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Britton D, Layton C, Mundy CN, Brewer EA, Gaitán-Espitia JD, Beardall J, Raven JA, Hurd CL. Cool-edge populations of the kelp Ecklonia radiata under global ocean change scenarios: strong sensitivity to ocean warming but little effect of ocean acidification. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20232253. [PMID: 38228502 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Kelp forests are threatened by ocean warming, yet effects of co-occurring drivers such as CO2 are rarely considered when predicting their performance in the future. In Australia, the kelp Ecklonia radiata forms extensive forests across seawater temperatures of approximately 7-26°C. Cool-edge populations are typically considered more thermally tolerant than their warm-edge counterparts but this ignores the possibility of local adaptation. Moreover, it is unknown whether elevated CO2 can mitigate negative effects of warming. To identify whether elevated CO2 could improve thermal performance of a cool-edge population of E. radiata, we constructed thermal performance curves for growth and photosynthesis, under both current and elevated CO2 (approx. 400 and 1000 µatm). We then modelled annual performance under warming scenarios to highlight thermal susceptibility. Elevated CO2 had minimal effect on growth but increased photosynthesis around the thermal optimum. Thermal optima were approximately 16°C for growth and approximately 18°C for photosynthesis, and modelled performance indicated cool-edge populations may be vulnerable in the future. Our findings demonstrate that elevated CO2 is unlikely to offset negative effects of ocean warming on the kelp E. radiata and highlight the potential susceptibility of cool-edge populations to ocean warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damon Britton
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Hobart, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Cayne Layton
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Hobart, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Craig N Mundy
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Hobart, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | | | - Juan Diego Gaitán-Espitia
- School of Biological Sciences and the SWIRE Institute of Marine Sciences, The University of Hong-Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - John Beardall
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - John A Raven
- Division of Plant Science, University of Dundee at the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology, Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Catriona L Hurd
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Hobart, Tasmania 7004, Australia
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2
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Peres LMC, Gouvêa LP, Hayden J, Burle G, Bastos E, Carneiro A, Horta PA. Effects of ocean warming and pollution on Sargassum forests. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 191:106167. [PMID: 37725865 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
The combined effects of climate change and ocean pollution have resulted in a noteworthy decline of canopy-forming species, impacting marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning significantly. In this context, Sargassum cymosum, which is widely distributed along the southwestern Atlantic Ocean, serves as an excellent model among canopy-forming species to investigate these impacts on populations in different regions and environmental conditions. Here, we evaluate the ecophysiological responses of two populations of S. cymosum, from Florianopolis (warm-temperate province; WTP) and Fernando de Noronha (tropical province, TP), through of interaction of temperatures and nutrient concentrations, representing marine heatwaves and acute pollution levels. Our findings revealed a decrease in biomass in both populations, highlighting the significance of nutrient enrichment as an anthropogenic filter that might potentially inhibit the expansion of the populations from tropical regions and temperature for WTP ones. These stressors directly impacted the physiological performance of S. cymosum populations, including relative growth rates, photosynthesis, chlorophylls, carotenoids and phenolic compound levels. Although there was an increase in both parameters for the TP population, a significant loss of biomass was observed, with growth rates reaching -1.5% per day. Our results highlight the need for urgent actions to manage the eutrophication process due to its negative association with global warming, which can enhance the impacts and preclude the settlement and survival of Sargassum in warm-temperate areas considering the observed and predicted tropicalization process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia M Costa Peres
- Phycology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Biological Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Lidiane P Gouvêa
- CCMAR - Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal.
| | - Juliana Hayden
- Phycology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Biological Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Giulia Burle
- Phycology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Biological Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Bastos
- Phycology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Biological Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Carneiro
- NEMAR - Nucleo de Estudos do Mar, Biological Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Paulo A Horta
- Phycology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Biological Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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3
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Kolzenburg R, Moreira H, Storey C, Ragazzola F. Structural integrity and skeletal trace elements in intertidal coralline algae across the Northeast Atlantic reveal a distinct separation of the leading and the trailing edge populations. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 190:106086. [PMID: 37481877 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Intertidal macroalgae, such as coralline algae, represent an essential structural element and substrate in rocky coastal zones. They have a high degree of flexibility allowing their survival in environments with severe mechanical stress during tidal cycles. This study characterised the genicula and intergenicula of the calcifying red algae Corallina officinalis across its geographic distribution in the Northeast Atlantic. Poleward populations have constructed more sturdy cell walls compared to equatorward populations, potentially due to greater local adaptations to higher frequency and intensity of environmental factors like storms and wave action. Southern populations showed a lack of local adaptation culminating in survival rather than thriving within their current environment, hence, they are located at the margin of this species' favourable conditions. Results clarify significant differences between latitudes and indicate a north-to-south gradient in this species' skeletal elemental composition. Northern populations were dominated by cadmium, whereas chromium was the major trace element found in southern populations. In the future, these characteristics could lead to a permanent decline and a decrease in the ecosystem functions of C. officinalis in the southern locations in the Northeast Atlantic, which may be accelerated by predicted future climatic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Kolzenburg
- ENEA Marine Environment Research Centre, Via Forte Santa Teresa, 19032, Pozzuolo di Lerici, SP, Italy; Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK.
