Article
Environmental Sciences
Gal Eyal, Jack H. Laverick, Pim Bongaerts, Oren Levy, John M. Pandolfi
Summary: Mesophotic coral ecosystems are important, but research on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia is scarce due to reasons such as strict diving regulations, involvement of new researchers, logistics, and cost. Research efforts on these ecosystems are declining, and unless this changes, the knowledge gap between Australian MCEs and other major coral reef regions worldwide will continue to widen. Action is needed to enhance understanding of these ecosystems in Australia.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Joshua M. Copus, Cameron A. J. Walsh, Mykle L. Hoban, Anne M. Lee, Richard L. Pyle, Randall K. Kosaki, Robert J. Toonen, Brian W. Bowen
Summary: This study examines the phylogeography of two mesophotic coral fish species and compares them to shallow-reef species. The results suggest that mesophotic coral ecosystems may be older and more stable than shallow coral ecosystems, contradicting previous beliefs. The genetic diversity and coalescence times of the mesophotic fish species are similar to their shallow-water counterparts.
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
Paris V. Stefanoudis, Nico Fassbender, Kaveh Samimi-Namin, Pierre-Andre Adam, Ameer Ebrahim, Jerome Harlay, Anna Koester, Melita Samoilys, Helena Sims, Denise Swanborn, Sheena Talma, Sara Winter, Lucy C. Woodall
Summary: Tropical deep reefs (>30 m) are unique ecosystems with a wider geographic reach compared to shallow reefs, and they require explicit consideration in conservation and management activities. This study characterizes the benthic and fish communities in shallow and deep reefs in Seychelles, Western Indian Ocean, revealing distinct communities and traits dominating different depths. The results highlight the complexity of relationships between different biological components and the differences in reef resilience against disturbance or species invasions with depth.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nestor E. Bosch, Fernando Espino, Fernando Tuya, Ricardo Haroun, Lorenzo Bramanti, Francisco Otero-Ferrer
Summary: The degradation of shallow ecosystems has led to a need to study and understand the biodiversity and functioning of Mesophotic Ecosystems. However, most research has been limited to tropical regions and focused on species, neglecting other important aspects of biodiversity. By studying a subtropical island in the Atlantic Ocean, we found that fish communities in mesophotic black coral forests (BCFs) differed in functional structure compared to shallow reefs, indicating the importance of specific management and conservation strategies for preserving the unique biodiversity and functionality of mesophotic BCFs.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Elizabeth McLeod, Elizabeth C. Shaver, Maria Beger, Jennifer Koss, Gabriel Grimsditch
Summary: Climate change is causing global decline in coral reef ecosystems. It is crucial to reduce CO2 emissions and implement local management actions to support reef health and recovery. Resilience assessments quantify the context of reefs and help marine managers anticipate changes and prioritize management actions.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Miguel Angel Perez-Castro, Nadine Schubert, Gabriela Ang-Montes De Oca, Gerardo Esteban Leyte-Morales, Gal Eyal, Gustavo Hinojosa-Arango
Summary: Research in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) region suggests the potential presence of Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems (MCEs), which are influenced by factors such as light availability and water transparency. Studies mainly focus on taxonomy, ecosystem function, and reviews, indicating a need for further research in areas such as environmental variable structure, molecular ecology, and natural resource management. Light availability is identified as a key driver for the bathymetric distribution of MCEs, although other local factors should also be considered for potential shifts in depth limits.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wei Zhang, Yong Sik Ok, Michael S. Bank, Christian Sonne
Summary: The impacts of macro-, micro-, and nanoplastics on coral reef ecosystems are not well understood, but they are known to pose a major sustainability challenge. This study confirms the presence of microplastics in coral reefs worldwide and discusses their potential risks. It emphasizes the urgent need to address this environmental problem and proposes solutions such as raising public awareness, implementing conservation efforts, and reducing plastic use.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Katherine Mejia-Quintero, Cristina Cedeno-Posso, Santiago Millan, Luis Chasqui
Summary: By analyzing videos and images, we identified ecological units and geomorphic units in mesophotic coral ecosystems on the western side of San Andres Island, Colombia. These findings are important for updating the coral reef atlas of Colombia.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiwei Li, Gregory P. Asner
