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
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
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)
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
Fernando Tuya, Nadine Schubert, Julio Aguirre, Daniela Basso, Eduardo O. Bastos, Flavio Berchez, Angelo F. Bernardino, Nestor E. Bosch, Heidi L. Burdett, Fernando Espino, Cindy Fernandez-Garcia, Ronaldo B. Francini-Filho, Patrick Gagnon, Jason M. Hall-Spencer, Ricardo Haroun, Laurie C. Hofmann, Paulo A. Horta, Nicholas A. Kamenos, Line Le Gall, Rafael A. Magris, Sophie Martin, Wendy A. Nelson, Pedro Neves, Irene Olive, Francisco Otero-Ferrer, Viviana Pena, Guilherme H. Pereira-Filho, Federica Ragazzola, Ana Cristina Rebelo, Claudia Ribeiro, Eli Rinde, Kathryn Schoenrock, Joao Silva, Marina N. Sissini, Frederico T. S. Tamega
Summary: Global marine conservation is hindered by an imbalance in research efforts and policy actions, which limits progress towards sustainability. Rhodolith beds, despite their global ecological importance and numerous ecosystem functions, remain disproportionately understudied compared to other coastal ecosystems. The lack of information about these habitats and their ecosystem services hampers effective conservation measures, especially considering the severe pressures and threats they face. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize research on rhodolith beds, combat degradation, and protect biodiversity for the future.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
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)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Michela Ingrassia, Martina Pierdomenico, Daniele Casalbore, Francesco Giuseppe Falese, Francesco Latino Chiocci
Summary: Italian coralline algal beds are calcareous formations that host a high biodiversity, but only seven of these sensitive habitats are part of Marine Protected Areas. Therefore, there is a need for increased research and monitoring activities to effectively protect these valuable habitats.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Federico Pinna, Annalisa Caragnano, Luigi Piazzi, Federica Ragazzola, Patrizia Stipcich, Fabio Rindi, Giulia Ceccherelli
Summary: Understanding how coralline algae acclimatize to ocean warming is important for their survival. Transplant experiments revealed that the growth and conceptacle production of the alga were higher in colder sites, but the thickness growth was higher in warmer sites at greater depth. Higher light irradiance negatively affected the growth and conceptacle production of the transplanted algae. Overall, the results suggest that the alga has good adaptability to warmer conditions.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biology
B. Moore, S. Comeau, M. Bekaert, A. Cossais, A. Purdy, E. Larcombe, F. Puerzer, M. T. McCulloch, C. E. Cornwall
Summary: The study investigated the impact of ocean acidification on coralline algae, finding that algae exposed to ocean acidification were highly sensitive to conceptacle development in the short term, but this negative effect disappeared after three generations of exposure. Additionally, it was observed that transgenerational acclimation of conceptacle development does not compromise growth rates.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Ecology
Francesco Rendina, Elvira Buonocore, Adele Cocozza di Montanara, Giovanni Fulvio Russo
Summary: Research on rhodolith beds is relatively limited compared to other coastal vegetated habitats, but it is increasing over time. The majority of research comes from the USA, with a shift in focus from geological and paleontological aspects to molecular taxonomy, conservation, and ecophysiology. Research on ecosystem services and carbon sequestration in rhodolith beds is still limited.
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gabriela Calegario, Lucas Freitas, Luciana Reis Appolinario, Taina Venas, Tatiane Arruda, Koko Otsuki, Bruno Masi, Claudia Omachi, Ana Paula Moreira, Ana Carolina Soares, Carlos E. Rezende, Gizele Garcia, Diogo Tschoeke, Cristiane Thompson, Fabiano L. Thompson
Summary: The study found that rhodolith microbiomes in the Great Amazon Reef System are very consistent across different regions, but there are subtle differences between the microbiomes from southern sites with enhanced functional and taxonomic characteristics. This may be linked to higher light availability and nutrient loads in the southern sector.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
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
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
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
Aimee L. van der Reis, Mary A. Sewell, Wendy A. Nelson
Summary: This study explores the diversity and identification of crustose coralline algae (CCA) using different preservation methods and molecular biology techniques. The results show that CCA has immense diversity, with higher diversity in the inner layers compared to the outer layers. Among the molecular markers tested, the 23S rRNA and rbcL genes are more suitable for identifying algae, while the cox1 gene captures a broader range of diversity, including algae.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Michael P. Doane, Colton J. Johnson, Shaili Johri, Emma N. Kerr, Megan M. Morris, Ric Desantiago, Abigail C. Turnlund, Asha Goodman, Maria Mora, Lais Farias Oliveira Lima, Andrew P. Nosal, Elizabeth A. Dinsdale
Summary: This study uses metagenomics to characterize the taxonomy and function of the epidermal microbiome of the leopard shark. The results show that while the composition of the microbiome fluctuates over time, the functional capabilities remain consistent. The findings highlight the importance of the microbiome in influencing host metabolism.
Article
Zoology
Julio C. C. Fernandez, Marianela Gastaldi, German Zapata-Hernandez, Luis M. Pardo, Fabiano L. Thompson, Eduardo Hajdu
Summary: The article describes four new species of Crellidae and discusses their relationships based on published molecular phylogenies. The new species differ from each other and known species mainly due to their spiculation. Chelae microscleres and acanthostyles may be used to infer phylogenetic relationships and verify the monophyly of Crella Gray, 1867 and Crellidae.
