Article
Environmental Sciences
Shannon Dee, Michael Cuttler, Paula Cartwright, Jennifer McIlwain, Nicola Browne
Summary: Research on encrusting reef organisms in two inshore island reefs of northern Western Australia revealed seasonal variations in CCA coverage but consistent carbonate production rates. Additionally, the study found in situ water temperatures exceeding coral bleaching thresholds and regular sea surface temperature anomalies over hotter months. Encrusters were deemed to play a vital role in reef carbonate budgets, potentially supporting net positive budgets through periods of temperature anomalies.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
B. Williams, P. T. W. Chan, I. T. Westfield, D. B. Rasher, J. Ries
Summary: The skeletal density of high-latitude species of crustose coralline algae (CCA) significantly declined under future pCO2 conditions, potentially increasing their vulnerability to disturbance and impairing their ability to produce critical habitat in high-latitude systems.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tiffany Z. Y. Goh, Andrew G. Bauman, Fraser A. Januchowski-Hartley, Kyle M. Morgan, Jovena C. L. Seah, Peter A. Todd
Summary: The study found that CCA is the dominant encrusting organism in reefs in Singapore, but its carbonate production rates are lower than most Indo-Pacific reefs and similar to other turbid reef systems. Reefs furthest from Singapore's main shipping port showed the highest CCA carbonate production rates, indicating that proximity to industrial areas and ship traffic may negatively impact encrusting calcifying organisms and CCA production rates in urbanized settings.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Ju-Wook Baek, Jae Seong Lee, Sung-Han Kim, Taehee Lee, Seung Won Jung, Won-Chan Lee, Kyung-Tae Kim, Sung-Uk An
Summary: In this study, we investigated the photosynthetic characteristics of the crustose coralline alga Pneophyllum fragile in response to elevated water temperature and irradiance. We found that P. fragile exhibited a distinct adaptability to high temperatures and strong irradiance, with increased photosynthesis capacity and respiration rate. The compensation irradiance and saturation irradiance also increased with increasing water temperature.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rodrigo Tomazetto De Carvalho, Camila Huebner Costabile Wendt, Maria Julia Willemes, Ricardo da Gama Bahia, Marcos Farina, Leonardo Tavares Salgado
Summary: This study aimed to describe the early steps of Lithophyllum corallinae development and its calcification process. The results showed that mineralization of cell walls began at the third spore cell division, while the outermost part of the germinating spore lacked calcification. This finding is important for future research on coralline algae calcification, particularly in testing climate change scenarios.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Zachary A. Quinlan, Matthew-James Bennett, Milou G. I. Arts, Mark Levenstein, Daisy Flores, Haley M. Tholen, Lucas Tichy, Gabriel Juarez, Andreas F. Haas, Valerie F. Chamberland, Kelly R. W. Latijnhouwers, Mark J. A. Vermeij, Amy Wagoner Johnson, Kristen L. Marhaver, Linda Wegley Kelly
Summary: In this study, the researchers collected and classified chemical compounds produced by reef-building crustose coralline algae (CCA) and found that these compounds can induce coral settlement and increase larval survival. The study provides insights into the natural distribution of these compounds in coral reef habitats and offers potential applications for enhancing coral reef restoration.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Lauri Pulecio-Plaza, Guillermo Diaz-Pulido, Rocio Garcia-Uruena
Summary: Crustose coralline algae (CCA) are important for reef framework construction, but little is known about their growth and calcification in seasonal upwelling systems. This study assessed the growth and calcification rates of two dominant reef-building CCA species in a shallow coral reef in the Colombian Caribbean. Results showed higher growth and calcification rates during the upwelling season compared to the non-upwelling season. Seawater temperature was found to have an inverse relationship with CCA growth and calcification. These findings provide important baseline data and information for monitoring the impacts of environmental changes on tropical upwelling environments.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Valentina Alice Bracchi, Pietro Bazzicalupo, Luca Fallati, Andrea Giulia Varzi, Alessandra Savini, Mauro Pietro Negri, Antonietta Rosso, Rossana Sanfilippo, Adriano Guido, Marco Bertolino, Gabriele Costa, Elena De Ponti, Riccardo Leonardi, Maurizio Muzzupappa, Daniela Basso
Summary: Coralliguous is one of the most important ecosystems in the Mediterranean Sea, supporting high levels of biodiversity. The study confirmed the primary role of crustose coralline algae as major builders of the Coralligenous, matching the evidence from the fossil record. It suggests considering the role of encrusting calcareous red algae in conservation and management policies.
