Review
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Xiang Zeng, Karine Alain, Zongze Shao
Summary: Deep-sea hydrothermal vent systems provide diverse habitats for microbial life with versatile metabolic strategies, playing significant roles in biogeochemical processes. Novel cultivation techniques with real-time monitoring of microbial diversity and metabolic substrates are recommended for further study.
MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
Coral Diaz-Recio Lorenzo, Daisy ter Bruggen, George W. Luther, Amy Gartman, Sabine Gollner
Summary: The study investigated the abundance and diversity of copepods associated with foundation species in different physiochemical environments at the active vent site ABE, finding that species richness and Shannon diversity were significantly higher in the Bathymodiolus habitat with lower temperatures, sulfur concentrations, and higher oxygen levels, driven by a community comprised mostly of habitat generalists.
DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART I-OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH PAPERS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Zhichao Zhou, Emily St. John, Karthik Anantharaman, Anna-Louise Reysenbach
Summary: This study explores the genomic diversity in 42 metagenomes from deep-sea hydrothermal vents and documents their potential implications in biogeochemical cycles. The findings reveal a significant expansion of microbial genomic diversity associated with hydrothermal vent deposits and highlight the metabolic adaptation of taxonomic guilds.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuru Han, Dongsheng Zhang, Chunsheng Wang, Yadong Zhou
Summary: A new species of alvinellid, Paralvinella mira, has been discovered in the northern Indian Ocean vents, marking the first time an alvinellid species has been characterized outside of the Pacific. Molecular evidence suggests a possible invasion of this species from the West Pacific to the Indian Ocean.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gabriel Dulaquais, Pierre Fourrier, Cecile Guieu, Leo Mahieu, Ricardo Riso, Pascal Salaun, Chloe Tilliette, Hannah Whitby
Summary: The high N-2 fixation rate in the Lau Basin of the western tropical South Pacific Ocean is fueled by iron released from shallow hydrothermal systems. This study provides new data on the distribution and bioavailability of soluble ubiquitous humic-like ligands (L-FeHS) and their associated dissolved iron (DFe) in the area. The results show that L-FeHS are heterogenous ligands with both strong and intermediate binding sites.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Monika Neufeld, Anna Metaxas, John W. Jamieson
Summary: While there is extensive research on the ecological communities at active hydrothermal vents, little is known about the fauna at inactive vents and their vulnerability to disturbance. This study examined the abundance patterns of non-vent megafauna on two segments of the Juan de Fuca Ridge and found differences in community composition between sites. The proximity to active vents also influenced the abundance of some species.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sarah K. Hu, Erica L. Herrera, Amy R. Smith, Maria G. Pachiadaki, Virginia P. Edgcomb, Sean P. Sylva, Eric W. Chan, Jeffrey S. Seewald, Christopher R. German, Julie A. Huber
Summary: In deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystems, protists exert higher predation pressure compared to the surrounding deep seawater environment, consuming a significant portion of prokaryotic biomass within vent fluids. The diverse protistan communities play an important role in deep-sea carbon cycling, as ciliates, dinoflagellates, Syndiniales, rhizaria, and stramenopiles dominate the vent protistan community. The distribution and co-occurrence patterns of vent microbes provide valuable insights into potential predator-prey interactions.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elin A. Thomas, Aoife Molloy, Nova B. Hanson, Monika Boehm, Mary Seddon, Julia D. Sigwart
Summary: The study shows that 62% of molluscs endemic to hydrothermal vents are under threat, with some species fully protected while others facing threats from deep-sea mining. The relative threat index highlights greater risks at vent fields in the Indian Ocean, while vent sites within established marine protected areas have a higher proportion of species assessed as Least Concern.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Mustafa Yuecel, Serhat Sevgen, Nadine Le Bris
Summary: The study reveals the presence of different sizes of iron particles in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge hydrothermal system, where the nanoparticulate/colloidal phase changes with sample temperature and the distribution of iron particles of different sizes varies in the plume. The results support previous observations of dissolved iron in MAR vent plumes, suggesting that this recalcitrant iron pool contributes to maintaining high hydrothermal iron fluxes to the deep ocean. Unexpected findings in sample collection could have implications for further research.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Leyi Xi, Yanan Sun, Ting Xu, Zhi Wang, Man Ying Chiu, Sophie Plouviez, Didier Jollivet, Jian-Wen Qiu
Summary: This study investigated the genetic connectivity of the annelid genus Hesiolyra distributed at hydrothermal vents along the East Pacific Rise (EPR). The results showed genetic divergence between northern and southern populations as well as loss of genetic diversity in the southern population. The study highlights the importance of a multi-locus approach in understanding the genetic history of marine species with strong dispersal capabilities.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Emanuela Fanelli, Simone Di Giacomo, Cristina Gambi, Silvia Bianchelli, Zaira Da Ros, Michael Tangherlini, Franco Andaloro, Teresa Romeo, Cinzia Corinaldesi, Roberto Danovaro
Summary: Ocean acidification is causing significant changes in marine ecosystems, particularly in shallow hydrothermal vent areas. The emissions of CO2 at these vents lead to a simplification of community structure and a decline in biodiversity, with the disappearance of the most sensitive taxa.
Article
Microbiology
Yong Wang, Hong-Yu Bi, Hua-Guan Chen, Peng-Fei Zheng, Ying-Li Zhou, Jiang-Tao Li
Summary: This study reveals unique microbial communities and their genomic features in the active hydrothermal chimneys of the Southwest Indian Ridge, shedding light on ecosystem establishment and development in hydrothermal fields and the deep biosphere.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Katharina Kniesz, Anna Maria Jazdzewska, Pedro Martinez Arbizu, Terue Cristina Kihara
Summary: Hydrothermal vent areas have attracted increasing interest since their discovery in 1977. This study investigated the scavenging amphipod community at newly discovered hydrothermal fields, identifying new species and increasing the number of amphipod barcodes in reference databases.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Oceanography
Kun Zhou, Ying Xu, Rui Zhang, Pei-Yuan Qian
Summary: Deep-sea animals in symbiotic relationships with bacteria may also interact with bacterial viruses (bacteriophages) which play important roles in their adaptation and immune evasion. The viruses can complement or compensate for bacterial symbiont metabolism and supply nutrients to deep-sea animals through lysing bacterial cells. This mutualistic tripartite symbiosis model illustrates the relationships between phages, bacteria, and animals in deep-sea vent/seep ecosystems.
DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART I-OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH PAPERS
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Ann Noowong, Gonzalo V. Gomez-Saez, Christian T. Hansen, Ulrich Schwarz-Schampera, Andrea Koschinsky, Thorsten Dittmar
Summary: This study provides insight into the molecular composition of DOM associated with Indian Ocean hydrothermal systems, showing the potential input of more reduced DOM compounds from hydrothermal vents into surrounding seawater. The research suggests additional degradation processes of organic compounds at the Indian Ocean hydrothermal systems.
ORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Shana K. Goffredi, Cambrie Motooka, David A. Fike, Luciana C. Gusmao, Ekin Tilic, Greg W. Rouse, Estefania Rodriguez
Summary: A new chemosynthetic symbiosis was discovered between the sea anemone Ostiactis pearseae and intracellular bacteria at deep-sea hydrothermal vents in the southern Pescadero Basin. This species displayed a unique nutritional strategy and a specific association with SUP05 bacteria. The mixotrophic nature of this symbiosis contributes to their success in the deep sea environment.