Summary: Three-dimensional shallow benthic complexity provides valuable information for coral reef conservation and management, as it reflects the physical conditions and biodiversity of shallow coral reef environments. This study mapped global shallow water benthic complexity using satellite images and found that high complexity regions are mainly concentrated in areas with high benthic biodiversity. However, a significant portion of coral reef regions with high benthic complexity remains unprotected. The global coral reef benthic complexity map generated in this study can contribute to improving marine protected areas, reef conservation, and management.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Andreas Dietzel, Sean R. Connolly, Terry P. Hughes, Michael Bode
Summary: This study found that recent mass coral bleaching events on the Great Barrier Reef have larger and more continuous spatial footprints than previous bleaching events, posing an unprecedented threat to coral species resilience. In contrast to the impacts of a severe tropical cyclone, the bleaching events isolated severely affected reefs from the nearest mildly affected reefs by greater distances, highlighting the significant threat to coral species posed by the spatial footprint of these recent bleaching events.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geography, Physical
Aleksander Majchrzyk, Michal Jakubowicz, Blazej Berkowski, Pim Bongaerts, Mikolaj K. Zapalski
Summary: One of the keys to the success of modern and ancient reef ecosystems is photosymbiosis. Mesophotic coral reef ecosystems (MCE) can survive in the lower part of the photic zone. Recent studies have found that MCEs existed as early as the middle Palaeozoic. The Aferdou el Mrakib reef in Morocco represents one of the southernmost Givetian reefs and provides insights into the paleoecology of these communities. The MCEs in the Aferdou el Mrakib reef show taxonomic and ecological similarities with reefs in Laurussia and southern China, indicating a cosmopolitan nature of Middle Devonian mesophotic ecosystems.
PALAEOGEOGRAPHY PALAEOCLIMATOLOGY PALAEOECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Caroline Belser, Julie Poulain, Karine Labadie, Frederick Gavory, Adriana Alberti, Julie Guy, Quentin Carradec, Corinne Cruaud, Corinne Da Silva, Stefan Engelen, Paul Mielle, Aude Perdereau, Gaelle R. Samson, Shahinaz E. Gas, Christian R. Voolstra, Pierre E. Galand, J. Michel Flores, Benjamin C. C. Hume, Gabriela Perna, Maren Ziegler, Hans-Joachim Ruscheweyh, Emilie Boissin, Sarah Romac, Guillaume A. Bourdin, Guillaume Iwankow, Clementine Moulin, David A. Paz Garcia, Sylvain Agostini, Bernard Banaigs, Emmanuel Boss, Chris Bowler, Colomban de Vargas, Eric Douville, Didier Forcioli, Paola Furla, Eric Gilson, Fabien Lombard, Stephane P. Pesant, Stephanie Reynaud, Shinichi Sunagawa, Olivier Thomas, Romain Trouble, Rebecca Vega Thurber, Didier H. Zoccola, Claude Scarpelli, E' Krame Jacoby, Pedro Oliveira, Jean-Marc Aury, Denis Allemand, Serge Planes, Patrick Wincker
Summary: Coral reef science aims to understand coral health and resilience to combat reef loss caused by environmental stress. The intricate symbiotic interactions within the coral holobiont play a vital role in coral resilience. The Tara Pacific project utilizes advanced sequencing technologies to study the biodiversity and complexity of coral holobionts across the Pacific Ocean, providing valuable insights for future investigations of coral reef dynamics and their future in the Anthropocene.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Jeanne Bloomberg, Daniel M. Holstein
Summary: As shallow coral populations decline globally, mesophotic coral ecosystems are proposed as potential refugia for coral species. The study assesses the refuge potential of mesophotic reefs in the US Virgin Islands for Montastraea cavernosa, with deeper coral experiencing slightly lower reproductive potential. Changes in coral cover and sex ratios primarily drive variations in oocyte production over depth, with mesophotic reefs playing a key role in providing oocytes despite lower proportion of females. The persistence of mesophotic reefs as reproductive refuges is questioned due to disease perturbations affecting deeper reefs.
Article
Environmental Sciences
K. U. D. N. Hansani, E. P. D. N. Thilakarathne, J. Bimali Koongolla, W. G. I. T. Gunathilaka, B. G. D. O. Perera, W. M. P. U. Weerasingha, K. P. U. T. Egodauyana
Summary: This study investigated the abundance, distribution, and characteristics of microplastics in ten coral reef ecosystems in Sri Lanka, revealing their potential threat to the ecosystems. The average abundance of microplastics in corals, water, and sediments were 546.7 items/kg, 9.8 items/m³, and 46.3 items/kg respectively, with blue LDPE fibres being the dominant type. Corals showed the highest amount of microplastics.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Astrid Brigitta Leitner, Tobias Friedrich, Christopher D. Kelley, Seth Travis, Dale Partridge, Brian Powell, Jeffrey C. Drazen
Summary: The study investigated the impact of seamounts, pinnacles, and crests on fish habitat. It found that crests are preferred habitat for fish, as they alter flow conditions, double fish abundance, and concentrate fish at crests rather than uniformly distributing them along the island shelf.
