Sessions
1. Coral reef building and breakdown: habitat construction, erosion and structural complexity
Organisers: Emma Kennedy, Gary Murphy & Claire Reymond
Many of the ecosystem services provided by coral reefs are tightly coupled to their ability to grow or maintain complex calcium carbonate (CaCO3) structures. Examples include the provision of structurally complex habitats supporting biodiverse reef communities, the protection of coastlines from wave energy and the generation of carbonate sediments to replenish sedimentary landforms like beaches and even reef islands. Net rates of CaCO3 framework production are determined by the balance between biological construction (primarily calcification by corals and coralline algae) and combined biological (parrotfish, urchins, macro- and microborers) erosion, physical erosion and chemical dissolution. Reef accretion and the geomorphology of reef systems are then determined by carbonate transport pathways over time. Hence carbonate framework production and erosion influence a range of ecosystem functions, over a variety of spatial and temporal scales. As a result, the quantification of habitat structural complexity and net reef framework production are both increasingly recognised as a useful proxies for healthy reef functioning. This session topic encompasses important aspects of reef ecology, biology and geomorphology, an interdisciplinary area of increasing relevance as we see flattening of reef structure and global declines in reef building potential. We would invite anyone interested in reef-scale patterns of growth and erosion processes to participate in this session. The target audience here will be a mix of geologists/geomorphologists, ecologists interested in functional roles that organisms have in terms of habitat construction, bioerosion and reef growth, biologists and ecosystem modellers.
Many of the ecosystem services provided by coral reefs are tightly coupled to their ability to grow or maintain complex calcium carbonate (CaCO3) structures. Examples include the provision of structurally complex habitats supporting biodiverse reef communities, the protection of coastlines from wave energy and the generation of carbonate sediments to replenish sedimentary landforms like beaches and even reef islands. Net rates of CaCO3 framework production are determined by the balance between biological construction (primarily calcification by corals and coralline algae) and combined biological (parrotfish, urchins, macro- and microborers) erosion, physical erosion and chemical dissolution. Reef accretion and the geomorphology of reef systems are then determined by carbonate transport pathways over time. Hence carbonate framework production and erosion influence a range of ecosystem functions, over a variety of spatial and temporal scales. As a result, the quantification of habitat structural complexity and net reef framework production are both increasingly recognised as a useful proxies for healthy reef functioning. This session topic encompasses important aspects of reef ecology, biology and geomorphology, an interdisciplinary area of increasing relevance as we see flattening of reef structure and global declines in reef building potential. We would invite anyone interested in reef-scale patterns of growth and erosion processes to participate in this session. The target audience here will be a mix of geologists/geomorphologists, ecologists interested in functional roles that organisms have in terms of habitat construction, bioerosion and reef growth, biologists and ecosystem modellers.
2. Mechanistic insights into coral calcification in the context of a global change environment
Organisers: Sylvie Tambutte, Alexander Venn, Tali Mass & Nicola Allinson
Coral calcification is biologically controlled at the cellular and molecular levels. However it is well known that this biomineralization process is also influenced by environmental physico-chemical parameters. Indeed ocean acidification and increasing seawater temperatures affect coral biomineralization but how and why this happens isn’t well understood. Improving our understanding of the effects of these environmental parameters on corals relies on achieving a mechanistic understanding of the biomineralization process. The biological control underlying coral biomineralization is a key factor in determining the resistance/sensitivity of coral species to environmental parameters. Data on the mechanisms of coral calcification come from diverse fields of research including skeletal geochemistry, chemistry, physiology and molecular biology. Such studies focus on different compartments such as the skeleton and the tissue, and may address different levels of biological organization from the molecule to the organism. Data from such studies are vital in working towards a more integrated picture of calcification. The mechanisms involved in biomineralization have only been partly characterized such as various systems of ion transport, carbonate chemistry at the site of calcification and the role of organic matrix proteins. Many aspects of coral calcification mechanisms remain enigmatic or are still debated due to contradictory findings. Further mechanistic research is clearly needed. This session welcomes studies that improve current mechanistic understanding of coral calcification, including studies that examine the effect of defined environmental scenarios on the biomineralization process. Comparative interspecies studies are especially informative as they allow identification of common or species-specific toolkits used by corals to calcify and respond to environmental stressors.
Coral calcification is biologically controlled at the cellular and molecular levels. However it is well known that this biomineralization process is also influenced by environmental physico-chemical parameters. Indeed ocean acidification and increasing seawater temperatures affect coral biomineralization but how and why this happens isn’t well understood. Improving our understanding of the effects of these environmental parameters on corals relies on achieving a mechanistic understanding of the biomineralization process. The biological control underlying coral biomineralization is a key factor in determining the resistance/sensitivity of coral species to environmental parameters. Data on the mechanisms of coral calcification come from diverse fields of research including skeletal geochemistry, chemistry, physiology and molecular biology. Such studies focus on different compartments such as the skeleton and the tissue, and may address different levels of biological organization from the molecule to the organism. Data from such studies are vital in working towards a more integrated picture of calcification. The mechanisms involved in biomineralization have only been partly characterized such as various systems of ion transport, carbonate chemistry at the site of calcification and the role of organic matrix proteins. Many aspects of coral calcification mechanisms remain enigmatic or are still debated due to contradictory findings. Further mechanistic research is clearly needed. This session welcomes studies that improve current mechanistic understanding of coral calcification, including studies that examine the effect of defined environmental scenarios on the biomineralization process. Comparative interspecies studies are especially informative as they allow identification of common or species-specific toolkits used by corals to calcify and respond to environmental stressors.
Organisers: Marc Kochzius & Lewis J. Gramer
In the last decades, DNA-based methods have become more and more important in ecology, evolution, and systematics. Frequent applications include studies on (1) gene flow in order to reveal connectivity among populations, (2) species delineation, (3) species identification (DNA barcoding) and (4) phylogenetics. Besides classical marker systems such as mitochondrial DNA sequences and microsatellites, next-generation sequencing (NGS) is quickly becoming more and more important and affordable. Making sense of this new wealth of information requires novel analytical approaches that combine DNA-based approaches with environmental context from field observations, lab experiments, transcriptomics, proteomics, remote sensing and/or numerical modelling. Our session targets scientists that use DNA-based methods in combination with other approaches, or are considering doing so and wish to learn about the various approaches currently available. As the conveners include researchers in biogeography, population genetics, molecular systematics, reef ecology, information science, physical oceanography and genomics, we hope to draw our audience from a similarly diverse range of disciplines. DNA-based approaches in coral reef studies are presently in a state of flux: hence, it is important to organise a session where coral reefs scientists at the bleeding edge of these rapidly moving fields have the opportunity to exchange views and connect with potential users, particularly those with specialisations in other disciplines such as biophysical modelling and remote sensing of the ocean. For this reason, we suggest as session plenary speaker three researchers who are at the forefront of the use of RADseq and nuclear gene introns to investigate the diversity, connectivity and evolution of marine ecosystems.
In the last decades, DNA-based methods have become more and more important in ecology, evolution, and systematics. Frequent applications include studies on (1) gene flow in order to reveal connectivity among populations, (2) species delineation, (3) species identification (DNA barcoding) and (4) phylogenetics. Besides classical marker systems such as mitochondrial DNA sequences and microsatellites, next-generation sequencing (NGS) is quickly becoming more and more important and affordable. Making sense of this new wealth of information requires novel analytical approaches that combine DNA-based approaches with environmental context from field observations, lab experiments, transcriptomics, proteomics, remote sensing and/or numerical modelling. Our session targets scientists that use DNA-based methods in combination with other approaches, or are considering doing so and wish to learn about the various approaches currently available. As the conveners include researchers in biogeography, population genetics, molecular systematics, reef ecology, information science, physical oceanography and genomics, we hope to draw our audience from a similarly diverse range of disciplines. DNA-based approaches in coral reef studies are presently in a state of flux: hence, it is important to organise a session where coral reefs scientists at the bleeding edge of these rapidly moving fields have the opportunity to exchange views and connect with potential users, particularly those with specialisations in other disciplines such as biophysical modelling and remote sensing of the ocean. For this reason, we suggest as session plenary speaker three researchers who are at the forefront of the use of RADseq and nuclear gene introns to investigate the diversity, connectivity and evolution of marine ecosystems.
4. The capacity of corals to adapt or acclimatise to climate change in the anthropocene.
Organisers: James Guest, David Smith, Barbara Brown, John Bythell, David Suggett, Emma Camp & Eslam Osman
Reef-building corals are vulnerable to climatic change, particularly the effects of ocean warming and acidification. One of the most important questions for biodiversity conservation is whether species will adapt, acclimatise, migrate or be extirpated due to maladaptation to new environmental conditions. The overarching aim of this session is to bring together a broad range of scientific expertise in the fields of coral adaptation and acclimatisation. The session will be divided into three major themes/questions: 1) how have some corals adapted to living in extreme or sub-optimal environments such as the Persian-Arabian Gulf, 2) what causes natural variation in susceptibility to stress within and among species during disturbances and 3) can we harness knowledge about the adaptive capacity of corals to “assist” evolution by pre-preparing reefs with selectively bred corals? We hope to receive presentations from researchers studying both the natural variation in corals to adapt and acclimatise to climate related disturbances and those working on applied techniques to accelerate rates of adaptation and acclimatisation within coral populations. The session will include talks on mechanisms of stress tolerance; ecological, physiological and genomic aspects of corals living in extreme environments and the potential for 'assisted' evolution in reef corals.
Reef-building corals are vulnerable to climatic change, particularly the effects of ocean warming and acidification. One of the most important questions for biodiversity conservation is whether species will adapt, acclimatise, migrate or be extirpated due to maladaptation to new environmental conditions. The overarching aim of this session is to bring together a broad range of scientific expertise in the fields of coral adaptation and acclimatisation. The session will be divided into three major themes/questions: 1) how have some corals adapted to living in extreme or sub-optimal environments such as the Persian-Arabian Gulf, 2) what causes natural variation in susceptibility to stress within and among species during disturbances and 3) can we harness knowledge about the adaptive capacity of corals to “assist” evolution by pre-preparing reefs with selectively bred corals? We hope to receive presentations from researchers studying both the natural variation in corals to adapt and acclimatise to climate related disturbances and those working on applied techniques to accelerate rates of adaptation and acclimatisation within coral populations. The session will include talks on mechanisms of stress tolerance; ecological, physiological and genomic aspects of corals living in extreme environments and the potential for 'assisted' evolution in reef corals.
5. Functional microbial ecology in coral reef ecosystems
Organisers: Michael Sweet, Christian R. Voolstra, Christine Ferrier-Pages, Maren Ziegler, Jeroen van de Water & Eslam O. Osman
Microbial processes play a pivotal role in the health and resilience of coral reefs. For instance, microbial metabolism is involved in the main biogeochemical cycles of reef ecosystems. In addition, microbes such as Bacteria, Archaea, viruses, fungi, protists, and other microscopic Eukaryotes interact and engage in symbioses with corals and other reef organisms (e.g., algae, sponges, and seagrass) forming so-called holobionts. Holobiont-associated microbes or the ‘microbiome’ as it is often referred to as, provide functions related to metabolism, development, and immunity to their animal and plant partners, and it is crucial to understand how changing environmental conditions are altering these relationships. Changes in the associated microbial consortia entail potential functional changes that may pose harmful effects on hosts and reef ecosystems and a relatively new term, the ‘pathobiome’ has been proposed to explain any microbial related shifts and changes to the community which often result in diseased or stressed states and challenges the “one pathogen = one disease” school of thought. On the other hand, altered microbial communities also represent a potential resource for holobiont adaptation. Our session will focus on the structure and function of microbial communities in coral reef ecosystems and how they are affected by environmental change. We invite contributions that examine microbial processes such as trophic and nutrient cycling, microbe-microbe, and microbe-host interactions, and the mechanisms underlying coral reef resilience under environmental and anthropogenic stress.
Microbial processes play a pivotal role in the health and resilience of coral reefs. For instance, microbial metabolism is involved in the main biogeochemical cycles of reef ecosystems. In addition, microbes such as Bacteria, Archaea, viruses, fungi, protists, and other microscopic Eukaryotes interact and engage in symbioses with corals and other reef organisms (e.g., algae, sponges, and seagrass) forming so-called holobionts. Holobiont-associated microbes or the ‘microbiome’ as it is often referred to as, provide functions related to metabolism, development, and immunity to their animal and plant partners, and it is crucial to understand how changing environmental conditions are altering these relationships. Changes in the associated microbial consortia entail potential functional changes that may pose harmful effects on hosts and reef ecosystems and a relatively new term, the ‘pathobiome’ has been proposed to explain any microbial related shifts and changes to the community which often result in diseased or stressed states and challenges the “one pathogen = one disease” school of thought. On the other hand, altered microbial communities also represent a potential resource for holobiont adaptation. Our session will focus on the structure and function of microbial communities in coral reef ecosystems and how they are affected by environmental change. We invite contributions that examine microbial processes such as trophic and nutrient cycling, microbe-microbe, and microbe-host interactions, and the mechanisms underlying coral reef resilience under environmental and anthropogenic stress.
