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, USA.
| | | | - Brian B Barnes
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, 140 7th Avenue South, MSL119, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
| | - Andrew C Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Cunning R, Bay RA, Gillette P, Baker AC, Traylor-Knowles N. Comparative analysis of the Pocillopora damicornis genome highlights role of immune system in coral evolution. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16134. [PMID: 30382153 PMCID: PMC6208414 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34459-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Comparative analysis of the expanding genomic resources for scleractinian corals may provide insights into the evolution of these organisms, with implications for their continued persistence under global climate change. Here, we sequenced and annotated the genome of Pocillopora damicornis, one of the most abundant and widespread corals in the world. We compared this genome, based on protein-coding gene orthology, with other publicly available coral genomes (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Scleractinia), as well as genomes from other anthozoan groups (Actiniaria, Corallimorpharia), and two basal metazoan outgroup phlya (Porifera, Ctenophora). We found that 46.6% of P. damicornis genes had orthologs in all other scleractinians, defining a coral ‘core’ genome enriched in basic housekeeping functions. Of these core genes, 3.7% were unique to scleractinians and were enriched in immune functionality, suggesting an important role of the immune system in coral evolution. Genes occurring only in P. damicornis were enriched in cellular signaling and stress response pathways, and we found similar immune-related gene family expansions in each coral species, indicating that immune system diversification may be a prominent feature of scleractinian coral evolution at multiple taxonomic levels. Diversification of the immune gene repertoire may underlie scleractinian adaptations to symbiosis, pathogen interactions, and environmental stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Cunning
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, 33149, USA. .,Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research, John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60605, USA.
| | - R A Bay
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - P Gillette
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
| | - A C Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
| | - N Traylor-Knowles
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, 33149, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Okazaki RR, Towle EK, van Hooidonk R, Mor C, Winter RN, Piggot AM, Cunning R, Baker AC, Klaus JS, Swart PK, Langdon C. Species-specific responses to climate change and community composition determine future calcification rates of Florida Keys reefs. Glob Chang Biol 2017; 23:1023-1035. [PMID: 27561209 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic climate change compromises reef growth as a result of increasing temperatures and ocean acidification. Scleractinian corals vary in their sensitivity to these variables, suggesting species composition will influence how reef communities respond to future climate change. Because data are lacking for many species, most studies that model future reef growth rely on uniform scleractinian calcification sensitivities to temperature and ocean acidification. To address this knowledge gap, calcification of twelve common and understudied Caribbean coral species was measured for two months under crossed temperatures (27, 30.3 °C) and CO2 partial pressures (pCO2 ) (400, 900, 1300 μatm). Mixed-effects models of calcification for each species were then used to project community-level scleractinian calcification using Florida Keys reef composition data and IPCC AR5 ensemble climate model data. Three of the four most abundant species, Orbicella faveolata, Montastraea cavernosa, and Porites astreoides, had negative calcification responses to both elevated temperature and pCO2 . In the business-as-usual CO2 emissions scenario, reefs with high abundances of these species had projected end-of-century declines in scleractinian calcification of >50% relative to present-day rates. Siderastrea siderea, the other most common species, was insensitive to both temperature and pCO2 within the levels tested here. Reefs dominated by this species had the most stable end-of-century growth. Under more optimistic scenarios of reduced CO2 emissions, calcification rates throughout the Florida Keys declined <20% by 2100. Under the most extreme emissions scenario, projected declines were highly variable among reefs, ranging 10-100%. Without considering bleaching, reef growth will likely decline on most reefs, especially where resistant species like S. siderea are not already dominant. This study demonstrates how species composition influences reef community responses to climate change and how reduced CO2 emissions can limit future declines in reef calcification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Remy R Okazaki
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
- Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean, University of Washington, 3737 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, 7600 Sandpoint Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98115, USA
| | - Erica K Towle
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
| | - Ruben van Hooidonk
- Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystems Division, NOAA Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, 4301 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
| | - Carolina Mor
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
| | - Rivah N Winter
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
| | - Alan M Piggot
- Department of Marine Geosciences, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
| | - Ross Cunning
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
| | - Andrew C Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
| | - James S Klaus
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Miami, 1320 S. Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL, 33124, USA
| | - Peter K Swart
- Department of Marine Geosciences, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
| | - Chris Langdon
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Silverstein RN, Cunning R, Baker AC. Tenacious D: Symbiodinium in clade D remain in reef corals at both high and low temperature extremes despite impairment. J Exp Biol 2017; 220:1192-1196. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.148239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Reef corals are sensitive to thermal stress, which induces coral bleaching (the loss of algal symbionts), often leading to coral mortality. However, corals hosting certain symbionts (notably Symbiodinium in clade D) resist bleaching when exposed to high temperatures. To determine if these symbionts are also cold tolerant, we exposed corals hosting either Symbiodinium C3 or D1a to incremental warming (+1°C week−1 to 35°C) and cooling (−1°C week−1 to 15°C), and measured photodamage and symbiont loss. During warming to 33°C, C3-corals were photodamaged and lost >99% of symbionts, while D1a-corals experienced photodamage but did not bleach. During cooling, D1a-corals suffered more photodamage than C3-corals but still did not bleach, while C3-corals lost 94% of symbionts. These results indicate that photodamage does not always lead to bleaching, suggesting alternate mechanisms exist by which symbionts resist bleaching, and helping explain the persistence of D1a symbionts on recently-bleached reefs, with implications for the future of these ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel N. Silverstein
