Article
Ecology
Ariel Greiner, Marco Andrello, Emily Darling, Martin Krkosek, Marie-Josee Fortin
Summary: The study aims to determine the connectivity of coral reefs and the level of future coral cover under global scenarios of coral bleaching loss and potential recovery. The findings emphasize the importance of maintaining functional coral reef habitat outside of predicted climate refugia to sustain connectivity globally.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2022)
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
Ecology
Crawford Drury, Roberta E. Martin, David E. Knapp, Joseph Heckler, Joshua Levy, Ruth D. Gates, Gregory P. Asner
Summary: To improve coral conservation and management, we used historical bleaching phenotypes, imaging spectroscopy, and temperature stress to map coral species composition and thermal tolerance. Spectral data accurately distinguished benthic composition and coral species and showed potential for mapping thermal tolerance. Additionally, we strengthened the relationship between predictions and conserved tolerance phenotypes through a study of a marine heatwave in 2019.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biology
Florian Baletaud, Gael Lecellier, Antoine Gilbert, Laetitia Mathon, Jean-Marie Come, Tony Dejean, Mahe Dumas, Sylvie Fiat, Laurent Vigliola
Summary: Seamounts are deep-sea ecosystems that have fewer fish species compared to coral reefs, but higher biomass of large fish species like sharks in the shallowest seamounts. This study calls for the protection of the shallowest seamounts.
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
Justin H. Baumann, Lily Z. Zhao, Adrian C. Stier, John F. Bruno
Summary: The study found that remote coral reefs are not necessarily more resilient to disturbances compared to reefs near human activities. Only drastic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions can ensure coral survival.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Christopher R. Hemingson, Michalis Mihalitsis, David R. Bellwood
Summary: The diversity of colors in fish communities is directly related to the composition of the local environment, with areas of complex coral cover supporting more diverse and brighter colored fish species. However, global environmental changes and human-induced disturbances can lead to significant declines in the perception of color in fish communities.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Cassandra Roch, Sebastian Schmidt-Roach, Carlos M. Duarte
Summary: Global warming and other human activities have caused unprecedented degradation of coral reefs on a global scale, with predictions of further deterioration by the end of this century. The need to restore and maintain marine habitats is urgent, but limited access to marine environments has hindered innovation and the development of cost-effective solutions. Patent and scientific literature data show a growing number of inventions and academic research in coral restoration, but with little overlap. Intellectual property protection is dominated by a few countries, mainly China.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Limnology
Russell J. Schmitt, Sally J. Holbrook, Andrew J. Brooks, Thomas C. Adam
Summary: This study explores the dynamics between coral and macroalgae as alternative attractors in benthic communities, highlighting the crucial role of herbivores in controlling macroalgae and maintaining a coral-invadable state. Results from Moorea show that the abundance of grazing herbivores directly influences the bistability of coral and macroalgae states, providing insights into the long-term persistence and transition of reef communities.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bert W. Hoeksema, Luna M. van der Loos, Godfried W. N. M. van Moorsel
Summary: In this study of the coral reefs around St. Eustatius, it was found that there is no distinct relation between coral diversity and economic value. However, future marine park designs should consider coral diversity.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gina M. Clementi, Judith Bakker, Kathryn Flowers, Bautisse D. Postaire, Elizabeth A. Babcock, Mark E. Bond, Dayne Buddo, Diego Cardenosa, Leanne M. Currey-Randall, Jordan S. Goetze, Euan S. Harvey, Michelle Heupel, Jeremy J. Kiszka, Fabian Kyne, M. Aaron MacNeil, Mark G. Meekan, Matthew J. Rees, Colin A. Simpfendorfer, Conrad W. Speed, Michael R. Heithaus, Demian D. Chapman
Summary: The study found that the proximity and size of the nearest market have a positive impact on moray eels and a negative impact on predators subject to exploitation. This could be due to the depletion of moray competitors and predators near humans.