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Aimee L. van der Reis, Mary A. Sewell, Wendy A. Nelson
Summary: This study explores the diversity and identification of crustose coralline algae (CCA) using different preservation methods and molecular biology techniques. The results show that CCA has immense diversity, with higher diversity in the inner layers compared to the outer layers. Among the molecular markers tested, the 23S rRNA and rbcL genes are more suitable for identifying algae, while the cox1 gene captures a broader range of diversity, including algae.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Alexandra Ramirez-Viana, Guillermo Diaz-Pulido, Rocio Garcia-Uruena
Summary: This study examined the percentages and rates of internal bioerosion by macroborer invertebrates in two dominant crustose coralline algae (CCA) species in the Colombian Caribbean. The results showed that rates of calcium carbonate removal by internal macroborers were higher in Lithoplyllum kaiseri compared to Porolithon antillarum, with mollusks identified as having the highest erosion activity. Despite no clear influence of climatic seasons on internal bioerosion, the high rates of CCA bioerosion may reduce reef consolidation in the region.
Article
Microbiology
Fangfang Yang, Zhiliang Xiao, Zhangliang Wei, Lijuan Long
Summary: This study reveals that the microbial community structure associated with P. onkodes generally displayed a degree of stability, and bleached algae was still able to induce larval settlement and metamorphosis.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Damon Britton, Craig N. Mundy, Fanny Noisette, Christina M. McGraw, Catriona L. Hurd, Joanna Norkko
Summary: Research shows that crustose coralline algae (CCA) respond negatively to low and medium emissions scenarios of warming and acidification, and may be adversely affected by 2030 if current emissions persist. Significant declines in growth rates and increases in bleaching were observed in the high emission scenario. These findings underscore the urgent need to take action to protect CCA and the valuable ecosystem services they provide.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Claudia E. L. Hill, Myrsini M. Lymperaki, Bert W. Hoeksema
Summary: A comparative study between a centuries-old manmade structure and the nearest natural reef at St. Eustatius in the eastern Caribbean found that the artificial reef had significantly lower species richness and fewer competitive interactions than the natural reef. The artificial reef was dominated by crustose coralline algae and zoantharians, while the natural reef was dominated by turf algae and fire corals. Significant differences in species composition were also found between exposed and sheltered sites on both reefs.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shing Hei Zhan, Ling Chen, Chen-Pan Liao, Wun-Ruei Chang, Cheng-Chin Li, Guang-You Tang, Ching-Yu Liou, Wei-Lung Wang, Shih-Wei Wang, Shao-Lun Liu
Summary: This study reveals the diversity of cryptic crustose coralline algae (CCA) species in the Taoyuan Algal Reef (TAR) in Taiwan, many of which are potentially new species or endemic to TAR. The TAR represents a unique hotspot of CCA taxa in Taiwan's waters. The variations in CCA assemblages in the TAR are influenced by geographic distance, sedimentation, and substrate type, indicating the importance of dispersal limitation and environmental selection.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Or M. Bialik, Andrea Giulia Varzi, Ruth Duran, Timothy Le Bas, Adam Gauci, Alessandra Savini, Aaron Micallef
Summary: The mesophotic domain, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea, is an underexplored part of the ocean. Benthic communities in these depths are poorly documented and therefore more vulnerable to human impacts. The Malta Plateau, characterized by low sedimentation rates, offers a potentially unexplored domain for biogenic mounds. This study identified over 1,700 small structures in mesophotic depths using bathymetric and backscatter data offshore of the eastern coast of Malta, confirming them to be biogenic mounds through dives. These mounds, composed of interlocking bioconstruction by encrusting organisms, are colonized by sponges and various cold water corals.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Munique dos Santos Silva, Fernando Coreixas de Moraes, Daniela Batista, Ricardo da Gama Bahia, Athila Andrade Bertoncini, Augusto Alves Machado, Guilherme Muricy, Claudia Santiago Karez, Guilherme Henrique Pereira-Filho, Leonardo Tavares Salgado, Renato Crespo Pereira
