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Cordes EE, Demopoulos AWJ, Davies AJ, Gasbarro R, Rhoads AC, Lobecker E, Sowers D, Chaytor JD, Morrison CL, Weinnig AM, Brooke S, Lunden JJ, Mienis F, Joye SB, Quattrini AM, Sutton TT, McFadden CS, Bourque JR, McClain-Counts JP, Andrews BD, Betters MJ, Etnoyer PJ, Wolff GA, Bernard BB, Brooks JM, Rasser MK, Adams C. Expanding our view of the cold-water coral niche and accounting of the ecosystem services of the reef habitat. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19482. [PMID: 37945613 PMCID: PMC10636194 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45559-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs are iconic ecosystems that support diverse, productive communities in both shallow and deep waters. However, our incomplete knowledge of cold-water coral (CWC) niche space limits our understanding of their distribution and precludes a complete accounting of the ecosystem services they provide. Here, we present the results of recent surveys of the CWC mound province on the Blake Plateau off the U.S. east coast, an area of intense human activity including fisheries and naval operations, and potentially energy and mineral extraction. At one site, CWC mounds are arranged in lines that total over 150 km in length, making this one of the largest reef complexes discovered in the deep ocean. This site experiences rapid and extreme shifts in temperature between 4.3 and 10.7 °C, and currents approaching 1 m s-1. Carbon is transported to depth by mesopelagic micronekton and nutrient cycling on the reef results in some of the highest nitrate concentrations recorded in the region. Predictive models reveal expanded areas of highly suitable habitat that currently remain unexplored. Multidisciplinary exploration of this new site has expanded understanding of the cold-water coral niche, improved our accounting of the ecosystem services of the reef habitat, and emphasizes the importance of properly managing these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik E Cordes
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA.
| | | | - Andrew J Davies
- Department of Biological Sciences and Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, USA
| | - Ryan Gasbarro
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Alexandria C Rhoads
- Department of Biological Sciences and Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, USA
| | | | - Derek Sowers
- Ocean Exploration Trust, South Kingston, USA, Rhode Island
| | - Jason D Chaytor
- Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Woods Hole, USA
| | - Cheryl L Morrison
- Eastern Ecological Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Turner Falls, USA
| | - Alexis M Weinnig
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
- Eastern Ecological Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Turner Falls, USA
| | - Sandra Brooke
- Coastal and Marine Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, USA
| | - Jay J Lunden
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Furu Mienis
- Department of Ocean Systems, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Texel, The Netherlands
| | - Samantha B Joye
- Department of Marine Science, University of Georgia, Athens, USA
| | - Andrea M Quattrini
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Washington, USA
| | - Tracey T Sutton
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | | | - Jill R Bourque
- U.S. Geological Survey Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Lafayette, USA
| | | | - Brian D Andrews
- Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Woods Hole, USA
| | | | - Peter J Etnoyer
- Deep Coral Ecology Lab, NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Charleston, USA
| | | | | | | | - Michael K Rasser
- Division of Environmental Sciences, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Washington, USA
| | - Caitlin Adams
- NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration & Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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2
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Maier SR, Brooke S, De Clippele LH, de Froe E, van der Kaaden AS, Kutti T, Mienis F, van Oevelen D. On the paradox of thriving cold-water coral reefs in the food-limited deep sea. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1768-1795. [PMID: 37236916 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The deep sea is amongst the most food-limited habitats on Earth, as only a small fraction (<4%) of the surface primary production is exported below 200 m water depth. Here, cold-water coral (CWC) reefs form oases of life: their biodiversity compares with tropical coral reefs, their biomass and metabolic activity exceed other deep-sea ecosystems by far. We critically assess the paradox of thriving CWC reefs in the food-limited deep sea, by reviewing the literature and open-access data on CWC habitats. This review shows firstly that CWCs typically occur in areas where the food supply is not constantly low, but undergoes pronounced temporal variation. High currents, downwelling and/or vertically migrating zooplankton temporally boost the export of surface organic matter to the seabed, creating 'feast' conditions, interspersed with 'famine' periods during the non-productive season. Secondly, CWCs, particularly the most common reef-builder Desmophyllum pertusum (formerly known as Lophelia pertusa), are well adapted to these fluctuations in food availability. Laboratory and in situ measurements revealed their dietary flexibility, tissue reserves, and temporal variation in growth and energy allocation. Thirdly, the high structural and functional diversity of CWC reefs increases resource retention: acting as giant filters and sustaining complex food webs with diverse recycling pathways, the reefs optimise resource gains over losses. Anthropogenic pressures, including climate change and ocean acidification, threaten this fragile equilibrium through decreased resource supply, increased energy costs, and dissolution of the calcium-carbonate reef framework. Based on this review, we suggest additional criteria to judge the health of CWC reefs and their chance to persist in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra R Maier