Article
Biology
Nicholas J. MacKnight, Kathryn Cobleigh, Danielle Lasseigne, Andia Chaves-Fonnegra, Alexandra Gutting, Bradford Dimos, Jendahye Antoine, Lauren Fuess, Contessa Ricci, Caleb Butler, Erinn M. Muller, Laura D. Mydlarz, Marilyn Brandt
Summary: The study compared the phenotypic and microbial responses of seven Caribbean coral species after exposure to white plague disease, showing a spectrum of disease susceptibility corresponding to microbial dysbiosis. This suggests that coral disease and microbial dysbiosis may ultimately shape reef ecosystems.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jacqueline V. Alva Garcia, Shannon G. Klein, Taiba Alamoudi, Silvia Arossa, Anieka J. Parry, Alexandra Steckbauer, Carlos M. Duarte
Summary: This study assessed the hypoxic thresholds of two Red Sea coral species and found that longer-term hypoxic events can induce coral bleaching, but the effects vary depending on the extent of O-2 reduction and are likely species-specific. The commonly defined hypoxic O-2 levels do not adequately capture the thresholds reported here.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Zoe Meziere, Walter A. Rich, Susana Carvalho, Francesca Benzoni, Xose Anxelu G Moran, Michael L. Berumen
Summary: S. pistillata is actually composed of four genetically distinct lineages with different evolutionary histories and geographical distributions. Most studies have focused on the impact of single stressors, neglecting the combined effects of multiple stressors. The majority of research has been conducted in laboratory settings, with only a small percentage in field conditions, making it challenging to draw general conclusions about the effects of stressors on S. pistillata.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Elena Couce, Benjamin Cowburn, David Clare, Joanna K. Bluemel
Summary: Coral reef ecosystems are projected to experience significant declines due to ocean warming and acidification. This study examines the environmental resilience of over 650 coral species and predicts a substantial decrease in coral species richness globally, with a potential net loss ranging from 73% to 91% by 2080-2090. The Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, Western Indian Ocean, and Caribbean are expected to be severely impacted. Mitigating climate change is crucial to prevent massive coral species extinctions.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Bar Feldman, Lutfi Afiq-Rosli, Noa Simon-Blecher, Elena Bollati, Benjamin John Wainwright, Pim Bongaerts, Danwei Huang, Oren Levy
Summary: Research in coral reefs in the Singapore Strait uncovered two distinct lineages, possibly cryptic, related to blue and green lineages found in other parts of the Indo-Pacific. Genetic flow analysis revealed limited connectivity between major reef clusters in the eastern and western sectors of Singapore's southern coastal waters.
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
Biodiversity Conservation
Alejandra Hernandez-Agreda, Francesca Marina Sahit, Norbert Englebert, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, Pim Bongaerts
Summary: This study compared the benthic communities of shallow and mesophotic depths in the Great Barrier Reef and the Western Coral Sea. It found initially a positive relationship between shallow and mesophotic coral cover, but this relationship became insignificant after multiple disturbances, with a significant decline in coral cover only at shallow depths. The study also revealed the dynamic nature of mesophotic communities, with their coral cover reflecting a balance between growth and mortality. The results highlight the urgency to expand coral reef monitoring efforts into mesophotic depths for better conservation management strategies.
CONSERVATION LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Dianne L. McLean, Luciana C. Ferreira, Jessica A. Benthuysen, Karen J. Miller, Marie-Lise Schlappy, Matthew J. Ajemian, Oliver Berry, Silvana N. R. Birchenough, Todd Bond, Fabio Boschetti, Ann S. Bull, Jeremy T. Claisse, Scott A. Condie, Pierpaolo Consoli, Joop W. P. Coolen, Michael Elliott, Irene S. Fortune, Ashley M. Fowler, Bronwyn M. Gillanders, Hugo B. Harrison, Kristen M. Hart, Lea-Anne Henry, Chad L. Hewitt, Natalie Hicks, Karlo Hock, Kieran Hyder, Milton Love, Peter I. Macreadie, Robert J. Miller, William A. Montevecchi, Mary M. Nishimoto, Henry M. Page, David M. Paterson, Charitha B. Pattiaratchi, Gretta T. Pecl, Joanne S. Porter, David B. Reeves, Cynthia Riginos, Sally Rouse, Debbie J. F. Russell, Craig D. H. Sherman, Jonas Teilmann, Victoria L. G. Todd, Eric A. Treml, David H. Williamson, Michele Thums
Summary: Offshore oil and gas infrastructure has an impact on ecological connectivity in marine habitats, particularly for larvae and mobile animals. However, there is still a lack of knowledge on the specific effects of oil and gas structures on ecological connectivity, which requires further research. When decommissioning oil and gas infrastructure, it is important to consider the impact on species survival, movement, and distribution.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Limnology
Veronica Z. Radice, Brian Fry, Kristen T. Brown, Sophie Dove, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg
Summary: The recovery of corals from oceanic thermal stress is correlated to their susceptibility to bleaching and their trophic strategy. Corals from different depths exhibit varied recovery characteristics, with shallow corals experiencing more severe stress while corals in mesophotic environments facing lower cumulative warming impacts.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Ambrocio Melvin A. Matias, Iva Popovic, Joshua A. Thia, Ira R. Cooke, Gergely Torda, Vimoksalehi Lukoschek, Line K. Bay, Sun W. Kim, Cynthia Riginos
