Abstract
We review the evidence for bio-regulation by coral reefs of local climate through stress-induced emissions of aerosol precursors, such as dimethylsulfide. This is an issue that goes to the core of the coral ecosystem’s ability to maintain homeostasis in the face of increasing climate change impacts and other anthropogenic pressures. We examine this through an analysis of data on aerosol emissions by corals of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. We focus on the relationship with local stressors, such as surface irradiance levels and sea surface temperature, both before and after notable coral bleaching events. We conclude that coral reefs may be able to regulate their exposure to environmental stressors through modification of the optical properties of the atmosphere, however this ability may be impaired as climate change intensifies.
Highlights
Coral reefs cover some 600,000 square kilometers of the earth’s surface (0.17% of the ocean surface), with coral ecosystems amongst the most diverse on the planet (Knowlton, 2001)
Corals upregulate the biosynthesis of DMSP and catabolism to DMS during physiological stress caused by exposure to elevated sea surface temperature (SST) and solar irradiance, or due to low salinity associated with seasonal rainfall and riverine discharge (Raina et al, 2013; Deschaseaux et al, 2014b; Jones et al, 2014)
Corals upregulate the biosynthesis of DMSP and catabolism to DMS in response to physiological stress, with both processes important in maintaining coral homeostasis and promoting resilience to rising ocean temperatures
Summary
Coral reefs cover some 600,000 square kilometers of the earth’s surface (0.17% of the ocean surface), with coral ecosystems amongst the most diverse on the planet (Knowlton, 2001). Coral reefs globally have suffered long-term decline in abundance, diversity, and habitat structure due to overfishing and land-based pollution, with most reefs already degraded by the late 19th C (Pandolfi et al, 2003). Live coral cover has decreased significantly since baseline monitoring began in the late 1970s, anywhere from 46% to 93%, depending on the region (Jackson, 2008), causing many scientists to doubt their long term survival without the use of non-conventional interventions (Knowlton & Jackson, 2008; Anthony et al, 2017). On many reefs, reduced stocks of herbivorous fishes together with increased sediment and nutrient loading from land-based activities (Gabric & Bell, 1993; Bell, Elmetri & Lapointe, 2014) have caused ecological regime shifts away from the original dominance by corals to a preponderance of fleshy seaweed (Hughes et al, 2007; Brodie et al, 2011).
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