SEMINAR: MBF602 Seminar, Dan Holstein, Friday Feb. 4, 1pm S/A 103

["Dan" <dholstein@rsmas.miami.edu>]

Reproductive capacity in mesophotic corals: Implications for deep reef refugia

 

Abstract:

 

Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCE) are found on the deeper reef slope between 30 -150m depth and are buffered from many coastal and global stressors such as rising sea surface temperatures and coastal pollution. While it is well documented that shallow coral reefs are threatened around the world, a ‘deep reef refugia’ hypothesis has gained popularity in recent years. In order to gauge the refugia potential of MCE in the US Virgin Islands, the effects of depth on coral reproductive biology are being quantified. Tissue samples of the reef-building coral Montastraea faveolata were taken from 5 sites at different depths on the reef slope several days before an expected annual spawning event. These tissues have been histologically processed and are currently being examined for reproductive features. Preliminary findings suggest corals at 34 meters are gravid on the same oogenic schedule as their shallow counterparts, and mature eggs have been detected from corals as deep as 44 meters. These early results suggest MCE coral gamete output may be substantial, and that depth may provide a reproductive refuge for imperiled shallow corals.  

 

Daniel Holstein

BSc in Marine Science and Biology, University of Miami 2006

Entered PhD program 2008

Advisor: Claire Paris, Division of Applied Marine Physics

 

 

 

Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science

University of Miami

4600 Rickenbacker Causeway

Miami, FL 33149

 

Cell: 786.863.3771

dholstein@rsmas.miami.edu