Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thomas Heran, Juergen Laudien, Rhian G. Waller, Verena Haussermann, Guenter Forsterra, Humberto E. Gonzalez, Claudio Richter
Summary: Little is known about the biology of cold-water corals, but through a three-year aquarium experiment, researchers described the reproductive mode, larval release periodicity, and early life stages of the solitary scleractinian coral Caryophyllia (Caryophyllia) huinayensis. The study found that C. huinayensis is a brooder that releases planula larvae throughout the year, and the larvae undergo metamorphosis and develop tentacles after settling.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Peter L. Harrison, Dexter W. dela Cruz, Kerry A. Cameron, Patrick C. Cabaitan
Summary: Loss of foundation reef-corals is damaging reef communities globally, leading to a decline in ecosystem function. Active intervention and effective coral restoration techniques are needed to enhance coral recruitment and density. Enhancing larval supply significantly increases settlement on reefs, facilitating rapid re-establishment of breeding coral populations and enhancing fish abundance.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vilhelm Fagerstrom, Goran Brostrom, Ann Larsson
Summary: The study reveals that pre-competent L. pertusa larvae exhibit upward swimming behavior, aiding in their drift near the surface in strong currents. However, their swimming speed decreases in the presence of turbulence, particularly near ocean boundaries. This new insight enhances understanding of the species' potential for long-distance dispersal and population connectivity.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alexander Kropotin, Yulia Bespalaya, Olga Aksenova, Ivan N. Bolotov
Summary: In this study, the reproductive mode of the Indonesian endemic species Corbicula tobae was investigated, revealing that it is a dioecious species with D-shaped larvae and unique sperm morphology. The gills of C. tobae were found to have larger interlamellar spaces. These findings provide important insights into the evolution of reproductive traits in narrowly endemic Corbicula clams.
Article
Ecology
Anna-Selma van der Kaaden, Sandra R. Maier, Koen Siteur, Laurence H. De Clippele, Johan van de Koppel, Sam J. Purkis, Max Rietkerk, Karline Soetaert, Dick van Oevelen
Summary: Complexity theory predicts that self-organized, regularly patterned ecosystems store more biomass and are more resilient than spatially uniform systems. We found regular spatial patterns in cold-water coral reefs and argue that these are likely the result of self-organization. Our research also indicates that cold-water corals can adjust their spatial configuration, providing resilience in the face of environmental changes.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kwok-Wai Lam, Crystal J. McRae, Xuan-Ci Zhang, Zong-Min Ye, Yu-Ting Qiu, Ming-Qi Jiang, Ting-Hui Cheng, Guanyan Keelung Chen, Tung-Yung Fan
Summary: The ongoing impact of local and global stressors on coral reefs worldwide has led to the exploration of new approaches to mitigate the bleak future projections for corals. Ex situ aquaculture has the potential to provide a standardized supply of source corals for research and reef restoration. It is important for ex situ aquaculture systems to effectively maintain reproducing colonies and support each coral life stage.
Article
Environmental Sciences
David M. Price, Aaron Lim, Alexander Callaway, Markus P. Eichhorn, Andrew J. Wheeler, Claudio Lo Iacono, Veerle A. I. Huvenne
Summary: Benthic fauna form spatial patterns influenced by both biotic and abiotic processes, which can be quantified using landscape ecology descriptors. Fine-to medium-scale spatial patterns in deep-sea habitats provide insights into species' niches and interactions, and photomosaics constructed from ROV imagery can reveal novel ecological information.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dor Shefy, Gabrielle Guerrini, Nir Marom, Nadav Shashar, Baruch Rinkevich
Summary: This study investigates the settlement patterns of the brooding coral Stylophora pistillata, showing that larval settlement is mainly influenced by the number of larval donors and tends to aggregate. Aggregated settlement carries disadvantages but can also have benefits such as enhanced fertilization and ecological advantages.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chelsea A. Korpanty, Leon Hoffman, Rodrigo da Costa Portilho-Ramos, Juergen Titschack, Claudia Wienberg, Dierk Hebbeln