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL 33149, USA
- Miami Waterkeeper, 12568 N. Kendall Dr., Miami, FL 33185, USA
| | - Ross Cunning
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL 33149, USA
- Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii, P.O. Box 1346, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA
| | - Andrew C. Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL 33149, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Louis YD, Bhagooli R, Kenkel CD, Baker AC, Dyall SD. Gene expression biomarkers of heat stress in scleractinian corals: Promises and limitations. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2017; 191:63-77. [PMID: 27585119 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2016.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gene expression biomarkers (GEBs) are emerging as powerful diagnostic tools for identifying and characterizing coral stress. Their capacity to detect sublethal stress prior to the onset of signs at the organismal level that might already indicate significant damage makes them more precise and proactive compared to traditional monitoring techniques. A high number of candidate GEBs, including certain heat shock protein genes, metabolic genes, oxidative stress genes, immune response genes, ion transport genes, and structural genes have been investigated, and some genes, including hsp16, Cacna1, MnSOD, SLC26, and Nf-kB, are already showing excellent potential as reliable indicators of thermal stress in corals. In this mini-review, we synthesize the current state of knowledge of scleractinian coral GEBs and highlight gaps in our understanding that identify directions for future work. We also address the underlying sources of variation that have sometimes led to contrasting results between studies, such as differences in experimental set-up and approach, intrinsic variation in the expression profiles of different experimental organisms (such as between different colonies or their algal symbionts), diel cycles, varying thermal history, and different expression thresholds. Despite advances in our understanding there is still no universally accepted biomarker of thermal stress, the molecular response of corals to heat stress is still unclear, and biomarker research in Symbiodinium still lags behind that of the host. These gaps should be addressed in future work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yohan D Louis
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Réduit 80837, Mauritius
| | - Ranjeet Bhagooli
- Department of Marine & Ocean Science, Fisheries & Mariculture, Faculty of Ocean Studies, University of Mauritius, Réduit 80837, Mauritius.
| | - Carly D Kenkel
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB No. 3, Townsville MC, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Andrew C Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy., Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sabrina D Dyall
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Réduit 80837, Mauritius
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
McIlroy SE, Gillette P, Cunning R, Klueter A, Capo T, Baker AC, Coffroth MA. The effects of Symbiodinium (Pyrrhophyta) identity on growth, survivorship, and thermal tolerance of newly settled coral recruits. J Phycol 2016; 52:1114-1124. [PMID: 27690269 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.12471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
For many coral species, the obligate association with phylogenetically diverse algal endosymbiont species is dynamic in time and space. Here, we used controlled laboratory inoculations of newly settled, aposymbiotic corals (Orbicella faveolata) with two cultured species of algal symbiont (Symbiodinium microadriaticum and S. minutum) to examine the role of symbiont identity on growth, survivorship, and thermal tolerance of the coral holobiont. We evaluated these data in the context of Symbiodinium photophysiology for 9 months post-settlement and also during a 5-d period of elevated temperatures Our data show that recruits that were inoculated with S. minutum grew significantly slower than those inoculated with S. microadriaticum (occasionally co-occurring with S. minutum), but that there was no difference in survivorship of O. faveolata polyps infected with Symbiodinium. However, photophysiological metrics (∆Fv/F'm, the efficiency with which available light is used to drive photosynthesis and α, the maximum light utilization coefficient) were higher in those slower growing recruits containing S. minutum. These findings suggest that light use (i.e., photophysiology) and carbon acquisition by the coral host (i.e., host growth) are decoupled, but did not distinguish the source of this difference. Neither Symbiodinium treatment demonstrated a significant negative effect of a 5-d exposure to temperatures as high as 32°C under low light conditions similar to those measured at settlement habitats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shelby E McIlroy
- Graduate Program in Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, University at Buffalo, 126 Cooke Hall, Buffalo, New York, 14260, USA
| | - Phillip Gillette
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Csy, Miami, Florida, 33149, USA
| | - Ross Cunning
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Csy, Miami, Florida, 33149, USA
| | - Anke Klueter
- Department of Geology, University at Buffalo, 126 Cooke Hall, Buffalo, New York, 14260, USA
| | - Tom Capo
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Csy, Miami, Florida, 33149, USA
| | - Andrew C Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Csy, Miami, Florida, 33149, USA
| | - Mary Alice Coffroth
- Graduate Program in Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, University at Buffalo, 126 Cooke Hall, Buffalo, New York, 14260, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wirshing HH, Baker AC. On the difficulty of recognizing distinct
Symbiodinium
species in mixed communities of algal symbionts. Mol Ecol 2016; 25:2724-6. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.13676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Herman H. Wirshing
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History P.O. Box 37012 NHB MRC‐163 Washington DC 20013‐7012 USA
