Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Vivek K. Gaur, Poonam Sharma, Shivangi Gupta, Sunita Varjani, J. K. Srivastava, Jonathan W. C. Wong, Huu Hao Ngo
Summary: This article presents recent technological advancements in biosurfactant research, including the use of metabolomic and sequence based omics approaches, as well as tailoring strategies to improve production. Biosurfactants play a crucial role in addressing pollution in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Suman Nama, Ashna Shanmughan, Binaya Bhusan Nayak, Shashi Bhushan, Karankumar Ramteke
Summary: Coral reefs, as the most spectacular underwater creation, play crucial roles in ecosystem functioning and coastal community livelihood. However, marine debris poses a severe threat to these sensitive habitats and their associated organisms. Despite scientific attention, data regarding the sources, abundance, distribution, and potential consequences of marine debris on reef ecosystems are lacking. This review aims to provide an overview of the current status and impacts of marine debris, with emphasis on sources, distribution, affected species, and management strategies, as well as highlighting the adhesion mechanisms and diseases caused by microplastics to coral polyps.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Joseph W. P. Nakoa, John H. R. Burns, Kanoelani Steward, Lauren M. Kapono, Clifford A. Kapono
Summary: Coral reefs are declining due to various factors, and diseases affecting corals have increased in recent decades. However, the etiology of most diseases is still poorly understood. In this study, a 3D molecular cartographic platform was used to investigate the molecular characteristics of healthy and diseased coral tissues. The results showed differences in microbial diversity and molecular composition between healthy and diseased tissues, providing new insights into how diseases affect the molecular landscape of corals.
Article
Ecology
Xiyang Dong, Haoyu Lan, Liangtian Huang, Haikun Zhang, Xianbiao Lin, Shengze Weng, Yongyi Peng, Jia Lin, Jiang-hai Wang, Juan Peng, Ying Yang
Summary: This study assessed the microbial communities in surface sediments from 16 coral reef sites at different depths in the Xisha islands using gene- and genome-centric metagenomics. The results revealed the diversity and functional potential of the microbial communities, as well as the presence of antibiotic resistance genes. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the microbial ecology in reef sediments.
Article
Environmental Studies
Timothy A. C. Lamont, Tries B. Razak, Rili Djohani, Noel Janetski, Saipul Rapi, Frank Mars, David J. Smith
Summary: In recent years, there has been a rapid expansion in the scale of coral reef restoration efforts in Indonesia. This article identifies ten different social, economic, and environmental approaches that have contributed to this scaling up, providing case studies from sixteen different Indonesian programs. These diverse approaches have increased the operational efficiency, spatial scale, speed of deployment, and social inclusivity of reef restoration in various contexts.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sterling B. Tebbett, David R. Bellwood
Summary: Algal turfs are a productive component of coral reef ecosystems, with depth being the primary driver of turf productivity rates and turnover mainly related to turf biomass. However, limited data availability and methodological constraints constrain our understanding of their productivity. Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving our knowledge of algal turf dynamics on coral reefs.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
M. S. Rintoul, T. A. Courtney, J. L. Dohner, S. N. Giddings, S. A. H. Kekuewa, S. Mitarai, S. G. Monismith, A. K. Pezner, A. J. Andersson
Summary: Global warming and ocean acidification are causing declines in seawater dissolved oxygen concentrations and pH values. Predicting the impact on shallow marine environments like coral reefs is challenging due to their high natural biogeochemical variability. In this study, we measured flow speed, light intensity, oxygen concentration, and seawater acid-base balance in a coral reef system in Japan. We found that flow speed and light intensity play important roles in controlling the variability of oxygen and pH values in coral reefs.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-OCEANS
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Robert S. Nichols, Molly A. Moynihan, Patrick Martin
Summary: Coral reef productivity is influenced by organic matter breakdown, and alkaline phosphatases play a crucial role in marine phosphorus cycling. However, the factors affecting alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) in coastal waters are not well known. The study measured APA in bulk seawater and three coral species in Singapore, finding that seawater APA was driven by heterotrophic activity rather than phosphate stress, and corals had the potential to significantly contribute to seawater APA.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jeneen Hadj-Hammou, David Mouillot, Nicholas A. J. Graham
