Experimental coral reef communities transform yet persist under mitigated future ocean warming and acidification

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 121(45)

Published: Oct. 29, 2024

Coral reefs are among the most sensitive ecosystems affected by ocean warming and acidification, predicted to collapse over next few decades. Reefs shift from net accreting calcifier-dominated systems with exceptionally high biodiversity eroding algal-dominated dramatically reduced biodiversity. Here, we present a two-year experimental study examining responses of entire mesocosm coral reef communities (+2 °C), acidification (-0.2 pH units), combined future °C, -0.2 pH) treatments. Contrary modeled projections, show that under conditions, these structure composition yet persist as novel calcifying Our results suggest if climate change is limited Paris Climate Agreement targets, could in an altered state rather than collapse.

Language: Английский

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Herbivore functions in the hot-seat: Resilience of Acanthurus triostegus to marine heatwaves

PLoS ONE, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 20(1), P. e0318410 - e0318410

Published: Jan. 31, 2025

Herbivorous fishes play a crucial role in the conservation of coral reefs threatened by thermal stress ( e . g ., marine heatwaves and long-term ocean warming) helping to maintain coral-dominated state via removal algae. However, as thermally sensitive ectotherms, rising may also pose serious threat these critical ecosystem functions they deliver. Here we evaluate consequences on capacity common herbivorous reef fish Acanthurus triostegus ) control finely filamentous matrices Caulerpa sertularioides C verticillata algae Hawai ʻ i, characterizing in-vivo changes metabolic demands, diurnal foraging rates, activity patterns individual condition laboratory setting during winter (24.0±0.1°C), summer (27.5±0.1°C), at peak representative heatwave, (31.0±0.1°C). Rising temperatures caused significant increases standard rate (from ~135 O 2 kg -1 h 224 heatwave), but not proportion time spent active (~83–96%) or (~2.4 bites min ). Consequently, A gained body mass winter, lost ~0.8% per day heatwave. Given can last for weeks months, results indicate that while continue remove periods stress, their ability many macroalga be limited due precipitous reductions performance. Therefore, addition algal types, sensitivity will need considered successful implementation coral-algal management strategies warmer world.

Language: Английский

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Underwater Zooplankton Enhancement Light Array (UZELA): A technology solution to enhance zooplankton abundance and coral feeding in bleached and non‐bleached corals

Limnology and Oceanography Methods, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 6, 2025

Abstract Coral resilience to heat stress is higher in corals that eat more zooplankton. In addition, coral feeding on zooplankton increases as concentrations increase. To leverage the advantage has resilience, we developed Underwater Zooplankton Enhancement Light Array (UZELA). UZELA a patented autonomous, submersible, and programmable underwater light deployable for 6 months single battery. With 1 h of operation per night, it locally concentrates naturally occurring zooplankton, providing with greater opportunities. Field tests show local by sevenfold compared adjacent non‐UZELA controls rates 10 50‐fold both healthy bleached Montipora capitata Porites compressa conspecifics without UZELA. continuing decline reefs, technologies can enhance could play critical role restoration nurseries reef.

Language: Английский

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Some coral reef communities may degrade and change but persist

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 121(51)

Published: Dec. 9, 2024

Language: Английский

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