- Greenland Climate Research Centre, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Kivioq 2, PO Box 570, Nuuk, 3900, Greenland
- Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), Korringaweg 7, Yerseke, 4401 NT, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Brooke
- Coastal & Marine Laboratory, Florida State University, 3618 Coastal Highway 98, St. Teresa, FL, 32327, USA
| | - Laurence H De Clippele
- Changing Oceans Research Group, School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, Grant Institute, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3FE, UK
| | - Evert de Froe
- Centre for Fisheries Ecosystem Research, Fisheries and Marine Institute at Memorial University of Newfoundland, 155 Ridge Rd, St. John's, NL A1C 5R3, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Department of Ocean Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), PO Box 59, Den Burg (Texel), 1790 AB, The Netherlands
| | - Anna-Selma van der Kaaden
- Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), Korringaweg 7, Yerseke, 4401 NT, The Netherlands
| | - Tina Kutti
- Institute of Marine Research (IMR), PO box 1870 Nordnes, Bergen, NO-5817, Norway
| | - Furu Mienis
- Department of Ocean Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), PO Box 59, Den Burg (Texel), 1790 AB, The Netherlands
| | - Dick van Oevelen
- Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), Korringaweg 7, Yerseke, 4401 NT, The Netherlands
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3
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Environmental stability and phenotypic plasticity benefit the cold-water coral Desmophyllum dianthus in an acidified fjord. Commun Biol 2022; 5:683. [PMID: 35810196 PMCID: PMC9271058 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03622-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The stratified Chilean Comau Fjord sustains a dense population of the cold-water coral (CWC) Desmophyllum dianthus in aragonite supersaturated shallow and aragonite undersaturated deep water. This provides a rare opportunity to evaluate CWC fitness trade-offs in response to physico-chemical drivers and their variability. Here, we combined year-long reciprocal transplantation experiments along natural oceanographic gradients with an in situ assessment of CWC fitness. Following transplantation, corals acclimated fast to the novel environment with no discernible difference between native and novel (i.e. cross-transplanted) corals, demonstrating high phenotypic plasticity. Surprisingly, corals exposed to lowest aragonite saturation (Ωarag < 1) and temperature (T < 12.0 °C), but stable environmental conditions, at the deep station grew fastest and expressed the fittest phenotype. We found an inverse relationship between CWC fitness and environmental variability and propose to consider the high frequency fluctuations of abiotic and biotic factors to better predict the future of CWCs in a changing ocean. The cold-water coral Desmophyllum dianthus benefits from stable environmental conditions in deep waters of Comau Fjord (Chile) and is able to acclimatise quickly to new environmental conditions after transplantation.
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Kazanidis G, Henry L, Vad J, Johnson C, De Clippele LH, Roberts JM. Sensitivity of a cold‐water coral reef to interannual variability in regional oceanography. DIVERS DISTRIB 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Kazanidis
- Changing Oceans Research Group School of GeoSciences University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| | - Lea‐Anne Henry
- Changing Oceans Research Group School of GeoSciences University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| | - Johanne Vad
- Changing Oceans Research Group School of GeoSciences University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| | | | | | - J. Murray Roberts
- Changing Oceans Research Group School of GeoSciences University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
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5
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Hennige SJ, Larsson AI, Orejas C, Gori A, De Clippele LH, Lee YC, Jimeno G, Georgoulas K, Kamenos NA, Roberts JM. Using the Goldilocks Principle to model coral ecosystem engineering. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20211260. [PMID: 34375552 PMCID: PMC8354746 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.1260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence and proliferation of reef-forming corals is of vast importance in terms of the biodiversity they support and the ecosystem services they provide. The complex three-dimensional structures engineered by corals are comprised of both live and dead coral, and the function, growth and stability of these systems will depend on the ratio of both. To model how the ratio of live : dead coral may change, the ‘Goldilocks Principle’ can be used, where organisms will only flourish if conditions are ‘just right’. With data from particle imaging velocimetry and numerical smooth particle hydrodynamic modelling with two simple rules, we demonstrate how this principle can be applied to a model reef system, and how corals are effectively optimizing their own local flow requirements through habitat engineering. Building on advances here, these approaches can be used in conjunction with numerical modelling to investigate the growth and mortality of biodiversity supporting framework in present-day and future coral reef structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Hennige
- Changing Oceans Group, School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - A I Larsson
- Department of Marine Sciences, Tjärnö Marine Laboratory, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - C Orejas
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Gijón, IEO, CSIC, Gijón, Spain
