Download or read book Genetic Connectivity and Phenotypic Plasticity of Shallow and Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico written by Michael Studivan and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems written by Yossi Loya and published by Springer. This book was released on 2019-05-22 with total page 1003 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book summarizes what is known about mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) geographically and by major taxa. MCEs are characterized by light-dependent corals and associated communities typically found at depths ranging from 30-40 m. and extending to over 150 m. in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. They are populated with organisms typically associated with shallow coral reefs, such as macroalgae, corals, sponges, and fishes, as well as specialist species unique to mesophotic depths. During the past decade, there has been an increasing scientific and management interest in MCEs expressed by the exponential increase in the number of publications studying this unique environment. Despite their close proximity to well-studied shallow reefs, and the growing evidence of their importance, our scientific knowledge of MCEs is still in its early stages. The topics covered in the book include: regional variation in MCEs; similarities and differences between mesophotic and shallow reef taxa, biotic and abiotic conditions, biodiversity, ecology, geomorphology, and geology; potential connectivity between MCEs and shallow reefs; MCE disturbances, conservation, and management challenges; and new technologies, key research questions/knowledge gaps, priorities, and future directions in MCE research.

Download or read book Genetic Connectivity Adaptation and Phenotypic Plasticity of Corals and Anemones Under Thermal Stress written by Hanny Elizabeth Rivera and published by . This book was released on 2019 with total page 204 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Under global climate change, our oceans are warming at an unprecedented rate. Increased temperatures represent a severe source of stress for many marine organisms. This thesis aims to understand how corals and anemones respond to changing temperatures across different timescales and investigates mechanisms that can facilitate persistence in light of environmental change, from selection and adaptation across generations to phenotypic plasticity within a single individual's lifespan. In this context, I explore three case studies of thermal stress in corals and anemones. I begin with massive Porites lobata corals from the central Pacific. Here, reefs that are most affected by El Niño, such as Jarvis and the northeast Phoenix Islands maintain genetic diversity indicating recruitment from nearby reefs may occur. Yet, they show significant genetic differentiation (FST) from farther areas, suggesting this dispersal may be limited. Thermal variability in this region may also favor plasticity over adaptation, as we do not find differences in bleaching histories among genetic groups. Next, I investigate genetic connectivity and adaptation to chronically elevated temperatures across a natural temperature gradient within the Palauan archipelago. Combining genetic data and historical growth measurements from coral cores, I find that Palau's warmest reefs harbor unique genetic subpopulations of Porites lobata and find evidence for a genetic basis of their higher thermal tolerance. Lastly, I explore if parents can modulate parental effects to increase the thermal tolerance of their offspring over short time scales, using the estuarine anemone Nematostella vectensis. Indeed, I find parents exposed to increased temperatures quickly produce more thermally tolerant larvae. In fact, offspring from these Massachusetts parents show thermal thresholds that are indistinguishable from more southern populations. This thesis highlights the ability and potential of corals and anemones to persist under variable conditions over different timescales. Nevertheless, a compelling effort to reduce rates of warming worldwide will be imperative to the survival and integrity of key marine ecosystems such as coral reefs.

Download or read book Coral algal Symbioses in Mesophotic Montastraea Cavernosa in the Gulf of Mexico written by Jennifer Polinski and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 53 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Mesophotic reefs represent biodiverse ecosystems that may act as a refuge for depth-generalist coral species threatened in shallow habitats. Despite the importance of coral-algal symbioses, few studies focus on mesophotic zooxanthellae assemblages and their influence on connectivity. This study compared zooxanthellae in Montastraea cavernosa at shallow and mesophotic depths at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and McGrail Bank. Mesophotic corals contained more zooxanthellae and more chlorophyll a and c2 per unit area coral. Increased zooxanthellae within mesophotic corals may represent an adaptive strategy to optimize light capture in low-light environments. Genetic profiles for zooxanthellae assemblages from shallow and mesophotic corals showed similar diversity across banks and between depths. The dominant sequence making up assemblages was identified as Symbiodinium type C1. Similar assemblage diversity suggests that zooxanthellae assemblages will not limit connectivity potential between shallow and mesophotic corals at these reefs.