Summary: Framework-forming scleractinian corals in cold-water areas are important for supporting biodiversity hotspots. This study investigated the impact of habitat variability on diversity over geologic time using sediment cores from a coral reef in the Alboran Sea. It was found that habitat spatial patterns had a significant influence on molluscan diversity.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mark A. Levenstein, Daniel J. Gysbers, Kristen L. Marhaver, Sameh Kattom, Lucas Tichy, Zachary Quinlan, Haley M. Tholen, Linda Wegley Kelly, Mark J. A. Vermeij, Amy J. Wagoner Johnson, Gabriel Juarez
Summary: Larval settlement in wave-dominated, nearshore environments is critical for marine invertebrates, yet it is poorly understood. Researchers used a custom-built flume tank to study the effect of millimeter-scale benthic topography and found that it significantly increases the settlement of coral larvae by redirecting them towards the substrate surface and increasing the time window for settlement. These findings highlight the potential of physics-based substrate design for ecosystem restoration.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Larissa Macedo Cruz de Oliveira, Aaron Lim, Luis A. Conti, Andrew J. Wheeler
Summary: Cold-water coral reefs are biodiversity hotspots in deep-sea environments facing climate and anthropogenic threats, requiring accurate assessment techniques. Photogrammetry is an effective and non-destructive method for high-resolution reconstruction of CWC habitats, with 3D Multiscale Geometrical Classification showing superior performance.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kwok-Wai Lam, Crystal J. Mcrae, Zhao-Ting Liu, Xuan-Ci Zhang, Tung-Yung Fan
Summary: Climate change is causing significant impacts on the survival and community composition of corals globally. Ex situ aquaculture techniques, such as the ones outlined in this study for Pocillopora acuta, can support the health and reproduction of corals, as well as provide a consistent supply of broodstock for restoration projects. Feeding and culture techniques focused on reducing coral stress and promoting reproductive longevity are cost-effective and customizable, with wide applicability in different aquaculture systems.
JOVE-JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Damian Mizrahi, Alessandra C. S. Gomes, Milena C. da Silva, Rubens M. Lopes
Summary: This study investigates the effects of mechanical removal on the reproductive activity of sun corals. The researchers found that sun corals release a large number of larvae in spring and during specific moon phases. The study also reveals that seawater temperature and turbidity affect the reproductive activity of sun corals. The findings suggest that controlling the spread of sun corals requires considering environmental variations and implementing laboratory-based monitoring.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joao Paulo Silva Pinheiro, Jennifer Lima, Cecilia Bertacini de Assis, Giovana Souza Branco, Aline Dal'Olio Gomes, Renata Guimaraes Moreira
Summary: The study investigated the effects of water acidity, temperature, and aluminum on the seminal profile, reproductive parameters, and embryonic development of Astyanax altiparanae. Aluminum exposure decreased fertilization and hatching rates, as well as increased mortality and abnormal larvae. Temperature influenced fertilization time, hatching rate, and morphology. Males exposed to aluminum had lower fertilizing capacity, affecting embryonic development negatively.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Pedro H. H. Lebre, Jason Bosch, Clement Coclet, Rebecca Hallas, Ian D. D. Hogg, Jenny Johnson, Katherine L. L. Moon, Max Ortiz, Adeola Rotimi, Mark I. I. Stevens, Gilda Varliero, Peter Convey, Surendra Vikram, Steven L. L. Chown, Don A. A. Cowan
Summary: This study used metagenomic methods to investigate the microbial ecology and functional potential of soil samples collected from 11 circum-Antarctic islands during the 2016/2017 Antarctic Circumnavigation Expedition (ACE). The results revealed spatially distinct microbiomes in the soils, with a high prevalence of lichen-associated fungal taxa. The soil microbial communities were also influenced by abiotic factors such as soil pH and average annual temperatures. Additionally, the sampled islands were classified into three broad biogeographical regions, which reflected the environmental conditions and microbial ecology.
Article
Oceanography
Jason A. Law, Robert H. Weisberg, Yonggang Liu, Dennis A. Mayer, Jeffrey C. Donovan
Summary: Time series data from a moored array of sensors are used to describe the long-term mean circulation and seasonal variations on the West Florida Continental Shelf. The observations reveal a coherent shelf-wide circulation pattern with alongshore and down-coast flow, and a coastal jet separating an upwelling region from a downwelling region influenced by the deeper ocean.
DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART II-TOPICAL STUDIES IN OCEANOGRAPHY
(2024)