| | - A Gori
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - L H De Clippele
- Changing Oceans Group, School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Y C Lee
- School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, University of Plymouth, Devon, UK
| | - G Jimeno
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - K Georgoulas
- Changing Oceans Group, School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - N A Kamenos
- School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - J M Roberts
- Changing Oceans Group, School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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6
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Chen X, Wei W, Wang J, Li H, Sun J, Ma R, Jiao N, Zhang R. Tide driven microbial dynamics through virus-host interactions in the estuarine ecosystem. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 160:118-129. [PMID: 31136846 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.05.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Microbes drive ecosystems and their viruses manipulate these processes, yet the importance of tidal functioning on the estuarine viruses and microbes remains poorly elucidated. Here, an integrative investigation on tidal patterns in viral and microbial communities and their inherent interactions over an entire spring-neap tidal cycle was conducted along a macrotidal subtropical estuary. The viral and microbial abundances oscillated significantly over the tidal cycle with relatively higher abundances observed at spring tide compared to neap tide. The distinct tidal dynamic patterns in bacterial production and community composition were tightly associated with the variations in viral infection, production and decay, revealing the tide-driven interactions between viruses and microbes. Concurrent with the higher viral decay but lower bacterial abundance and inhibited bacterial metabolism during the neap tide, lower gross viral production was coupled with a synchronous switching from viral lytic to lysogenic infection induced by the loss of viral infection efficiency and the transition from marine to freshwater bacterial populations triggered by tidal mixing. Our results highlighted the major tidal impact on the microbial dynamics through virus-host interactions, with cascading effects, neglected so far, on estuarine biogeochemical cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Institute of Marine Microbes and Ecospheres, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, PR China
| | - Wei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Institute of Marine Microbes and Ecospheres, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, PR China; College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, PR China
| | - Jianning Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Institute of Marine Microbes and Ecospheres, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, PR China
| | - Hongbo Li
- National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, State Oceanic Administration, Dalian, 116023, PR China
| | - Jia Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Institute of Marine Microbes and Ecospheres, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, PR China
| | - Ruijie Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Institute of Marine Microbes and Ecospheres, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, PR China
| | - Nianzhi Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Institute of Marine Microbes and Ecospheres, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, PR China.
| | - Rui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Institute of Marine Microbes and Ecospheres, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, PR China.
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7
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Niche overlap between a cold-water coral and an associated sponge for isotopically-enriched particulate food sources. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194659. [PMID: 29579118 PMCID: PMC5868806 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa is an ecosystem engineer that builds reef structures on the seafloor. The interaction of the reef topography with hydrodynamics is known to enhance the supply of suspended food sources to the reef communities. However, the reef framework is also a substrate for other organisms that may compete for the very same suspended food sources. Here, we used the passive suspension feeder Lophelia pertusa and the active suspension feeding sponge Hymedesmia coriacea as model organisms to study niche overlap using isotopically-enriched algae and bacteria as suspended food sources. The coral and the sponge were fed with a combination of 13C-enriched bacteria/15N-enriched algae or 15N-enriched bacteria/13C-enriched algae, which was subsequently traced into bulk tissue, coral skeleton and dissolved inorganic carbon (i.e. respiration). Both the coral and the sponge assimilated and respired the suspended bacteria and algae, indicating niche overlap between these species. The assimilation rates of C and N into bulk tissue of specimens incubated separately were not significantly different from assimilation rates during incubations with co-occurring corals and sponges. Hence, no evidence for exploitative resource competition was found, but this is likely due to the saturating experimental food concentration that was used. We do not rule out that exploitative competition occurs in nature during periods of low food concentrations. Food assimilation and respiration rates of the sponge were almost an order of magnitude higher than those of the cold-water coral. We hypothesize that the active suspension feeding mode of the sponge explains the observed differences in resource uptake as opposed to the passive suspension feeding mode of the cold-water coral. These feeding mode differences may set constraints on suitable habitats for cold-water corals and sponges in their natural habitats.