| | - Hugo Moreira
- Géosciences Montpellier CNRS, Université de Montpellier, 34090, Montpellier, France; School of the Environment, Geography and Geosciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Craig Storey
- School of the Environment, Geography and Geosciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Federica Ragazzola
- Genova Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Piazza del Principe, 4, 16126 Genova GE, Italy
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4
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Donham EM, Hamilton SL, Aiello I, Price NN, Smith JE. Consequences of Warming and Acidification for the Temperate Articulated Coralline Alga, Calliarthron Tuberculosum (Florideophyceae, Rhodophyta). JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2022; 58:517-529. [PMID: 35657106 PMCID: PMC9543584 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Global climate changes, such as warming and ocean acidification (OA), are likely to negatively impact calcifying marine taxa. Abundant and ecologically important coralline algae may be particularly susceptible to OA; however, multi-stressor studies and those on articulated morphotypes are lacking. Here, we use field observations and laboratory experiments to elucidate the impacts of warming and acidification on growth, calcification, mineralogy, and photophysiology of the temperate articulated coralline alga, Calliarthron tuberculosum. We conducted a 4-week fully factorial mesocosm experiment exposing individuals from a southern CA kelp forest to current and future temperature and pH/pCO2 conditions (+2°C, -0.5 pH units). Calcification was reduced under warming (70%) and further reduced by high pCO2 or high pCO2 x warming (~150%). Growth (change in linear extension and surface area) was reduced by warming (40% and 50%, respectively), high pCO2 (20% and 40%, respectively), and high pCO2 x warming (50% and 75%, respectively). The maximum photosynthetic rate (Pmax ) increased by 100% under high pCO2 conditions, but we did not detect an effect of pCO2 or warming on photosynthetic efficiency (α). We also did not detect the effect of warming or pCO2 on mineralogy. However, variation in Mg incorporation in cell walls of different cell types (i.e., higher mol % Mg in cortical vs. medullary) was documented for the first time in this species. These results support findings from a growing body of literature suggesting that coralline algae are often more negatively impacted by warming than OA, with the potential for antagonistic effects when factors are combined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Donham
- University of California Santa CruzEcology and Evolutionary Biology130 McAllister Way, Santa CruzCalifornia95060USA
| | - Scott L. Hamilton
- Moss Landing Marine LaboratoriesSan Jose State University8272 Moss Landing RdMoss LandingCalifornia95039USA
| | - Ivano Aiello
- Moss Landing Marine LaboratoriesSan Jose State University8272 Moss Landing RdMoss LandingCalifornia95039USA
| | - Nichole N. Price
- Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences60 Dr, East BoothbayBigelowMaine04544USA
| | - Jennifer E. Smith
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography9500 Gilman Dr, La JollaCalifornia92093USA
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5
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Straub SC, Wernberg T, Marzinelli EM, Vergés A, Kelaher BP, Coleman MA. Persistence of seaweed forests in the anthropocene will depend on warming and marine heatwave profiles. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2022; 58:22-35. [PMID: 34800039 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Marine heatwaves (MHWs), discrete periods of extreme warm water temperatures superimposed onto persistent ocean warming, have increased in frequency and significantly disrupted marine ecosystems. While field observations on the ecological consequences of MHWs are growing, a mechanistic understanding of their direct effects is rare. We conducted an outdoor tank experiment testing how different thermal stressor profiles impacted the ecophysiological performance of three dominant forest-forming seaweeds. Four thermal scenarios were tested: contemporary summer temperature (22°C), low persistent warming (24°C), a discrete MHW (22-27°C), and temperature variability followed by a MHW (22-24°C, 22-27°C). The physiological performance of seaweeds was strongly related to thermal profile and varied among species, with the highest temperature not always having the strongest effect. MHWs were highly detrimental for the fucoid Phyllospora comosa, whereas the laminarian kelp Ecklonia radiata showed sensitivity to extended thermal stress and demonstrated a cumulative temperature threshold. The fucoid Sargassum linearifolium showed resilience, albeit with signs of decline with bleached and degraded fronds, under all conditions, with stronger decline under stable control and warming conditions. The varying responses of these three co-occurring forest-forming seaweeds under different temperature scenarios suggests that the impact of ocean warming on near shore ecosystems may be complex and will depend on the specific thermal profile of rising water temperatures relative to the vulnerability of different species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra C Straub
- UWA Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Thomas Wernberg
- UWA Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
- Institute of Marine Research, Flødevigen Research Station, His, Norway
| | - Ezequiel M Marzinelli
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, Australia
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Adriana Vergés
