Soft Robotic Grippers for Biological Sampling on Deep Reefs

Soft Robotics, Год журнала: 2016, Номер 3(1), С. 23 - 33

Опубликована: Янв. 20, 2016

This article presents the development of an underwater gripper that utilizes soft robotics technology to delicately manipulate and sample fragile species on deep reef. Existing solutions for sea robotic manipulation have historically been driven by oil industry, resulting in destructive interactions with undersea life. Soft material relies compliant materials are inherently impedance matched natural environments or organisms. We demonstrate design principles robot end effectors, bench-top characterization their grasping performance, conclude describing

Язык: Английский

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The hidden half: ecology and evolution of cryptobenthic fishes on coral reefs

Biological reviews/Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, Год журнала: 2018, Номер 93(4), С. 1846 - 1873

Опубликована: Май 7, 2018

Teleost fishes are the most diverse group of vertebrates on Earth. On tropical coral reefs, their species richness exceeds 6000 species; one tenth total vertebrate biodiversity. A large proportion this diversity is composed cryptobenthic reef (CRFs): bottom-dwelling, morphologically or behaviourally cryptic typically less than 50 mm in length. Yet, despite and abundance, these both poorly defined understood. Herein we provide a new quantitative definition synthesise current knowledge diversity, distribution life history CRFs. First, use size distributions within families to define 17 core CRF as characterised by high prevalence (>10%) small-bodied (<50 mm). This stands strong contrast 42 fishes, which virtually no have evolved. We posit that small body has allowed CRFs diversify at extremely rates, primarily allowing for fine partitioning microhabitats facilitation allopatric reproductive isolation; yet, far from understanding documenting biodiversity Using rates description since 1758, predict approximately 30 will be described per year until 2050 (approximately twice annual rate compared fishes). Furthermore, 2031, more half fish consist These 'hidden half' reefs. Notably, global geographic coverage spatial resolution data communities uniformly poor, further emphasises remarkable reservoir yet discovered. Although may enabled extensive diversification families, also comes with suite ecological challenges affect fishes' capacities feed, survive reproduce; identify range life-history adaptations overcome limitations. In turn, bestow unique socio-ecological role CRFs, includes key trophodynamics cycling trophic energy provided microscopic prey larger consumers. size, ecology evolutionary make them critical component coral-reef food webs; our review shows highly susceptible variety anthropogenic disturbances. Understanding consequences changes ecosystems require us shed light frequently overlooked but abundant guild fishes.

Язык: Английский

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Deep reefs are not universal refuges: Reseeding potential varies among coral species

Science Advances, Год журнала: 2017, Номер 3(2)

Опубликована: Фев. 3, 2017

Deep coral reefs (that is, mesophotic ecosystems) can act as refuges against major disturbances affecting shallow reefs. It has been proposed that, through the provision of propagules, such deep may aid in reef recovery; however, this "reseeding" hypothesis remains largely untested. We conducted a genome-wide assessment two scleractinian species with contrasting reproductive modes, to assess potential for connectivity between (40 m) and (12 depths on an isolated system Western Atlantic (Bermuda). To overcome pervasive issue endosymbiont contamination associated de novo sequencing corals, we used novel subtraction reference approach. have demonstrated that strong depth-associated selection led divergence brooding Agaricia fragilis (with by depth exceeding location). Despite introgression from into populations, lack first-generation migrants indicates effective over ecological time scales is extremely limited thus precludes reseeding refuges. In contrast, no genetic structuring (or locations) was observed broadcasting Stephanocoenia intersepta, indicating substantial vertical connectivity. Our findings demonstrate within same differ greatly Bermuda apply only small number species. Overall, argue "deep refuge hypothesis" holds individual during episodic but should not be assumed broader ecosystem-wide phenomenon.