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Schneider G, Horta PA, Calderon EN, Castro C, Bianchini A, da Silva CRA, Brandalise I, Barufi JB, Silva J, Rodrigues AC. Structural and physiological responses of Halodule wrightii to ocean acidification. PROTOPLASMA 2018; 255:629-641. [PMID: 29043573 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-017-1176-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Coastal areas face high variability of seawater pH. Ocean acidification (OA) and local stressors are enhancing this variability, which poses a threat to marine life. However, these organisms present potential phenotypic plasticity that can offer physiological and structural tools to survive in these extreme conditions. In this study, we evaluated the effects of elevated CO2 levels and consequent pH reduction on the physiology, anatomy and ultrastructure of the seagrass Halodule wrightii. A mesocosm study was conducted in an open system during a 30-day experiment, where different concentrations of CO2 were simulated following the natural variability observed in coastal reef systems. This resulted in four experimental conditions simulating the (i) environmental pH (control condition, without CO2 addition) and (ii) reduced pH by - 0.3 units, (iii) - 0.6 units and (iv) - 0.9 units, in relation to the field condition. The evaluated population only suffered reduced optimum quantum yield (Y(II)), leaf width and cross-section area under the lowest CO2 addition (- 0.3 pH units) after 30 days of experiment. This fitness commitment should be related to carbon concentration mechanisms present in the evaluated species. For the highest CO2 level, H. wrightii demonstrated a capacity to compensate any negative effect of the lowest pH. Our results suggest that the physiological behaviour of this primary producer is driven by the interactions among OA and environmental factors, like irradiance and nutrient availability. The observed behaviour highlights that high-frequency pH variability and multifactorial approaches should be applied, and when investigating the impact of OA, factors like irradiance, nutrient availability and temperature must be considered as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geniane Schneider
- Plant Anatomy Laboratory, Department of Botany,, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biology of Fungi, Algae and Plants, Department of Plant of Botany, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Paulo Antunes Horta
- Phycology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Emiliano Nicolas Calderon
- Coral Vivo Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Celenterology Laboratory, Department of Invertebrates, National Museum, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (MN/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental Science and Conservation (PPG-CiAC), Macaé Nucleus for Ecological Researches, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (NUPEM/UFRJ), Macaé, RJ, Brazil
| | - Clovis Castro
- Coral Vivo Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Celenterology Laboratory, Department of Invertebrates, National Museum, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (MN/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Camilla Reis Augusto da Silva
- Plant Anatomy Laboratory, Department of Botany,, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biology of Fungi, Algae and Plants, Department of Plant of Botany, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Isabel Brandalise
- Plant Anatomy Laboratory, Department of Botany,, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - José Bonomi Barufi
- Postgraduate Program in Biology of Fungi, Algae and Plants, Department of Plant of Botany, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
- Phycology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - João Silva
- Marine Plant Ecology Research Group (ALGAE), Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve Campus of Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
| | - Ana Claudia Rodrigues
- Plant Anatomy Laboratory, Department of Botany,, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil.
- Postgraduate Program in Biology of Fungi, Algae and Plants, Department of Plant of Botany, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, 88040-900, Brazil.
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De Clippele LH, Huvenne VAI, Orejas C, Lundälv T, Fox A, Hennige SJ, Roberts JM. The effect of local hydrodynamics on the spatial extent and morphology of cold-water coral habitats at Tisler Reef, Norway. CORAL REEFS (ONLINE) 2017; 37:253-266. [PMID: 31258386 PMCID: PMC6566294 DOI: 10.1007/s00338-017-1653-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This study demonstrates how cold-water coral morphology and habitat distribution are shaped by local hydrodynamics, using high-definition video from Tisler Reef, an inshore reef in Norway. A total of 334 video frames collected on the north-west (NW) and south-east (SE) side of the reef were investigated for Lophelia pertusa coral cover and morphology and for the cover of the associated sponges Mycale lingua and Geodia sp. Our results showed that the SE side was a better habitat for L. pertusa (including live and dead colonies). Low cover of Geodia sp. was found on both sides of Tisler Reef. In contrast, Mycale lingua had higher percentage cover, especially on the NW side of the reef. Bush-shaped colonies of L. pertusa with elongated branches were the most abundant coral morphology on Tisler Reef. The highest abundance and density of this morphology were found on the SE side of the reef, while a higher proportion of cauliflower-shaped corals with short branches were found on the NW side. The proportion of very small L. pertusa colonies was also significantly higher on the SE side of the reef. The patterns in coral spatial distribution and morphology were related to local hydrodynamics-there were more frequent periods of downwelling currents on the SE side-and to the availability of suitable settling substrates. These factors make the SE region of Tisler Reef more suitable for coral growth. Understanding the impact of local hydrodynamics on the spatial extent and morphology of coral, and their relation to associated organisms such as sponges, is key to understanding the past and future development of the reef.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. H. De Clippele