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, Australia
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Brendan P Kelaher
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, Australia
| | - Melinda A Coleman
- UWA Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, Australia
- Department of Primary Industries, NSW Fisheries, Coffs Harbour, Australia
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6
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How moonlight shapes environments, life histories, and ecological interactions on coral reefs. Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:45-56. [PMID: 35019136 DOI: 10.1042/etls20210237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The lunar cycle drives variation in nocturnal brightness. For the epipelagic larvae of coral reef organisms, nocturnal illumination may have widespread and underappreciated consequences. At sea, the onset of darkness coincides with an influx of mesopelagic organisms to shallow water (i.e. 'diel vertical migrants') that include predators (e.g. lanternfishes) and prey (zooplankton) of zooplanktivorous coral reef larvae. Moonlight generally suppresses this influx, but lunar periodicity in the timing and intensity of nocturnal brightness may affect vertically migrating predators and prey differently. A major turnover of species occurs at sunset on the reef, with diurnal species seeking shelter and nocturnal species emerging to hunt. The hunting ability of nocturnal reef-based predators is aided by the light of the moon. Consequently, variation in nocturnal illumination is likely to shape the timing of reproduction, larval development, and settlement for many coral reef organisms. This synthesis underscores the potential importance of trophic linkages between coral reefs and adjacent pelagic ecosystems, facilitated by the diel migrations of mesopelagic organisms and the ontogenetic migrations of coral reef larvae. Research is needed to better understand the effects of lunar cycles on life-history strategies, and the potentially disruptive effects of light pollution, turbidity, and climate-driven changes to nocturnal cloud cover. These underappreciated threats may alter patterns of nocturnal illumination that have shaped the evolutionary history of many coral reef organisms, with consequences for larval survival and population replenishment that could rival or exceed other effects arising from climate change.
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7
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Keng FSL, Phang SM, Abd Rahman N, Yeong HY, Malin G, Leedham Elvidge E, Sturges W. Halocarbon emissions by selected tropical seaweeds exposed to different temperatures. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2021; 190:112869. [PMID: 34274551 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2021.112869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Four tropical seaweeds, Gracilaria manilaensis Yamamoto & Trono, Ulva reticulata Forsskål, Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) L.M.Liao and Turbinaria conoides (J.Agardh) Kützing, collected from various habitats throughout Malaysia, were subjected to temperatures of 40, 35, 30, 25 and 20 °C in the laboratory. An exposure range of 21-38 °C is reported for Malaysian waters. The effect of the temperature exposures on the halocarbon emissions of the seaweeds were determined 4 and 28 h after treatment. The emission rates for a suite of six halocarbons commonly emitted by seaweeds, bromoform (CHBr3), dibromomethane (CH2Br2), diiodomethane (CH2I2), iodomethane (CH3I), dibromochloromethane (CHBr2Cl) and dichlorobromomethane (CHBrCl2), were measured using a cryogenic purge-and-trap sample preparation system coupled to a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The emission rate of CHBr3 was the highest of the six halocarbons for all the seaweeds under all the temperatures tested, followed by CH2Br2, and CH2I2. The emission rates were affected by temperature change and exposure duration, but overall responses were unique to each seaweed species. Larger decreases in the emissions of CHBr3, CH2Br2, CH2I2 and CHBr2Cl were found for K. alvarezii and T. conoides after 4 h at 40 °C. In both cases there was a >90% (p < 0.05) reduction in the Fv/Fm value suggesting that photosynthetic actitivity was severely compromised. After a 28 h exposure period, strong negative correlations (r = -0.69 to -0.95; p < 0.01) were observed between temperature and the emission of CHBr3, CH2Br2 and CH2I2 for U. reticulata, K. alvarezii and T. conoides. This suggests a potential decrease in the halocarbon emissions from these tropical seaweeds, especially where the temperature increase is a prolonged event. Strong correlations were also seen between seaweed chlorophyll and carotenoid pigment contents and the emission rates for CHBr3, CH2Br2 and CH2I2 (r = 0.48 to 0.96 and -0.49 to -0.96; p < 0.05). These results suggest that the regulation of halocarbon production versus reactive oxygen species production in seaweeds is an area worthy of further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Seh-Lin Keng
- Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences (IOES), University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Institute for Advanced Studies, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Siew-Moi Phang
- Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences (IOES), University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Noorsaadah Abd Rahman
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hui-Yin Yeong
- Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences (IOES), University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Gill Malin
- Centre for Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Leedham Elvidge
