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Ani CJ, Haller-Bull V, Gilmour JP, Robson BJ. Connectivity modelling identifies sources and sinks of coral recruitment within reef clusters. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13564. [PMID: 38866879 PMCID: PMC11169499 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64388-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Connectivity aids the recovery of populations following disturbances, such as coral bleaching and tropical cyclones. Coral larval connectivity is a function of physical connectivity and larval behaviour. In this study, we used OceanParcels, a particle tracking simulator, with 2D and 3D velocity outputs from a high resolution hydrodynamic-biogeochemical marine model (RECOM) to simulate the dispersal and settlement of larvae from broadcast spawning Acropora corals in the Moore Reef cluster, northern Great Barrier Reef, following the annual spawning events in 2015, 2016 and 2017. 3D velocity simulations showed 19.40-68.80% more links and sinks than those of 2D simulations. Although the patterns of connectivity among sites vary over days and years, coral larvae consistently dispersed from east to west in the cluster domain, with some sites consistently acting as sources or sinks for local larval recruitment. Results can inform coral reef intervention plans for climate change, such as the design of marine protected areas and the deployment of proposed interventions within reef clusters. For example, the wider benefits of interventions (e.g., deployment of heat adapted corals) may be optimised when deployed at locations that are a source of larvae to others within comparable habitats across the reef cluster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinenye J Ani
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB3 Townsville, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia.
- AIMS@JCU, Australian Institute of Marine Science, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
| | - Vanessa Haller-Bull
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB3 Townsville, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - James P Gilmour
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Barbara J Robson
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB3 Townsville, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
- AIMS@JCU, Australian Institute of Marine Science, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
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2
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Rachmilovitz EN, Shaish L, Douek J, Rinkevich B. Population genetics assessment of two pocilloporid coral species from the northern red sea: Implications for urbanized reef sustainability. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 199:106580. [PMID: 38851082 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the genetic makeup of key coral species is vital for effective coral reef management, as heightened genetic diversity directly influences long-term survival and resilience against environmental changes. This study focused on two widespread Indo-Pacific branching corals, Pocillopora damicornis (referred as Pocillopora cf. damicornis (as identified only morphologically) and Seriatopora hystrix, by genotyping 222 and 195 colonies, respectively, from 10 sites in the northern Gulf of Eilat, Red Sea, using six and five microsatellite markers, respectively. Both species exhibited low observed heterozygosity (0.47 for P. cf. damicornis, 0.32 for S. hystrix) and similar expected heterozygosity (0.576 for P. cf. damicornis, 0.578 for S. hystrix). Pocillopora cf. damicornis showed minimal deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) and low but positive F values, indicating high gene flow, while S. hystrix exhibited higher diversion from HWE and positive F values, suggesting isolation by distance and possible non-random mating or genetic drift. As the Gulf of Eilat undergoes rapid urbanization, this study highlights the anthropogenic impacts on the population genetics of key ecosystem engineering species and emphasizes the importance of managing genetics of Marine Protected Areas while implementing active coral reef restoration. The differences in reproductive traits between the two species (S. hystrix being a brooder, while P. cf. damicornis a broadcast spawner), underscore the need for sustainable population genetics management of the coral reefs for the future and resilience of the coral reef ecosystem of the northern Red Sea region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elad Nehoray Rachmilovitz
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Tel Shikmona, P.O. Box 2336, Haifa, 3102201, Israel; Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, 3498838, Israel.
| | - Lee Shaish
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Tel Shikmona, P.O. Box 2336, Haifa, 3102201, Israel
| | - Jacob Douek
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Tel Shikmona, P.O. Box 2336, Haifa, 3102201, Israel.
| | - Baruch Rinkevich
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Tel Shikmona, P.O. Box 2336, Haifa, 3102201, Israel.
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3
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Randall CJ, Giuliano C, Stephenson B, Whitman TN, Page CA, Treml EA, Logan M, Negri AP. Larval precompetency and settlement behaviour in 25 Indo-Pacific coral species. Commun Biol 2024; 7:142. [PMID: 38297134 PMCID: PMC10830509 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05824-3] [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: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of coral larval precompetency periods and maximum competency windows is fundamental to understanding coral population dynamics, informing biogeography and connectivity patterns, and predicting reef recovery following disturbances. Yet for many species, estimates of these early-life history metrics are scarce and vary widely. Furthermore, settlement cues for many taxa are not known despite consequences to habitat selection. Here we performed a comprehensive experimental time-series investigation of larval settlement behaviour, for 25 Indo-Pacific broadcast-spawning species. To investigate the duration of precompetency, improve predictions of the competency windows, and compare settlement responses within and amongst species, we completed replicated and repeated 24-hour assays that exposed larvae to five common settlement cues. Our study revealed that larval competency in some broadcast-spawning species begins as early as two days post fertilization, but that the precompetency period varies within and between species from about two to six days, with consequences for local retention and population connectivity. We also found that larvae of some species are competent to settle beyond 70 days old and display complex temporal settlement behaviour, challenging the assumption that competency gradually wanes over time and adding to the evidence that larval longevity can support genetic connectivity and long-distance dispersal. Using these data, we grouped coral taxa by short, mid and long precompetency periods, and identified their preferred settlement cues. Taken together, these results inform our understanding of larval dynamics across a broad range of coral species and can be applied to investigations of population dynamics, connectivity, and reef recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly J Randall
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD, Australia.
- AIMS@JCU, Townsville, QLD, Australia.