Summary: Genomic studies have revealed extensive hidden diversity in reef-building corals, which is highly underestimated in terms of evolutionary and ecological relevance. Additionally, symbiotic algae within coral host species can provide adaptive responses to environmental stress and may contribute to coral genetic variation. This study examines the genetic variation of Acropora tenuis coral host and its associated symbiotic algae across the Great Barrier Reef. The results demonstrate three distinct genetic clusters of coral hosts, associated with latitude and inshore-offshore reef position, while symbiotic algae diversity is influenced by reef location relative to shore.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Eric D. Crandall, Rachel H. Toczydlowski, Libby Liggins, Ann E. Holmes, Maryam Ghoojaei, Michelle R. Gaither, Briana E. Wham, Andrea L. Pritt, Cory Noble, Tanner J. Anderson, Randi L. Barton, Justin T. Berg, Sofia G. Beskid, Alonso Delgado, Emily Farrell, Nan Himmelsbach, Samantha R. Queeno, Thienthanh Trinh, Courtney Weyand, Andrew Bentley, John Deck, Cynthia Riginos, Gideon S. Bradburd, Robert J. Toonen
Summary: Genetic diversity within species is important for species resilience and conservation policies, but most studies lack the necessary spatial and temporal metadata for reusability and acknowledging sovereignty. We conducted a datathon and found that metadata decayed over time, with successful restoration through papers and online repositories being more effective than contacting authors directly. The rapid decay of metadata availability should prompt updates to data-sharing policies and researcher practices.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Aleksander Majchrzyk, Michal Jakubowicz, Pim Bongaerts, Mikolaj K. Zapalski
Summary: Modern scleractinian corals and extinct Palaeozoic tabulate corals both exhibit high phenotypic plasticity and can alter their morphology in response to light intensity. This study provides evidence that Devonian tabulate corals, such as Roseoporella and Alveolites, showed a similar mechanism to modern scleractinians in changing their morphology depending on light conditions. This suggests that Palaeozoic tabulate corals shared functional characteristics with modern scleractinians.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Thomas J. Richards, Katrina McGuigan, J. David Aguirre, Adriana Humanes, Yves-Marie Bozec, Peter J. Mumby, Cynthia Riginos
Summary: Global environmental change is happening rapidly, with coral reefs being one of the most threatened ecosystems. To ensure the survival of wild populations, adaptation is necessary. However, our understanding of the complex ecological and evolutionary dynamics of corals is limited, hindering predictions about their ability to adapt to future conditions.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
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
Environmental Sciences
Graeme S. Cumming, Maja Adamska, Michele L. Barnes, Jon Barnett, David R. Bellwood, Joshua E. Cinner, Philippa J. Cohen, Jennifer M. Donelson, Katharina Fabricius, R. Quentin Grafton, Alana Grech, Georgina G. Gurney, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, Andrew S. Hoey, Mia O. Hoogenboom, Jacqueline Lau, Catherine E. Lovelock, Ryan Lowe, David J. Miller, Tiffany H. Morrison, Peter J. Mumby, Martin Nakata, John M. Pandolfi, Garry D. Peterson, Morgan S. Pratchett, Timothy Ravasi, Cynthia Riginos, Jodie L. Rummer, Britta Schaffelke, Thomas Wernberg, Shaun K. Wilson
Summary: SDG 14 aims to secure marine sustainability by 2030, and understanding the changing seascape, global actions, and the collaboration between science and society are vital for achieving this goal in the Asia-Pacific region. Through a horizon scan, researchers identified nine emerging research priorities that can contribute to marine sustainability, including understanding seascape evolution, drivers of change, and the costs and benefits to people. Researchers can contribute by developing interdisciplinary understandings, emphasizing equity and justice, and improving knowledge of cross-scale processes.
REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Ecology
Gareth B. Jenkins, Andrew P. Beckerman, Celine Bellard, Ana Benitez-Lopez, Aaron M. Ellison, Christopher G. Foote, Andrew L. Hufton, Marcus A. Lashley, Christopher J. Lortie, Zhaoxue Ma, Allen J. Moore, Shawn R. Narum, Johan Nilsson, Bridget O'Boyle, Diogo B. Provete, Orly Razgour, Loren Rieseberg, Cynthia Riginos, Luca Santini, Benjamin Sibbett, Pedro R. Peres-Neto
Summary: We urge journals to mandate archiving open data in a user-friendly format for readers. Consistent implementation will allow contributors to receive recognition through open data citation and promote scientific advancements.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cynthia Riginos, Marlene Jahnke
Summary: Comparative methods are crucial for understanding biodiversity distribution, yet current research primarily focuses on single species. In this study, Zbinden et al. utilized landscape genetics to investigate the landscape genomics of 31 fish species in the White River Basin, revealing the significant impact of stream hierarchy on fish population structure. These findings provide empirical evidence for conservation and fisheries management.