- School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS UK
| | - V. A. I. Huvenne
- Marine Geoscience, National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH UK
| | - C. Orejas
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, 07015 Palma, Mallorca Spain
| | - T. Lundälv
- The Swedish Institute for the Marine Environment, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - A. Fox
- School of Geosciences, King’s Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FE UK
| | - S. J. Hennige
- School of Geosciences, King’s Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FE UK
| | - J. M. Roberts
- School of Geosciences, King’s Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FE UK
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Vad J, Orejas C, Moreno-Navas J, Findlay HS, Roberts JM. Assessing the living and dead proportions of cold-water coral colonies: implications for deep-water Marine Protected Area monitoring in a changing ocean. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3705. [PMID: 29018595 PMCID: PMC5632539 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral growth patterns result from an interplay of coral biology and environmental conditions. In this study colony size and proportion of live and dead skeletons in the cold-water coral (CWC) Lophelia pertusa (Linnaeus, 1758) were measured using video footage from Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) transects conducted at the inshore Mingulay Reef Complex (MRC) and at the offshore PISCES site (Rockall Bank) in the NE Atlantic. The main goal of this paper was to explore the development of a simple method to quantify coral growth and its potential application as an assessment tool of the health of these remote habitats. Eighteen colonies were selected and whole colony and dead/living layer size were measured. Live to dead layer ratios for each colony were then determined and analysed. The age of each colony was estimated using previously published data. Our paper shows that: (1) two distinct morphotypes can be described: at the MRC, colonies displayed a ‘cauliflower-shaped’ morphotype whereas at the PISCES site, colonies presented a more flattened ‘bush-shaped’ morphotype; (2) living layer size was positively correlated with whole colony size; (3) live to dead layer ratio was negatively correlated to whole colony size; (4) live to dead layer ratio never exceeded 0.27. These results suggest that as a colony develops and its growth rate slows down, the proportion of living polyps in the colony decreases. Furthermore, at least 73% of L. pertusa colonies are composed of exposed dead coral skeleton, vulnerable to ocean acidification and the associated shallowing of the aragonite saturation horizon, with significant implications for future deep-sea reef framework integrity. The clear visual contrast between white/pale living and grey/dark dead portions of the colonies also gives a new way by which they can be visually monitored over time. The increased use of marine autonomous survey vehicles offers an important new platform from which such a surveying technique could be applied to monitor deep-water marine protected areas in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanne Vad
- School of Engineering Geoscience Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,School of Geoscience, Grant Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Covadonga Orejas
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, Palma, Spain
| | - Juan Moreno-Navas
- Physical Oceanography Research Group, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | | | - J Murray Roberts
- School of Geoscience, Grant Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, NC, United States of America
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11
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De Clippele LH, Gafeira J, Robert K, Hennige S, Lavaleye MS, Duineveld GCA, Huvenne VAI, Roberts JM. Using novel acoustic and visual mapping tools to predict the small-scale spatial distribution of live biogenic reef framework in cold-water coral habitats. CORAL REEFS (ONLINE) 2017; 36:255-268. [PMID: 32269410 PMCID: PMC7114964 DOI: 10.1007/s00338-016-1519-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Cold-water corals form substantial biogenic habitats on continental shelves and in deep-sea areas with topographic highs, such as banks and seamounts. In the Atlantic, many reef and mound complexes are engineered by Lophelia pertusa, the dominant framework-forming coral. In this study, a variety of mapping approaches were used at a range of scales to map the distribution of both cold-water coral habitats and individual coral colonies at the Mingulay Reef Complex (west Scotland). The new ArcGIS-based British Geological Survey (BGS) seabed mapping toolbox semi-automatically delineated over 500 Lophelia reef 'mini-mounds' from bathymetry data with 2-m resolution. The morphometric and acoustic characteristics of the mini-mounds were also automatically quantified and captured using this toolbox. Coral presence data were derived from high-definition remotely operated vehicle (ROV) records and high-resolution microbathymetry collected by a ROV-mounted multibeam echosounder. With a resolution of 0.35 × 0.35 m, the microbathymetry covers 0.6 km2 in the centre of the study area and allowed identification of individual live coral colonies in acoustic data for the first time. Maximum water depth, maximum rugosity, mean rugosity, bathymetric positioning index and maximum current speed were identified as the environmental variables that contributed most to the prediction of live coral presence. These variables were used to create a predictive map of the likelihood of presence of live cold-water coral colonies in the area of the Mingulay Reef Complex covered by the 2-m resolution data set. Predictive maps of live corals across the reef will be especially valuable for future long-term monitoring surveys, including those needed to understand the impacts of global climate change. This is the first study using the newly developed BGS seabed mapping toolbox and an ROV-based microbathymetric grid to explore the environmental variables that control coral growth on cold-water coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. H. De Clippele
- Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS UK
| | - J. Gafeira
- British Geological Survey, Lyell Centre, Research Ave S, Edinburgh, EH14 4AP UK
| | - K. Robert
- Marine Geoscience, National Oceanographic Centre, University of Southampton Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH UK
| | - S. Hennige
- University of Edinburgh, Grant Institute, James Hutton Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FE UK
| | - M. S. Lavaleye
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Ocean Systems Sciences, and Utrecht University, PO Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands
| | - G. C. A. Duineveld
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Ocean Systems Sciences, and Utrecht University, PO Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands
| | - V. A. I. Huvenne
- Marine Geoscience, National Oceanographic Centre, University of Southampton Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH UK
| | - J. M. Roberts
- University of Edinburgh, Grant Institute, James Hutton Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FE UK
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12
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Soetaert K, Mohn C, Rengstorf A, Grehan A, van Oevelen D. Ecosystem engineering creates a direct nutritional link between 600-m deep cold-water coral mounds and surface productivity. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35057. [PMID: 27725742 PMCID: PMC5057138 DOI: 10.1038/srep35057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cold-water corals (CWCs) form large mounds on the seafloor that are hotspots of biodiversity in the deep sea, but it remains enigmatic how CWCs can thrive in this food-limited environment. Here, we infer from model simulations that the interaction between tidal currents and CWC-formed mounds induces downwelling events of surface water that brings organic matter to 600-m deep CWCs. This positive feedback between CWC growth on carbonate mounds and enhanced food supply is essential for their sustenance in the deep sea and represents an example of ecosystem engineering of unparalleled magnitude. This ’topographically-enhanced carbon pump’ leaks organic matter that settles at greater depths. The ubiquitous presence of biogenic and geological topographies along ocean margins suggests that carbon sequestration through this pump is of global importance. These results indicate that enhanced stratification and lower surface productivity, both expected consequences of climate change, may negatively impact the energy balance of CWCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karline Soetaert
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, and Utrecht University, Yerseke, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Dick van Oevelen
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, and Utrecht University, Yerseke, The Netherlands
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13
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Hennige SJ, Wicks LC, Kamenos NA, Perna G, Findlay HS, Roberts JM. Hidden impacts of ocean acidification to live and dead coral framework. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 282:20150990. [PMID: 26290073 PMCID: PMC4632617 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2015.0990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cold-water corals, such as Lophelia pertusa, are key habitat-forming organisms found throughout the world's oceans to 3000 m deep. The complex three-dimensional framework made by these vulnerable marine ecosystems support high biodiversity and commercially important species. Given their importance, a key question is how both the living and the dead framework will fare under projected climate change. Here, we demonstrate that over 12 months L. pertusa can physiologically acclimate to increased CO2, showing sustained net calcification. However, their new skeletal structure changes and exhibits decreased crystallographic and molecular-scale bonding organization. Although physiological acclimatization was evident, we also demonstrate that there is a negative correlation between increasing CO2 levels and breaking strength of exposed framework (approx. 20-30% weaker after 12 months), meaning the exposed bases of reefs will be less effective 'load-bearers', and will become more susceptible to bioerosion and mechanical damage by 2100.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Hennige
- Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK
| | - L C Wicks
- Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK
| | - N A Kamenos
- School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - G Perna
- School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - H S Findlay
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK
| | - J M Roberts
- Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403-5928, USA Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban, Argyll PA37 IQA, UK
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14
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Rodolfo-Metalpa R, Montagna P, Aliani S, Borghini M, Canese S, Hall-Spencer JM, Foggo A, Milazzo M, Taviani M, Houlbrèque F. Calcification is not the Achilles' heel of cold-water corals in an acidifying ocean. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2015; 21:2238-48. [PMID: 25641230 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Ocean acidification is thought to be a major threat to coral reefs: laboratory evidence and CO2 seep research has shown adverse effects on many coral species, although a few are resilient. There are concerns that cold-water corals are even more vulnerable as they live in areas where aragonite saturation (Ωara ) is lower than in the tropics and is falling rapidly due to CO2 emissions. Here, we provide laboratory evidence that net (gross calcification minus dissolution) and gross calcification rates of three common cold-water corals, Caryophyllia smithii, Dendrophyllia cornigera, and Desmophyllum dianthus, are not affected by pCO2 levels expected for 2100 (pCO2 1058 μatm, Ωara 1.29), and nor are the rates of skeletal dissolution in D. dianthus. We transplanted D. dianthus to 350 m depth (pHT 8.02; pCO2 448 μatm, Ωara 2.58) and to a 3 m depth CO2 seep in oligotrophic waters (pHT 7.35; pCO2 2879 μatm, Ωara 0.76) and found that the transplants calcified at the same rates regardless of the pCO2 confirming their resilience to acidification, but at significantly lower rates than corals that were fed in aquaria. Our combination of field and laboratory evidence suggests that ocean acidification will not disrupt cold-water coral calcification although falling aragonite levels may affect other organismal physiological and/or reef community processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Rodolfo-Metalpa