Summary: The invasive corals Tubastraea coccinea and T. tagusensis have established populations along the Brazilian coast. The study found that the crustose coralline algae Lithophyllum spp. plays an important role in the recruitment and colonization of T. tagusensis.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Felipe de Vargas Ribeiro, Taiara Aguiar Caires, Marcela Alvarenga de Almeida Simoes, Paulo Iiboshi Hargreaves, Livia Bonetti Villela, Giovana de Oliveira Fistarol, Alexandre Brauns Caselgrandi, Guilherme Henrique Pereira-Filho, Rodrigo Leao de Moura, Renato Crespo Pereira, Paulo Sergio Salomon
Summary: The study uncovered the diversity of cyanobacterial species in BCMs at Abrolhos, with notable species including Moorena bouillonii, Okeania erythroflocculosa, Adonisia turfae, Leptolyngbya sp., and Halomicronema sp. The BCMs exhibited allelopathic effects on coral zooxanthellae, low susceptibility to herbivory by fish, and toxicity to brine shrimp nauplii. These findings shed light on the antagonistic interactions of BCMs, which could have adverse effects during blooms and shifts to BCMs-dominated states.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Vinicius J. Giglio, Daniel T. Blumstein, Fabio S. Motta, Guilherme H. Pereira-Filho
Summary: This study experimentally demonstrated the short-term effects of scuba divers on egg guarding behavior of the sergeant major fish, leading to an increased frequency of opportunistic predation on their eggs. The findings contribute to the assessment of the ecological importance of human activities and guide management efforts to mitigate impacts.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MARINE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Limnology
Marina T. Botana, Adriano B. Chaves-Filho, Alex Inague, Arthur Z. Guth, Flavia Saldanha-Correa, Marius N. Muller, Paulo Y. G. Sumida, Sayuri Miyamoto, Matthias Y. Kellermann, Raymond C. Valentine, Marcos Y. Yoshinaga
Summary: Coral decline caused by ocean warming is a global issue. This study used an untargeted lipidomic approach to examine the changes in lipidome and pigments of coral symbionts after a heat shock. The results showed that heat sensitive symbionts displayed changes in lipidome and pigments, while heat tolerant symbionts maintained stable membrane lipids. These findings provide a baseline for further research on lipid biomarkers linked to thermal stress.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Oceanography
Vinicius J. Giglio, Marina Marconi, Guilherme H. Pereira-Filho, Kelen L. Leite, Apoena C. Figueroa, Fabio S. Motta
Summary: Subtropical reefs are threatened by anthropogenic activities, but a best practices program can improve low-impact diver behavior. A study conducted in a new Brazilian diving destination found that divers had low contact rates with the reefs and high satisfaction levels.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Caio Ribeiro Pimentel, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Tommaso Giarrizzo, Ronaldo B. Francini-Filho, Jose Amorim Reis-Filho, Luiz A. Rocha, Carlos Eduardo L. Ferreira, Moyses Cavichioli Barbosa, Jean-Christophe Joyeux
Summary: Geographic isolation, low species richness, and high endemism create ideal conditions for studying fish assemblages in oceanic islands. The Saint Peter and Saint Paul's Archipelago, located in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean, provides valuable insights into the taxonomic, trophic, and size structures of fish communities in pelagic and mesophotic reef ecosystems. The presence of steep reef walls facilitates the study of ecological connections between these two ecosystems.
Article
Fisheries
Fabio S. Motta, Matheus O. Freitas, Fernanda A. Rolim, Vinicius Abilhoa, Guilherme H. Pereira Filho
Summary: Identifying fish spawning aggregations is crucial for effective fisheries management and protection of key reproduction sites. In southeastern Brazil, we found direct evidence of a spawning aggregation of cubera snapper, representing the first in-situ validation of such an aggregation in subtropical waters off the southwestern Atlantic. Our findings highlight the need for comprehensive management strategies, including seasonal fishing closures, to protect this economically valuable species.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Carine O. Fogliarini, Guilherme O. Longo, Ronaldo B. Francini-Filho, Loren McClenachan, Mariana G. Bender
Summary: This study reconstructs the historical changes of coral reefs in Abrolhos Bank, Brazil by compiling and assessing historical records. It reveals a 28% loss in the overall spatial extent of inshore reefs over the past 160 years, with some areas experiencing declines of up to 49%. The most significant changes were observed in reefs closest to the coast, where local impacts such as coral extraction and coastal deforestation have concentrated. This historical information provides valuable insights for updating conservation and restoration goals for the Abrolhos reefs.
