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Slattery M, Lesser MP, Rocha LA, Spalding HL, Smith TB. Function and stability of mesophotic coral reefs. Trends Ecol Evol 2024; 39:585-598. [PMID: 38413283 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2024.01.011] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The function and stability of mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) have been extensively studied in recent years. These deep reefs are characterized by local physical processes, particularly the steep gradient in irradiance with increasing depth, and their impact on trophic resources. Mesophotic reefs exhibit distinct zonation patterns that segregate shallow reef biodiversity from ecologically unique deeper communities of endemic species. While mesophotic reefs are hypothesized as relatively stable refuges from anthropogenic stressors and a potential seed bank for degraded shallow reefs, these are site-specific features, if they occur at all. Mesophotic reefs are now known to be susceptible to many of the same stressors that are degrading shallow reefs, suggesting that they require their own specific conservation and management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Slattery
- Department of BioMolecular Science, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS 38677, USA.
| | - Michael P Lesser
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA; School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Luiz A Rocha
- Department of Ichthyology, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
| | | | - Tyler B Smith
- University of the Virgin Islands, Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, St Thomas, VI 00802-9990, USA
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Eyal G, Cohen I, Eyal-Shaham L, Ben-Zvi O, Tikochinski Y, Loya Y. Photoacclimation and induction of light-enhanced calcification in the mesophotic coral Euphyllia paradivisa. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2019; 6:180527. [PMID: 30891251 PMCID: PMC6408387 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.180527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Corals and their photosymbionts experience inherent changes in light along depth gradients, leading them to have evolved several well-investigated photoacclimation strategies. As coral calcification is influenced by light (a process described as LEC-'light-enhanced calcification'), studies have sought to determine the link between photosynthesis and calcification, but many puzzling aspects still persist. Here, we examine the physiology of Euphyllia paradivisa, a coral species found at a wide range of depths but that is strictly mesophotic in the Red Sea; and also examines the coupling between photosynthesis and LEC by investigating the response of the coral under several controlled light regimes during a long-term experiment. E. paradivisa specimens were collected from 40 to 50 m depth and incubated under three light conditions for a period of 1 year: full-spectrum shallow-water light (approx. 3 m, e.g. shallow-light treatment); blue deep-water light (approx. 40 m, e.g. mesophotic-light treatment) or total darkness (e.g. dark treatment). Net photosynthesis remained similar in the shallow-light-treated corals compared to the mesophotic-light-treated corals, under both low and high light. However, calcification increased dramatically with increasing light intensity in the shallow-light-treated corals, suggesting a decoupling between these processes. Photoacclimation to shallow-water conditions was indicated by enhanced respiration, a higher density of zooxanthellae per polyp and lower chlorophyll a content per cell. The dark-treated corals became completely bleached but did not lower their metabolism below that of the mesophotic-light-treated corals. No Symbiodinium clade shift was found following the year-long light treatments. We conclude that E. paradivisa, and its original symbiont clade, can adapt to various light conditions by controlling its metabolic rate and growth energy investment, and consequently induce LEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gal Eyal
- School of Zoology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences of Eilat, Eilat 88103, Israel
- The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Israel National Center for Biodiversity Studies, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Itay Cohen
- The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences of Eilat, Eilat 88103, Israel
- The Institute of Earth Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Lee Eyal-Shaham
- School of Zoology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences of Eilat, Eilat 88103, Israel
| | - Or Ben-Zvi
- School of Zoology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Yaron Tikochinski
- School of Marine Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Michmoret 40297, Israel
| | - Yossi Loya
- School of Zoology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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Disturbance in Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems and Linkages to Conservation and Management. CORAL REEFS OF THE WORLD 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-92735-0_47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Lesser MP, Slattery M, Mobley CD. Biodiversity and Functional Ecology of Mesophotic Coral Reefs. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ECOLOGY EVOLUTION AND SYSTEMATICS 2018. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-110617-062423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Mesophotic coral reefs, currently defined as deep reefs between 30 and 150 m, are linked physically and biologically to their shallow water counterparts, have the potential to be refuges for shallow coral reef taxa such as coral and sponges, and might be a source of larvae that could contribute to the resiliency of shallow water reefs. Mesophotic coral reefs are found worldwide, but most are undescribed and understudied. Here, we review our current knowledge of mesophotic coral reefs and their functional ecology as it relates to their geomorphology, changes in the abiotic environment along depth gradients, trophic ecology, their reproduction, and their connectivity to shallow depths. Understanding the ecology of mesophotic coral reefs, and the connectivity between them and their shallow water counterparts, is now a primary focus for many reef studies as the worldwide degradation of shallow coral reefs, and the ecosystem services they provide, continues unabated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P. Lesser
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, and School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, USA
| | - Marc Slattery
- Department of BioMolecular Science, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi 38677, USA
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Grinyó J, Viladrich N, Díaz D, Muñoz A, Mallol S, Salazar J, Castillo R, Gili JM, Gori A. Reproduction, energy storage and metabolic requirements in a mesophotic population of the gorgonian Paramuricea macrospina. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203308. [PMID: 30256802 PMCID: PMC6157850 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the sexual reproductive cycle, energy storage and metabolic requirements of a Mediterranean gorgonian in a mesophotic ecosystem (~70 m depth). Paramuricea macrospina resulted to be a gonochoric internal brooding species with a 1:1 population sex ratio. Oogenesis lasted ~12–14 months, whereas spermatogenesis was significantly shorter, only lasting 6 months. Fertilization occurred during late summer (August) and larval release occurred during autumn (September–October). The organic matter and total lipid content showed a slight seasonal variability. Stable isotopic composition remained constant throughout the year, reflecting a general stability in gorgonian food sources. Conversely, the free fatty acid composition varied seasonally, reflecting changes in P. macrospina energetic demands probably related to gametogenesis and larval brooding. The reproductive ecology and biochemical composition of P. macrospina significantly differ from shallow coastal gorgonian species, reflecting the higher environmental stability of deeper environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Grinyó
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Núria Viladrich
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Ciències i Tecnologia Ambiental, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - David Díaz
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centre Oceanogràfic de les Balears, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Anabel Muñoz
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centre Oceanogràfic de les Balears, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Sandra Mallol
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centre Oceanogràfic de les Balears, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Janire Salazar
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel Castillo
- Centre de Recerca Ecològica i Aplicacions Forestals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Josep-Maria Gili
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Gori
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Barcelona, Spain
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