| | | | | | - Taylor N Whitman
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD, Australia
- AIMS@JCU, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Cathie A Page
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Eric A Treml
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Murray Logan
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrew P Negri
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD, Australia
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4
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Saint-Amand A, Lambrechts J, Hanert E. Biophysical models resolution affects coral connectivity estimates. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9414. [PMID: 37296146 PMCID: PMC10256739 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36158-5] [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: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Estimating connectivity between coral reefs is essential to inform reef conservation and restoration. Given the vastness of coral reef ecosystems, connectivity can only be simulated with biophysical models whose spatial resolution is often coarser than the reef scale. Here, we assess the impact of biophysical models resolution on connectivity estimates by comparing the outputs of five different setups of the same model with resolutions ranging from 250 m to 4 km. We show that increasing the model resolution around reefs yields more complex and less directional dispersal patterns. With a fine-resolution model, connectivity graphs have more connections but of weaker strength. The resulting community structure therefore shows larger clusters of well-connected reefs. Virtual larvae also tend to stay longer close to their source reef with a fine-resolution model, leading to an increased local retention and self-recruitment for species with a short pre-competency period. Overall, only about half of the reefs with the largest connectivity indicator values are similar for the finest and coarsest resolution models. Our results suggest that reef management recommendations should only be made at scales coarser than the model resolution. Reef-scale recommendations can hence only be made with models not exceeding about 500 m resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Saint-Amand
- Earth and Life Institute (ELI), Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 2, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
| | - Jonathan Lambrechts
- Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering (IMMC), Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Georges Lemaître 4-6, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Hanert
- Earth and Life Institute (ELI), Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 2, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering (IMMC), Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Georges Lemaître 4-6, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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5
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Álvarez-Noriega M, Marrable I, Noonan SHC, Barneche DR, Ortiz JC. Highly conserved thermal performance strategies may limit adaptive potential in corals. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20221703. [PMID: 36629109 PMCID: PMC9832572 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.1703] [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: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing seawater temperatures are expected to have profound consequences for reef-building corals' physiology. Understanding how demography changes in response to chronic exposure to warming will help forecast how coral communities will respond to climate change. Here, we measure growth rates of coral fragments of four common species, while exposing them to temperatures ranging from 19°C to 31°C for one month to calibrate their thermal-performance curves (TPCs). Our results show that, while there are contrasting differences between species, the shape of the TPCs was remarkably consistent among individuals of the same species. The low variation in thermal sensitivity within species may imply a reduced capacity for rapid adaptive responses to future changes in thermal regimes. Additionally, interspecific differences in thermal responses show a negative relationship between maximum growth and thermal optima, contradicting expectations derived from the classic 'warmer-is-better' hypothesis. Among species, there was a trade-off between current and future growth, whereby most species perform well under current thermal regimes but are susceptible to future increases in temperature. Increases in water temperature with climate change are likely to reduce growth rates, further hampering future coral reef recovery rates and potentially altering community composition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabella Marrable
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, Queensland 4810, Australia
| | - Sam H. C. Noonan
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, Queensland 4810, Australia
| | - Diego R. Barneche
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Juan C. Ortiz
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, Queensland 4810, Australia
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6
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Jiang L, Sun YF, Zhou GW, Tong HY, Huang LT, Yu XL, Liu CY, Zhang YY, Yuan XC, Qian PY, Huang H. Ocean acidification elicits differential bleaching and gene expression patterns in larval reef coral Pocillopora damicornis under heat stress. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 842:156851. [PMID: 35750167 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The successful dispersal of coral larvae is vital to the population replenishment and reef recovery and resilience. Despite that this critical early stage is susceptible to ocean warming and acidification, little is known about the responses of coral larvae to warming and acidification across different biological scales. This study explored the influences of elevated temperature (29 °C versus 33 °C) and pCO2 (500 μatm versus 1000 μatm) on brooded larvae of Pocillopora damicornis at the organismal, cellular and gene expression levels. Heat stress caused bleaching, depressed light-enhanced dark respiration, photosynthesis and autotrophy, whereas high pCO2 stimulated photosynthesis. Although survival was unaffected, larvae at 33 °C were ten-times more likely to settle than those at 29 °C, suggesting reduced capacity to disperse and differentiate suitable substrate. Remarkably, heat stress induced greater symbiont loss at ambient pCO2 than at high pCO2, while cell-specific pigment concentrations of symbionts at 33 °C increased twofold under ambient pCO2 relative to high pCO2, suggesting pCO2-dependent bleaching patterns. Considerable increases in activities of host antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) at 33 °C indicated oxidative stress, whereas lipid peroxidation and caspase activities were contained, thereby restraining larval mortality at 33 °C. Furthermore, the coral host mounted stronger transcriptional responses than symbionts. High pCO2 stimulated host metabolic pathways, possibly because of the boosted algal productivity. In contrast, host metabolic processes and symbiont photosystem genes were downregulated at 33 °C. Interestingly, the upregulation of extracellular matrix genes and glycosaminoglycan degradation pathway at 33 °C was more evident under ambient pCO2 than high pCO2, suggesting compromised host tissue integrity that could have facilitated symbiont expulsion and bleaching. Our results provide insights into how coral larvae respond to warming and acidification at different levels of biological organization, and demonstrate that ocean acidification can mediate thermal bleaching and gene expression in coral larvae under heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (SCSIO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Department of Ocean Science and Hong Kong Branch of the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya 572000, China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - You-Fang Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (SCSIO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Department of Ocean Science and Hong Kong Branch of the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya 572000, China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Guo-Wei Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (SCSIO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya 572000, China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Hao-Ya Tong
- Department of Ocean Science and Hong Kong Branch of the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Lin-Tao Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (SCSIO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya 572000, China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Xiao-Lei Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (SCSIO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya 572000, China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Cheng-Yue Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (SCSIO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya 572000, China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Yu-Yang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (SCSIO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya 572000, China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Xiang-Cheng Yuan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (SCSIO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya 572000, China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Pei-Yuan Qian
- Department of Ocean Science and Hong Kong Branch of the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Hui Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (SCSIO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China; CAS-HKUST Sanya Joint Laboratory of Marine Science Research, Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Biotechnology of Hainan Province, Sanya Institute of Oceanology, SCSIO, Sanya 572000, China; Sanya National Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Tropical Marine Biological Research Station in Hainan, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China.