6. Cold-water corals in a changing ocean
Organisers: Covadonga Orejas Saco del Valle, Christine Ferrier-Pages, Stephanie Reynaud & J. Murray Roberts
This session will focus on the diverse habitats formed by cold-water corals throughout the global ocean. In particular it will solicit presentations that investigate how these poorly understood communities will respond to environmental change including both the direct effects of anthropogenic activities (e.g. fisheries, oil prospection, minerals) as well as the indirect effects (e.g. global change including warming and ocean acidification). Contributions will be welcomed that cross the full range of issues associated with understanding change in cold-water coral systems, from habitat damage and modification through to physiological and reproductive ecology. Primary target audience are researchers working mostly in continental shelves and slopes as well as topographic features as submarine canyons and seamounts. Cold-water corals remain poorly understood ecosystems and key questions about their biology and ecology are yet to be answered. It is clear however, that they are increasingly at risk from growing anthropogenic pressures and their slow growth and stable environments may render them exceptionally vulnerable. Headway has been made and is continuing towards protecting cold-water coral habitats although the global distribution of efforts is highly skewed and much more is required to safeguard these ecosystems. This session will explore these issues and the policy context in which this work is taking place. For example, cold-water corals meet the criteria of UN Convention on Biological Diversity Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) definition of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs). These offer valuable insights for the management of offshore and High Seas ecosystems but need to be considered alongside the vulnerability of cold-water corals to global climatic change. Our invited speakers are active across the range of issues that allow us to tackle the broad sweep of this topic.
This session will focus on the diverse habitats formed by cold-water corals throughout the global ocean. In particular it will solicit presentations that investigate how these poorly understood communities will respond to environmental change including both the direct effects of anthropogenic activities (e.g. fisheries, oil prospection, minerals) as well as the indirect effects (e.g. global change including warming and ocean acidification). Contributions will be welcomed that cross the full range of issues associated with understanding change in cold-water coral systems, from habitat damage and modification through to physiological and reproductive ecology. Primary target audience are researchers working mostly in continental shelves and slopes as well as topographic features as submarine canyons and seamounts. Cold-water corals remain poorly understood ecosystems and key questions about their biology and ecology are yet to be answered. It is clear however, that they are increasingly at risk from growing anthropogenic pressures and their slow growth and stable environments may render them exceptionally vulnerable. Headway has been made and is continuing towards protecting cold-water coral habitats although the global distribution of efforts is highly skewed and much more is required to safeguard these ecosystems. This session will explore these issues and the policy context in which this work is taking place. For example, cold-water corals meet the criteria of UN Convention on Biological Diversity Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) definition of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs). These offer valuable insights for the management of offshore and High Seas ecosystems but need to be considered alongside the vulnerability of cold-water corals to global climatic change. Our invited speakers are active across the range of issues that allow us to tackle the broad sweep of this topic.
7. Can volunteers bridge the knowledge gap in reef conservation and research? Lessons from the field
Organisers: Ans Vercammen, Max Bodmer & Karsten Shein
Since the 1990’s citizen science has been on the rise, in part enabled by substantive improvements in technology and data sharing capacity, and in part in response to a growing need for data at large temporal and spatial scales. Voluntourism has also been a key development, providing a steady income stream which enables research organisations to monitor ecosystem change in real time and identify long-term drivers of habitat degradation. Where funding and resources are limited, volunteer-led research may be the only practical way to bridge the environmental knowledge gap by (a) producing large volumes of data for scientific research, (b) supporting evidence-based management, (c) communicating (local) knowledge (d) increasing public engagement, stewardship and advocacy. The session targets scientists, managers and practitioners working in coral reef research and conservation. The aim is to provide examples of volunteer-led projects from aquatic and marine contexts to derive “lessons learnt” and make recommendations to improve the efficacy of citizen science initiatives and how these can specifically benefit coral reef science and conservation. Conservation biology has been at the forefront of the citizen science movement, with several large-scale initiatives (e.g. ReefCheck, Project Aware, SeaGrassWatch). However, few programmes have been subject to rigorous and systematic monitoring and evaluation; as such we do not have a solid understanding of the actual and potential value of volunteer-led projects. For instance, concerns have been raised about the quality of the data. We also need to gain a better understanding of who the volunteers are and what motivates them to optimise recruitment and productivity. The proposed session will build upon issues and recommendations identified during a similar session at ICRS2016 in Hawaii. We will evaluate examples of volunteer-led conservation and research across the sector and derive lessons learnt that will contribute to improving efficacy of such programmes.
Since the 1990’s citizen science has been on the rise, in part enabled by substantive improvements in technology and data sharing capacity, and in part in response to a growing need for data at large temporal and spatial scales. Voluntourism has also been a key development, providing a steady income stream which enables research organisations to monitor ecosystem change in real time and identify long-term drivers of habitat degradation. Where funding and resources are limited, volunteer-led research may be the only practical way to bridge the environmental knowledge gap by (a) producing large volumes of data for scientific research, (b) supporting evidence-based management, (c) communicating (local) knowledge (d) increasing public engagement, stewardship and advocacy. The session targets scientists, managers and practitioners working in coral reef research and conservation. The aim is to provide examples of volunteer-led projects from aquatic and marine contexts to derive “lessons learnt” and make recommendations to improve the efficacy of citizen science initiatives and how these can specifically benefit coral reef science and conservation. Conservation biology has been at the forefront of the citizen science movement, with several large-scale initiatives (e.g. ReefCheck, Project Aware, SeaGrassWatch). However, few programmes have been subject to rigorous and systematic monitoring and evaluation; as such we do not have a solid understanding of the actual and potential value of volunteer-led projects. For instance, concerns have been raised about the quality of the data. We also need to gain a better understanding of who the volunteers are and what motivates them to optimise recruitment and productivity. The proposed session will build upon issues and recommendations identified during a similar session at ICRS2016 in Hawaii. We will evaluate examples of volunteer-led conservation and research across the sector and derive lessons learnt that will contribute to improving efficacy of such programmes.
8. species, traits and coral reef processes
Organisers: Kristen Anderson, Mike McWilliam & Laura Richardson
Some call it a bandwagon, some call it a revolution. Species traits have been of interest to scientists since the dawn of biology and ecology. Today, trait-based ecology is increasingly popular as a way to incorporate species characteristics into the modelling of processes at the population, community, ecosystem and biogeographical levels. The ultimate goal is to enhance the explanatory and predictive power of ecology. Whilst many pioneering studies have been conducted in terrestrial ecosystems, trait-based studies are likely to be just as valuable and informative in the marine realm. Reef organisms express a staggering diversity of morphological, reproductive, physiological and behavioural traits. Quantifying coral reef trait variation, and understanding its consequences for reef ecosystems, is a major challenge not just for reef science, but for reef conservation. Indeed, as human stressors escalate, and reef composition changes, trait-based ecology may be crucial to understand, manage and preserve reefs in a functioning state. We invite any study focussing on the morphology, physiology, reproduction, or growth of marine organisms to speak at this session. We are particularly interested in studies that measure traits both within or across species, and consider their influence for higher-level processes, such as demographic processes, community assembly, ecosystem function, or evolutionary and biogeographical processes. Therefore, this session would be appropriate for the pure basic or applied trait biologist.