- UR 227 CoReUs 2, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Nouméa, New Caledonia; Marine Environment Laboratories, International Atomic Energy Agency, 4 Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco, 98000, Monaco
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15
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Peck LS, Clark MS, Power D, Reis J, Batista FM, Harper EM. Acidification effects on biofouling communities: winners and losers. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2015; 21:1907-1913. [PMID: 25626420 PMCID: PMC5006883 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/22/2014] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
How ocean acidification affects marine life is a major concern for science and society. However, its impacts on encrusting biofouling communities, that are both the initial colonizers of hard substrata and of great economic importance, are almost unknown. We showed that community composition changed significantly, from 92% spirorbids, 3% ascidians and 4% sponges initially to 47% spirorbids, 23% ascidians and 29% sponges after 100 days in acidified conditions (pH 7.7). In low pH, numbers of the spirorbid Neodexiospira pseudocorrugata were reduced ×5 compared to controls. The two ascidians present behaved differently with Aplidium sp. decreasing ×10 in pH 7.7, whereas Molgula sp. numbers were ×4 higher in low pH than controls. Calcareous sponge (Leucosolenia sp.) numbers increased ×2.5 in pH 7.7 over controls. The diatom and filamentous algal community was also more poorly developed in the low pH treatments compared to controls. Colonization of new surfaces likewise showed large decreases in spirorbid numbers, but numbers of sponges and Molgula sp. increased. Spirorbid losses appeared due to both recruitment failure and loss of existing tubes. Spirorbid tubes are comprised of a loose prismatic fabric of calcite crystals. Loss of tube materials appeared due to changes in the binding matrix and not crystal dissolution, as SEM analyses showed crystal surfaces were not pitted or dissolved in low pH conditions. Biofouling communities face dramatic future changes with reductions in groups with hard exposed exoskeletons and domination by soft-bodied ascidians and sponges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd S. Peck
- British Antarctic SurveyHigh Cross, Madingley RdCambridgeCB3 0ETUK
| | - Melody S. Clark
- British Antarctic SurveyHigh Cross, Madingley RdCambridgeCB3 0ETUK
| | - Deborah Power
- University of the AlgarveCtr Ciencias MarP‐8000139FaroPortugal
| | - João Reis
- University of the AlgarveCtr Ciencias MarP‐8000139FaroPortugal
| | - Frederico M. Batista
- University of the AlgarveCtr Ciencias MarP‐8000139FaroPortugal
- Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA)Estação Experimental de Moluscicultura de TaviraVale Caranguejo8800TaviraPortugal
| | - Elizabeth M. Harper
- Department of Earth SciencesUniversity of CambridgeDowning StreetCambridgeCB2 3EQUK
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16
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Campbell AL, Mangan S, Ellis RP, Lewis C. Ocean acidification increases copper toxicity to the early life history stages of the polychaete Arenicola marina in artificial seawater. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:9745-9753. [PMID: 25033036 DOI: 10.1021/es502739m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The speciation and therefore bioavailability of the common pollutant copper is predicted to increase within the pH range anticipated under near-future ocean acidification (OA), hence the potential exists for copper toxicity to marine organisms to also increase. We investigated the impact of OA (seawater pH values of 7.77 (pCO2 1400 μatm) and 7.47 (pCO2 3000 μatm)) upon copper toxicity responses in early life history stages of the polychaete Arenicola marina and found both synergistic and additive toxicity effects of combined exposures depending on life history stage. The toxicity of copper on sperm DNA damage and early larval survivorship was synergistically increased under OA conditions. Larval survival was reduced by 24% when exposed to both OA and copper combined compared to single OA or copper exposures. Sperm motility was negatively affected by both OA and copper singularly with additive toxicity effects of the two stressors when combined. Fertilization success was also negatively affected by both OA and copper individually, but no additive effects when exposed as combined stressors were present for this stage. These findings add to the growing body of evidence that OA will act to increase the toxicity of copper to marine organisms, which has clear implications for coastal benthic ecosystems suffering chronic metal pollution as pCO2 levels rise and drive a reduction in seawater pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Campbell
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter , Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
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17