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7
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Hughes TP, Kerry JT, Connolly SR, Álvarez-Romero JG, Eakin CM, Heron SF, Gonzalez MA, Moneghetti J. Emergent properties in the responses of tropical corals to recurrent climate extremes. Curr Biol 2021; 31:5393-5399.e3. [PMID: 34739821 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.10.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The frequency, intensity, and spatial scale of climate extremes are changing rapidly due to anthropogenic global warming.1,2 A growing research challenge is to understand how multiple climate-driven disturbances interact with each other over multi-decadal time frames, generating combined effects that cannot be predicted from single events alone.3-5 Here we examine the emergent dynamics of five coral bleaching events along the 2,300 km length of the Great Barrier Reef that affected >98% of the Reef between 1998 and 2020. We show that the bleaching responses of corals to a given level of heat exposure differed in each event and were strongly influenced by contingency and the spatial overlap and strength of interactions between events. Naive regions that escaped bleaching for a decade or longer were the most susceptible to bouts of heat exposure. Conversely, when pairs of successive bleaching episodes were close together (1-3 years apart), the thermal threshold for severe bleaching increased because the earlier event hardened regions of the Great Barrier Reef to further impacts. In the near future, the biological responses to recurrent bleaching events may become stronger as the cumulative geographic footprint expands further, potentially impairing the stock-recruitment relationships among lightly and severely bleached reefs with diverse recent histories. Understanding the emergent properties and collective dynamics of recurrent disturbances will be critical for predicting spatial refuges and cumulative ecological responses, and for managing the longer-term impacts of anthropogenic climate change on ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry P Hughes
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
| | - James T Kerry
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Sean R Connolly
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Republic of Panama
| | - Jorge G Álvarez-Romero
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - C Mark Eakin
- Coral Reef Watch, U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, College Park, MD 20740, USA
| | - Scott F Heron
- Marine Geophysical Laboratory, Physics Department, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | | | - Joanne Moneghetti
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
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8
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Afiq‐Rosli L, Wainwright BJ, Gajanur AR, Lee AC, Ooi SK, Chou LM, Huang D. Barriers and corridors of gene flow in an urbanized tropical reef system. Evol Appl 2021; 14:2502-2515. [PMID: 34745340 PMCID: PMC8549622 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Information about the distribution of alleles among marine populations is critical for determining patterns of genetic connectivity that are essential in modern conservation planning. To estimate population connectivity in Singapore's urbanized equatorial reef system, we analysed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from two species of reef-building corals with distinct life histories. For Porites sp., a broadcast-spawning coral, we found cryptic lineages that were differentially distributed at inshore and central-offshore sites that could be attributed to contemporary surface current regimes. Near panmixia was observed for Pocillopora acuta with differentiation of colonies at the farthest site from mainland Singapore, a possible consequence of the brooding nature and relatively long pelagic larval duration of the species. Furthermore, analysis of recent gene flow showed that 60-80% of colonies in each population were nonmigrants, underscoring self-recruitment as an important demographic process in this reef system. Apart from helping to enhance the management of Singapore's coral reef ecosystems, findings here pave the way for better understanding of the evolution of marine populations in South-East Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutfi Afiq‐Rosli
- Department of Biological SciencesNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Tropical Marine Science InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Benjamin John Wainwright
- Department of Biological SciencesNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Yale‐NUS CollegeNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Anya Roopa Gajanur
- Department of Biological SciencesNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Ai Chin Lee
- Tropical Marine Science InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Seng Keat Ooi
- Tropical Marine Science InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Loke Ming Chou
- Department of Biological SciencesNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Tropical Marine Science InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Danwei Huang
- Department of Biological SciencesNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Tropical Marine Science InstituteNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Centre for Nature‐based Climate SolutionsNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
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9
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Dietzel A, Connolly SR, Hughes TP, Bode M. The spatial footprint and patchiness of large-scale disturbances on coral reefs. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:4825-4838. [PMID: 34390297 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ecosystems have always been shaped by disturbances, but many of these events are becoming larger, more severe and more frequent. The recovery capacity of depleted populations depends on the frequency of disturbances, the spatial distribution of mortality and the scale of dispersal. Here, we show that four mass coral bleaching events on the Great Barrier Reef (in 1998, 2002, 2016 and 2017) each had markedly larger disturbance footprints and were less patchy than a severe category 5 tropical cyclone (Cyclone Yasi, 2011). Severely bleached reefs in 2016 and 2017 were isolated from the nearest lightly affected reefs by up to 146 and 200 km, respectively. In contrast, reefs damaged by Cyclone Yasi were on average 20 km away from relatively undisturbed reefs, well within the estimated range of larval dispersal for most corals. Based on these results, we present a model of coral reef disturbance and recovery to examine (1) how the spatial clustering of disturbances modifies large-scale recovery rates; and (2) how recovery rates are shaped by species' dispersal abilities. Our findings illustrate that the spatial footprint of the recent mass bleaching events poses an unprecedented threat to the resilience of coral species in human history, a threat that is even larger than the amount of mortality suggests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Dietzel
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sean R Connolly
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Republic of Panama
| | - Terry P Hughes
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael Bode
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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10
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Grinblat M, Cooke I, Shlesinger T, Ben-Zvi O, Loya Y, Miller DJ, Cowman PF. Biogeography, reproductive biology and phylogenetic divergence within the Fungiidae (mushroom corals). Mol Phylogenet Evol 2021; 164:107265. [PMID: 34274488 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2021.107265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
While the escalating impacts of climate change and other anthropogenic pressures on coral reefs are well documented at the coral community level, studies of species-specific trends are less common, owing mostly to the difficulties and uncertainties in delineating coral species. It has also become clear that traditional coral taxonomy based largely on skeletal macromorphology has underestimated the diversity of many coral families. Here, we use targeted enrichment methods to sequence 2476 ultraconserved elements (UCEs) and exonic loci to investigate the relationship between populations of Fungia fungites from Okinawa, Japan, where this species reproduces by brooding (i.e., internal fertilization), and Papua New Guinea and Australia, where it reproduces by broadcast-spawning (i.e., external fertilization). Moreover, we analyzed the relationships between populations of additional fungiid species (Herpolitha limax and Ctenactis spp.) that reproduce only by broadcast-spawning. Our phylogenetic and species delimitation analyses reveal strong biogeographic structuring in both F. fungites and Herpolitha limax, consistent with cryptic speciation in Okinawa in both species and additionally for H. limax in the Red Sea. By combining UCE/exon data and mitochondrial sequences captured in off-target reads, we reinforce earlier findings that Ctenactis, a genus consisting of three nominal morphospecies, is not a natural group. Our results highlight the need for taxonomic and systematic re-evaluations of some species and genera within the family Fungiidae. This work demonstrates that sequence data generated by the application of targeted capture methods can provide objective criteria by which we can test phylogenetic hypotheses based on morphological and/or life history traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mila Grinblat
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Ira Cooke
- Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Tom Shlesinger
- Institute for Global Ecology, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL, USA
| | - Or Ben-Zvi
- School of Zoology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel; The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat, Eilat, Israel
| | - Yossi Loya
- School of Zoology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - David J Miller
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Peter F Cowman
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia; Biodiversity and Geosciences Program, Museum of Tropical Queensland, Queensland Museum, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
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11
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Sims CA, Sampayo EM, Mayfield MM, Staples TL, Dalton SJ, Gutierrez‐Isaza N, Pandolfi JM. Janzen–Connell effects partially supported in reef‐building corals: adult presence interacts with settler density to limit establishment. OIKOS 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.08110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carrie A. Sims
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Univ. of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, Univ. of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Eugenia M. Sampayo
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Univ. of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, Univ. of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Margaret M. Mayfield
- School of Biological Sciences, Univ. of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Timothy L. Staples
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Univ. of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, Univ. of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Steven J. Dalton
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Univ. of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, Univ. of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross Univ. Bay Drive Coffs Harbour New South Wales Australia
| | - Nataly Gutierrez‐Isaza
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Univ. of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, Univ. of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - John M. Pandolfi
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Univ. of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, Univ. of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
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12
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Depth-dependent parental effects create invisible barriers to coral dispersal. Commun Biol 2021; 4:202. [PMID: 33589736 PMCID: PMC7884412 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01727-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Historically, marine populations were considered to be interconnected across large geographic regions due to the lack of apparent physical barriers to dispersal, coupled with a potentially widely dispersive pelagic larval stage. Recent studies, however, are providing increasing evidence of small-scale genetic segregation of populations across habitats and depths, separated in some cases by only a few dozen meters. Here, we performed a series of ex-situ and in-situ experiments using coral larvae of three brooding species from contrasting shallow- and deep-water reef habitats, and show that their settlement success, habitat choices, and subsequent survival are substantially influenced by parental effects in a habitat-dependent manner. Generally, larvae originating from deep-water corals, which experience less variable conditions, expressed more specific responses than shallow-water larvae, with a higher settlement success in simulated parental-habitat conditions. Survival of juvenile corals experimentally translocated to the sea was significantly lower when not at parental depths. We conclude that local adaptations and parental effects alongside larval selectivity and phenotype-environment mismatches combine to create invisible semipermeable barriers to coral dispersal and connectivity, leading to habitat-dependent population segregation. Tom Shlesinger and Yossi Loya use ex-situ and in-situ experiments with coral larvae of three brooding species from contrasting shallow- and deep-water habitats and show that larvae originating from deep-water corals have narrower tolerances and higher habitat-specificity in simulated parental-habitat conditions. They also show that survival of juvenile corals experimentally translocated to the sea was significantly lower when not at parental depths. Together these results demonstrate that local adaptations and parental effects interact with larval selectivity and phenotype-environment mismatches to create semipermeable barriers to coral dispersal and connectivity.