Summary: The response-and-effect framework is a trait-based approach that aims to analyze the mechanistic links between ecosystem disturbances, species' traits, and ecosystem processes. A review of coral reef fish traits literature shows a focus on linking response traits to disturbances, with fewer studies connecting effect traits to ecosystem processes. Size and diet of fish are identified as common traits in the literature, crucial for understanding both disturbance and process in ecosystems.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
History & Philosophy Of Science
Elis Jones
Summary: The value attributed to coral reefs greatly influences the characterization of evidence for their regeneration or degradation, highlighting the necessity of considering the value of an ecosystem in describing processes like regeneration and degradation. This also connects value as studied in socio-ecological and economic research with values as discussed in the philosophy of science literature.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Joshua S. Madin, Michael McWilliam, Kate Quigley, Line K. Bay, David Bellwood, Christopher Doropoulos, Leanne Fernandes, Peter Harrison, Andrew S. Hoey, Peter J. Mumby, Juan C. Ortiz, Zoe T. Richards, Cynthia Riginos, Nina M. D. Schiettekatte, David J. Suggett, Madeleine J. H. van Oppen
Summary: Humans have focused on restoring species, but little attention has been given to selecting the best subset of foundation species for maintaining threatened ecosystems. We propose a two-part hedging approach that prioritizes phenotypic traits and ecological characteristics. By applying this approach to reef building corals, we found that current restoration programs could be improved by including species with different traits.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Floortje E. Roelvink, Curt D. Storlazzi, Ap R. van Dongeren, Stuart G. Pearson
Summary: The study shows that broader and shallower coral restoration projects are most effective in reducing wave-driven flooding, such as those on the upper fore reef and between the reef flat and shoreline, compared to deeper locations on the fore reef or at the reef crest. It suggests that planting more physically robust coral species in shallower and more energetic locations can increase the coastal hazard risk reduction potential of reef restoration.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michelle C. Platz, Mauricio E. Arias, Robert H. Byrne
Summary: This paper proposes the use of metabolism measurement tools and methods to monitor changes in reef ecosystem in response to coral restoration. It provides an introduction to net ecosystem metabolism and carbon chemistry in coral reef ecosystems, and reviews five metabolism monitoring methods with potential for application to coral reef restoration monitoring.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Barbara Rani-Borges, Erandy Gomes, Guilherme Maricato, Luis Henrique Franca de Carvalho Lins, Beatriz Rocha de Moraes, Gislaine Vanessa Lima, Luis Guilherme Franca Cortes, Marcos Tavares, Pedro Henrique Cipresso Pereira, Romulo Augusto Ando, Lucas Goncalves Queiroz
Summary: The widespread presence of marine microplastics is a concern for marine biodiversity and ecosystems. This study investigated the distribution and characteristics of microplastics in Brazilian corals and found a high concentration of ingested and adhered microplastics in all coral species evaluated. The research shows that microplastic contamination is equally distributed in the region.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Baruch Rinkevich
Summary: The need to enhance the adaptive potential of corals in the face of unceasing climate change and anthropogenic impacts has led to the successful approach of 'coral gardening' for restoring degraded reefs. This method is structured within a hierarchical list of five encircling tiers, focusing on the nursery phase and including activities such as coral mariculture and ecological engineering. The key importance of adaptation-based reef restoration (ABRR), which includes phenotypic plasticity and assisted migration among other classes, is emphasized for enhancing coral adaptation to climate change.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Michael D. Fox, Craig E. Nelson, Thomas A. Oliver, Zachary A. Quinlan, Kristina Remple, Jess Glanz, Jennifer E. Smith, Hollie M. Putnam
Summary: The effects of nutrient pollution on coral reef ecosystems are complex, with different responses observed in different coral species when exposed to chronic nutrient enrichment. Nutrient enrichment can impact photophysiological performance and skeletal growth of corals, highlighting the importance of considering species-specific differences in coral-algal symbiosis in response to environmental changes.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Teegan Innis, Luella Allen-Waller, Kristen T. Brown, Wesley Sparagon, Christopher Carlson, Elisa Kruse, Ariana S. Huffmyer, Craig E. Nelson, Hollie M. Putnam, Katie L. Barott
