Publications:
Longenecker et al. 2019


scientific chapter |

Papua New Guinea

Longenecker K, Roberts TE, Colin PL,

Abstract

Papua New Guinea (PNG) hosts a unique range of geological features and is located in the Coral Triangle, the world center of marine biodiversity. However, working in PNG poses considerable logistical challenges in addition to those typically associated with mesophotic coral ecosystem (MCE; light-dependent reefs from 30 to ~150 m) research. Although its MCEs are poorly documented, they are likely extensive. Water temperatures at 90 m (23.3– 26.3 °C) are cooler and less variable annually than those at 15 m (24.2–31.0 °C) but tend to be more variable on a daily basis and are within the range necessary to support coral growth. Limited studies have documented at least 213 coral species (40% of PNG’s coral fauna) and 73 sponge species (14% of PNG’s sponge fauna) at mesophotic depths. MCE fish communities are generally composed of taxa typical of shallow coral reefs; however these appear to be less abundant at mesophotic depths. Because biological surveys have been conducted in only a few locations, checklists of PNG’s mesophotic species are likely to grow with additional research. The major threat to PNG’s MCEs is likely terrigenous sediment associated with the country’s chief industries of forestry, mining, and agriculture. However, the effects of global climate change, i.e., warm water coral bleaching, have also been observed at mesophotic depths.

Keywords
Meta-data (pending validation)
Depth range
30- 51 m

Mesophotic “mentions”
72 x (total of 5733 words)

Classification
* Focused on 'mesophotic' depth range
* Focused on 'mesophotic coral ecosystem'

Fields
Biodiversity
Climate Change
Community structure
Connectivity
Ecology
Geomorphology
Long-term monitoring
Management and Conservation
Taxonomy

Focusgroups
Algae (Macro, Turf and Crustose Coralline)
Antipatharia (Black Corals)
Fishes
Porifera (Sponges)
Scleractinia (Hard Corals)

Locations
Papua New Guinea

Platforms
In-situ instrumentation
Rebreather
SCUBA (open-circuit or unspecified)

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