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13
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Cant J, Salguero-Gómez R, Kim SW, Sims CA, Sommer B, Brooks M, Malcolm HA, Pandolfi JM, Beger M. The projected degradation of subtropical coral assemblages by recurrent thermal stress. J Anim Ecol 2020; 90:233-247. [PMID: 32920820 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Subtropical coral assemblages are threatened by similar extreme thermal stress events to their tropical counterparts. Yet, the mid- and long-term thermal stress responses of corals in subtropical environments remain largely unquantified, limiting our capacity to predict their future viability. The annual survival, growth and recruitment of 311 individual corals within the Solitary Islands Marine Park (Australia) was recorded over a 3-year period (2016-2018), including the 2015/2016 thermal stress event. These data were used to parameterise integral projection models quantifying the effect of thermal stress within a subtropical coral assemblage. Stochastic simulations were also applied to evaluate the implications of recurrent thermal stress scenarios predicted by four different Representative Concentration Pathways. We report differential shifts in population growth rates (λ) among coral populations during both stress and non-stress periods, confirming contrasting bleaching responses among taxa. However, even during non-stress periods, the observed dynamics for all taxa were unable to maintain current community composition, highlighting the need for external recruitment sources to support the community structure. Across all coral taxa, projected stochastic growth rates (λs ) were found to be lowest under higher emissions scenarios. Correspondingly, predicted increases in recurrent thermal stress regimes may accelerate the loss of coral coverage, species diversity and structural complexity within subtropical regions. We suggest that these trends are primarily due to the susceptibility of subtropical specialists and endemic species, such as Pocillopora aliciae, to thermal stress. Similarly, the viability of many tropical coral populations at higher latitudes is highly dependent on the persistence of up-current tropical systems. As such, the inherent dynamics of subtropical coral populations appear unable to support their future persistence under unprecedented thermal disturbance scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Cant
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Roberto Salguero-Gómez
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
| | - Sun W Kim
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Carrie A Sims
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Brigitte Sommer
- School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Maxime Brooks
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Hamish A Malcolm
- Fisheries Research, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia
| | - John M Pandolfi
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Maria Beger
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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14
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Settlement of larvae from four families of corals in response to a crustose coralline alga and its biochemical morphogens. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16397. [PMID: 33009428 PMCID: PMC7532448 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73103-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthy benthic substrates that induce coral larvae to settle are necessary for coral recovery. Yet, the biochemical cues required to induce coral settlement have not been identified for many taxa. Here we tested the ability of the crustose coralline alga (CCA) Porolithon onkodes to induce attachment and metamorphosis, collectively termed settlement, of larvae from 15 ecologically important coral species from the families Acroporidae, Merulinidae, Poritidae, and Diploastreidae. Live CCA fragments, ethanol extracts, and hot aqueous extracts of P. onkodes induced settlement (> 10%) for 11, 7, and 6 coral species, respectively. Live CCA fragments were the most effective inducer, achieving over 50% settlement for nine species. The strongest settlement responses were observed in Acropora spp.; the only non-acroporid species that settled over 50% were Diploastrea heliopora, Goniastrea retiformis, and Dipsastraea pallida. Larval settlement was reduced in treatments with chemical extracts compared with live CCA, although high settlement (> 50%) was reported for six acroporid species in response to ethanol extracts of CCA. All experimental treatments failed (< 10%) to induce settlement in Montipora aequituberculata, Mycedium elephantotus, and Porites cylindrica. Individual species responded heterogeneously to all treatments, suggesting that none of the cues represent a universal settlement inducer. These results challenge the commonly-held notion that CCA ubiquitously induces coral settlement, and emphasize the critical need to assess additional cues to identify natural settlement inducers for a broad range of coral taxa.