Summary: Ocean warming is causing an increase in global coral bleaching events, leading to coral mortality and disruption of coral reef ecosystems. Some corals can resist bleaching even during mass bleaching events. Research shows that at the cellular level, bleaching-susceptible corals experience greater disruption in acid-base balance compared to bleaching-resistant corals.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Linda Wegley Kelly, Craig E. Nelson, Lihini I. . Aluwihare, Milou G. I. Arts, Pieter C. Dorrestein, Irina Koester, Shayle B. Matsuda, Daniel Petras, Zachary A. Quinlan, Andreas F. Haas
Summary: Metabolomics is a rapidly advancing field that utilizes powerful analytical tools and bioinformatic methods to reveal the diversity and activity of chemical compounds within organisms. By applying metabolomics, it is possible to gain insights into the chemical processes in coastal ecosystems, including metabolite exchange between plants, animals, and microbes, as well as interactions among coral reefs and other organisms.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Shayle B. Matsuda, Leela J. Chakravarti, Ross Cunning, Ariana S. Huffmyer, Craig E. Nelson, Ruth D. Gates, Madeleine J. H. van Oppen
Summary: This study examined the ability of horizontally transmitting coral larvae to establish symbioses with Symbiodiniaceae species from four genera with varying thermal thresholds. Results showed that Gerakladium outcompeted Durusdinium at high temperatures, while Fugacium performed best at 27 and 30 degrees Celsius.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jessica A. Bullington, Abigail R. Golder, Grieg F. Steward, Margaret A. McManus, Anna B. Neuheimer, Brian T. Glazer, Olivia D. Nigro, Craig E. Nelson
Summary: The south shore of O`ahu, Hawaii, which is one of the most popular coastal tourism areas in the United States, has a high incidence of recreational waterborne disease. Researchers developed a statistical model to predict the dynamics of pathogenic bacterium Vibrio vulnificus in the estuarine Ala Wai Canal in Honolulu. The model utilized environmental measurements and showed that factors such as rainfall, air temperature, water temperature, nitrate plus nitrite, and dissolved organic matter had significant influence on V. vulnificus concentration. Real-time predictions of V. vulnificus concentration can be made using this model applied to water quality measurements.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Kristina L. Remple, Nyssa J. Silbiger, Zachary A. Quinlan, Michael D. Fox, Linda Wegley Kelly, Megan J. Donahue, Craig E. Nelson
Summary: This study explores the factors influencing marine biofilm composition, highlighting the impact of succession, benthic communities, and nutrient enrichment. It identifies specific biofilm-associated bacteria linked with corals, algae, and nutrients, distinct from bacterioplankton. The findings provide insight into the dynamics of marine biofilm succession and the effect of reef community changes and nutrient pollution.
NPJ BIOFILMS AND MICROBIOMES
(2021)
Article
Water Resources
Tracy N. Wiegner, Steven L. Colbert, Leilani M. Abaya, Jazmine Panelo, Kristina Remple, Craig E. Nelson
Summary: The study focused on identifying locations of sewage pollution in the Puako over bar watershed through measuring sewage indicators at various points. The findings emphasize the need for improved sewage treatment and collection in the Puako area to address the pollution issue effectively.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY-REGIONAL STUDIES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anwesha Ghosh, E. Malcolm S. Woodward, Ratul Saha, Craig E. Nelson, Punyasloke Bhadury
Summary: The Bay of Bengal receives nitrogen inputs from multiple sources, and the role of nitrogen-metabolizing microbial communities in the surface water is not well understood. A study found that dissolved organic nitrogen remineralization plays a significant role in fueling ecosystem processes. It was also discovered that certain bacterial groups show a positive correlation with dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentration. Further research on the structure of functional bacterioplankton communities can provide a better understanding of their influence on nitrogen rates and fluxes within mangroves.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jacqueline Comstock, Craig E. Nelson, Anna James, Emma Wear, Nicholas Baetge, Kristina Remple, Amethyst Juknavorian, Craig A. Carlson