Some call it a bandwagon, some call it a revolution. Species traits have been of interest to scientists since the dawn of biology and ecology. Today, trait-based ecology is increasingly popular as a way to incorporate species characteristics into the modelling of processes at the population, community, ecosystem and biogeographical levels. The ultimate goal is to enhance the explanatory and predictive power of ecology. Whilst many pioneering studies have been conducted in terrestrial ecosystems, trait-based studies are likely to be just as valuable and informative in the marine realm. Reef organisms express a staggering diversity of morphological, reproductive, physiological and behavioural traits. Quantifying coral reef trait variation, and understanding its consequences for reef ecosystems, is a major challenge not just for reef science, but for reef conservation. Indeed, as human stressors escalate, and reef composition changes, trait-based ecology may be crucial to understand, manage and preserve reefs in a functioning state. We invite any study focussing on the morphology, physiology, reproduction, or growth of marine organisms to speak at this session. We are particularly interested in studies that measure traits both within or across species, and consider their influence for higher-level processes, such as demographic processes, community assembly, ecosystem function, or evolutionary and biogeographical processes. Therefore, this session would be appropriate for the pure basic or applied trait biologist.
9. Drivers of coral reef ecosystem state, recovery and reorganisation
Organisers: Gareth J. Williams & Nicholas Graham
Coral reefs are dynamic systems, varying in appearance along natural environmental gradients, disturbance regimes and human influence. The challenge is separating these effects, in particular identifying their relative roles in determining coral reef ecosystem recovery potential following pulse disturbance (e.g. coral bleaching). While we have detailed knowledge of how coral reefs degrade in response to disturbances, arguably the most useful information for management is what dictates the ability of some reefs to recover. Key to this is identifying the natural drivers of reef ecosystem state, how this variation may influence their vulnerability to pulse disturbances, and finally how press disturbances (e.g. fishing) are superimposed over these more natural dynamics to ultimately dictate recovery potential. This session invites examples of work identifying natural and human drivers of coral reef ecosystem state (with a focus on both benthos and fishes), with a focus on identifying environmental and social determinates of pre- and post-disturbance ecosystem regimes. We are particularly interested in submissions related to the following topics: Human and natural drivers of coral reef ecosystem state, vulnerability to disturbance and recovery potential; The environmental and / or social processes that determine reef trajectories following disturbance; The relative roles of press disturbances (e.g. fishing) and pulse disturbances (e.g. bleaching) and their possible interactions in driving reef ecosystem recovery; Coral reef community trajectories following disturbance: do recovering reefs have altered novel coral and fish community compositions, or return to pre-disturbance assemblage structure, and how can this distinction best be tested?; Changes in ecosystem functions and services on recovering reefs. ii) The speakers of this session, both solicited, and anticipated submissions, will include scientists working in disciplines such as ecology, environmental management, and governance, but also scientists that are working across disciplines, taking a social-ecological systems approach. We will be encouraging submissions across all geographic areas of coral reefs and will encourage some younger emerging expertise into the session.
Coral reefs are dynamic systems, varying in appearance along natural environmental gradients, disturbance regimes and human influence. The challenge is separating these effects, in particular identifying their relative roles in determining coral reef ecosystem recovery potential following pulse disturbance (e.g. coral bleaching). While we have detailed knowledge of how coral reefs degrade in response to disturbances, arguably the most useful information for management is what dictates the ability of some reefs to recover. Key to this is identifying the natural drivers of reef ecosystem state, how this variation may influence their vulnerability to pulse disturbances, and finally how press disturbances (e.g. fishing) are superimposed over these more natural dynamics to ultimately dictate recovery potential. This session invites examples of work identifying natural and human drivers of coral reef ecosystem state (with a focus on both benthos and fishes), with a focus on identifying environmental and social determinates of pre- and post-disturbance ecosystem regimes. We are particularly interested in submissions related to the following topics: Human and natural drivers of coral reef ecosystem state, vulnerability to disturbance and recovery potential; The environmental and / or social processes that determine reef trajectories following disturbance; The relative roles of press disturbances (e.g. fishing) and pulse disturbances (e.g. bleaching) and their possible interactions in driving reef ecosystem recovery; Coral reef community trajectories following disturbance: do recovering reefs have altered novel coral and fish community compositions, or return to pre-disturbance assemblage structure, and how can this distinction best be tested?; Changes in ecosystem functions and services on recovering reefs. ii) The speakers of this session, both solicited, and anticipated submissions, will include scientists working in disciplines such as ecology, environmental management, and governance, but also scientists that are working across disciplines, taking a social-ecological systems approach. We will be encouraging submissions across all geographic areas of coral reefs and will encourage some younger emerging expertise into the session.
10. Biogeochemical response of coral reefs to ocean variability
Organisers: Heidi L. Burdett, Dan Exton & Dr Nicholas Kamenos
Biogeochemical cycling of macro- and micro-nutrients is key to explaining how coral reef ecosystems, some of the most productive ecosystems on Earth, can thrive in low-nutrient environments. Recent technological advances have allowed us to gain unprecedented understanding of biogeochemical dynamics within coral reef systems, and how these affect, and are affected by, natural or anthropogenically-induced environmental change. In this session, we aim to bring together the newest results, based on studies performed in the field, in aquaria or mesocosms, and from the historical record. We encourage studies that provide insight into the spatio-temporal dynamics of environmental change in coral reef systems in the past and present-day, and how these dynamics may be impacted by projected climate change. Studies with a focus on community-level assemblages, or those that focus on the effects of multiple stressors (e.g. temperature, ocean acidification, but also direct and local anthropogenic influences such as nutrient enrichment, pollution), to better reproduce the real world are particularly welcome.This multi-disciplinary session will inherently attract a broad audience, including researchers working on palaeo-environmental reconstruction, present-day dynamics and climate change, as well as professionals working in marine management and conservation. Biogeochemical dynamics both shape, and are shaped by, the ecological function of coral reef ecosystems. Biogeochemical cycling is known to be critical in determining the sensitivity and response of the coral reef ecosystem to environmental variability, thus providing a holistic, multidisciplinary understanding of the coral reef system. The invited speakers reflect the diversity of coral reef biogeochemistry research. They will provide historical, present-day and future perspectives on the role of biogeochemistry in coral reefs, and they reflect the range of researchers working on this topic, from early career to senior academics.