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jessica N. Perelman, Eric Firing, Jesse M. A. van der Grient, Benjamin A. Jones, Jeffrey C. Drazen
Summary: The Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) is a targeted area for deep-sea polymetallic nodule mining in the eastern Central Pacific Ocean, with significant variability in environmental parameters. Research indicates that midwater oxygen is the strongest predictor of behavior for mesopelagic micronekton and zooplankton in this region. The current network of reserves may not fully protect pelagic OMZ fauna most at risk from mining impacts in the licensed exploration areas.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Oceanography
Daniel O. B. Jones, Erik Simon-Lledo, Diva J. Amon, Brian J. Bett, Clemence Caulle, Louis Clement, Douglas P. Connelly, Thomas G. Dahlgren, Jennifer M. Durden, Jeffrey C. Drazen, Janine Felden, Andrew R. Gates, Magdalena N. Georgieva, Adrian G. Glover, Andrew J. Gooday, Anita L. Hollingsworth, Tammy Horton, Rachael H. James, Rachel M. Jeffreys, Claire Laguionie-Marchais, Astrid B. Leitner, Anna Lichtschlag, Amaya Menendez, Gordon L. J. Paterson, Kate Peel, Katleen Robert, Timm Schoening, Natalia A. Shulga, Craig R. Smith, Sergio Taboada, Andreas M. Thurnherr, Helena Wiklund, C. Robert Young, Veerle A. I. Huvenne
Summary: In order to protect the range of habitats, species, and ecosystem functions in the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ), the International Seabed Authority (ISA) has designated nine Areas of Particular Environmental Interest (APEIs). This study focuses on APEI-6, the most north eastern APEI in the network, and assesses its representativity of mining contract areas in the eastern CCZ. The findings suggest that APEI-6 is partially representative of the exploration areas to the south yet is distinctly different in several key characteristics, indicating the need for additional APEIs and other management activities to mitigate the impacts of mining in the CCZ.
PROGRESS IN OCEANOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sonia Romero-Romero, Elizabeth C. Miller, Jesse A. Black, Brian N. Popp, Jeffrey C. Drazen
Summary: The detrital-based food web in abyssal plains relies on deposit feeders as secondary consumers, with their gut contents mainly consisting of living biomass of heterotrophic prokaryotes. The guts of deposit feeders act as hotspots of organic matter, forming a unique food source distinct from the surrounding surface detritus, and increasing the food-chain length in detritus-based ecosystems.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jennifer M. Durden, Meagan Putts, Sarah Bingo, Astrid B. Leitner, Jeffrey C. Drazen, Andrew J. Gooday, Daniel O. B. Jones, Andrew K. Sweetman, Travis W. Washburn, Craig R. Smith
Summary: The study examined the benthic megafaunal ecology of three Areas of Particular Environmental Interest (APEIs) in the western Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ). It found that environmental conditions greatly influence benthic communities, with sites having lower organic matter inputs and greater nodule abundance exhibiting higher invertebrate density and diversity.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Astrid B. Leitner, Jeffrey C. Drazen, Craig R. Smith
Summary: Seamounts in the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) have distinct communities compared to abyssal plains, with differences driven by habitat type and productivity changes. The limited source populations on seamounts suggest they may not be sufficient to recolonize abyssal plains post-mining disturbance.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guadalupe Bribiesca-Contreras, Thomas G. Dahlgren, Tammy Horton, Jeffrey C. Drazen, Regan Drennan, Daniel O. B. Jones, Astrid B. Leitner, Kirsty A. McQuaid, Craig R. Smith, Sergio Taboada, Helena Wiklund, Adrian G. Glover
Summary: Recent research has shown high genetic diversity of deep-sea scavenging amphipods in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) and connectivity between different regions. Differences in amphipod assemblages between abyssal and seamount sites suggest distinct ecological conditions generate unique community compositions.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jeffrey C. Drazen, Astrid B. Leitner, Daniel O. B. Jones, Erik Simon-Lledo
Summary: Data synthesis from visual transecting approaches and baited camera studies shows significant variations in the diversity and abundance of fish and invertebrate scavenger communities across different regions of the CCZ. It is recommended that a network of APEIs covering a spectrum of habitats be established to conserve fish and scavenger biodiversity in the region.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Jessica M. Blanton, Logan M. Peoples, Mackenzie E. Gerringer, Caroline M. Iacuaniello, Natalya D. Gallo, Thomas D. Linley, Alan J. Jamieson, Jeffrey C. Drazen, Douglas H. Bartlett, Eric E. Allen
Summary: By examining the microbiome of abyssal and hadal fishes, we gain insight into the diversity and distribution of host-associated life at great depth.