Summary: Coral reef islands are associated with an enhancement in phytoplankton nearshore, known as the Island Mass Effect (IME). However, the extent and drivers of IMEs are still not fully understood. In this study, 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding was used to investigate the horizontal and vertical influence of IME in French Polynesia.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anthony S. Amend, Sean O. I. Swift, John L. Darcy, Mahdi Belcaid, Craig E. Nelson, Joshua Buchanan, Nicolas Cetraro, Kauaoa M. S. Fraiola, Kiana Frank, Kacie Kajihara, Terrance G. McDermot, Margaret McFall-Ngai, Matthew Medeiros, Camilo Mora, Kirsten K. Nakayama, Nhu H. Nguyen, Randi L. Rollins, Peter Sadowski, Wesley Sparagon, Melisandre A. Tefit, Joanne Y. Yew, Danyel Yogi, Nicole A. Hynson
Summary: Microbes are essential for the health, fitness, and metabolism of hosts, and can be found in almost every habitat and organism on Earth. However, we still have limited knowledge about where hosts' microbes reside when they are not on or in the hosts of interest. This study demonstrates that the most species-poor microbiomes are subsets of the most species-rich, and that the microbiomes of plants and animals are nested within those of their environments. Additionally, the distribution of a microbe within a single ecosystem can predict its global distribution, which has implications for understanding global microbial assembly processes.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Review
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Craig E. Nelson, Linda Wegley Kelly, Andreas F. Haas
Summary: To survive in nutrient-poor waters, coral reefs depend on efficient retention and recycling of materials. This review focuses on microbial processes that contribute to the persistence and stability of coral reefs, particularly the transformation and recycling of dissolved organic matter (DOM). Microbial processing of DOM plays a crucial role in reef production, nutrient exchange, and organismal interactions, which are fundamental to the characteristics of coral reefs such as high productivity, balanced metabolism, biodiversity, nutrient retention, and structural complexity. The review summarizes the composition of microbes and DOM in reefs and explores the spatial and temporal dynamics of biogeochemical processes carried out by microorganisms in various reef habitats.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zachary A. Quinlan, Irina Koester, Allegra T. Aron, Daniel Petras, Lihini I. Aluwihare, Pieter C. Dorrestein, Craig E. Nelson, Linda Wegley Kelly
Summary: Recent developments in molecular networking have expanded our ability to characterize the metabolome of diverse samples. ConCISE is introduced as a new tool that combines molecular networking, spectral library matching, and in silico class predictions to establish accurate classifications. By limiting annotation propagation to identical structural classes within subnetworks, ConCISE maintains a high true positive rate.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Devon K. Aguiar, Tracy N. Wiegner, Steven L. Colbert, John Burns, Leilani Abaya, James Beets, Courtney Couch, Julia Stewart, Jazmine Panelo, Kristina Remple, Craig Nelson
Summary: Sewage pollution from on-site sewage disposal systems and injection wells is impacting coral reefs worldwide. Our study documented the presence and impact of sewage on South Kohala's coral reefs, on Hawai'i Island, through various measurements and surveys. Multiple indicators and studying water motion were necessary to assess sewage pollution and its environmental drivers. The methods used in this study can be utilized by natural resource managers to identify and mitigate anthropogenic stressors to coral reefs.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Adam S. Candy, Shannara K. Taylor K. Parkins, Fleur C. Van Duyl, Benjamin Mueller, Milou G. I. Arts, Will Barnes, Marie Carstensen, Yun J. H. Scholten, Yusuf C. El-Khaled, Christian Wild, Linda Wegley Kelly, Craig E. Nelson, Stuart A. Sandin, Mark J. A. Vermeij, Forest L. Rohwer, Cristian Picioreanu, Paolo Stocchi, Andreas F. Haas
Summary: One mechanism that gives fleshy algae a competitive edge over corals during reef degradation is the occurrence of algal-induced and microbially-mediated hypoxia, which is typically less than 69.5 mu mol oxygen L-1. Algae are more tolerant of low oxygen conditions and may outcompete corals weakened by hypoxia. The extent of local hypoxic zones in highly turbulent aquatic environments, continuously flushed by currents and wave surge, remains a question unanswered.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Wesley J. Sparagon, Emily C. Gentry, Jeremiah J. Minich, Lisa Vollbrecht, Lieve M. L. Laurens, Eric E. Allen, Neil A. Sims, Pieter C. Dorrestein, Linda Wegley Kelly, Craig E. Nelson
Summary: This study integrates microbial and chemical data to reveal the changes in gut microbial communities and metabolomes. The results show that different gut sections have distinct microenvironments, with the hindgut dominated by anaerobic bacteria. The study also suggests that the relationship between microbes and metabolites is associated with bile acids, small peptides, and phospholipids in the gut.