Editorial Material
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Jennifer C. Drew, Neal Grandgenett, Elizabeth A. Dinsdale, Luis E. Vazquez Quinones, Sebastian Galindo, William R. Morgan, Mark Pauley, Anne Rosenwald, Eric W. Triplett, William Tapprich, Adam J. Kleinschmit
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOLOGY EDUCATION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Lais F. O. Lima, Amanda T. Alker, Bhavya Papudeshi, Megan M. Morris, Robert A. Edwards, Samantha J. de Putron, Elizabeth A. Dinsdale
Summary: The microbial community structure in the coral surface mucus layer (SML) varies between different local reef environments, which affects coral health and ecosystem functioning. The fluctuating environment in the inner patch reefs of Bermuda promotes a more beneficial coral SML microbiome, potentially enhancing holobiont resilience to environmental changes and disease.
Article
Microbiology
Megan M. Morris, Jeffrey A. Kimbrel, Haifeng Geng, Mary Bao Tran-Gyamfi, Eizadora T. Yu, Kenneth L. Sale, Todd W. Lane, Xavier Mayali
Summary: Bacteria play important roles in nutrient-rich aquatic environments, such as engineered algal biofuel systems, but our knowledge about the microbial ecology of algal cultivation systems remains limited. In this study, we used metagenomics to characterize the metabolic capacities of bacteria associated with the biofuel-relevant microalga Microchloropsis salina and predicted metabolic interactions between algae and manipulated communities of bacteria. These findings provide insights into the scalability of lab-based algal-bacterial interactions and offer a framework for empirical testing of genome-based metabolic predictions.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Lais F. O. Lima, Hayden Bursch, Elizabeth A. Dinsdale
Summary: The study reveals that Porites astreoides exhibits varying levels of sensitivity to environmental stress, particularly in terms of temperature, pH, and macroalgal competition. While coral-algal photosynthesis and coral tissue condition can withstand single thermal stress events, repeated bleaching events may hinder long-term success.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Virology
Ryan D. Hesse, Michael Roach, Emma N. Kerr, Bhavya Papudeshi, Lais F. O. Lima, Asha Z. Goodman, Lisa Hoopes, Mark Scott, Lauren Meyer, Charlie Huveneers, Elizabeth A. Dinsdale
Summary: The study explored the epidermal viromes of three shark species in the family Carcharhinidae and found that they have species-specific but highly similar viromes dominated by uncharacterized bacteriophages, with slight variations among species. The study also suggests that behavioral niche may play a more important role than host phylogeny in shaping the viromes.
Article
Microbiology
Asha Z. Goodman, Bhavya Papudeshi, Michael P. Doane, Maria Mora, Emma Kerr, Melissa Torres, Jennifer Nero Moffatt, Lais Lima, Andrew P. Nosal, Elizabeth Dinsdale
Summary: The study found that long-term captivity does not significantly affect the epidermal microbiome of leopard sharks, as captive sharks maintain a similar microbiome to semi-captive and wild populations. Furthermore, captivity does not lead to a loss of microbial diversity in shark epidermal communities, and a novel association between leopard sharks and the Muricauda genus was discovered.
Article
Microbiology
Michael P. Doane, Martin Ostrowski, Mark Brown, Anna Bramucci, Levente Bodrossy, Jodie van de Kamp, Andrew Bissett, Peter Steinberg, Martina A. Doblin, Justin Seymour
Summary: This study investigates the drivers of bacterioplankton assembly and finds that both environmental factors and biotic interactions are important in shaping bacterioplankton diversity. The importance of these factors varies depending on the environmental heterogeneity of the location, with environmental factors playing a larger role in more variable environments and biotic interactions being more important in stable environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Emma N. Kerr, Bhavya Papudeshi, Miranda Haggerty, Natasha Wild, Asha Z. Goodman, Lais F. O. Lima, Ryan D. Hesse, Amber Skye, Vijini Mallawaarachchi, Shaili Johri, Sophia Parker, Elizabeth A. Dinsdale
Summary: Marine host-associated microbiomes are influenced by both species-specific and habitat-specific factors. The epidermal microbiomes of two ray species, Myliobatis californica and Urobatis halleri, were compared to assess the effects of host phylogeny and habitat. The microbiomes were found to be species-specific, with M. californica showing more variability between individuals. Despite taxonomic differences, the diversity of U. halleri microbiomes remained constant across two locations, suggesting local adaptations. The stingray mucus supported high microbial growth rates and contained novel microbial species with antimicrobial properties.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael P. P. Doane, Michael B. B. Reed, Jody McKerral, Lais Farias Oliveira Lima, Megan Morris, Asha Z. Z. Goodman, Shaili Johri, Bhavya Papudeshi, Taylor Dillon, Abigail C. C. Turnlund, Meredith Peterson, Maria Mora, Rafael de la Parra Venegas, Richard Pillans, Christoph A. A. Rohner, Simon J. J. Pierce, Christine G. G. Legaspi, Gonzalo Araujo, Deni Ramirez-Macias, Robert A. A. Edwards, Elizabeth A. A. Dinsdale
Summary: This study analyzed the diversity and architectural complexity of the epidermal microbiome of 74 individual whale sharks across five global aggregations, finding that network properties may be more indicative of the microbiome-host relationship. The results showed that whale shark aggregation was the most important factor in discriminating taxonomic diversity patterns, and the microbiome network architecture was similar across all aggregations but displayed modularity. Additionally, the whale sharks hosted 35 high-quality metagenome assembled genomes, with 25 present at all sample locations, suggesting the presence of an abundant "core".
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)