Download or read book Vertical Connectivity in Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems written by Daniel M Holstein and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCE) are defined as phototrophic coral habitats found deeper than 30 m. Despite being aware of these ecosystems for over 200 years, surprisingly little information is available on their ecology and biology. Recently, MCE have received renewed interest, as it appears that depth and distance from shore have the potential to buffer coral organisms from the detrimental effects of coastal development and climate change. The "deep reef refugia hypothesis" (DRRH) is an umbrella term for a collection of hypotheses concerning the role of MCE in the uncertain future of coral reefs, yet our predictions are limited by shortcomings in our understanding of some very basic effects of depth on corals and associated communities. In order to investigate the effects of depth on coral reproductive biology, sampling of Montastraea faveolata and Porites astreoides coral tissues was conducted along a depth gradient from 5 to 40 m during coral reproductive seasons in the Northern United States Virgin Islands (USVI), and observations of coral spawning and planulation were made. Samples were histologically analyzed for gamete development, reproductive activity and fecundity. Mesophotic populations of both M. faveolata and P. astreoides were reproductively active in MCE with similar gametogenic cycles to nearby shallow coral populations. There was evidence of M. faveolata split spawning in August and September at all depths, and oocyte development was delayed but more rapid in mesophotic corals. M. faveolata fecundities were significantly higher in MCE (35-40 m) than in shallow (5-10 m) sites, but the differences were not significant between mid-depth (15-22 m) and either shallow or mesophotic sites. There was no difference found in P. astreoides fecundity between mesophotic, mid-depth and shallow sites, however planulation appeared to be delayed in mesophotic colonies by 1-2 weeks. Differences in fecundity per area and coral cover between depths determine the number of propagules a unit reef will produce at different depths. In the case of M. faveolata, ova production is likely an order of magnitude greater at 35 m than at 10 m. The Connectivity Modeling System, an individual-based stochastic biophysical model of larval dispersal, parameterized with depth-specific productivity estimates and species-specific reproductive seasons and larval traits, was used to evaluate the vertical connectivity of M. faveolata and P. astreoides larvae between MCE and shallow coral habitats in the Northern USVI. Sensitivity analyses were performed to test the sensitivity of mesophotic larval subsidy into shallow habitats to depth-specific productivity, pelagic larval mortality, depth-specific fertilization rates and depth-specific post-settlement survivorship. Simulated mesophotic subsidies to shallow recruitment were found to be considerably robust, and mesophotic subsidy to shallow recruitment accounted for a greater proportion of total recruitment as shallow productivity was reduced. Even when modeled mesophotic fertilization rates and larval post-settlement survivorship were dramatically reduced, the model predicted what would likely be demographically significant mesophotic larval subsidy into shallow habitat. Mesophotic M. faveolata skeletal density, extension and calcification were estimated using micro-computed tomography. Results suggest that rates of linear extension of M. faveolata in USVI MCE may be quite fast compared to other Caribbean MCE, and that total calcification in MCE may rival shallow coral calcification. Lastly, consistencies and inconsistencies in the population connectivity of two coral and three fish constituent species in Caribbean coral reef assemblages were investigated using a nested biophysical model. Connectivity networks of coral species were more fragmented than fish, and the networks of corals and fish showed different patterns of betweenness centrality. This suggests that populations of corals and fish will likely be affected by habitat fragmentation in different ways, and that they require specific management consideration. This dissertation suggests that MCE are integral to the population connectivity of corals in the USVI and likely to wider Caribbean metapopulation connectivity as well. Further study of these highly productive ecosystems is necessary to better understand the DRRH and the role of MCE in the past, present and future of coral reefs.

Download or read book Gulf of Mexico Reefs Past Present and Future written by Adrienne M. S. Correa and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2021-09-28 with total page 171 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Coral Reefs of the Southern Gulf of Mexico written by John W. Tunnell and published by Texas A&M University Press. This book was released on 2007-10-17 with total page 367 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Coral reefs declined worldwide during the 1980s and 1990s, making them perhaps the most endangered marine ecosystem on Earth. This realization spurred John W. Tunnell Jr. and others to write a comprehensive book that would raise awareness of coral reefs and their plight. Tunnell and coeditors Ernesto A. Chávez and Kim Withers present an integrated and broad-ranging synthesis, while Mexican and U.S. experts assess the current state of these fragile systems and offer a framework for their restoration. Beginning with a history of the research done in this region, Coral Reefs of the Southern Gulf of Mexico covers the geography, geology, oceanography, ecology, and biodiversity of the thirty-eight “emergent” or platform-type coral reefs in the southern Gulf. The editors include chapters on the biota—from algae to fish—followed by a look at environmental impacts, both natural (such as hurricanes and red tides) and human (such as ship groundings and dredging). The book closes with a discussion of conservation issues, which is both descriptive and prescriptive in its assessment of what has been done and what should be done to protect and manage these vital ecosystems.