Biogeochemical cycling of macro- and micro-nutrients is key to explaining how coral reef ecosystems, some of the most productive ecosystems on Earth, can thrive in low-nutrient environments. Recent technological advances have allowed us to gain unprecedented understanding of biogeochemical dynamics within coral reef systems, and how these affect, and are affected by, natural or anthropogenically-induced environmental change. In this session, we aim to bring together the newest results, based on studies performed in the field, in aquaria or mesocosms, and from the historical record. We encourage studies that provide insight into the spatio-temporal dynamics of environmental change in coral reef systems in the past and present-day, and how these dynamics may be impacted by projected climate change. Studies with a focus on community-level assemblages, or those that focus on the effects of multiple stressors (e.g. temperature, ocean acidification, but also direct and local anthropogenic influences such as nutrient enrichment, pollution), to better reproduce the real world are particularly welcome.This multi-disciplinary session will inherently attract a broad audience, including researchers working on palaeo-environmental reconstruction, present-day dynamics and climate change, as well as professionals working in marine management and conservation. Biogeochemical dynamics both shape, and are shaped by, the ecological function of coral reef ecosystems. Biogeochemical cycling is known to be critical in determining the sensitivity and response of the coral reef ecosystem to environmental variability, thus providing a holistic, multidisciplinary understanding of the coral reef system. The invited speakers reflect the diversity of coral reef biogeochemistry research. They will provide historical, present-day and future perspectives on the role of biogeochemistry in coral reefs, and they reflect the range of researchers working on this topic, from early career to senior academics.
11. Coral reef research in European Outermost Regions, Overseas Countries and Territories
Organisers: Neil Davies, John Turner, Serge Planes & Catherine Head
Europe’s tropical coral reefs are found far from the continent in its outermost regions and overseas countries and territories. These areas are a focus for a great deal of coral reef research that should be of interest to attendees of the European Coral Reef Symposium. France ranks 4th among countries with the most coral reefs, harbouring an estimated 5% (14,280 Km2) of the global total (284,300 Km2) covering all oceans, including Clipperton, Mayotte, Réunion, Guadeloupe, Martinique, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna Islands. The UK ranks 12th with ~ 2% (5,510 Km2) of the total, including British Indian Ocean Territory, Anguilla, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Pitcairn, Turks and Caicos Islands, British Virgin Islands. Ranked 60th, the Netherlands is responsible for ~0.2% (470 Km2) in Aruba and the Dutch Antilles. (Source: http://coral.unep.ch/atlaspr.htm#Coral Reef Area Statistics) Europe’s coral reefs are in comparatively quite good health, and with their wealth of biodiversity, represent a major global patrimony. Their significance is widely recognized, for example by the UNESCO World Heritage Status of New Caledonia, the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status of Fakarava and RAMSAR wetland of international significance status of Moorea, the latter both in French Polynesia. The cultural and economic value of Europe’s coral reefs to the local communities is substantial. For example, Bermuda valued its coral reefs at up to $1.1 billion per year in 2007, representing >10% of its GDP. Consequently, coral reef research and management in these territories is of great importance both locally and globally. We envision that this session will highlight the important research and management efforts in these overseas territories as well as calling attention to their conservation value and potential for further research. Their location far from Europe also provides unique opportunities for scientific collaboration (e.g., with American, Japanese, Australian, and New Zealand researchers in the Pacific), and for cultural exchanges and scientific knowledge and technology transfers with neighbouring developing countries, many of which retain rich traditional wisdom on how to manage coral reefs sustainably. Presentations will cover a variety of topics relevant to remote islands and atolls and to marine protected areas, such as the Chagos no-take MPA. The chair and co-chairs of this session will give talks regarding their work in French and British Overseas Territories, and we are also looking to invite speakers working in the Dutch overseas territories. Alongside this session, the IDEA Consortium, founded by French, British, Swiss, and American researchers, hopes to have a satellite meeting that will address the modelling of coral reefs: how to build use-oriented digital simulations for scenario-based planning in management and public policy.
Europe’s tropical coral reefs are found far from the continent in its outermost regions and overseas countries and territories. These areas are a focus for a great deal of coral reef research that should be of interest to attendees of the European Coral Reef Symposium. France ranks 4th among countries with the most coral reefs, harbouring an estimated 5% (14,280 Km2) of the global total (284,300 Km2) covering all oceans, including Clipperton, Mayotte, Réunion, Guadeloupe, Martinique, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna Islands. The UK ranks 12th with ~ 2% (5,510 Km2) of the total, including British Indian Ocean Territory, Anguilla, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Pitcairn, Turks and Caicos Islands, British Virgin Islands. Ranked 60th, the Netherlands is responsible for ~0.2% (470 Km2) in Aruba and the Dutch Antilles. (Source: http://coral.unep.ch/atlaspr.htm#Coral Reef Area Statistics) Europe’s coral reefs are in comparatively quite good health, and with their wealth of biodiversity, represent a major global patrimony. Their significance is widely recognized, for example by the UNESCO World Heritage Status of New Caledonia, the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status of Fakarava and RAMSAR wetland of international significance status of Moorea, the latter both in French Polynesia. The cultural and economic value of Europe’s coral reefs to the local communities is substantial. For example, Bermuda valued its coral reefs at up to $1.1 billion per year in 2007, representing >10% of its GDP. Consequently, coral reef research and management in these territories is of great importance both locally and globally. We envision that this session will highlight the important research and management efforts in these overseas territories as well as calling attention to their conservation value and potential for further research. Their location far from Europe also provides unique opportunities for scientific collaboration (e.g., with American, Japanese, Australian, and New Zealand researchers in the Pacific), and for cultural exchanges and scientific knowledge and technology transfers with neighbouring developing countries, many of which retain rich traditional wisdom on how to manage coral reefs sustainably. Presentations will cover a variety of topics relevant to remote islands and atolls and to marine protected areas, such as the Chagos no-take MPA. The chair and co-chairs of this session will give talks regarding their work in French and British Overseas Territories, and we are also looking to invite speakers working in the Dutch overseas territories. Alongside this session, the IDEA Consortium, founded by French, British, Swiss, and American researchers, hopes to have a satellite meeting that will address the modelling of coral reefs: how to build use-oriented digital simulations for scenario-based planning in management and public policy.
12. Accessible Conservation Technology
Organisers: Jon Chamberlain & Victoria Jeffers
Conservation technology has become a hot topic amongst conservation groups, with specially designed hardware and software allowing greater understanding of wildlife behaviour and ecosystem dynamics. However, some recent approaches leverage technology that is widespread and in common use, not only capitalising on the ubiquity of devices but also on the ease with which devices can be used. For example, smart phones can easily be used as a data entry device that can simultaneously log the GPS of the observer, take an image/video and record other environmental metadata. Similarly, software such as social media (Facebook, Twitter, Flickr etc.) allow the general public to share observations and connect with wildlife experts that have led to discoveries of new species and distribution patterns. The audience that would benefit most from this session would be researchers wishing to collect conservation data but have limited resources to build and distribute specific monitoring tools. Ideally this audience would be inspired by the talks and learn how to implement accessible technology in a follow-up demonstration session. Additionally, the talks would appeal to a broader audience of people interested to see how modern technology can be used to participate in projects. Conservation technology is typically discussed at conservation forums/conferences as an add-on, perhaps because researchers are reporting on a technology that is difficult to repurpose and therefore of limited interest to the audience. This session attempts to address this issue by focusing on talks and demonstrations from speakers across different sectors (marine, terrestrial, computer science, healthcare, etc.) to inspire the use of open-source, easily accessible conservation technology in new projects without the need for specialist skills, hardware or significant funding.
Conservation technology has become a hot topic amongst conservation groups, with specially designed hardware and software allowing greater understanding of wildlife behaviour and ecosystem dynamics. However, some recent approaches leverage technology that is widespread and in common use, not only capitalising on the ubiquity of devices but also on the ease with which devices can be used. For example, smart phones can easily be used as a data entry device that can simultaneously log the GPS of the observer, take an image/video and record other environmental metadata. Similarly, software such as social media (Facebook, Twitter, Flickr etc.) allow the general public to share observations and connect with wildlife experts that have led to discoveries of new species and distribution patterns. The audience that would benefit most from this session would be researchers wishing to collect conservation data but have limited resources to build and distribute specific monitoring tools. Ideally this audience would be inspired by the talks and learn how to implement accessible technology in a follow-up demonstration session. Additionally, the talks would appeal to a broader audience of people interested to see how modern technology can be used to participate in projects. Conservation technology is typically discussed at conservation forums/conferences as an add-on, perhaps because researchers are reporting on a technology that is difficult to repurpose and therefore of limited interest to the audience. This session attempts to address this issue by focusing on talks and demonstrations from speakers across different sectors (marine, terrestrial, computer science, healthcare, etc.) to inspire the use of open-source, easily accessible conservation technology in new projects without the need for specialist skills, hardware or significant funding.
13. Quantifying successes and failures in coral reef conservation
Organisers: Maria Beger, Sue Wells & Ans Vercammen
Coral reef management and conservation efforts are essential to mitigate local threats and to ensure that coral reef ecosystem services are maintained. This session calls for studies that work in coral reef conservation: planning, implementing, and benchmarking successes and failures. This session aims to attract presentations from these conservation fields: Design of protected areas and spatial planning; Design, cost, and effect of reef management actions other than protected areas; Assessing the effectiveness of coral reef management: ecological and social aspects; Linking ecology and conservation science; Coral reef conservation under climate change; Novel managing approaches for coral reefs; The role of models in coral reef conservation. We invite presentations from across these themes, and welcome any contributions that quantitatively assess aspects of coral reef management. The primary target audience is for the symposium is (a) scientists undertaking research relevant to reef conservation; and (b) reef conservation practitioners who can advise on the science and evidence that is needed. The importance of this topic lies in the fact that although many resources have been invested in the conservation and management of reefs, and there is extensive guidance for managers and practitioners, much of this advice has evolved from personal experience and common sense. As demonstrated by the continuing decline in the health of most reefs, combined with the complexity of dealing with such a diverse and dynamic ecosystem, managers urgently need better evidence to help define problems, understand the mechanisms involved and strategically assess potential solutions. This symposium is aimed at highlighting this priority need, gathering examples of the evidence required, identifying challenges and helping to demonstrate a way forward.
Coral reef management and conservation efforts are essential to mitigate local threats and to ensure that coral reef ecosystem services are maintained. This session calls for studies that work in coral reef conservation: planning, implementing, and benchmarking successes and failures. This session aims to attract presentations from these conservation fields: Design of protected areas and spatial planning; Design, cost, and effect of reef management actions other than protected areas; Assessing the effectiveness of coral reef management: ecological and social aspects; Linking ecology and conservation science; Coral reef conservation under climate change; Novel managing approaches for coral reefs; The role of models in coral reef conservation. We invite presentations from across these themes, and welcome any contributions that quantitatively assess aspects of coral reef management. The primary target audience is for the symposium is (a) scientists undertaking research relevant to reef conservation; and (b) reef conservation practitioners who can advise on the science and evidence that is needed. The importance of this topic lies in the fact that although many resources have been invested in the conservation and management of reefs, and there is extensive guidance for managers and practitioners, much of this advice has evolved from personal experience and common sense. As demonstrated by the continuing decline in the health of most reefs, combined with the complexity of dealing with such a diverse and dynamic ecosystem, managers urgently need better evidence to help define problems, understand the mechanisms involved and strategically assess potential solutions. This symposium is aimed at highlighting this priority need, gathering examples of the evidence required, identifying challenges and helping to demonstrate a way forward.
14. Coral Reef Epigenetics
Organisers: Manuel Aranda, Timothy Ravasi & Yi Jin Liew
The alarming decline of coral reef health worldwide has raised concerns that the rate of global change might outpace the capacity of coral reef organisms to evolve in response to these threats. In species with long generation times such as corals, genetic adaptation is a slow process that is dependent on random mutations, with advantageous alleles spreading to fixation across the population via natural selection. However, recent studies suggest that some coral reef organisms such as corals, fishes and sponges, can acclimate to some level of environmental change using non-genetic mechanisms. These epigenetic mechanisms include various molecular processes such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and small non-coding RNAs. These mechanisms can dynamically alter gene expression to better suit different environmental conditions. The study of epigenetic mechanisms as means for coral reef organisms to adapt to a changing environment is becoming increasingly important for future coral reef resilience in the context of global climate change. This session will serve as a platform for scientists working on epigenetics in coral reef organisms to present and discuss their findings, and to introduce this emerging field of study to a broader audience.
The alarming decline of coral reef health worldwide has raised concerns that the rate of global change might outpace the capacity of coral reef organisms to evolve in response to these threats. In species with long generation times such as corals, genetic adaptation is a slow process that is dependent on random mutations, with advantageous alleles spreading to fixation across the population via natural selection. However, recent studies suggest that some coral reef organisms such as corals, fishes and sponges, can acclimate to some level of environmental change using non-genetic mechanisms. These epigenetic mechanisms include various molecular processes such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and small non-coding RNAs. These mechanisms can dynamically alter gene expression to better suit different environmental conditions. The study of epigenetic mechanisms as means for coral reef organisms to adapt to a changing environment is becoming increasingly important for future coral reef resilience in the context of global climate change. This session will serve as a platform for scientists working on epigenetics in coral reef organisms to present and discuss their findings, and to introduce this emerging field of study to a broader audience.
