Title: ACCLIMATION OF ADULT AND JUVENILE MESOPHOTIC SERIATOPORA HYSTRIX TO SHALLOW REEF HABITATS

Abstract: Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs), have often been suggested as a source to recolonize shallow reefs. Shallow reef recovery could occur through natural (i.e. larval recruitment) or artificial recolonization (i.e. man-made transplantation). However, the success of the mesophotic coral's contribution to shallow reef recovery depends on their ability to acclimate to shallow reef conditions. Here we examined the physiological capacity of adults and juveniles of the coral Seriatopora hystrix from an upper MCE (ca. 40 m depth) to acclimate to shallow reef conditions for 6 months. Both adult fragments and coral juveniles were transplanted to 3, 20, and 40 m depth reef habitats and monitored monthly. Most of the adult fragments at 3 m depth were lost due to a typhoon and were discarded from the analysis. High survival of adults was observed at 20 m and 40 m depth. All coral juveniles died when transplanted at 3 m depth, while at 20 m and 40 m depth they died by an average of 20.5% and 21% every month, respectively. This study revealed the capacity of mesophotic Seriatopora hystrix to acclimate to shallower environmental conditions. The mid-depth reef habitats (i.e. 20 m depth) might act as a stepping-stone for shallow reef recovery, with mesophotic corals avoiding mortality due to extreme environmental conditions in the shallow reefs but adapting to shallower conditions. The photophysiological and symbiont characteristics of the transplants and their role in the adaptation process will be discussed.

Authors: Prasetia R, Sinniger F, Yorifuji M, Nakamura T, Yuen YS, Harii S

Presentation: Oral

Session: 29

Date: 06/21/16

Time: 17:45

Location: 308 A/B

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