Article
Ecology
Sydne Record, Nicole M. Voelker, Phoebe L. Zarnetske, Nathan I. Wisnoski, Jonathan D. Tonkin, Christopher Swan, Luca Marazzi, Nina Lany, Thomas Lamy, Aldo Compagnoni, Max C. N. Castorani, Riley Andrade, Eric R. Sokol
Summary: The loss of global biodiversity and its associated ecosystem services is accelerating at an alarming rate. Metacommunity theory offers a framework for understanding the multi-scale processes driving changes in biodiversity over time and space. Coordinated research and observation networks, such as the United States Long Term Ecological Research program, present an opportunity to advance our understanding of biodiversity patterns and improve conservation efforts.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Lauren G. Shoemaker, Lauren M. Hallett, Lei Zhao, Daniel C. Reuman, Shaopeng Wang, Kathryn L. Cottingham, Richard J. Hobbs, Max C. N. Castorani, Amy L. Downing, Joan C. Dudney, Samuel B. Fey, Laureano A. Gherardi, Nina Lany, Cristina Portales-Reyes, Andrew L. Rypel, Lawrence W. Sheppard, Jonathan A. Walter, Katharine N. Suding
Summary: Synchronous and compensatory dynamics are universal phenomena in ecological systems, which can vary by different mechanisms and timescales. Traditional assessment methods tend to focus on long-term drivers and may overlook the importance of short-term drivers.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Selina L. Cheng, Kinsey N. Tedford, Rachel S. Smith, Sean Hardison, Michael R. Cornish, Max C. N. Castorani
Summary: This study examined the relative abundance of blue crabs in different habitat environments. The results showed that the abundance of blue crabs is influenced by seagrass, salt marsh, and bathymetric features, and the habitat associations depend on sex and reproductive stage. Changes in coastal geomorphology and vegetation may impact the abundance and distribution of blue crabs in the future.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Sara Hogan, Elizabeth A. K. Murphy, Martin P. Volaric, Max C. N. Castorani, Peter Berg, Matthew A. Reidenbach
Summary: Oyster reefs have spatial influence on surrounding infauna and sediment composition, but the extent of this influence is still uncertain. The study found that the density of infauna increased with distance from oyster reefs, while predatory crustaceans showed the opposite pattern. Within a halo of approximately 40 meters, the probability of finding bivalves and gastropods increased by 70%, while large crustaceans decreased by about 4 times compared to locations adjacent to reefs. The increase in oyster reef cover and area correlated with smaller sediment grain size, increased organic matter, and reduced flow rates.
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Rachel S. Smith, Sara Hogan, Kinsey N. Tedford, Bo Lusk, Matthew A. Reidenbach, Max C. N. Castorani
Summary: Habitat suitability models have been used to predict landscape capacity to support populations of species, with high-resolution remote sensing data increasingly included in these models. Validating model predictions with long-term quantitative data is important, as shown in a study of oyster reefs in coastal Virginia. The study found that using habitat suitability models could enhance oyster biomass, particularly when considering elevation as a key driver of success.
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Jonathan A. Walter, Max C. N. Castorani, Tom W. Bell, Lawrence W. Sheppard, Kyle C. Cavanaugh, Daniel C. Reuman
Summary: This study presents a general theory on how the distribution and correlation structure of an environmental driver affects tail-dependent spatial synchrony through a non-linear response. Empirical evidence from giant kelp along the California coastline confirms the theoretical predictions. The study finds that intensity of waves influences synchronous declines in sheltered areas, while calm periods primarily drive synchronised recovery in exposed areas. Evidence of geographies of tail dependence in synchrony contributes to regional population resilience.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rachel S. Smith, Bo Lusk, Max C. N. Castorani
Summary: Global declines of foundation species have reduced ecological function, but restoration can quickly recover multiple ecological functions and match natural systems. Restored reefs with increasing biomass become more temporally stable, suggesting that restoration can increase resilience and stabilize ecosystem processes.
CONSERVATION LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Rachel S. Smith, Selina L. Cheng, Max C. N. Castorani
Summary: Oyster restoration can significantly increase oyster production, habitat provisioning, nitrogen removal, and sediment nutrients and organic matter. Restored oyster reefs perform similarly to reference reefs in providing these ecosystem services.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Max C. N. Castorani, Tom W. Bell, Jonathan A. Walter, Daniel C. Reuman, Kyle C. Cavanaugh, Lawrence W. Sheppard
Summary: Spatial synchrony is an important feature of population dynamics, but its factors and variations are not fully understood. By studying giant kelp populations, it was found that disturbance and resources interacted to produce synchrony across geography and timescales. The findings highlight the need to understand and predict synchrony by considering multiple environmental drivers.
