Ocean warming and acidification synergistically increase coral mortality
F Prada1, E Caroselli1, S Mengoli2
1Marine Science Group, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, I-40126 Bologna, Italy.
Scientific Reports
|January 20, 2017
Summary
Ocean warming and acidification synergistically increase coral mortality. Symbiotic corals show greater tolerance to these combined stressors than asymbiotic species, impacting marine ecosystem services.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Climate Change Science
- Ecosystem Dynamics
Background:
- Marine calcifying organisms face threats from ocean warming (OW) and ocean acidification (OA).
- Rising atmospheric CO2 drives both OW and OA, necessitating research into their interactive effects.
- Coral reefs provide significant socioeconomic benefits, making their vulnerability a critical concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the combined effects of OW and OA on Mediterranean coral mortality and growth.
- To assess the differential tolerance of symbiotic versus asymbiotic corals to these stressors.
- To understand the implications for marine ecosystems and their services.
Main Methods:
- Field study utilizing a natural CO2 vent to create a pH gradient.
- Transplantation of Mediterranean coral species across temperature (16-26°C) and pH (8.1-7.4) ranges.
- Monitoring of mortality and growth rates in both solitary and colonial corals.
Main Results:
- A synergistic adverse effect on coral mortality was observed, reaching up to 60%.
- Both symbiotic and asymbiotic corals exhibited increased mortality under combined warming and acidification.
- Net calcification was unaffected by pH in symbiotic corals but negatively impacted by warming and acidification in asymbiotic species.
Conclusions:
- Combined ocean warming and acidification pose a significant threat to Mediterranean corals, increasing mortality.
- Symbiotic corals demonstrate higher resilience to warming and acidification compared to asymbiotic corals.
- The findings highlight potential shifts in coral community structure and reduced ecosystem services under future climate scenarios.
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