Download or read book GENETIC CONNECTIVITY OF OCTOCORALLIA ACROSS ABIOTIC GRADIENTS IN THE DEEP GULF OF MEXICO written by Andrea Quattrini and published by . This book was released on 2014 with total page 212 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Cold-water corals increase habitat heterogeneity and enhance biodiversity in deep waters worldwide. Despite the recognition of their importance in the deep sea, limited data exist on the ecology and evolution of deep-water corals. The overarching goal of this dissertation research was to integrate molecular, morphological, and ecological data to understand the degree to which populations are connected, species are distributed, and communities are assembled in the deep (250-2500 m) Gulf of Mexico (GoM). Specifically, several hypotheses were tested regarding the roles of environmental variables, particularly depth, influencing population and community structure. Combining phylogenetic and population genetic approaches with ecological data enabled species delimitations of many taxa while demonstrating that deep-water populations and communities diverge over short bathymetric distances. It appears that population isolation, congeneric species replacement and changes in community composition occur rapidly with depth, and these changes are likely due to a combination of both dispersal limitation and adaptive divergence with depth. Local self-recruitment may also be strong within any one site. Furthermore, results suggest that evolutionary history and neutral dynamics play a critical role in octocoral community assembly in the deep sea. This dissertation not only contributes a substantial amount of evolutionary and ecological information on a poorly studied group of foundation species in the deep sea, this research has broader implications for aiding in efforts to protect these long-lived, foundation species from anthropogenic disturbances.

Download or read book Marine Protected Areas and Ocean Conservation written by Tundi S. Agardy and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 1997-03-20 with total page 259 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book reviews the need for marine conservation, summarizes general measures for ocean and coastal conservation, and explains the rationale for establishing marine protected areas. The second half of the book is essentially a guideline for designing and implementing protected areas in order to make them viable and long-lasting in their effectiveness.

Download or read book Horizontal Vs Vertical Connectivity in Caribbean Reef Corals written by Xaymara M Serrano and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The extent to which reefs are effectively connected to one another, and their potential to serve as sources of larval replenishment following disturbance, are topics of considerable interest in contemporary reef science. To date, most assessments of reef connectivity have emphasized long-distance horizontal dispersal of propagules from one shallow reef to another. The extent of short-distance vertical connectivity, however, has been largely unquantified. To fill this gap in knowledge, I developed DNA microsatellite loci for two Caribbean depth-generalist coral species with different life-history reproductive strategies (Montastraea cavernosa and Porites astreoides), and assessed connectivity in >1,200 coral samples collected from 3 depth zones (=10 m, 15-20 m and =25 m) at sites in Florida (within the Upper Keys, Lower Keys and Dry Tortugas), Bermuda and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). I also tested whether depth zonation in algal symbionts (Symbiodinium spp.) could limit effective vertical connectivity (Chapters 2 and 3). Finally, in Chapter 4, I led a collaborative seascape genetics effort to examine coral connectivity between the Flower Garden Banks (FGB) and the Florida Reef Tract at different depth intervals. This is a timely and important investigation because the FGB are located close to many oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), including the Deepwater Horizon oil rig which exploded in 2010. Overall, Chapters 2 and 3 revealed significant genetic differentiation by depth in Florida (but not in Bermuda or the USVI) for both species, despite high levels of horizontal connectivity between all three geographic locations (M. cavernosa), or between Florida and the USVI (P. astreoides) at shallow depths. However, at all sites, and regardless of the extent of vertical connectivity, migration always occurred asymmetrically, with greater downward migration from shallow to deep habitats. Finally, whether or not M. cavernosa or P. astreoides exhibited depth zonation in algal symbionts did not appear to limit effective connectivity. Together, these findings suggest that: (1) depth is an important population structuring factor for corals, (2) the extent of vertical connectivity varies among and within geographic locations, likely as a consequence of local hydrology, (3) reproductive mode does not necessarily correlate with realized dispersal ability, and (4) shallow reefs are more likely to rely on distant (unimpacted) shallow reefs, rather than nearby deep reefs, to provide a viable source of new recruits following disturbance. Finally, Chapter 4 revealed high levels of gene flow between the FGB and the shallow Florida population of M. cavernosa, but not P. astreoides, suggesting limited gene flow among these regions. Results from biophysical modeling were in general agreement, suggesting that differences in reproductive mode and season might be important drivers of reef coral connectivity within the GOM region. Together, these findings suggest that FGB, despite its deep depth, might be an important larval source for shallow coral populations of broadcast spawning taxa in Florida. Furthermore, findings suggest that an oil spill originating in the GOM: (1) has the potential to impact coral communities in Florida by reducing recruitment from the FGB, (2) is more likely to affect broadcast spawning taxa like M. cavernosa, due to high levels of gene flow between FGB and Florida, and (3) regardless of coral reproductive mode, these impacts are more likely to affect shallow habitats, likely sinks for coral larvae produced at FGB. While deep coral populations in Florida may constitute refugia due to their partial isolation from the shallow population (see Chapters 2 and 3), they too might eventually be impacted if shallow populations were slow, or unable to recover.