Язык: Английский

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Theme section on mesophotic coral ecosystems: advances in knowledge and future perspectives

Coral Reefs, Год журнала: 2016, Номер 35(1), С. 1 - 9

Опубликована: Фев. 8, 2016

Язык: Английский

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Reef building and carbonate production modes in the west-central Tethys during the Cenozoic

Marine and Petroleum Geology, Год журнала: 2017, Номер 83, С. 261 - 304

Опубликована: Март 18, 2017

Язык: Английский

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Mesophotic depths as refuge areas for fishery-targeted species on coral reefs

Coral Reefs, Год журнала: 2015, Номер 35(1), С. 125 - 137

Опубликована: Дек. 11, 2015

Язык: Английский

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Deep down on a Caribbean reef: lower mesophotic depths harbor a specialized coral-endosymbiont community

Scientific Reports, Год журнала: 2015, Номер 5(1)

Опубликована: Янв. 7, 2015

The composition, ecology and environmental conditions of mesophotic coral ecosystems near the lower limits their bathymetric distributions remain poorly understood. Here we provide first in-depth assessment a community (60–100 m) in Southern Caribbean through visual submersible surveys, genotyping host-endosymbiont assemblages, temperature monitoring growth experiment. zone harbored specialized consisting predominantly Agaricia grahamae, undata "deep-water" lineage Madracis pharensis, with large colonies these species observed close to distribution limit ~90 m depth. All three associated "deep-specialist" photosynthetic endosymbionts (Symbiodinium). Fragments A. grahamae exhibited rates at 60 similar those for shallow (~2–3 cm yr−1), but showed bleaching (partial) mortality when transplanted 100 m. We propose that strong reduction over depth (Δ5°C from 40 depth) may play an important contributing role determining communities this region. Rather than marginal extension reef slope, represents as such warrants specific consideration science management.

Язык: Английский

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A comprehensive investigation of mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Hawaiian Archipelago

PeerJ, Год журнала: 2016, Номер 4, С. e2475 - e2475

Опубликована: Окт. 4, 2016

Although the existence of coral-reef habitats at depths to 165 m in tropical regions has been known for decades, richness, diversity, and ecological importance mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) only recently become widely acknowledged. During an interdisciplinary effort spanning more than two we characterized most expansive MCEs ever recorded, with vast macroalgal communities areas 100% cover between 50-90 extending tens km2 Hawaiian Archipelago. We used a variety sensors techniques establish geophysical characteristics. Biodiversity patterns were established from visual video observations collected specimens obtained submersible, remotely operated vehicles mixed-gas SCUBA rebreather dives. Population dynamics based on age, growth fecundity estimates selected fish species laser-videogrammetry, specimens, otolith preparations. Trophic determined using carbon nitrogen stable isotopic analyses 750 reef fishes. are associated clear water suitable substrate. In comparison shallow reefs Archipelago, inhabitants have lower total harbor new unique species, higher rates endemism Fish present similar population trophic (except benthic invertivores) structures high genetic connectivity depths. Hawai'i widespread but specific High genetic, potential serve as refugia some our results question premise that resilient reefs. found within increases depth, do not support suggestions global faunal break 60 m. Our findings enhance scientific foundations conservation management MCEs, provide template future research worldwide.

Язык: Английский

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Light, Temperature, Photosynthesis, Heterotrophy, and the Lower Depth Limits of Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems

Coral reefs of the world, Год журнала: 2019, Номер unknown, С. 801 - 828

Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2019

Язык: Английский

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The Emerging Ecological and Biogeochemical Importance of Sponges on Coral Reefs

Annual Review of Marine Science, Год журнала: 2019, Номер 12(1), С. 315 - 337

Опубликована: Июнь 21, 2019

With the decline of reef-building corals on tropical reefs, sponges have emerged as an important component changing coral reef ecosystems. Seemingly simple, are highly diverse taxonomically, morphologically, and in terms their relationships with symbiotic microbes, they one nature's richest sources novel secondary metabolites. Unlike most other benthic organisms, capacity to disrupt boundary flow pump large volumes seawater into water column. This is chemically transformed it passes through sponge body a consequence feeding, excretion, activities microbial symbionts, effects carbon nutrient cycling organisms column adjacent reef. In this review, we critically evaluate developments recently dynamic research area ecology reefs provide perspective for future studies.

Язык: Английский

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