15. Nutrient physiology and ecology of coral reefs
Organisers: Jörg Wiedenmann, Christine Ferrier-Pagès, Cecilia D'Angelo & Renaud Grover
Recent advances in the conceptual understanding of coral nutrient biology offers the opportunity to resolve the longstanding controversy over the effects of nutrient enrichment in reef environments. Under the pressure of ever increasing anthropogenic disturbance to reefs, it is imperative that we understand how nutrients influence the system. This session will improve the knowledge- base for local management practice with the aim to promote reef resilience under the pressure of climate change, considering nutrient effects on coral physiology and ecology ranging from molecular mechanisms to the ecosystem scale. The session will of interest to 1) Scientist working on the nutrient physiology and ecology of corals from the molecular level to the ecosystem scale, and 2) Coastal managers and policy makers aiming to advance their knowledge base. Anthropogenic nutrient enrichment is considered a major driver of reef decline. However, previous studies failed to explain why nutrients had negative effects in some cases but not in others. As a consequence, policy makers are reluctant to promote action against nutrient pollution and the affected management approaches were made responsible for regional nitrogen enrichment of reefs and mass coral extinction. Recent research has shown that a differentiating view on the effect of nutrients is required, in particular when they act in combination with heat or light stress. Climate change will result in rising seawater temperatures in most coral reef regions. However, changes in large scale wind systems and stratification of the world’s ocean in combination with local human activity may have largely deviating effects on the amount of nutrients that become available to corals. Therefore, we need to improve urgently the understanding of coral reef nutrient physiology and ecology to be able to predict the survival trajectories of reefs systems across the globe and implement mitigating local coastal management.
Recent advances in the conceptual understanding of coral nutrient biology offers the opportunity to resolve the longstanding controversy over the effects of nutrient enrichment in reef environments. Under the pressure of ever increasing anthropogenic disturbance to reefs, it is imperative that we understand how nutrients influence the system. This session will improve the knowledge- base for local management practice with the aim to promote reef resilience under the pressure of climate change, considering nutrient effects on coral physiology and ecology ranging from molecular mechanisms to the ecosystem scale. The session will of interest to 1) Scientist working on the nutrient physiology and ecology of corals from the molecular level to the ecosystem scale, and 2) Coastal managers and policy makers aiming to advance their knowledge base. Anthropogenic nutrient enrichment is considered a major driver of reef decline. However, previous studies failed to explain why nutrients had negative effects in some cases but not in others. As a consequence, policy makers are reluctant to promote action against nutrient pollution and the affected management approaches were made responsible for regional nitrogen enrichment of reefs and mass coral extinction. Recent research has shown that a differentiating view on the effect of nutrients is required, in particular when they act in combination with heat or light stress. Climate change will result in rising seawater temperatures in most coral reef regions. However, changes in large scale wind systems and stratification of the world’s ocean in combination with local human activity may have largely deviating effects on the amount of nutrients that become available to corals. Therefore, we need to improve urgently the understanding of coral reef nutrient physiology and ecology to be able to predict the survival trajectories of reefs systems across the globe and implement mitigating local coastal management.
16. Proximate and evolutionary causes and consequences of larval dispersal in coral reef seascapes
Organisers: Gerrit B. Nanninga
The degree of larval connectivity between spatially segregated sub-populations has critical consequences for a species’ evolution, population dynamics, geographic range and resilience toward disturbance. Due to the inherent difficulty of tracking minute larvae in a vast and dynamic ocean, however, larval dispersal remains an enigmatic process. Relatively recent methodological advances have enabled us to estimate patterns of connectivity over a range of spatio-temporal scales in a variety of coral reef organisms. The emergent paradigm from this research is that populations may be much less open than commonly believed only a decade ago. While the majority of settlement appears to take place close to the spawning site, some larvae do travel enormous distances. The proximate causes (e.g. phenotype-environment interactions) and evolutionary consequences (e.g. population structure) of such intra-specific variability in dispersal strategies constitute a relatively recent, yet crucial field of investigation with important ramifications for dispersal modelling and reserve network design. Larval dispersal is inherently a multidisciplinary field of research, attracting geneticists, statisticians and modellers, behavioural ecologists, physiologists and eventually conservationists dealing with spatial management of threatened coastal resources. The primary target audience comprises ecologists working on any aspect of larval dispersal, ranging from population genetics over larval behaviour to the prediction of dispersal pathways using coupled biophysical models.
The degree of larval connectivity between spatially segregated sub-populations has critical consequences for a species’ evolution, population dynamics, geographic range and resilience toward disturbance. Due to the inherent difficulty of tracking minute larvae in a vast and dynamic ocean, however, larval dispersal remains an enigmatic process. Relatively recent methodological advances have enabled us to estimate patterns of connectivity over a range of spatio-temporal scales in a variety of coral reef organisms. The emergent paradigm from this research is that populations may be much less open than commonly believed only a decade ago. While the majority of settlement appears to take place close to the spawning site, some larvae do travel enormous distances. The proximate causes (e.g. phenotype-environment interactions) and evolutionary consequences (e.g. population structure) of such intra-specific variability in dispersal strategies constitute a relatively recent, yet crucial field of investigation with important ramifications for dispersal modelling and reserve network design. Larval dispersal is inherently a multidisciplinary field of research, attracting geneticists, statisticians and modellers, behavioural ecologists, physiologists and eventually conservationists dealing with spatial management of threatened coastal resources. The primary target audience comprises ecologists working on any aspect of larval dispersal, ranging from population genetics over larval behaviour to the prediction of dispersal pathways using coupled biophysical models.
17. Reefs in three dimensions
Organisers: Kenneth Johnson, Erica Hendy, Dan Bayley & Rebecca Summerfield
Coral reefs contain varied and complex 3D structures on multiple scales, and this heterogeneity plays an important role in the functioning of reef ecosystems. Recent advances in collection, analysis and visualisation of 3D data is therefore revolutionising coral reef science, and providing important new information that is pivotal to understanding vulnerability in a changing world. 3D techniques such as photogrammetry, hyperspectral imaging, and shallow seismic are allow characteristics of coral reef structure and biota to be quantified more efficiently than traditional photographic methods. 3D surface scanning, X-ray computed tomography and light sheet microscopy allow traits of past and present biota to be analysed, and cellular processes to be understood more fully in varied contexts from climate change to larval development. Tools for the generation, visualisation, and analysis of 3D data are becoming available for a wider variety of uses and users. Now that this technology is ubiquitous we face new challenges as a community requiring better techniques for more efficient analysis. The vast volumes of data being generated demand improved protocols for information management and archiving. Besides improving the quality of coral reef science, these advances create new opportunities to engage wider audiences especially through virtual and augmented reality that can allow everyone to experience coral reefs. The target audience includes researchers working with a spectrum of 3D data and developers of new tools and analytical approaches such as computer vision and machine learning. By focusing on techniques rather than a specific research question we are hoping to spark collaborations; virtual reefs and three-dimensional coral datasets can be employed to explore varied questions from trait based modelling to worldwide trends in coral reef complexity and diversity.