| | - Andrew C. Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science University of Miami 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy. Miami FL 33149 USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Cunning R, Silverstein RN, Baker AC. Investigating the causes and consequences of symbiont shuffling in a multi-partner reef coral symbiosis under environmental change. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 282:20141725. [PMID: 26041354 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2014.1725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Dynamic symbioses may critically mediate impacts of climate change on diverse organisms, with repercussions for ecosystem persistence in some cases. On coral reefs, increases in heat-tolerant symbionts after thermal bleaching can reduce coral susceptibility to future stress. However, the relevance of this adaptive response is equivocal owing to conflicting reports of symbiont stability and change. We help reconcile this conflict by showing that change in symbiont community composition (symbiont shuffling) in Orbicella faveolata depends on the disturbance severity and recovery environment. The proportion of heat-tolerant symbionts dramatically increased following severe experimental bleaching, especially in a warmer recovery environment, but tended to decrease if bleaching was less severe. These patterns can be explained by variation in symbiont performance in the changing microenvironments created by differentially bleached host tissues. Furthermore, higher proportions of heat-tolerant symbionts linearly increased bleaching resistance but reduced photochemical efficiency, suggesting that any change in community structure oppositely impacts performance and stress tolerance. Therefore, even minor symbiont shuffling can adaptively benefit corals, although fitness effects of resulting trade-offs are difficult to predict. This work helps elucidate causes and consequences of dynamism in symbiosis, which is critical to predicting responses of multi-partner symbioses such as O. faveolata to environmental change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Cunning
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, USA
| | - R N Silverstein
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, USA Miami Waterkeeper, 12568 N. Kendall Dr., Miami, FL 33185, USA
| | - A C Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, USA Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Program, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Cunning R, Vaughan N, Gillette P, Capo TR, Matté JL, Baker AC. Dynamic regulation of partner abundance mediates response of reef coral symbioses to environmental change. Ecology 2015; 96:1411-20. [PMID: 26236853 DOI: 10.1890/14-0449.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Regulating partner abunclance may allow symmotic organisms to mediate interaction outcomes, facilitating adaptive responses to environmental change. To explore the capacity for-adaptive regulation in an ecologically important endosymbiosis, we studied the population dynamics of symbiotic algae in reef-building corals under different abiotic contexts. We found high natural variability in symbiont abundance in corals across reefs, but this variability converged to different symbiont-specific abundances when colonies were maintained under constant conditions. When conditions changed seasonally, symbiont abundance readjusted to new equilibria. We explain these patterns using an a priori model of symbiotic costs and benefits to the coral host, which shows that the observed changes in symbiont abundance are consistent with the maximization of interaction benefit under different environmental conditions. These results indicate that, while regulating symbiont abundance helps hosts sustain maximum benefit in a dynamic environment, spatiotemporal variation in abiotic factors creates a broad range of symbiont abundances (and interaction outcomes) among corals that may account for observed natural variability in performance (e.g., growth rate) and stress tolerance (e.g., bleaching susceptibility). This cost or benefit framework provides a new perspective on the dynamic regulation of reef coral symbioses and illustrates that the dependence of interaction outcomes on biotic and abiotic contexts may be important in understanding how diverse mutualisms respond to environmental change.
Collapse
|
25
|
Wirshing HH, Baker AC. Molecular and Morphological Species Boundaries in the Gorgonian Octocoral Genus Pterogorgia (Octocorallia: Gorgoniidae). PLoS One 2015; 10:e0133517. [PMID: 26196389 PMCID: PMC4510298 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Most gorgonian octocoral species are described using diagnostic characteristics of their sclerites (microscopic skeletal components). Species in the genus Pterogorgia, however, are separated primarily by differences in their calyx and branch morphology. Specimens of a morphologically unusual Pterogorgia collected from Saba Bank in the NE Caribbean Sea were found with calyx morphology similar to P. citrina and branch morphology similar to P. guadalupensis. In order to test morphological species boundaries, and the validity of calyx and branch morphology as systematic characters, a phylogenetic analysis was undertaken utilizing partial gene fragments of three mitochondrial (mtMutS, cytochrome b, and igr4; 726bp total) and two nuclear (ITS2, 166bp; and SRP54 intron, 143bp) loci. The datasets for nuclear and mitochondrial loci contained few phylogenetically informative sites, and tree topologies did not resolve any of the morphological species as monophyletic groups. Instead, the mitochondrial loci and SRP54 each recovered two clades but were slightly incongruent, with a few individuals of P. guadalupensis represented in both clades with SRP54. A concatenated dataset of these loci grouped all P. anceps and P. guadalupensis in a clade, and P. citrina and the Pterogorgia sp. from Saba Bank in a sister clade, but with minimal variation/resolution within each clade. However, in common with other octocoral taxa, the limited genetic variation may not have been able to resolve whether branch variation represents intraspecific variation or separate species. Therefore, these results suggest that there are at least two phylogenetic lineages of Pterogorgia at the species level, and the atypical Pterogorgia sp. may represent an unusual morphotype of P. citrina, possibly endemic to Saba Bank. Branch morphology does not appear to be a reliable morphological character to differentiate Pterogorgia species (e.g., branches "flat" or "3-4 edges" in P. guadalupensis and P. anceps, respectively), and a re-evaluation of species-level characters (e.g., sclerites) is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Herman H. Wirshing
