Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) can be defined as light-dependent coral, algal, and sponge communities that occur in the deepest half of the photic zone (starting at 30m and extending to over 150m) in tropical and subtropical regions [1]. The distribution of MCEs in the US Caribbean and elsewhere, including ecologically relevant parameters such as percent living coral cover, reef rugosity, incidence of bleaching, and species diversity, are largely unknown. MCEs are known habitats of commercially important fish species and could serve as refugia for coral reef organisms during times of global climate change.

Depth range
32- 100 m

Mesophotic “mentions”
39 x (total of 1947 words)

Classification
* Presents original data
* Focused on 'mesophotic' depth range
* Focused on 'mesophotic coral ecosystem'

Fields
Geomorphology
Community structure

Focusgroups
Overall benthic (groups)

Locations
Puerto Rico

Platforms
Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV)