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
Environmental Sciences
Clement Tanvet, Francesca Benzoni, Christophe Peignon, Gerard Thouzeau, Riccardo Rodolfo-Metalpa
Summary: Crustose coralline algae (CCA) play a crucial role in coral reef development and replenishment, but their abundance is negatively affected by anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Surprisingly, diverse and well-developed coral reefs have been discovered in natural conditions where CCA and corals are not expected to thrive. This study focuses on the extreme environmental conditions in Bourake lagoon and finds that while CCA abundance decreases significantly, coral larvae settlement remains high, suggesting the potential for coral acclimatization and adaptation to global change.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
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
Plant Sciences
Ellie Bergstrom, Jelle Lahnstein, Helen Collins, Tessa M. Page, Vincent Bulone, Guillermo Diaz-Pulido
Summary: Crustose coralline algae (CCA) are important benthic substrate consolidators on coral reefs. This study investigated the effects of ocean acidification and warming on the organic matrix composition of CCA and found that different species exhibit variability in their response to environmental change.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Isaac Westfield, John Gunnell, Douglas B. Rasher, Branwen Williams, Justin B. Ries
Summary: Ocean acidification and warming have different impacts on high-latitude calcifying species. This study found that, despite belonging to the same genus, Clathromorphum nereostratum exhibited greater sensitivity to thermal stress, while Clathromorphum compactum exhibited greater sensitivity to pH stress. Model predictions indicate that both species will experience net dissolution by 2120 and 2200 AD, respectively, leading to loss of their critical habitats.
GEOCHEMISTRY GEOPHYSICS GEOSYSTEMS
(2022)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Christopher E. Cornwall, Ben P. Harvey, Steeve Comeau, Daniel L. Cornwall, Jason M. Hall-Spencer, Viviana Pena, Shigeki Wada, Lucia Porzio
Summary: The majority of coralline algae experienced negative impacts like reduced abundance, calcification rates, and pH declines in response to ocean acidification (OA) in laboratory experiments or at naturally elevated CO2 sites. However, there were inconsistent physiological responses of coralline algae to simulated OA, with calcification/growth being the most frequently measured parameters.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Marine & Freshwater Biology
L. Piazzi, F. Pinna, G. Ceccherelli
Summary: This study examines the interaction between crustose coralline algae and epibiont assemblages in their habitat through manipulative experiments. The results demonstrate the important role of crustose coralline algae in enhancing biodiversity and emphasize the need for their conservation.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2022)
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
Eun Ju Kang, A-Reum Han, Ju-Hyoung Kim, Il-Nam Kim, Sukyeon Lee, Jun-Oh Min, Bo-Ra Nam, Young-Joon Choi, Matthew S. Edwards, Guillermo Diaz-Pulido, Changsin Kim
Summary: The study found that under ocean acidification conditions, Ulva ohnoi algae prefer CO2 and NH4+ as carbon and nitrogen sources, leading to an increase in N content and better performance in photosynthesis and growth, thus potentially increasing their bloom potential; however, elevated temperatures decrease photosynthesis and growth, reducing their bloom potential.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
So Young Jeong, Guillermo Diaz-Pulido, Gavin W. Maneveldt, Paul W. Gabrielson, Wendy A. Nelson, Boo Yeon Won, Tae Oh Cho
Summary: A multigene molecular phylogeny was conducted to study the genus Phymatolithon. The study revealed the polyphyletic grouping of two monophyletic clades within the Hapalidiales. As a result, a new genus, Phymatolithopsis, was established, consisting of three species. Phymatolithopsis is closely related to Mesophyllum and is distinct from Phymatolithon and boreal species assigned to Lithothamnion. Morpho-anatomical characteristics were used to differentiate Phymatolithopsis from Phymatolithon, including the origin of conceptacle primordia and the distribution of gonimoblast filaments in carposporangial conceptacles.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Youfang Sun, Lei Jiang, Sanqiang Gong, Guillermo Diaz-Pulido, Xiangcheng Yuan, Haoya Tong, Lintao Huang, Guowei Zhou, Yuyang Zhang, Hui Huang
Summary: Climate change leads to ocean warming and acidification, posing threats to coral reef ecosystems. This study explores the molecular mechanisms of larval responses to elevated temperature and pCO(2) in Pocillopora damicornis, revealing that larvae exposed to high temperatures experience reduced net photosynthesis, while those exposed to high pCO(2) levels exhibit increased photosynthetic capabilities.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Nathalie Butt, Benjamin S. Halpern, Casey C. O'Hara, A. Louise Allcock, Beth Polidoro, Samantha Sherman, Maria Byrne, Charles Birkeland, Ross G. Dwyer, Melanie Frazier, Bradley K. Woodworth, Claudia P. Arango, Michael J. Kingsford, Vinay Udyawer, Pat Hutchings, Elliot Scanes, Emily Jane McClaren, Sara M. Maxwell, Guillermo Diaz-Pulido, Emma Dugan, Blake Alexander Simmons, Amelia S. Wenger, Christi Linardich, Carissa J. Klein
Summary: Marine species and ecosystems are profoundly impacted by human activities such as pollution, fishing, and climate change. This study presents a framework for assessing the vulnerability of marine species to different stressors using life-history traits. The findings highlight the importance of considering the susceptibility of various taxonomic groups to different stressors in predicting marine biodiversity response.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tessa M. Page, Carmel McDougall, Ido Bar, Guillermo Diaz-Pulido
