Article
Biology
J. C. Gijsbers, N. Englebert, K. E. Prata, M. Pichon, Z. Dinesen, R. Brunner, G. Eyal, F. L. Gonzalez-Zapata, S. E. Kahng, K. R. W. Latijnhouwers, P. Muir, V. Z. Radice, J. A. Sanchez, M. J. A. Vermeij, O. Hoegh-Guldberg, S. J. Jacobs, P. Bongaerts
Summary: Using genome sequencing, this study revealed deep divergences and undescribed diversity within the two dominant mesophotic coral genera, Leptoseris and Agaricia. The presence of genetically divergent lineages associated with mesophotic depths suggests a greater diversity of mesophotic-specialist coral species than previously acknowledged, calling for urgent assessment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katharine E. Prata, Cynthia Riginos, Ryan N. Gutenkunst, Kelly R. W. Latijnhouwers, Juan A. Sanchez, Norbert Englebert, Kyra B. Hay, Pim Bongaerts
Summary: Research has found that there is no genetic structure among certain species in mesophotic coral ecosystems and there are hidden cryptic taxa. High gene flow suggests the possibility of connectivity and replenishment among these species. The study also suggests that environmental selection along shallow to mesophotic depth gradients may drive divergence in certain depth-generalist species. The research highlights the importance of gene flow in connecting different taxa within this relatively diverse Caribbean genus.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Raymond C. Boland, K. David Hyrenbach, Edward E. DeMartini, Frank A. Parrish, John J. Rooney
Summary: This study conducted surveys of the mesophotic reef in the Au'au Channel between Maui and Lana'i islands using various methods. The results showed that depth, benthic substrates, and coverage have an impact on the distribution of fish assemblages in the mesophotic reef. Additionally, two distinct mesophotic assemblages were identified, one in the upper depths and the other in the lower depths.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Bollinger, Keir J. Macartney, Erin E. Easton, David W. Hicks
Summary: South Texas Banks (STB), a series of natural hard-bottom structures off the coast of South Texas, provide crucial habitat for coral species. Quantitative surveys using a remotely operated vehicle revealed significant differences in benthic communities among different banks, but overall, STB serves as important islands of biodiversity.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Tom C. L. Bridge, Peter F. Cowman, Andrea M. Quattrini, Victor E. Bonito, Frederic Sinniger, Saki Harii, Catherine E. Head, Julia Y. Hung, Tuikolongahau Halafihi, Teina Rongo, Andrew H. Baird
Summary: Molecular phylogenetics has revolutionized our understanding of coral taxonomy, systematics, and biogeography. In this study, we used targeted capture sequencing to investigate the relationships of a coral clade containing the widely distributed species Acropora tenuis. Our analysis revealed 11 distinct lineages within the clade, with only four corresponding to known species. We also described two new species and removed five previously recognized species. Our findings highlight the limitations of traditional morphological taxonomy and have important implications for the conservation and management of reef corals.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Frine Cardone, Giuseppe Corriero, Caterina Longo, Cataldo Pierri, Guadalupe Gimenez, Maria Flavia Gravina, Adriana Giangrande, Stefania Lisco, Massimo Moretti, Francesco De Giosa, Maria Mercurio, Carlotta Nonnis Marzano
Summary: A widespread and diverse mesophotic system of carbonate bioconstructions along the Southern Adriatic and Ionian Italian coasts is described. The study provides new data on the distribution, structure, and associated megabenthic assemblages of these bioconstructions, highlighting their importance as biodiversity hotspots in the Mediterranean.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Dhivya P. Kanisan, Z. B. Randolph Quek, Ren Min Oh, Lutfi Afiq-Rosli, Jen Nie Lee, Danwei Huang, Benjamin J. Wainwright
Summary: Coral-associated bacteria are crucial for maintaining coral health and function. Changes in bacterial community structure due to environmental disturbances can make corals more vulnerable to disease. This study explores the natural variation in coral microbiomes across different regions and host species, and identifies a core microbiome that is shared among all species. These core microbes, such as DMSP metabolizers, play an important role in promoting and maintaining host health. Host identity is a major factor determining microbial community structure, while environmental conditions shape communities at finer scales.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Xiangzhong Li, Dayou Zhai, Qianwei Wang, Ruilin Wen, Ming Ji