Download or read book Refuge in the Deep Assessing the Potential of Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems to Act as Refugia for Shallow Coral Reef Fishes in the Hawaiian Islands written by Corinne Nicole Kane and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 153 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Coral reefs are increasingly under threat, necessitating an emphasis to identify coral reefs with reduced susceptibilities to local and/or global anthropogenic impacts. Mesophotic coral reefs (MCEs; >30m) are proposed as potential refugia and/or propagule sources, yet little information is known about deep reefs' abilities to harbor, replenish, or conserve shallow species. In this dissertation, I examine the plausibility of MCEs to act as refugia for shallow reef fishes in the Hawaiian Islands. Chapter One explores reef fish community structure and habitat composition along a 3-50m gradient in West Hawai'i. Reef fish communities change gradually with depth, with >78% of species observed at mesophotic depths (>30m) found at shallow depths. Changes in community structure are linked closely with feeding behavior, with shallow reefs dominated by herbivores, while mesophotic reefs are dominated by invertivore and planktivore trophic assemblages. Changes in fish assemblages are tied to indirect effects of depth and available coral habitat, as deeper reefs contain more patchily-distributed habitat. Chapter Two examines mechanisms underlying herbivorous fish distributions using a suite of observational and experimental field and laboratory techniques. Herbivorous fishes are not limited by food resources at MCE depths, as MCE algae had similar nutritional content, species assemblages, and appears to be highly palatable from algal choice experiments. Instead, changes with depth are likely the result of top-down, non-consumptive predation effects and behavioral choices. Chapter Three undertakes a critical analysis of the deep refugia hypothesis for coral reef fishes across the Main Hawaiian Islands. Upper MCEs (30-60m) may act as refugia for shallow reef fishes, as we found they are more thermally stable and >70% of reef fishes encountered were shallow species. Conversely, MCEs contain reduced densities of reef fishes and communities are comprised almost solely of invertivore and planktivore trophic groups. The near-absence of herbivorous fishes below 30m indicate MCEs will have a limited capacity to re-seed shallow reefs with species of ecological or economic importance. Overall, MCEs may act as refugia for biodiversity conservation but their ability to restock shallow reef fish communities will result in fundamentally different community compositions that shift towards smaller-bodied and less economically/ecologically valuable species.

Download or read book The Future of Coral Reefs Subject to Rapid Climate Change Lessons from Natural Extreme Environments written by Emma F. Camp and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2019-01-22 with total page 198 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Examination of corals and reef-associated organisms which endure in extreme coral reef environments is challenging our understanding of the conditions that organisms can survive under. By studying individuals naturally adapted to unfavorable conditions, we begin to better understand the important traits required to survive rapid environmental and climate change. This Research Topic, comprising reviews, and original research articles, demonstrates the current state of knowledge regarding the diversity of extreme coral habitats, the species that have been studied, and the knowledge to-date on the mechanisms, traits and trade-offs that have facilitated survival.