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Andrew C. Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Silverstein RN, Cunning R, Baker AC. Change in algal symbiont communities after bleaching, not prior heat exposure, increases heat tolerance of reef corals. Glob Chang Biol 2015; 21:236-249. [PMID: 25099991 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Mutualistic organisms can be particularly susceptible to climate change stress, as their survivorship is often limited by the most vulnerable partner. However, symbiotic plasticity can also help organisms in changing environments by expanding their realized niche space. Coral-algal (Symbiodinium spp.) symbiosis exemplifies this dichotomy: the partnership is highly susceptible to 'bleaching' (stress-induced symbiosis breakdown), but stress-tolerant symbionts can also sometimes mitigate bleaching. Here, we investigate the role of diverse and mutable symbiotic partnerships in increasing corals' ability to thrive in high temperature conditions. We conducted repeat bleaching and recovery experiments on the coral Montastraea cavernosa, and used quantitative PCR and chlorophyll fluorometry to assess the structure and function of Symbiodinium communities within coral hosts. During an initial heat exposure (32 °C for 10 days), corals hosting only stress-sensitive symbionts (Symbiodinium C3) bleached, but recovered (at either 24 °C or 29 °C) with predominantly (>90%) stress-tolerant symbionts (Symbiodinium D1a), which were not detected before bleaching (either due to absence or extreme low abundance). When a second heat stress (also 32 °C for 10 days) was applied 3 months later, corals that previously bleached and were now dominated by D1a Symbiodinium experienced less photodamage and symbiont loss compared to control corals that had not been previously bleached, and were therefore still dominated by Symbiodinium C3. Additional corals that were initially bleached without heat by a herbicide (DCMU, at 24 °C) also recovered predominantly with D1a symbionts, and similarly lost fewer symbionts during subsequent thermal stress. Increased thermotolerance was also not observed in C3-dominated corals that were acclimated for 3 months to warmer temperatures (29 °C) before heat stress. These findings indicate that increased thermotolerance post-bleaching resulted from symbiont community composition changes, not prior heat exposure. Moreover, initially undetectable D1a symbionts became dominant only after bleaching, and were critical to corals' resilience after stress and resistance to future stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel N Silverstein
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL, 33149, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
Reef-building corals are vulnerable to heat stress and are facing widespread losses due to climate change. A new study shows that coral heat tolerance can result from selection on a suite of genes to maintain genetic flexibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Rodolfo-Metalpa R, Hoogenboom MO, Rottier C, Ramos-Esplá A, Baker AC, Fine M, Ferrier-Pagès C. Thermally tolerant corals have limited capacity to acclimatize to future warming. Glob Chang Biol 2014; 20:3036-3049. [PMID: 24616144 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Thermal stress affects organism performance differently depending on the ambient temperature to which they are acclimatized, which varies along latitudinal gradients. This study investigated whether differences in physiological responses to temperature are consistent with regional differences in temperature regimes for the stony coral Oculina patagonica. To resolve this question, we experimentally assessed how colonies originating from four different locations characterized by >3 °C variation in mean maximum annual temperature responded to warming from 20 to 32 °C. We assessed plasticity in symbiont identity, density, and photosynthetic properties, together with changes in host tissue biomass. Results show that, without changes in the type of symbiont hosted by coral colonies, O. patagonica has limited capacity to acclimatize to future warming. We found little evidence of variation in overall thermal tolerance, or in thermal optima, in response to spatial variation in ambient temperature. Given that the invader O. patagonica is a relatively new member of the Mediterranean coral fauna, our results also suggest that coral populations may need to remain isolated for a long period of time for thermal adaptation to potentially take place. Our study indicates that for O. patagonica, mortality associated with thermal stress manifests primarily through tissue breakdown under moderate but prolonged warming (which does not impair symbiont photosynthesis and, therefore, does not lead to bleaching). Consequently, projected global warming is likely to cause repeat incidents of partial and whole colony mortality and might drive a gradual range contraction of Mediterranean corals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Rodolfo-Metalpa
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, c/o Musée Océanographique, 1 avenue Saint Martin, MC-98000, Monaco
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Lirman D, Schopmeyer S, Galvan V, Drury C, Baker AC, Baums IB. Growth dynamics of the threatened Caribbean staghorn coral Acropora cervicornis: influence of host genotype, symbiont identity, colony size, and environmental setting. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107253. [PMID: 25268812 PMCID: PMC4182308 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The drastic decline in the abundance of Caribbean acroporid corals (Acropora cervicornis, A. palmata) has prompted the listing of this genus as threatened as well as the development of a regional propagation and restoration program. Using in situ underwater nurseries, we documented the influence of coral genotype and symbiont identity, colony size, and propagation method on the growth and branching patterns of staghorn corals in Florida and the Dominican Republic. Methodology/Principal Findings Individual tracking of> 1700 nursery-grown staghorn fragments and colonies from 37 distinct genotypes (identified using microsatellites) in Florida and the Dominican Republic revealed a significant positive relationship between size and growth, but a decreasing rate of productivity with increasing size. Pruning vigor (enhanced growth after fragmentation) was documented even in colonies that lost 95% of their coral tissue/skeleton, indicating that high productivity can be maintained within nurseries by sequentially fragmenting corals. A significant effect of coral genotype was documented for corals grown in a common-garden setting, with fast-growing genotypes growing up to an order of magnitude faster than slow-growing genotypes. Algal-symbiont identity established using qPCR techniques showed that clade A (likely Symbiodinium A3) was the dominant symbiont type for all coral genotypes, except for one coral genotype in the DR and two in Florida that were dominated by clade C, with A- and C-dominated genotypes having similar growth rates. Conclusion/Significance The threatened Caribbean staghorn coral is capable of extremely fast growth, with annual productivity rates exceeding 5 cm of new coral produced for every cm of existing coral. This species benefits from high fragment survivorship coupled by the pruning vigor experienced by the parent colonies after fragmentation. These life-history characteristics make A. cervicornis a successful candidate nursery species and provide optimism for the potential role that active propagation can play in the recovery of this keystone species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Lirman
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Stephanie Schopmeyer
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Victor Galvan