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Navas JM, Miller PL, Henry LA, Hennige SJ, Roberts JM. Ecohydrodynamics of cold-water coral reefs: a case study of the Mingulay Reef Complex (western Scotland). PLoS One 2014; 9:e98218. [PMID: 24873971 PMCID: PMC4038632 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecohydrodynamics investigates the hydrodynamic constraints on ecosystems across different temporal and spatial scales. Ecohydrodynamics play a pivotal role in the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems, however the lack of integrated complex flow models for deep-water ecosystems beyond the coastal zone prevents further synthesis in these settings. We present a hydrodynamic model for one of Earth's most biologically diverse deep-water ecosystems, cold-water coral reefs. The Mingulay Reef Complex (western Scotland) is an inshore seascape of cold-water coral reefs formed by the scleractinian coral Lophelia pertusa. We applied single-image edge detection and composite front maps using satellite remote sensing, to detect oceanographic fronts and peaks of chlorophyll a values that likely affect food supply to corals and other suspension-feeding fauna. We also present a high resolution 3D ocean model to incorporate salient aspects of the regional and local oceanography. Model validation using in situ current speed, direction and sea elevation data confirmed the model's realistic representation of spatial and temporal aspects of circulation at the reef complex including a tidally driven current regime, eddies, and downwelling phenomena. This novel combination of 3D hydrodynamic modelling and remote sensing in deep-water ecosystems improves our understanding of the temporal and spatial scales of ecological processes occurring in marine systems. The modelled information has been integrated into a 3D GIS, providing a user interface for visualization and interrogation of results that allows wider ecological application of the model and that can provide valuable input for marine biodiversity and conservation applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Moreno Navas
- Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (JMN); (JMR)
| | - Peter L. Miller
- Remote Sensing Group, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Lea-Anne Henry
- Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian J. Hennige
- Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - J. Murray Roberts
- Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, North Carolina, United States of America
- Scottish Association for Marine Science, Scottish Marine Institute, Oban, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (JMN); (JMR)
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18
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Findlay HS, Hennige SJ, Wicks LC, Navas JM, Woodward EMS, Roberts JM. Fine-scale nutrient and carbonate system dynamics around cold-water coral reefs in the northeast Atlantic. Sci Rep 2014; 4:3671. [PMID: 24441283 PMCID: PMC3895924 DOI: 10.1038/srep03671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocean acidification has been suggested as a serious threat to the future existence of cold-water corals (CWC). However, there are few fine-scale temporal and spatial datasets of carbonate and nutrients conditions available for these reefs, which can provide a baseline definition of extant conditions. Here we provide observational data from four different sites in the northeast Atlantic that are known habitats for CWC. These habitats differ by depth and by the nature of the coral habitat. At depths where CWC are known to occur across these sites the dissolved inorganic carbon ranged from 2088 to 2186 μmol kg−1, alkalinity ranged from 2299 to 2346 μmol kg−1, and aragonite Ω ranged from 1.35 to 2.44. At two sites fine-scale hydrodynamics caused increased variability in the carbonate and nutrient conditions over daily time-scales. The observed high level of variability must be taken into account when assessing CWC sensitivities to future environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen S Findlay
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, West Hoe, Plymouth, England, PL1 3DH, UK
| | - Sebastian J Hennige
- Centre for Marine Biodiversity & Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Laura C Wicks
- Centre for Marine Biodiversity & Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Juan Moreno Navas
- Centre for Marine Biodiversity & Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH14 4AS, UK
| | - E Malcolm S Woodward
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, West Hoe, Plymouth, England, PL1 3DH, UK
| | - J Murray Roberts
- 1] Centre for Marine Biodiversity & Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH14 4AS, UK [2] Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban, PA37 1QA, UK [3] Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28403-5928, USA
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Fillinger L, Richter C. Vertical and horizontal distribution of Desmophyllum dianthus in Comau Fjord, Chile: a cold-water coral thriving at low pH. PeerJ 2013; 1:e194. [PMID: 24255810 PMCID: PMC3817589 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cold-water corals provide an important habitat for a rich fauna along the continental margins and slopes. Although these azooxanthellate corals are considered particularly sensitive to ocean acidification, their responses to natural variations in pH and aragonite saturation are largely unknown due to the difficulty of studying their ecology in deep waters. Previous SCUBA investigations have shown an exceptionally shallow population of the cold-water coral Desmophyllum dianthus in near-surface waters of Comau Fjord, a stratified 480 m deep basin in northern Chilean Patagonia with suboxic deep waters. Here, we use a remotely operated vehicle to quantitatively investigate the distribution of D. dianthus and its physico-chemical drivers in so far uncharted naturally acidified waters. Remarkably, D. dianthus was ubiquitous throughout the fjord, but particularly abundant between 20 and 280 m depth in a pH range of 8.4 to 7.4. The persistence of individuals in aragonite-undersaturated waters suggests that present-day D. dianthus in Comau Fjord may show pre-acclimation or pre-adaptation to conditions of ocean acidification predicted to reach over 70% of the known deep-sea coral locations by the end of the century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fillinger
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung , Bremerhaven , Germany
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