Article
Ecology
Benjamin S. Halpern, Carl Boettiger, Michael C. Dietze, Jessica A. Gephart, Patrick Gonzalez, Nancy B. Grimm, Peter M. Groffman, Jessica Gurevitch, Sarah E. Hobbie, Kimberly J. Komatsu, Kristy J. Kroeker, Heather J. Lahr, David M. Lodge, Christopher J. Lortie, Julie S. S. Lowndes, Fiorenza Micheli, Hugh P. Possingham, Mary H. Ruckelshaus, Courtney Scarborough, Chelsea L. Wood, Grace C. Wu, Lina Aoyama, Eva E. Arroyo, Christie A. Bahlai, Erin E. Beller, Rachael E. Blake, Karrigan S. Bork, Trevor A. Branch, Norah E. M. Brown, Julien Brun, Emilio M. Bruna, Lauren B. Buckley, Jessica L. Burnett, Max C. N. Castorani, Samantha H. Cheng, Sarah C. Cohen, Jessica L. Couture, Larry B. Crowder, Laura E. Dee, Arildo S. Dias, Ignacio J. Diaz-Maroto, Martha R. Downs, Joan C. Dudney, Erle C. Ellis, Kyle A. Emery, Jacob G. Eurich, Bridget E. Ferriss, Alexa Fredston, Hikaru Furukawa, Sara A. Gagne, Sarah R. Garlick, Colin J. Garroway, Kaitlyn M. Gaynor, Angelica L. Gonzalez, Eliza M. Grames, Tamar Guy-Haim, Ed Hackett, Lauren M. Hallett, Tamara K. Harms, Danielle E. Haulsee, Kyle J. Haynes, Elliott L. Hazen, Rebecca M. Jarvis, Kristal Jones, Gaurav S. Kandlikar, Dustin W. Kincaid, Matthew L. Knope, Anil Koirala, Jurek Kolasa, John S. Kominoski, Julia Koricheva, Lesley T. Lancaster, Jake A. Lawlor, Heili E. Lowman, Frank E. Muller-Karger, Kari E. A. Norman, Nan Nourn, Casey C. O'Hara, Suzanne X. Ou, Jacqueline L. Padilla-Gamino, Paula Pappalardo, Ryan A. Peek, Dominique Pelletier, Stephen Plont, Lauren C. Ponisio, Cristina Portales-Reyes, Diogo B. Provete, Eric J. Raes, Carlos Ramirez-Reyes, Irene Ramos, Sydne Record, Anthony J. Richardson, Roberto Salguero-Gomez, Erin Satterthwaite, Chloe Schmidt, Aaron J. Schwartz, Craig R. See, Brendan D. Shea, Rachel S. Smith, Eric R. Sokol, Christopher T. Solomon, Trisha Spanbauer, Paris Stefanoudis, Beckett W. Sterner, Vitor Sudbrack, Jonathan D. Tonkin, Ashley R. Townes, Mireia Valle, Jonathan A. Walter, Kathryn Wheeler, William R. Wieder, David R. Williams, Marten Winter, Barbora Winterova, Lucy C. Woodall, Adam S. Wymore, Casey Youngflesh
Summary: Synthesis research in ecology and environmental science is important for improving understanding, advancing theory, identifying research priorities, and supporting management strategies. A virtual workshop with participants from different countries and disciplines was held to discuss how synthesis can address key questions and themes in the field in the next decade. Seven priority research topics and two issues regarding synthesis practices were identified, providing a strategic vision for future synthesis in ecology and environmental science.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Kinsey N. Tedford, Max C. N. Castorani
Summary: Predators play important roles in structuring communities with foundation species. This study conducted a meta-analysis to quantify the magnitude, uncertainty, and drivers of predator effects on oysters. The results show that predators cause a significant increase in oyster mortality and decrease in recruitment, and these effects vary with oyster size, predator identity, and richness.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Rachel S. Smith, Max C. N. Castorani
Summary: Restoration aims to reverse global declines of foundation species, but factors influencing restoration success are unclear. Oyster reef restoration in coastal seas is increasing, but outcomes vary and factors enhancing oyster production and biodiversity on restored reefs are unresolved.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Estefania Rodriguez, Daniel Lauretta
Correction
Ecology
Rachel S. Smith, Sara Hogan, Kinsey N. Tedford, Bo Lusk, Matthew A. Reidenbach, Max C. N. Castorani
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2022)