- Punta Cana Ecological Foundation, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
| | - Crawford Drury
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Andrew C. Baker
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Iliana B. Baums
- Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cunning R, Baker AC. Not just who, but how many: the importance of partner abundance in reef coral symbioses. Front Microbiol 2014; 5:400. [PMID: 25136339 PMCID: PMC4120693 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The performance and function of reef corals depends on the genetic identity of their symbiotic algal partners, with some symbionts providing greater benefits (e.g., photosynthate, thermotolerance) than others. However, these interaction outcomes may also depend on partner abundance, with differences in the total number of symbionts changing the net benefit to the coral host, depending on the particular environmental conditions. We suggest that symbiont abundance is a fundamental aspect of the dynamic interface between reef corals and the abiotic environment that ultimately determines the benefits, costs, and functional responses of these symbioses. This density-dependent framework suggests that corals may regulate the size of their symbiont pool to match microhabitat-specific optima, which may contribute to the high spatiotemporal variability in symbiont abundance observed within and among colonies and reefs. Differences in symbiont standing stock may subsequently explain variation in energetics, growth, reproduction, and stress susceptibility, and may mediate the impacts of environmental change on these outcomes. However, the importance of symbiont abundance has received relatively little recognition, possibly because commonly-used metrics based on surface area (e.g., symbiont cells cm-2) may be only weakly linked to biological phenomena and are difficult to compare across studies. We suggest that normalizing symbionts to biological host parameters, such as units of protein or numbers of host cells, will more clearly elucidate the functional role of symbiont abundance in reef coral symbioses. In this article, we generate testable hypotheses regarding the importance of symbiont abundance by first discussing different metrics and their potential links to symbiosis performance and breakdown, and then describing how natural variability and dynamics of symbiont communities may help explain ecological patterns on coral reefs and predict responses to environmental change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ross Cunning
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami Miami, FL, USA
| | - Andrew C Baker
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami Miami, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Wirshing HH, Feldheim KA, Baker AC. Vectored dispersal of Symbiodinium by larvae of a Caribbean gorgonian octocoral. Mol Ecol 2014; 22:4413-32. [PMID: 23980762 DOI: 10.1111/mec.12405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2013] [Revised: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The ability of coral reefs to recover from natural and anthropogenic disturbance is difficult to predict, in part due to uncertainty regarding the dispersal capabilities and connectivity of their reef inhabitants. We developed microsatellite markers for the broadcast spawning gorgonian octocoral Eunicea (Plexaura) flexuosa (four markers) and its dinoflagellate symbiont, Symbiodinium B1 (five markers), and used them to assess genetic connectivity, specificity and directionality of gene flow among sites in Florida, Panama, Saba and the Dominican Republic. Bayesian analyses found that most E. flexuosa from the Florida reef tract, Saba and the Dominican Republic were strongly differentiated from many E. flexuosa in Panama, with the exception of five colonies from Key West that clustered with colonies from Panama. In contrast, Symbiodinium B1 was more highly structured. At least seven populations were detected that showed patterns of isolation by distance. The symbionts in the five unusual Key West colonies also clustered with symbionts from Panama, suggesting these colonies are the result of long-distance dispersal. Migration rate tests indicated a weak signal of northward immigration from the Panama population into the lower Florida Keys. As E. flexuosa clonemates only rarely associated with the same Symbiodinium B1 genotype (and vice versa), these data suggest a dynamic host-symbiont relationship in which E. flexuosa is relatively well dispersed but likely acquires Symbiodinium B1 from highly structured natal areas prior to dispersal. Once vectored by host larvae, these symbionts may then spread through the local population, and/or host colonies may acquire different local symbiont genotypes over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Herman H Wirshing
- Division of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbaker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Toque C, Milodowski AE, Baker AC. The corrosion of depleted uranium in terrestrial and marine environments. J Environ Radioact 2014; 128:97-105. [PMID: 24315120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2009] [Revised: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Depleted Uranium alloyed with titanium is used in armour penetrating munitions that have been fired in a number of conflict zones and testing ranges including the UK ranges at Kirkcudbright and Eskmeals. The study presented here evaluates the corrosion of DU alloy cylinders in soil on these two UK ranges and in the adjacent marine environment of the Solway Firth. The estimated mean initial corrosion rates and times for complete corrosion range from 0.13 to 1.9 g cm(-2) y(-1) and 2.5-48 years respectively depending on the particular physical and geochemical environment. The marine environment at the experimental site was very turbulent. This may have caused the scouring of corrosion products and given rise to a different geochemical environment from that which could be easily duplicated in laboratory experiments. The rate of mass loss was found to vary through time in one soil environment and this is hypothesised to be due to pitting increasing the surface area, followed by a build up of corrosion products inhibiting further corrosion. This indicates that early time measurements of mass loss or corrosion rate may be poor indicators of late time corrosion behaviour, potentially giving rise to incorrect estimates of time to complete corrosion. The DU alloy placed in apparently the same geochemical environment, for the same period of time, can experience very different amounts of corrosion and mass loss, indicating that even small variations in the corrosion environment can have a significant effect. These effects are more significant than other experimental errors and variations in initial surface area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Toque
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, MBG23, Institute of Naval Medicine, Crescent Road, Alverstoke, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 2DL, UK
| | - A E Milodowski
- British Geological Survey, British Geological Survey, Kingsley Dunham Centre, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG, United Kingdom
| | - A C Baker
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, i-SAT F, 102, Building 5, DSTL Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 OJQ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Denis V, Guillaume MMM, Goutx M, de Palmas S, Debreuil J, Baker AC, Boonstra RK, Bruggemann JH. Fast growth may impair regeneration capacity in the branching coral Acropora muricata. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72618. [PMID: 24023627 PMCID: PMC3758286 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Regeneration of artificially induced lesions was monitored in nubbins of the branching coral Acropora muricata at two reef-flat sites representing contrasting environments at Réunion Island (21°07'S, 55°32'E). Growth of these injured nubbins was examined in parallel, and compared to controls. Biochemical compositions of the holobiont and the zooxanthellae density were determined at the onset of the experiment, and the photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm ) of zooxanthellae was monitored during the experiment. Acropora muricata rapidly regenerated small lesions, but regeneration rates significantly differed between sites. At the sheltered site characterized by high temperatures, temperature variations, and irradiance levels, regeneration took 192 days on average. At the exposed site, characterized by steadier temperatures and lower irradiation, nubbins demonstrated fast lesion repair (81 days), slower growth, lower zooxanthellae density, chlorophyll a concentration and lipid content than at the former site. A trade-off between growth and regeneration rates was evident here. High growth rates seem to impair regeneration capacity. We show that environmental conditions conducive to high zooxanthellae densities in corals are related to fast skeletal growth but also to reduced lesion regeneration rates. We hypothesize that a lowered regenerative capacity may be related to limited availability of energetic and cellular resources, consequences of coral holobionts operating at high levels of photosynthesis and associated growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vianney Denis
- Laboratoire d’Ecologie Marine – FRE 3560 CNRS, Université de La Réunion, Saint-Denis, La Réunion, France
- Département Milieux et Peuplements Aquatiques, UMR CNRS-MNHN-UPMC-IRD BOrEA, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Mireille M. M. Guillaume
- Laboratoire d’Ecologie Marine – FRE 3560 CNRS, Université de La Réunion, Saint-Denis, La Réunion, France
- Département Milieux et Peuplements Aquatiques, UMR CNRS-MNHN-UPMC-IRD BOrEA, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
- Laboratoire d’Excellence ‘CORAIL,’ Perpignan, France
| | - Madeleine Goutx
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS/INSU, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), UM 110, Marseille, France
- Université de Toulon, CNRS/INSU, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), UM 110, La Garde, France
| | - Stéphane de Palmas
- Laboratoire d’Ecologie Marine – FRE 3560 CNRS, Université de La Réunion, Saint-Denis, La Réunion, France
| | - Julien Debreuil
- Laboratoire d’Ecologie Marine – FRE 3560 CNRS, Université de La Réunion, Saint-Denis, La Réunion, France
| | - Andrew C. Baker
- Division of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Roxane K. Boonstra
- Division of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - J. Henrich Bruggemann
- Laboratoire d’Ecologie Marine – FRE 3560 CNRS, Université de La Réunion, Saint-Denis, La Réunion, France
- Laboratoire d’Excellence ‘CORAIL,’ Perpignan, France
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Hume B, D'Angelo C, Burt J, Baker AC, Riegl B, Wiedenmann J. Corals from the Persian/Arabian Gulf as models for thermotolerant reef-builders: prevalence of clade C3 Symbiodinium, host fluorescence and ex situ temperature tolerance. Mar Pollut Bull 2013; 72:313-22. [PMID: 23352079 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2012.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Revised: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 11/17/2012] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Corals in the Arabian/Persian Gulf endure summer temperatures of up to 36°C, making them ideal subjects to study the mechanisms underlying thermal tolerance. Unexpectedly, we found the "generalist" Symbiodinium clade C3 to be the prevalent symbiont among seven coral species from Abu Dhabi (UAE) waters. Moreover, C3 represented the only dominant symbiont type in Porites spp. from this region. The "thermotolerant" symbionts D1a and C15 were not encountered, indicating that the association with these symbionts cannot be the sole reason for the heat tolerance of Gulf corals. The association of Porites lobata with specific symbiont types (C3 vs. C15) in samples from habitats with very different temperature regimes (Abu Dhabi vs. Fiji) remained unaffected by laboratory culture. During temperature stress experiments specimens from both locations strongly downregulated green fluorescent protein (GFP)-like pigments. However, the Abu Dhabi samples were less prone to bleaching and showed lower mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Hume
- National Oceanography Centre, Southampton (NOCS), University of Southampton, European Way, SO143ZH Southampton, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Meron D, Rodolfo-Metalpa R, Cunning R, Baker AC, Fine M, Banin E. Changes in coral microbial communities in response to a natural pH gradient. ISME J 2012; 6:1775-85. [PMID: 22437157 PMCID: PMC3498918 DOI: 10.1038/ismej.2012.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2011] [Revised: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Surface seawater pH is currently 0.1 units lower than pre-industrial values and is projected to decrease by up to 0.4 units by the end of the century. This acidification has the potential to cause significant perturbations to the physiology of ocean organisms, particularly those such as corals that build their skeletons/shells from calcium carbonate. Reduced ocean pH could also have an impact on the coral microbial community, and thus may affect coral physiology and health. Most of the studies to date have examined the impact of ocean acidification on corals and/or associated microbiota under controlled laboratory conditions. Here we report the first study that examines the changes in coral microbial communities in response to a natural pH gradient (mean pH(T) 7.3-8.1) caused by volcanic CO(2) vents off Ischia, Gulf of Naples, Italy. Two Mediterranean coral species, Balanophyllia europaea and Cladocora caespitosa, were examined. The microbial community diversity and the physiological parameters of the endosymbiotic dinoflagellates (Symbiodinium spp.) were monitored. We found that pH did not have a significant impact on the composition of associated microbial communities in both coral species. In contrast to some earlier studies, we found that corals present at the lower pH sites exhibited only minor physiological changes and no microbial pathogens were detected. Together, these results provide new insights into the impact of ocean acidification on the coral holobiont.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dalit Meron