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15
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Carturan BS, Pither J, Maréchal JP, Bradshaw CJA, Parrott L. Combining agent-based, trait-based and demographic approaches to model coral-community dynamics. eLife 2020; 9:e55993. [PMID: 32701058 PMCID: PMC7473774 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The complexity of coral-reef ecosystems makes it challenging to predict their dynamics and resilience under future disturbance regimes. Models for coral-reef dynamics do not adequately account for the high functional diversity exhibited by corals. Models that are ecologically and mechanistically detailed are therefore required to simulate the ecological processes driving coral reef dynamics. Here, we describe a novel model that includes processes at different spatial scales, and the contribution of species' functional diversity to benthic-community dynamics. We calibrated and validated the model to reproduce observed dynamics using empirical data from Caribbean reefs. The model exhibits realistic community dynamics, and individual population dynamics are ecologically plausible. A global sensitivity analysis revealed that the number of larvae produced locally, and interaction-induced reductions in growth rate are the parameters with the largest influence on community dynamics. The model provides a platform for virtual experiments to explore diversity-functioning relationships in coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason Pither
- Department of Biology, University of British ColumbiaKelownaCanada
- Institute for Biodiversity, Resilience, and Ecosystem Services, University of British ColumbiaKelownaCanada
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographic Sciences, University of British ColumbiaKelownaCanada
| | | | - Corey JA Bradshaw
- Global Ecology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders UniversityAdelaideAustralia
| | - Lael Parrott
- Department of Biology, University of British ColumbiaKelownaCanada
- Institute for Biodiversity, Resilience, and Ecosystem Services, University of British ColumbiaKelownaCanada
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographic Sciences, University of British ColumbiaKelownaCanada
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16
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Dubé CE, Boissin E, Mercière A, Planes S. Parentage analyses identify local dispersal events and sibling aggregations in a natural population of Millepora hydrocorals, a free-spawning marine invertebrate. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:1508-1522. [PMID: 32227655 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Dispersal is a critical process for the persistence and productivity of marine populations. For many reef species, there is increasing evidence that local demography and self-recruitment have major consequences on their genetic diversity and adaptation to environmental change. Yet empirical data of dispersal patterns in reef-building species remain scarce. Here, we document the first genetic estimates of self-recruitment and dispersal distances in a free-spawning marine invertebrate, the hydrocoral Millepora cf. platyphylla. Using twelve microsatellite markers, we gathered genotypic information from 3,160 georeferenced colonies collected over 27,000 m2 of a single reef in three adjacent habitats in Moorea, French Polynesia; the mid slope, upper slope, and back reef. Although the adult population was predominantly clonal (85% were clones), our parentage analysis revealed a moderate self-recruitment rate with a minimum of 8% of sexual propagules produced locally. Assigned offspring often settled at <10 m from their parents and dispersal events decrease with increasing geographic distance. There were no discrepancies between the dispersal distances of offspring assigned to parents belonging to clonal versus nonclonal genotypes. Interhabitat dispersal events via cross-reef transport were also detected for sexual and asexual propagules. Sibship analysis showed that full siblings recruit nearby on the reef (more than 40% settled at <30 m), resulting in sibling aggregations. Our findings highlight the importance of self-recruitment together with clonality in stabilizing population dynamics, which may ultimately enhance local sustainability and resilience to disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Dubé
- PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, Perpignan Cedex, France.,Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia
| | - Emilie Boissin
- PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, Perpignan Cedex, France.,Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia
| | - Alexandre Mercière
- PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, Perpignan Cedex, France.,Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia
| | - Serge Planes
- PSL Research University: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, Perpignan Cedex, France.,Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia
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17
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Moneghetti J, Figueiredo J, Baird AH, Connolly SR. High-frequency sampling and piecewise models reshape dispersal kernels of a common reef coral. Ecology 2019; 100:e02730. [PMID: 30991454 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Models of dispersal potential are required to predict connectivity between populations of sessile organisms. However, to date, such models do not allow for time-varying rates of acquisition and loss of competence to settle and metamorphose, and permit only a limited range of possible survivorship curves. We collect high-resolution observations of coral larval survival and metamorphosis, and apply a piecewise modeling approach that incorporates a broad range of temporally varying rates of mortality and loss of competence. Our analysis identified marked changes in competence loss and mortality rates, the timing of which implicates developmental failure and depletion of energy reserves. Asymmetric demographic rates suggest more intermediate-range dispersal, less local retention, and less long-distance dispersal than predicted by previously employed non-piecewise models. Because vital rates are likely temporally asymmetric, at least for nonfeeding broadcast-spawned larvae, piecewise analysis of demographic rates will likely yield more reliable predictions of dispersal potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Moneghetti
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Joana Figueiredo
- Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Nova Southeastern University, 8000 North Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, Florida, 33004, USA
| | - Andrew H Baird
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Sean R Connolly
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
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18
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Hughes TP, Kerry JT, Baird AH, Connolly SR, Chase TJ, Dietzel A, Hill T, Hoey AS, Hoogenboom MO, Jacobson M, Kerswell A, Madin JS, Mieog A, Paley AS, Pratchett MS, Torda G, Woods RM. Global warming impairs stock-recruitment dynamics of corals. Nature 2019; 568:387-390. [PMID: 30944475 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-019-1081-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Changes in disturbance regimes due to climate change are increasingly challenging the capacity of ecosystems to absorb recurrent shocks and reassemble afterwards, escalating the risk of widespread ecological collapse of current ecosystems and the emergence of novel assemblages1-3. In marine systems, the production of larvae and recruitment of functionally important species are fundamental processes for rebuilding depleted adult populations, maintaining resilience and avoiding regime shifts in the face of rising environmental pressures4,5. Here we document a regional-scale shift in stock-recruitment relationships of corals along the Great Barrier Reef-the world's largest coral reef system-following unprecedented back-to-back mass bleaching events caused by global warming. As a consequence of mass mortality of adult brood stock in 2016 and 2017 owing to heat stress6, the amount of larval recruitment declined in 2018 by 89% compared to historical levels. For the first time, brooding pocilloporids replaced spawning acroporids as the dominant taxon in the depleted recruitment pool. The collapse in stock-recruitment relationships indicates that the low resistance of adult brood stocks to repeated episodes of coral bleaching is inexorably tied to an impaired capacity for recovery, which highlights the multifaceted processes that underlie the global decline of coral reefs. The extent to which the Great Barrier Reef will be able to recover from the collapse in stock-recruitment relationships remains uncertain, given the projected increased frequency of extreme climate events over the next two decades7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry P Hughes
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
| | - James T Kerry
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew H Baird
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sean R Connolly
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.,College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tory J Chase
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.,College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andreas Dietzel
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tessa Hill
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.,College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew S Hoey
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mia O Hoogenboom
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.,College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mizue Jacobson
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.,College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Joshua S Madin
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i, Kaneohe, HI, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Abbie Mieog
- Murray-Darling Basin Authority, Canberra City, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Allison S Paley
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.,College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Morgan S Pratchett
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gergely Torda
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.,Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rachael M Woods
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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19