Download or read book Connectivity and Genetic Structure in Coral Reef Ecosystems Modeling and Analysis written by Johnathan Kool and published by . This book was released on 2008 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This dissertation examines aspects of the relationship between connectivity and the development of genetic structure in subdivided coral reef populations using both simulation and algebraic methods. The first chapter develops an object-oriented, individual based method of simulating the dynamics of genes in subdivided populations. The model is then used to investigate how changes to different components of population structure (e.g., connectivity, birth rate, population size) influence genetic structure through the use of autocorrelation analysis. The autocorrelograms also demonstrate how relationships between populations change at different spatial and temporal scales. The second chapter uses discrete multivariate distributions to model the relationship between connectivity, selection and resource use in subdivided populations. The equations provide a stochastic basis for multiple-niche polymorphism through differential resource use, and the role of scale in changing selective weightings is also considered. The third chapter uses matrix equations to study the expected development of genetic structure among Caribbean coral reefs. The results show an expected break between eastern and western portions of the Caribbean, as well as additional nested structure within the Bahamas, the central Caribbean (Jamaica and the reefs of the Nicaraguan Rise) and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The matrix equations provide an efficient means of modeling the development of genetic structure in subdivided populations through time. The fourth chapter uses matrix equations to examine the expected development of genetic structure among Southeast Asian coral reefs. Projecting genetic structure reveals an expected unidirectional connection from the South China Sea into the Coral Triangle region via the Sulu Sea. Larvae appear to be restricted from moving back into the South China Sea by a cyclonic gyre in the Sulu Sea. Additional structure is also evident, including distinct clusters within the Philippines, in the vicinity of the Makassar Strait, in the Flores Sea, and near Halmahera and the Banda Sea. The ability to evaluate the expected development of genetic structure over time in subdivided populations offers a number of potential benefits, including the ability to ascertain the expected direction of gene flow, to delineate natural regions of exchange through clustering, or to identify critical areas for conservation or for managing the spread of invasive material via elasticity analysis.

Download or read book Reefs and Banks of the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico written by Richard Rezak and published by Wiley-Interscience. This book was released on 1985 with total page 318 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: New York : Wiley, c1985.

Download or read book Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems written by V. Blyth-Skyrme and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page 54 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) are light-dependent communities of corals, algae, sponges, and other organisms that exist at depths between approximately 30 m to 150 m. Little known until recently and understudied relative to shallower reefs, MCEs may contain significant coral reef ecosystem resources, including both luxuriant coral reefs and diverse fish communities. Research in the Pacific Islands Region over the last few years has produced data to facilitate a better awareness of the distribution and potential significance of MCEs, but they are still relatively unknown and remain absent from most coral reef ecosystem monitoring programs and management considerations. We synthesize results of research to map the distribution of benthic habitats and communities at mesophotic depths within the region and discuss them within the context of requirement to identify and manage essential fish habitat for managed species mandated by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act"--Abstract.

Download or read book Perspectives on the Marine Animal Forests of the World written by Sergio Rossi and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2021-02-06 with total page 532 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Marine Animal Forests (MAFs) are spread all over the world. Composed by suspension feeding organisms (e.g. corals, gorgonians, sponges, bryozoans, bivalves, etc.), MAFs constitute a vast number of marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, cold water corals, sponge grounds, bivalve beds, etc. The surface covered by these systems is prominent (at the scale of the oceans of the planet), though poorly known. In a previous book (Marine Animal Forests, the ecology of benthic biodiversity hotspots), several aspects of the MAFs were described and discussed, building the basis for a holistic approach with the aim of putting these shallow and deep sea ecosystems under a common umbrella. The main target of the present book is to identify and address important topics which were not covered in the previous three volumes. Bryozoans or Polychaeta, for example, are treated in this volume, as well as hydrothermal vents ecosystems and submarine caves, the chemical ecology in MAFs or the nursery effect on these ecosystems. The vastity of the MAF concept opens new insights in the biology, physiology, biodiversity of the organisms structuring these highly biodiverse ecosystems and on the dangers threatening them (such as microplastics or the role of invasive species as an impact of their trophic ecology or distribution). In a fast changing world, in which the complexity of MAFs is at risk, we propose an in-depth analysis of many aspects that may be inspirational for future research lines in marine biology and ecology.

Download or read book A Scientific Forum on the Gulf of Mexico written by Kimberly Beach Ritchie and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2008-07-31 with total page 110 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Proceedings of a January 2008 conference convened to bring together scientists and managers from around the Gulf of Mexico to discuss a range of topics on their knowledge of the area, including its geology, its larger-scale connectivity to the Caribbean region, and applications to a more integrated approach to area-based management. Features 6 panels of experts who spoke on the oceanographic and biological features in the Gulf of Mexico, including connections with Mexico and the Mesoamerican barrier reef system, and the legal and regulatory structure currently in place. Report includes discussion of available science, connectivity, and the potential value of establishing a marine protected area network in the Gulf of Mexico.