Turner et al. 2019

Key questions for research and conservation of mesophotic coral ecosystems and temperate mesophotic ecosystems

Turner JA, Andradi-Brown DA, Gori A, Bongaerts P, Burdett HL, Ferrier-Pagès C, Voolstra CR, Weinstein DK, Bridge TCL, Costantini F, Gress E, Laverick J, Loya Y, Goodbody-Gringley G, Rossi S, Taylor ML, Viladrich N, Voss JD, Williams J, Woodall LC, Eyal G

scientific chapter
Abstract

Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) and temperate mesophotic ecosystems (TMEs) have received increasing research attention during the last decade as many new and improved methods and technologies have become more accessible to explore deeper parts of the ocean. However, large voids in knowledge remain in our scientific understanding, limiting our ability to make scientifically based decisions for conservation and management of these ecosystems. Here, we present a list of key research and conservation questions to enhance progress in the field. Questions were generated following an initial open call to MCE and TME experts, representing a range of career levels, interests, organizations (including academia, governmental, and nongovernmental), and geographic locations. Questions were refined and grouped into eight broad themes: (1) Distribution, (2) Environmental and Physical Processes, (3) Biodiversity and Community Structure, (4) Ecological Processes, (5) Connectivity, (6) Physiology, (7) Threats, and (8) Management and Policy.

Keywords
Metadata (pending validation)
Depth Range
30–150 m
Mesophotic Mentions
41 × (total of 6160 words)
Classification
  • Presents original data
  • Focused on 'mesophotic' depth range
  • Focused on 'mesophotic coral ecosystem'
  • Focused on 'temperate mesophotic ecosystem'
Platforms
Land-based
Author Profiles