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Davidson J, Thompson A, Logan M, Schaffelke B. High spatio-temporal variability in Acroporidae settlement to inshore reefs of the Great Barrier Reef. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0209771. [PMID: 30699141 PMCID: PMC6353100 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recovery of coral reefs after disturbance relies heavily on replenishment through successful larval settlement and their subsequent survival. As part of an integrated study to determine the potential effects of water quality changes on the resilience of inshore coral communities, scleractinian coral settlement was monitored between 2006 and 2012 at 12 reefs within the inshore Great Barrier Reef. Settlement patterns were only analysed for the family Acroporidae, which represented the majority (84%) of settled larvae. Settlement of Acroporidae to terracotta tiles averaged 0.11 cm-2, representing 34 ± 31.01 (mean ± SD) spat per tile, indicating an abundant supply of competent larvae to the study reefs. Settlement was highly variable among reefs and between years. Differences in settlement among locations partly corresponded to the local cover of adult Acroporidae, while substantial reductions in Acroporidae cover caused by tropical cyclones and floods resulted in a clear reduction in settlement. Much of the observed variability remained unexplained, although likely included variability in both connectivity to, and the fecundity of, adult Acroporidae. The responsiveness of settlement patterns to the decline in Acroporidae cover across all four regions indicates the importance of supply and connectivity, and the vulnerability towards region-wide disturbance. High spatial and temporal variability, in addition to the resource-intensive nature of sampling with settlement tiles, highlights the logistical difficulty of determining coral settlement over large spatial and temporal scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnston Davidson
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Angus Thompson
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Murray Logan
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Britta Schaffelke
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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20
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Sexual Reproduction of Scleractinian Corals in Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems vs. Shallow Reefs. CORAL REEFS OF THE WORLD 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-92735-0_35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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21
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Underwood JN, Travers MJ, Snow M, Puotinen M, Gouws G. Cryptic lineages in the Wolf Cardinalfish living in sympatry on remote coral atolls. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2018; 132:183-193. [PMID: 30528081 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Coral reef health and biodiversity is under threat worldwide due to rapid climate change. However, much of the inter- and intra-specific diversity of coral reefs are undescribed even in well studied taxa such as fish. Delimiting previously unrecognised diversity is important for understanding the processes that generate and sustain biodiversity in coral reef ecosystems and informing strategies for their conservation and management. Many taxa that inhabit geographically isolated coral reefs rely on self-recruitment for population persistence, providing the opportunity for the evolution of unique genetic lineages through divergent selection and reproductive isolation. Many such lineages in corals and fish are morphologically similar or indistinguishable. Here, we report the discovery and characterisation of cryptic lineages of the Wolf Cardinalfish, Cheilodipterus artus, from the coral atolls of northwest Australia using multiple molecular markers from mitochondrial (CO1 and D-loop) and nuclear (microsatellites) DNA. Concordant results from all markers identified two highly divergent lineages that are morphologically cryptic and reproductively isolated. These lineages co-occurred at daytime resting sites, but the relative abundance of each lineage was strongly correlated with wave exposure. It appears, therefore, that fish from each lineage are better adapted to different microhabitats. Such cryptic and ecologically based diversity appears to be common in these atolls and may well aid resilience of these systems. Our results also highlight that underwater surveys based on visual identification clearly underestimate biodiversity, and that a taxonomic revision of the Cheilodipterus genus is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim N Underwood
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Oceans Marine Research Centre, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Michael J Travers
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Oceans Marine Research Centre, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia; Western Australian Fisheries and Marine Research Laboratories, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Government of Western Australia, PO Box 20, North Beach, Western Australia 6920, Australia
| | - Michael Snow
- Western Australian Fisheries and Marine Research Laboratories, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Government of Western Australia, PO Box 20, North Beach, Western Australia 6920, Australia
| | - Marji Puotinen
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Oceans Marine Research Centre, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Gavin Gouws
- National Research Foundation - South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Private Bag 1015, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa
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22
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Carturan BS, Parrott L, Pither J. A modified trait‐based framework for assessing the resilience of ecosystem services provided by coral reef communities. Ecosphere 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno S. Carturan
- Department of Biology University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, 1177 Research Road Kelowna British Columbia V1V 1V7 Canada
- Institute for Biodiversity, Resilience, and Ecosystem Services University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, 1177 Research Road Kelowna British Columbia V1V 1V7 Canada
| | - Lael Parrott
- Department of Biology University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, 1177 Research Road Kelowna British Columbia V1V 1V7 Canada
- Institute for Biodiversity, Resilience, and Ecosystem Services University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, 1177 Research Road Kelowna British Columbia V1V 1V7 Canada
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographic Sciences University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, 1177 Research Road Kelowna British Columbia V1V 1V7 Canada
| | - Jason Pither
- Department of Biology University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, 1177 Research Road Kelowna British Columbia V1V 1V7 Canada
- Institute for Biodiversity, Resilience, and Ecosystem Services University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, 1177 Research Road Kelowna British Columbia V1V 1V7 Canada
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographic Sciences University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, 1177 Research Road Kelowna British Columbia V1V 1V7 Canada
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23
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Underwood JN, Richards ZT, Miller KJ, Puotinen ML, Gilmour JP. Genetic signatures through space, time and multiple disturbances in a ubiquitous brooding coral. Mol Ecol 2018; 27:1586-1602. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.14559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jim N. Underwood
- Indian Oceans Marine Research Centre Australian Institute of Marine Science Crawley WA Australia
| | - Zoe T. Richards
- Trace and Environmental DNA Laboratory School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University Bentley WA Australia
- Department of Aquatic Zoology Western Australian Museum Perth WA Australia
| | - Karen J. Miller
- Indian Oceans Marine Research Centre Australian Institute of Marine Science Crawley WA Australia
| | - Marji L. Puotinen
- Indian Oceans Marine Research Centre Australian Institute of Marine Science Crawley WA Australia
| | - James P. Gilmour
- Indian Oceans Marine Research Centre Australian Institute of Marine Science Crawley WA Australia
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24
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Shlesinger T, Grinblat M, Rapuano H, Amit T, Loya Y. Can mesophotic reefs replenish shallow reefs? Reduced coral reproductive performance casts a doubt. Ecology 2018; 99:421-437. [PMID: 29205289 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 11/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Mesophotic coral ecosystems (i.e., deep coral reefs at 30-120 m depth) appear to be thriving while many shallow reefs in the world are declining. Amid efforts to understand and manage their decline, it was suggested that mesophotic reefs might serve as natural refuges and a possible source of propagules for the shallow reefs. However, our knowledge of how reproductive performance of corals alters with depth is sparse. Here, we present a comprehensive study of the reproductive phenology, fecundity, and abundance of seven reef-building conspecific corals in shallow and mesophotic habitats. Significant differences were found in the synchrony and timing of gametogenesis and spawning between shallow and mesophotic coral populations. Thus, mesophotic populations exhibited delayed or protracted spawning events, which led to spawning of the mesophotic colonies in large proportions at times where the shallow ones had long been depleted of reproductive material. All species investigated demonstrated a substantial reduction in fecundity and/or oocyte sizes at mesophotic depths (40-60 m). Two species (Seriatopora hystrix and Galaxea fascicularis) displayed a reduction in both fecundity and oocyte size at mesophotic depths. Turbinaria reniformis had only reduced fecundity and Acropora squarrosa and Acropora valida only reduced oocyte size. In Montipora verrucosa, reduced fecundity was found during one annual reproductive season while, in the following year, only reduced oocyte size was found. In contrast, reduced oocyte size in mesophotic populations of Acropora squarrosa was consistent along three studied years. One species, Acropora pharaonis, was found to be infertile at mesophotic depths along two studied years. This indicates that reproductive performance decreases with depth; and that although some species are capable of reproducing at mesophotic depths, their contribution to the replenishment of shallow reefs may be inconsequential. Reduced reproductive performance with depth, combined with the possible narrower tolerance to environmental factors, further suggests that mesophotic corals may in fact be more vulnerable than previously conceived. Furthermore, we posit that the observed temporal segregation in reproduction could lead to assortative mating, and this, in turn, may facilitate adaptive divergence across depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Shlesinger