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- The Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Riccardo Rodolfo-Metalpa
- Marine Institute, Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Ross Cunning
- Division of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Andrew C Baker
- Division of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Maoz Fine
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Science in Eilat, Eilat, Israel
| | - Ehud Banin
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- The Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
McClanahan TR, Donner SD, Maynard JA, MacNeil MA, Graham NAJ, Maina J, Baker AC, Alemu I JB, Beger M, Campbell SJ, Darling ES, Eakin CM, Heron SF, Jupiter SD, Lundquist CJ, McLeod E, Mumby PJ, Paddack MJ, Selig ER, van Woesik R. Prioritizing key resilience indicators to support coral reef management in a changing climate. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42884. [PMID: 22952618 PMCID: PMC3430673 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Managing coral reefs for resilience to climate change is a popular concept but has been difficult to implement because the empirical scientific evidence has either not been evaluated or is sometimes unsupportive of theory, which leads to uncertainty when considering methods and identifying priority reefs. We asked experts and reviewed the scientific literature for guidance on the multiple physical and biological factors that affect the ability of coral reefs to resist and recover from climate disturbance. Eleven key factors to inform decisions based on scaling scientific evidence and the achievability of quantifying the factors were identified. Factors important to resistance and recovery, which are important components of resilience, were not strongly related, and should be assessed independently. The abundance of resistant (heat-tolerant) coral species and past temperature variability were perceived to provide the greatest resistance to climate change, while coral recruitment rates, and macroalgae abundance were most influential in the recovery process. Based on the 11 key factors, we tested an evidence-based framework for climate change resilience in an Indonesian marine protected area. The results suggest our evidence-weighted framework improved upon existing un-weighted methods in terms of characterizing resilience and distinguishing priority sites. The evaluation supports the concept that, despite high ecological complexity, relatively few strong variables can be important in influencing ecosystem dynamics. This is the first rigorous assessment of factors promoting coral reef resilience based on their perceived importance, empirical evidence, and feasibility of measurement. There were few differences between scientists' perceptions of factor importance and the scientific evidence found in journal publications but more before and after impact studies will be required to fully test the validity of all the factors. The methods here will increase the feasibility and defensibility of including key resilience metrics in evaluations of coral reefs, as well as reduce costs. Adaptation, marine protected areas, priority setting, resistance, recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tim R McClanahan
- Marine Programs, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, United States of America.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Silverstein RN, Correa AMS, Baker AC. Specificity is rarely absolute in coral-algal symbiosis: implications for coral response to climate change. Proc Biol Sci 2012; 279:2609-18. [PMID: 22367985 PMCID: PMC3350700 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2012.0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2012] [Accepted: 02/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Some reef-building corals have been shown to respond to environmental change by shifting the composition of their algal symbiont (genus Symbiodinium) communities. These shifts have been proposed as a potential mechanism by which corals might survive climate stressors, such as increased temperatures. Conventional molecular methods suggest this adaptive capacity may not be widespread because few (∼25%) coral species have been found to associate with multiple Symbiodinium clades. However, these methods can fail to detect low abundance symbionts (typically less than 10-20% of the total algal symbiont community). To determine whether additional Symbiodinium clades are present, but are not detected using conventional techniques, we applied a high-resolution, real-time PCR assay to survey Symbiodinium (in clades A-D) from 39 species of phylogenetically and geographically diverse scleractinian corals. This survey included 26 coral species thought to be restricted to hosting a single Symbiodinium clade ('symbiotic specialists'). We detected at least two Symbiodinium clades (C and D) in at least one sample of all 39 coral species tested; all four Symbiodinium clades were detected in over half (54%) of the 26 symbiotic specialist coral species. Furthermore, on average, 68 per cent of all sampled colonies within a given coral species hosted two or more symbiont clades. We conclude that the ability to associate with multiple symbiont clades is common in scleractinian (stony) corals, and that, in coral-algal symbiosis, 'specificity' and 'flexibility' are relative terms: specificity is rarely absolute. The potential for reef corals to adapt or acclimatize to environmental change via symbiont community shifts may therefore be more phylogenetically widespread than has previously been assumed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel N Silverstein
- Division of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Stat M, Baker AC, Bourne DG, Correa AMS, Forsman Z, Huggett MJ, Pochon X, Skillings D, Toonen RJ, van Oppen MJH, Gates RD. Molecular delineation of species in the coral holobiont. Adv Mar Biol 2012; 63:1-65. [PMID: 22877610 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394282-1.00001-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The coral holobiont is a complex assemblage of organisms spanning a diverse taxonomic range including a cnidarian host, as well as various dinoflagellate, prokaryotic and acellular symbionts. With the accumulating information on the molecular diversity of these groups, binomial species classification and a reassessment of species boundaries for the partners in the coral holobiont is a logical extension of this work and will help enhance the capacity for comparative research among studies. To aid in this endeavour, we review the current literature on species diversity for the three best studied partners of the coral holobiont (coral, Symbiodinium, prokaryotes) and provide suggestions for future work on systematics within these taxa. We advocate for an integrative approach to the delineation of species using both molecular genetics in combination with phenetic characters. We also suggest that an a priori set of criteria be developed for each taxonomic group as no one species concept or accompanying set of guidelines is appropriate for delineating all members of the coral holobiont.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Stat
- Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawaii, Kaneohe, HI, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
|
40
|
Hamilton MA, Murray BR, Cadotte MW, Hose GC, Baker AC, Harris CJ, Licari D. Life-history correlates of plant invasiveness at regional and continental scales. Ecol Lett 2005. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1461-0248.2005.00809.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
41
|
Abstract
During the first half of the twentieth century, radium, mixed with other components, was used to luminise many items, including watches, clocks, dials and meters. On many sites, and in particular MoD sites, luminised instruments and paint were disposed of by burning and burial. This paper presents a review of the potential for radium from such sites to migrate in the environment. The most likely mechanisms of migration of radium from former luminising sites in the UK are surface-water erosion and transport, and the action of animals and people. Plant uptake or rainsplash followed by cropping of the plants is another possible mechanism, but the extent of impact is uncertain. The migration of significant quantities of radium through soils or rocks, or due to landsliding or wind transport, is considered to be of minimal importance to most UK sites. A low pH, high salinity (in particular of group II metals) or reducing groundwater would need to be present for migration through soils/rocks to occur and such conditions are unlikely to be present in most shallow aquifer systems in the UK. To reduce the potential for migration to occur it is recommended that luminising wastes at ground surface are removed or covered, that controls are put in place to limit animal activity and that human entry to former luminising sites is restricted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A C Baker
- Dstl Environmental Sciences, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JQ, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
|
43
|
Abstract
The long-term response of coral reefs to climate change depends on the ability of reef-building coral symbioses to adapt or acclimatize to warmer temperatures, but there has been no direct evidence that such a response can occur. Here we show that corals containing unusual algal symbionts that are thermally tolerant and commonly associated with high-temperature environments are much more abundant on reefs that have been severely affected by recent climate change. This adaptive shift in symbiont communities indicates that these devastated reefs could be more resistant to future thermal stress, resulting in significantly longer extinction times for surviving corals than had been previously assumed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Baker
- Marine Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York 10460, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C. Baker
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Conservation Program, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York 10460
- Center for Environmental Research and Conservation, Columbia University, 1200 Amsterdam Avenue, MC 5557, New York, New York 10027;
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
|
46
|
Affiliation(s)
- A C Baker
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Osborn Laboratories of Marine Science, Brooklyn, New York 11224, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
A new method of treatment for infertility caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) using thermal lesion formation by high intensity ultrasound has been suggested. Current options for PCOS therapy and the achievements of focused ultrasound surgery technique are reviewed and discussed. A prototype of a low-cost commercial device for the treatment of PCOS has been designed and tested to prove the feasibility of the method. A transducer with curvature radius of 36 mm and aperture diameter of 36 mm, operating at 0.97 MHz, was designed and tested. It provided a maximum acoustic power output of 180 W. Well-defined tissue damage was obtained within 10 s in a pig's liver in vitro at 3 cm depth within an area 5 mm in diameter and 12 mm in length without damaging the surrounding tissue. Evaluation of the size of the lesions produced at different frequencies, sonication times and output power has been carried out by visual inspection of the colour changes in cut tissue sections. Results demonstrate that a surgical tool based on the method suggested should be feasible and warrants further investigation.
Collapse
|
48
|
Affiliation(s)
- L O Gostin
- Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
Knowledge of the spatial distribution of intensity loss from an ultrasonic beam is vital to bioeffect predictions such as heating and streaming. A method for calculating the distribution of intensity loss over a finite-amplitude ultrasonic beam is described. The technique demonstrates that the location of peak intensity loss varies considerably with drive level for a plane circular source, as does the overall distribution of intensity loss across the beam. The effects are shown to be less pronounced but still significant for a focused source.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A C Baker
- School of Physics, University of Bath, UK
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ward B, Baker AC, Humphrey VF. Nonlinear propagation applied to the improvement of resolution in diagnostic medical ultrasound. J Acoust Soc Am 1997; 101:143-154. [PMID: 9000731 DOI: 10.1121/1.417977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Medical B-mode scanners operating under conditions typically encountered during clinical work produce ultrasonic wave fields that undergo nonlinear distortion. In general, the resulting harmonic beams are narrower and have lower sidelobe levels than the fundamental beam, making them ideal for imaging purposes. This work demonstrates the feasibility of nonlinear harmonic imaging in medical scanners using a simple broadband imaging arrangement in water. The ultrasonic system comprises a 2.25-MHz circular transducer with a diameter of 38 mm, a membrane hydrophone, also with a diameter of 38 mm, and a polymer lens with a focal length of 262 mm. These components are arranged coaxially giving an imaging geometry similar to that used in many commercial B-scanners, but with a receiver bandwidth sufficient to record the first four harmonics. A series of continuous wave and pulse-echo measurements are performed on a wire phantom to give 1-D transverse pressure profiles and 2-D B-mode images, respectively. The reflected beamwidths wn decrease as wn/W1 = 1/n0.78, where n is the harmonic number, and the reflected sidelobe levels fall off quickly with increasing n. In imaging terms, these effects correspond to a large improvement in lateral resolution and signal-to-clutter ratio for the higher harmonics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Ward
- School of Physics, University of Bath, Claverton Down, United Kingdom
| | | | | |
Collapse
|