PERSPECTIVES IN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Andre L. Luza, Anaide W. Aued, Diego R. Barneche, Murilo S. Dias, Carlos E. L. Ferreira, Sergio R. Floeter, Ronaldo B. Francini-Filho, Guilherme O. Longo, Juan P. Quimbayo, Mariana G. Bender
Summary: This study investigated how similar responses of reef fish, corals, and algae to the environment produce spatially correlated functional diversity patterns. The results showed that sea surface temperature, species richness, and region played a major role in determining functional diversity across Brazilian reefs. However, different taxa responded differently to environmental variables, and the correlations between functional diversity metrics were low.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Aline Cristina Alves, Carlos Eduardo Leite Ferreira, Ricardo de Souza Rosa, Hudson Tercio Pinheiro, Ronaldo Bastos Francini-Filho
Summary: We studied the spawning ecology of the endemic damselfish Stegastes sanctipauli in the St Peter and St Paul's Archipelago, aiming to determine the main factors influencing reproductive success. Predation by heterospecifics, particularly Halichoeres radiatus, was the main cause of egg losses, while filial cannibalism had little effect. Larger nests with higher initial egg density experienced the highest predation pressure. Most nests were located in shallow reefs (<16 m depth), where both main food resources for adults and abundance of egg predators, especially H. radiatus, were concentrated. These findings suggest that the spawning activity of S. sanctipauli is influenced by the trade-offs between food accessibility and predation risk.
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Marcos Rogerio Rosa, Erika Flavia Crispim de Santana, Gabriel Malta De Farias, Paulo Yukio Gomes Sumida, Ronaldo Bastos Francini-Filho
Summary: In this study, the distribution, abundance, and habitat use of Hermodice carunculata were investigated across a euphotic-mesophotic gradient in the Saint Peter and Saint Paul's Archipelago. The results showed that the abundance of H. carunculata increased significantly in the mesophotic zone below 50 meters and it was closely associated with black-corals and Madracis decactis. The abundance of black-corals was found to be the main driver of H. carunculata abundance.
OCEAN AND COASTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Gilberto Bergamo, Orlemir Carrerette, Bruno H. M. Souza, Thomas N. S. Banha, Paula D. Nagata, Paulo V. F. Correa, Arthur Z. Guth, Paulo Y. G. Sumida
Summary: The South Atlantic deep waters have a diverse range of habitats, but lack of centralized organization of data necessitates the need for an integrative database to support deep-sea research and conservation efforts.
OCEAN AND COASTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Orlemir Carrerette, Arthur Z. Guth, Gilberto Bergamo, Bruno H. M. Souza, Thomas N. S. Banha, Paula D. Nagata, Julia Metzker, Andre Calloni Souza, Raissa Basti Ramos, Paulo Y. G. Sumida
Summary: This paper presents new data on the macrofaunal composition and community structure associated with deep-sea coral habitats and pockmark areas in the SE Brazilian continental margin. The study found an association between the macrobenthic fauna and the geomorphology of the area, highlighting the importance of substrate composition and water flux as variables. The findings provide baseline information for future research, monitoring activities, and conservation strategies.
OCEAN AND COASTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Erik Kristensen, Thomas Valdemarsen, Paula C. de Moraes, Arthur Z. Guth, Paulo Y. G. Sumida, Cintia O. Quintana
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of biogenic structures on sediment biogeochemistry in two mangrove forests in Brazil. The results showed that the presence of biogenic structures influenced carbon oxidation pathways and iron reduction, and the two mangrove forests had different characteristics.
OCEAN AND COASTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Marcos F. Tomasi, Linda G. Waters, Igor C. S. Cruz, Arthur Z. Guth, Alexander Turra
Summary: By comparing the Marine No-take Zones (NTZ) with nearby unprotected Take Zones, the study found that NTZs have higher species richness, abundance, and diversity of fish, but similar evenness. Seven fish species were more abundant in NTZs.
OCEAN AND COASTAL RESEARCH
(2022)