Article
Environmental Studies
Diva J. Amon, Sabine Gollner, Telmo Morato, Craig R. Smith, Chong Chen, Sabine Christiansen, Bronwen Currie, Jeffrey C. Drazen, Tomohiko Fukushima, Matthew Gianni, Kristina M. Gjerde, Andrew J. Gooday, Georgina Guillen Grillo, Matthias Haeckel, Thembile Joyini, Se-Jong Ju, Lisa A. Levin, Anna Metaxas, Kamila Mianowicz, Tina N. Molodtsova, Ingo Narberhaus, Beth N. Orcutt, Alison Swaddling, Joshua Tuhumwire, Patricio Uruena Palacio, Michelle Walker, Phil Weaver, Xue-Wei Xu, Clement Yow Mulalap, Peter E. T. Edwards, Chris Pickens
Summary: A comprehensive understanding of the deep-sea environment and mining impacts is necessary to assess compliance with international regulations. However, there is a lack of available scientific knowledge to support decision-making. Further information on deep-sea environmental baselines and mining impacts is critical for this emerging industry. Closing the scientific gaps related to deep-seabed mining is a monumental task that requires clear direction, substantial resources, and robust coordination and collaboration.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Laura C. Motta, Joel D. Blum, Brian N. Popp, Blaire P. Umhau, Claudia R. Benitez-Nelson, Hilary G. Close, Spencer J. Washburn, Jeffrey C. Drazen
Summary: This study used mercury stable isotope ratios to investigate the cycling of methylmercury in marine particles and biota. The findings suggest that methylmercury is preferentially methylated within small marine particles and that these particles undergo more significant microbial decomposition compared to larger particles. The study also found that large particles in the equatorial ocean resemble fecal pellets and are distinct from small particles. The research provides additional evidence for methylation within marine particles and demonstrates the origin of mercury in different marine organisms.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Review
Oceanography
Jessica N. Perelman, Yoann Ladroit, Pablo Escobar-Flores, E. Firing, Jeffrey C. Drazen
Summary: The behaviors of micronekton and zooplankton in the eastern Pacific Ocean are poorly understood. This study used Saildrone uncrewed surface vehicles to conduct acoustic and oceanographic surveys, revealing the distribution and responses of these organisms to mesoscale oceanographic features. The results showed significant variability in pelagic community dynamics on daily to weekly scales and highlighted the importance of understanding the interactions between mesoscale features and pelagic fauna in a changing ocean environment.
PROGRESS IN OCEANOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
J. M. A. Grient, J. C. Drazen
Summary: The study shows that animal responses to increased suspended sediment concentrations are generally negative and similar across different aquatic habitats. Further research is needed to understand the specific impacts of increased sediment concentrations in deep-sea environments.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Javier Montenegro, Allen G. G. Collins, Russell R. R. Hopcroft, Jennifer M. M. Questel, Erik V. V. Thuesen, Tiffany S. S. Bachtel, Leah A. A. Bergman, Mehul N. N. Sangekar, Jeffrey C. C. Drazen, Dhugal J. J. Lindsay
Summary: Through the examination of legacy collections, it was found that there is no clear differentiation between the two nominal species, B. ellinorae and B. brucei, suggesting that B. ellinorae should be reclassified as a subspecies of B. brucei.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Oceanography
Jeffrey C. Drazen, Bethanie H. Clark, Jamison M. Gove, Jana E. Phipps, Adrienne M. Copeland, Joey Lecky, J. A. Mattias Green, Donald R. Kobayashi, John R. Turner, Jonathan L. Whitney, Gareth J. Williams
Summary: The nearshore environment off the west coast of Hawaii exhibits an increased biomass and abundance of mesopelagic micronekton compared to offshore sites. This nearshore enhancement may be due to increased primary production near the island or complex flow environment. The non-migratory deep scattering assemblage in this region may provide food for deeper diving marine mammals and pelagic fishes.
DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART I-OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH PAPERS
(2023)