- Faculty of Science, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - William Sturges
- Centre for Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
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8
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Wood G, Marzinelli EM, Campbell AH, Steinberg PD, Vergés A, Coleman MA. Genomic vulnerability of a dominant seaweed points to future-proofing pathways for Australia's underwater forests. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:2200-2212. [PMID: 33511779 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Globally, critical habitats are in decline, threatening ecological, economic and social values and prompting calls for 'future proofing' efforts that enhance resilience to climate change. Such efforts rely on predicting how neutral and adaptive genomic patterns across a species' distribution will change under future climate scenarios, but data is scant for most species of conservation concern. Here, we use seascape genomics to characterise genetic diversity, structure and gene-environmental associations in a dominant forest-forming seaweed, Phyllospora comosa, along its entire latitudinal (12° latitude), and thermal (~14°C) range. Phyllospora showed high connectivity throughout its central range, with evidence of genetic structure and potential selection associated with sea surface temperatures (SSTs) at its rear and leading edges. Rear and leading-edge populations harboured only half the genetic diversity of central populations. By modelling genetic turnover as a function of SST, we assessed the genomic vulnerability across Phyllospora's distributional range under climate change scenarios. Despite low diversity, range-edge populations were predicted to harbour beneficial adaptations to marginal conditions and overall adaptability of the species may be compromised by their loss. Assisted gene flow from range edge populations may be required to enhance adaptation and increase resilience of central and leading-edge populations under warming oceans. Understanding genomic vulnerability can inform proactive restoration and future-proofing strategies for underwater forests and ensure their persistence in changing oceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Wood
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ezequiel M Marzinelli
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alexandra H Campbell
- USC Seaweed Research Group, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, Qld, Australia
| | - Peter D Steinberg
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Adriana Vergés
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Melinda A Coleman
- Department of Primary Industries, National Marine Science Centre, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia
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9
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Keshavmurthy S, Beals M, Hsieh HJ, Choi KS, Chen CA. Physiological plasticity of corals to temperature stress in marginal coral communities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 758:143628. [PMID: 33248756 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Adaptation and/or acclimatization through various mechanisms have been suggested to help some tropical coral species to overcome temperature-induced bleaching that is intensifying with climate change; however, while much research has been done on the physiological responses of tropical and subtropical corals to stress, little is known about these responses in corals in marginal environments-e.g., high-latitude and non-reefal communities. In this study, we examined the thermal-tolerant physiology of the flowerpot coral, Alveopora japonica, endemic to the high-latitude Jeju Island (33.39°N), South Korea and Oulastrea crispata and Coelastrea aspera from the subtropical non-reefal coral community on the Penghu Islands (23.34°N), Taiwan. Analysis of physiological parameters; photochemical efficiency, Chlorophyll pigment, Symbiodiniaceae cell number and host soluble proteins - showed that A. japonica can survive through a wide range of temperature stresses (10-32 °C) over a period of 8 days without showing signs of bleaching. In addition, corals O. crispata and C. aspera withstood temperature stresses of up to 33 °C and repeated temperature fluctuations without bleaching. Our results indicate that, under large seasonal variations and asymmetrical daily fluctuations in temperature, corals currently living in marginal environments could have thermal plasticity, allowing them to survive in the future climate change scenarios. This study reiterates the importance of studying the eco-physiology of corals that are generally ignored because of their neutral or positive responses to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morgan Beals
- Biodiversity Research Centre, Academia Sinica, Nangang, Taipei 115, Taiwan; Department of Life Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Hernyi Justin Hsieh
- Penghu Marine Biology Research Center, Fishery Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Magong, Penghu 880, Taiwan
| | - Kwang-Sik Choi
- School of Marine Biomedical Science (BK 21 PLUS), Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehakno, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Chaolun Allen Chen
- Biodiversity Research Centre, Academia Sinica, Nangang, Taipei 115, Taiwan; Taiwan International Graduate Program-Biodiversity, Academia Sinica, Nangang, Taipei 115, Taiwan; Department of Life Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 106, Taiwan; Department of Life Sciences, Tunghai University, Taichung 404, Taiwan.
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