Summary: Different species of crustose coralline algae (CCA) have different responses to ocean warming and acidification. The study found that Sporolithon durum, a species with low sensitivity, did not show significant changes in metabolic performance or gene expression under temperature and pH disturbances. In contrast, Porolithon onkodes, a major coral reef builder, had reduced photosynthetic rates and exhibited significant differential gene expression in response to stressors. Understanding gene expression changes in CCA can help predict species responses to future ocean conditions.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ellie Bergstrom, Jelle Lahnstein, Helen Collins, Tessa M. Page, Vincent Bulone, Guillermo Diaz-Pulido
Summary: Crustose coralline algae (CCA) are important benthic substrate consolidators on coral reefs. This study investigated the effects of ocean acidification and warming on the organic matrix composition of CCA and found that different species exhibit variability in their response to environmental change.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Ellie R. Paine, Damon Britton, Matthias Schmid, Elizabeth A. Brewer, Guillermo Diaz-Pulido, Philip W. Boyd, Catriona L. Hurd
Summary: This study compared the physiological responses of three seaweed species to ocean acidification and found that elevated CO2 concentrations did not benefit their growth and photosynthesis in a future ocean.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ellie R. Paine, Elizabeth A. Brewer, Matthias Schmid, Guillermo Diaz-Pulido, Philip W. Boyd, Catriona L. Hurd
Summary: The seasonal release patterns of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) by seaweed in the southern hemisphere's temperate regions are influenced by inorganic nitrogen availability, irradiance, and temperature. Laboratory experiments revealed high DOC release rates during spring and summer, which were significantly higher than autumn and winter. The seasonal patterns of DOC release were attributed to photosynthetic overflow and variations in tissue C:N ratios. The dominant seaweed species, Phyllospora comosa, contributed the most to the coastal ocean's DOC release.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
M. A. Abdul Wahab, S. Ferguson, V. K. Snekkevik, G. McCutchan, S. Jeong, A. Severati, C. J. Randall, A. P. Negri, G. Diaz-Pulido
Summary: This study tested the larval settlement responses of 15 coral species to 15 species of crustose coralline algae from the Great Barrier Reef. The results showed that CCA in the family Lithophyllaceae were the best inducers for most coral species. Taxonomic and habitat-specific associations were found, providing optimal coral-algal species pairings to increase the success of larval settlement for reef restoration.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Ellie R. Paine, Philip W. Boyd, Robert F. Strzepek, Michael Ellwood, Elizabeth A. Brewer, Guillermo Diaz-Pulido, Matthias Schmid, Catriona L. Hurd
Summary: Laboratory experiments show that insufficient iron availability in the open ocean is a major challenge for growing kelp for carbon sequestration. Carbon dioxide removal and emissions reduction are crucial for mitigating climate change. Ocean macroalgal afforestation is a CDR method that involves growing nearshore kelps offshore, but the limitation of dissolved iron supply is overlooked in discussions. The study finds that kelp growth and physiological functions are impaired at oceanic iron concentrations, which are 1000-fold lower than required by the kelp species. Additional iron fertilization may be necessary for successful ocean macroalgal afforestation.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Christopher E. Cornwall, Jeremy Carlot, Oscar Branson, Travis A. Courtney, Ben P. Harvey, Chris T. Perry, Andreas J. Andersson, Guillermo Diaz-Pulido, Maggie D. Johnson, Emma Kennedy, Erik C. Krieger, Jennie Mallela, Sophie J. McCoy, Maggy M. Nugues, Evan Quinter, Claire L. Ross, Emma Ryan, Vincent Saderne, Steeve Comeau
Summary: According to a conceptual model developed from a meta-analysis of calcification rates and a case study in French Polynesia, crustose coralline algae can contribute equal or even larger amounts of calcium carbonate to coral reefs than corals. However, their contribution is often underestimated or omitted in coral reef carbonate budgets. Understanding the drivers of net coral reef calcium carbonate production is crucial due to the threats of ocean warming, acidification, and other anthropogenic stressors.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
So Young Jeong, Paul W. Gabrielson, Jeffery R. Hughey, Andrew S. Hoey, Tae Oh Cho, Muhammad A. Abdul Wahab, Guillermo Diaz-Pulido
Summary: Porolithon is an ecologically important genus of crustose coralline algae, distributed abundantly in tropical and subtropical shallow margins of coral reefs. Sequence comparisons of type specimens and field-collected specimens reveal four unique genetic lineages, suggesting the absence of P. gardineri and P. craspedium in eastern Australia. Furthermore, four new species are discovered, distinguished by growth form, margin shape, and medullary system. Urgent documentation of the taxonomic diversity of Porolithon species is necessary due to their ecological importance and sensitivity to ocean acidification.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(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
Biology
Peter C. Doll, Sven Uthicke, Ciemon F. Caballes, Guillermo Diaz-Pulido, Muhammad A. Abdul Wahab, Bethan J. Lang, So Young Jeong, Morgan S. Pratchett
Summary: Population irruptions of crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) can cause extensive degradation of coral reefs, threatening their structure and function. Our findings demonstrate that various coralline algae species play a role in inducing COTS larvae to settle, but their effectiveness varies greatly. Considering larval behavior and algal ecology, this study highlights the ecological significance of coralline algae communities in driving COTS recruitment patterns.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yvonne Nemcova, Guillermo Diaz-Pulido
Summary: This study aimed to explore the diversity and distribution of silica-scaled chrysophytes in southeastern Queensland. Through morphological observations and water chemical analyses, a total of 35 taxa were identified, including a silica-scaled chrysophyte species originally thought to be endemic to North America. These findings provide valuable floristic data and contribute to the understanding of silica-scaled chrysophytes distribution in Australia.
PLANT SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)