- The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Zoology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Mila Grinblat
- The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Zoology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Hanna Rapuano
- The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Zoology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Tal Amit
- The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Zoology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel.,The School of Marine Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Michmoret, 40297, Israel
| | - Yossi Loya
- The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Zoology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
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25
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Hartmann AC, Baird AH, Knowlton N, Huang D. The Paradox of Environmental Symbiont Acquisition in Obligate Mutualisms. Curr Biol 2017; 27:3711-3716.e3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2017.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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26
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Sommer B, Sampayo EM, Beger M, Harrison PL, Babcock RC, Pandolfi JM. Local and regional controls of phylogenetic structure at the high-latitude range limits of corals. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 284:20170915. [PMID: 28835555 PMCID: PMC5577478 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.0915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how range-edge populations will respond to climate change is an urgent research priority. Here, we used a phylogenetic community ecology approach to examine how ecological and evolutionary processes shape biodiversity patterns of scleractinian corals at their high-latitude range limits in eastern Australia. We estimated phylogenetic signal in seven ecologically important functional traits and conducted tests of phylogenetic structure at local and regional scales using the net relatedness (NRI) and nearest taxon indices (NTI) for the presence/absence and abundance data. Regional tests showed light phylogenetic clustering, indicating that coral species found in this subtropical-to-temperate transition zone are more closely related to each other than are species on the nearby, more northerly Great Barrier Reef. Local tests revealed variable patterns of phylogenetic clustering and overdispersion and higher than expected phylogenetic turnover among sites. In combination, these results are broadly consistent with the hierarchical filtering model, whereby species pass through a regional climatic filter based on their tolerances for marginal conditions and subsequently segregate into local assemblages according to the relative strength of habitat filtering and species interactions. Conservatism of tested traits suggests that corals will likely track their niches with climate change. Nevertheless, high turnover of lineages among sites indicates that range shifts will probably vary among species and highlights the vulnerability and conservation significance of high-latitude reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Sommer
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Eugenia M Sampayo
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Maria Beger
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Peter L Harrison
- Marine Ecology Research Centre, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales 2480, Australia
| | - Russ C Babcock
- CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, Dutton Park, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - John M Pandolfi
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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27
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Hata T, Madin JS, Cumbo VR, Denny M, Figueiredo J, Harii S, Thomas CJ, Baird AH. Coral larvae are poor swimmers and require fine-scale reef structure to settle. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2249. [PMID: 28533550 PMCID: PMC5440398 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02402-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Reef coral assemblages are highly dynamic and subject to repeated disturbances, which are predicted to increase in response to climate change. Consequently there is an urgent need to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying different recovery scenarios. Recent work has demonstrated that reef structural complexity can facilitate coral recovery, but the mechanism remains unclear. Similarly, experiments suggest that coral larvae can distinguish between the water from healthy and degraded reefs, however, whether or not they can use these cues to navigate to healthy reefs is an open question. Here, we use a meta-analytic approach to document that coral larval swimming speeds are orders of magnitude lower than measurements of water flow both on and off reefs. Therefore, the ability of coral larvae to navigate to reefs while in the open-ocean, or to settlement sites while on reefs is extremely limited. We then show experimentally that turbulence generated by fine scale structure is required to deliver larvae to the substratum even in conditions mimicking calm back-reef flow environments. We conclude that structural complexity at a number of scales assists coral recovery by facilitating both the delivery of coral larvae to the substratum and settlement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Hata
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, 120 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950-3094, USA
| | - Joshua S Madin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| | - Vivian R Cumbo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| | - Mark Denny
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, 120 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950-3094, USA
| | - Joanna Figueiredo
- Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Nova Southeastern University, 8000 N Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, FL, 33004, USA
| | - Saki Harii
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Christopher J Thomas
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering, Avenue G. Lemaître 4-6, B-1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Andrew H Baird
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reefs Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.
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28
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Howells EJ, Ketchum RN, Bauman AG, Mustafa Y, Watkins KD, Burt JA. Species-specific trends in the reproductive output of corals across environmental gradients and bleaching histories. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 105:532-9. [PMID: 26608503 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Coral populations in the Persian Gulf have a reputation for being some of the toughest in the world yet little is known about the energetic constraints of living under temperature and salinity extremes. Energy allocation for sexual reproduction in Gulf corals was evaluated relative to conspecifics living under milder environmental conditions in the Oman Sea. Fecundity was depressed at Gulf sites in two Indo-Pacific merulinid species (Cyphastrea microphthalma and Platygyra daedalea) but not in a regionally endemic acroporid (Acropora downingi). Gulf populations of each species experienced high temperature bleaching at the onset of gametogenesis in the study but fecundity was only negatively impacted in P. daedalea and A. downingi. Large population sizes of C. microphthalma and P. daedalea in the Gulf are expected to buffer reductions on colony-level fecundity. However, depleted population sizes of A. downingi at some Gulf sites equate to low reef-wide fecundity and likely impede outcrossing success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Howells
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Remi N Ketchum
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Andrew G Bauman
- Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore
| | - Yasmine Mustafa
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Kristina D Watkins
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - John A Burt
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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29
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Jones R, Ricardo GF, Negri AP. Effects of sediments on the reproductive cycle of corals. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 100:13-33. [PMID: 26384866 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/02/2015] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Dredging, river plumes and natural resuspension events can release sediments into the water column where they exert a range of effects on underlying communities. In this review we examine possible cause-effect pathways whereby light reduction, elevated suspended sediments and sediment deposition could affect the reproductive cycle and early life histories of corals. The majority of reported or likely effects (30+) were negative, including a suite of previously unrecognized effects on gametes. The length of each phase of the life-cycle was also examined together with analysis of water quality conditions that can occur during a dredging project over equivalent durations, providing a range of environmentally relevant exposure scenarios for future testing. The review emphasizes the need to: (a) accurately quantify exposure conditions, (b) identify the mechanism of any effects in future studies, and (c) recognize the close interlinking of proximate factors which could confound interpretation of studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Jones
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Perth, Australia; Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI), Perth, Australia; Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
| | - G F Ricardo
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Perth, Australia; Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI), Perth, Australia; Centre of Microscopy, Charaterisation and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
| | - A P Negri
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Perth, Australia; Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI), Perth, Australia.