Summary: This study analyzed sediment samples from Lake Ngoring on the Tibet-Qinghai Plateau to provide depth-preference information of ostracods and establish water-depth transfer functions. The results show that different ostracod species have different depth preferences, which can be used for paleobathymetric reconstruction. Further research is recommended to investigate the distribution of more ostracod species across wider depth ranges to improve paleolimnological reconstruction.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Caleb C. Butler, Kira E. Turnham, Allison M. Lewis, Matthew R. Nitschke, Mark E. Warner, Dustin W. Kemp, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, William K. Fitt, Madeleine J. H. van Oppen, Todd C. LaJeunesse
Summary: This study identified five new species in the genus Cladocopium, which are widespread and have diverse hosts. These findings are important for understanding ecological research, genetic research, and conservation efforts in the face of environmental changes.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Aline P. M. Medeiros, Beatrice P. Ferreira, Fredy Alvarado, Ricardo Betancur-R, Marcelo O. Soares, Braulio A. Santos
Summary: The study tested the deep reef refugia hypothesis by assessing the diversity of fish communities in shallow and deep reefs. The results showed that although some species occurred in both environments, overall, the diversity of shallow-water reef fish was not fully encapsulated in deep reefs.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mykle L. Hoban, Michael Bunce, Brian W. Bowen
Summary: This study used environmental DNA metabarcoding to assess biodiversity patterns in mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) in the Hawaiian Archipelago. The results show significant community differences between depth zones, with fishes not showing distinct zonation. This suggests that MCEs may serve as refugia for fishes, but invertebrate communities in deeper areas are distinct, indicating limited connectivity among reef fauna.
Article
Biology
Peter J. Edmunds
Summary: Recruitment hotspots are locations where organisms are added to populations at high rates. In low-density coral populations, recruitment hotspots are valuable targets for conservation and sources of corals for restoration.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Stephane De Palmas, Vianney Denis, Derek Soto, Yuting Vicky Lin, Ming-Jay Ho, Chaolun Allen Chen
Summary: While shallow coral reef habitats in Taiwan have been well-studied, the mesophotic zone remains underexamined; this study sheds light on the diversity of scleractinian corals in the mesophotic zone at Ludao. Some shallow water species also inhabit the mesophotic zone, but not all, suggesting a possible ecological refuge at Ludao. Additional sampling efforts are predicted to increase species overlap, particularly for certain families. Overall, Ludao could serve as an ecological and evolutionary refugium for stony corals.
MARINE BIODIVERSITY
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Dominic A. Andradi-Brown, Angela J. E. Beer, Luigi Colin, Hastuti, Catherine E. Head, Nur Ismu Hidayat, Steven J. Lindfield, Catherine R. Mitchell, Defy N. Pada, Nikola M. Piesinger, Purwanto, Gabby N. Ahmadia
Summary: Research on mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Raja Ampat archipelago revealed exceptionally diverse fish communities with depth-driven structures. While higher human population density was associated with lower abundance of key fisheries families, there was no evidence of depth refuge from fishing in these ecosystems. Additionally, fish abundance declined further from major regional markets, likely due to historical fisheries pressure.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rio E. Button, Denham Parker, Vivienne Coetzee, Toufiek Samaai, Ryan M. Palmer, Kerry Sink, Sven E. Kerwath
Summary: This study used ROV technology to investigate fish and their habitats on the remote Amathole shelf in South Africa, revealing different fish assemblages in various sampling areas and across the shelf. The results showed that there were more distinct fish assemblages inshore and on the shelf-edge, while the mid-shelf had the highest species richness.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)