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30
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Thomas CJ, Bridge TC, Figueiredo J, Deleersnijder E, Hanert E. Connectivity between submerged and near‐sea‐surface coral reefs: can submerged reef populations act as refuges? DIVERS DISTRIB 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Thomas
- Institute of Mechanics Materials and Civil Engineering (iMMC) Université catholique de Louvain 1348 Louvain‐la‐Neuve Belgium
| | - Tom C.L. Bridge
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Qld 4811 Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science PMB #3 Townsville MC Qld 4810 Australia
| | - Joana Figueiredo
- Oceanographic Center Nova Southeastern University 8000 N Ocean Drive Dania Beach FL 33004 USA
| | - Eric Deleersnijder
- Institute of Mechanics Materials and Civil Engineering (iMMC) Université catholique de Louvain 1348 Louvain‐la‐Neuve Belgium
- Earth and Life Institute (ELI) Université catholique de Louvain 1348 Louvain‐la‐Neuve Belgium
- Delft Institute of Applied Mathematics (DIAM) Delft University of Technology Mekelweg 4 2628CD Delft The Netherlands
| | - Emmanuel Hanert
- Earth and Life Institute (ELI) Université catholique de Louvain 1348 Louvain‐la‐Neuve Belgium
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31
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Treml EA, Ford JR, Black KP, Swearer SE. Identifying the key biophysical drivers, connectivity outcomes, and metapopulation consequences of larval dispersal in the sea. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2015; 3:17. [PMID: 26180636 PMCID: PMC4502943 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-015-0045-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population connectivity, which is essential for the persistence of benthic marine metapopulations, depends on how life history traits and the environment interact to influence larval production, dispersal and survival. Although we have made significant advances in our understanding of the spatial and temporal dynamics of these individual processes, developing an approach that integrates the entire population connectivity process from reproduction, through dispersal, and to the recruitment of individuals has been difficult. We present a population connectivity modelling framework and diagnostic approach for quantifying the impact of i) life histories, ii) demographics, iii) larval dispersal, and iv) the physical seascape, on the structure of connectivity and metapopulation dynamics. We illustrate this approach using the subtidal rocky reef ecosystem of Port Phillip Bay, were we provide a broadly-applicable framework of population connectivity and quantitative methodology for evaluating the relative importance of individual factors in determining local and system outcomes. RESULTS The spatial characteristics of marine population connectivity are primarily influenced by larval mortality, the duration of the pelagic larval stage, and the settlement competency characteristics, with significant variability imposed by the geographic setting and the timing of larval release. The relative influence and the direction and strength of the main effects were strongly consistent among 10 connectivity-based metrics. CONCLUSIONS These important intrinsic factors (mortality, length of the pelagic larval stage, and the extent of the precompetency window) and the spatial and temporal variability represent key research priorities for advancing our understanding of the connectivity process and metapopulation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric A. Treml
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010 Australia
| | - John R. Ford
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010 Australia
| | - Kerry P. Black
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010 Australia
| | - Stephen E. Swearer
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010 Australia
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32
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Davies SW, Treml EA, Kenkel CD, Matz MV. Exploring the role of Micronesian islands in the maintenance of coral genetic diversity in the Pacific Ocean. Mol Ecol 2014; 24:70-82. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.13005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Revised: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. W. Davies
- Department of Integrative Biology; The University of Texas at Austin; 1 University Station C0990 Austin TX 78712 USA
| | - E. A. Treml
- Department of Zoology; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Vic. 3010 Australia
| | - C. D. Kenkel
- Department of Integrative Biology; The University of Texas at Austin; 1 University Station C0990 Austin TX 78712 USA
| | - M. V. Matz
- Department of Integrative Biology; The University of Texas at Austin; 1 University Station C0990 Austin TX 78712 USA
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33
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Abdul Wahab MA, de Nys R, Webster N, Whalan S. Larval behaviours and their contribution to the distribution of the intertidal coral reef sponge Carteriospongia foliascens. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98181. [PMID: 24853091 PMCID: PMC4031186 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sponges (Phylum Porifera) are an evolutionary and ecologically significant group; however information on processes influencing sponge population distributions is surprisingly limited. Carteriospongia foliascens is a common Indo-Pacific sponge, which has been reported from the intertidal to the mesophotic. Interestingly, the distribution of C. foliascens at inshore reefs of the Great Barrier Reef is restricted to the intertidal with no individuals evident in adjacent subtidal habitats. The abundance of C. foliascens and substrate availability was first quantified to investigate the influence of substrate limitation on adult distribution. Pre-settlement processes of larval spawning, swimming speeds, phototaxis, vertical migration, and settlement to intertidal and subtidal substrate cues were also quantified. Notably, suitable settlement substrate (coral rubble) was not limiting in subtidal habitats. C. foliascens released up to 765 brooded larvae sponge(-1) day(-1) during the day, with larvae (80%±5.77) being negatively phototactic and migrating to the bottom within 40 minutes from release. Subsequently, larvae (up to 58.67%±2.91) migrated to the surface after the loss of the daylight cue (nightfall), and after 34 h post-release >98.67% (±0.67) of larvae had adopted a benthic habit regardless of light conditions. Intertidal and subtidal biofilms initiated similar settlement responses, inducing faster (as early 6 h post-release) and more successful metamorphosis (>60%) than unconditioned surfaces. C. foliascens has a high larval supply and larval behaviours that support recruitment to the subtidal. The absence of C. foliascens in subtidal habitats at inshore reefs is therefore proposed to be a potential consequence of post-settlement mortalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Azmi Abdul Wahab
- AIMS@JCU, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rocky de Nys
- School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicole Webster
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Steve Whalan
- Marine Ecology Research Centre, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia
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34
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Keith SA, Baird AH, Hughes TP, Madin JS, Connolly SR. Faunal breaks and species composition of Indo-Pacific corals: the role of plate tectonics, environment and habitat distribution. Proc Biol Sci 2013; 280:20130818. [PMID: 23698011 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2013.0818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Species richness gradients are ubiquitous in nature, but the mechanisms that generate and maintain these patterns at macroecological scales remain unresolved. We use a new approach that focuses on overlapping geographical ranges of species to reveal that Indo-Pacific corals are assembled within 11 distinct faunal provinces. Province limits are characterized by co-occurrence of multiple species range boundaries. Unexpectedly, these faunal breaks are poorly predicted by contemporary environmental conditions and the present-day distribution of habitat. Instead, faunal breaks show striking concordance with geological features (tectonic plates and mantle plume tracks). The depth range over which a species occurs, its larval development rate and genus age are important determinants of the likelihood that species will straddle faunal breaks. Our findings indicate that historical processes, habitat heterogeneity and species colonization ability account for more of the present-day biogeographical patterns of corals than explanations based on the contemporary distribution of reefs or environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Keith
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
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