Coral reefs contain varied and complex 3D structures on multiple scales, and this heterogeneity plays an important role in the functioning of reef ecosystems. Recent advances in collection, analysis and visualisation of 3D data is therefore revolutionising coral reef science, and providing important new information that is pivotal to understanding vulnerability in a changing world. 3D techniques such as photogrammetry, hyperspectral imaging, and shallow seismic are allow characteristics of coral reef structure and biota to be quantified more efficiently than traditional photographic methods. 3D surface scanning, X-ray computed tomography and light sheet microscopy allow traits of past and present biota to be analysed, and cellular processes to be understood more fully in varied contexts from climate change to larval development. Tools for the generation, visualisation, and analysis of 3D data are becoming available for a wider variety of uses and users. Now that this technology is ubiquitous we face new challenges as a community requiring better techniques for more efficient analysis. The vast volumes of data being generated demand improved protocols for information management and archiving. Besides improving the quality of coral reef science, these advances create new opportunities to engage wider audiences especially through virtual and augmented reality that can allow everyone to experience coral reefs. The target audience includes researchers working with a spectrum of 3D data and developers of new tools and analytical approaches such as computer vision and machine learning. By focusing on techniques rather than a specific research question we are hoping to spark collaborations; virtual reefs and three-dimensional coral datasets can be employed to explore varied questions from trait based modelling to worldwide trends in coral reef complexity and diversity.
18. Climate induced shifts in the structure of coral reef assemblages
Organisers: Morgan Pratchett, Catherine Head, David Feary & Shaun Wilson
Climate change is the single greatest threat to coral reefs globally. Not only are corals bleaching and ultimately succumbing to the effects of increasing ocean temperatures, but sustained changes in local and regional environmental conditions are undermining the capacity of corals to cope and recover in the aftermath of heat waves and other anomalous conditions. These effects are not however, equally apportioned among different coral species, leading to marked shifts in community composition and structure. Such climate-induced changes in environmental conditions and habitat structure are also rapidly and substantially impacting the distribution, biology and behaviour of motile reef organisms, such as fishes. Within this ambitious thematic session we bring together coral reef biologists and ecologists from a range of disciplines to discuss the overarching impacts of climate change on coral reefs and the assemblages that rely on these communities, and the consequences of such changes for biodiversity, productivity, ecosystem function and ultimately the future of healthy coral reef ecosystems. The session will be led by Professor Morgan Pratchett who is one of the foremost reef ecosystem ecologists, who has published >100 papers describing effects of climate change on coral assemblages and reef fishes and has been a leader in developing our understanding of the myriad impacts that changing coral reef ecosystems have on tropical communities. We also plan to invite a range of international speakers to document observed impacts of climate change (including impacts arising from the severe heat waves in 2015-16 across much of the Pacific and Indian oceans) on coral reef organisms, ecosystems and processes.
Climate change is the single greatest threat to coral reefs globally. Not only are corals bleaching and ultimately succumbing to the effects of increasing ocean temperatures, but sustained changes in local and regional environmental conditions are undermining the capacity of corals to cope and recover in the aftermath of heat waves and other anomalous conditions. These effects are not however, equally apportioned among different coral species, leading to marked shifts in community composition and structure. Such climate-induced changes in environmental conditions and habitat structure are also rapidly and substantially impacting the distribution, biology and behaviour of motile reef organisms, such as fishes. Within this ambitious thematic session we bring together coral reef biologists and ecologists from a range of disciplines to discuss the overarching impacts of climate change on coral reefs and the assemblages that rely on these communities, and the consequences of such changes for biodiversity, productivity, ecosystem function and ultimately the future of healthy coral reef ecosystems. The session will be led by Professor Morgan Pratchett who is one of the foremost reef ecosystem ecologists, who has published >100 papers describing effects of climate change on coral assemblages and reef fishes and has been a leader in developing our understanding of the myriad impacts that changing coral reef ecosystems have on tropical communities. We also plan to invite a range of international speakers to document observed impacts of climate change (including impacts arising from the severe heat waves in 2015-16 across much of the Pacific and Indian oceans) on coral reef organisms, ecosystems and processes.
19. Coral reef restoration: Long-term studies, recent advances and scaling up to meaningful ecological scales
Organisers: Anastazia T. Banaszak, Alasdair Edwards & Valérie Chamberland
Current restoration techniques can only be applied at scales that are too small (m2) to address the rate and geographic extent of coral reef degradation (hectares). Initially, restoration practices were designed to remediate acute, local disturbances such as ship groundings, and commonly made use of “fragments of opportunity” collected at the site of the disturbance. The methods used were thus suitable to assist the recovery of relatively small areas only. Progressively, reef restoration practitioners have sought to respond to coral reef degradation at larger scales to slow down the loss of essential ecosystem functions and services provided by coral reefs. Concurrently, the importance of incorporating sexual propagation has been recognized to maintain or increase genetic diversity, and thus promote gene flow and connectivity between populations. Sexual propagation techniques may eventually be used to carry out assisted evolution within well-managed areas. The aim of this session is to foster information exchange between coral restoration scientists, practitioners and managers, and to share recent advances in active coral restoration, particularly on a large scale. This session will include studies that have collected multi-year follow-up data to measure the outcome of fragment and sexual recruit propagation techniques, as well as studies that tackle the challenge of scaling up to restore large areas. It is expected that the session will serve to motivate future practices and research that help to advance the practice of coral reef restoration.
Current restoration techniques can only be applied at scales that are too small (m2) to address the rate and geographic extent of coral reef degradation (hectares). Initially, restoration practices were designed to remediate acute, local disturbances such as ship groundings, and commonly made use of “fragments of opportunity” collected at the site of the disturbance. The methods used were thus suitable to assist the recovery of relatively small areas only. Progressively, reef restoration practitioners have sought to respond to coral reef degradation at larger scales to slow down the loss of essential ecosystem functions and services provided by coral reefs. Concurrently, the importance of incorporating sexual propagation has been recognized to maintain or increase genetic diversity, and thus promote gene flow and connectivity between populations. Sexual propagation techniques may eventually be used to carry out assisted evolution within well-managed areas. The aim of this session is to foster information exchange between coral restoration scientists, practitioners and managers, and to share recent advances in active coral restoration, particularly on a large scale. This session will include studies that have collected multi-year follow-up data to measure the outcome of fragment and sexual recruit propagation techniques, as well as studies that tackle the challenge of scaling up to restore large areas. It is expected that the session will serve to motivate future practices and research that help to advance the practice of coral reef restoration.
20. Reef research at the model-data boundary: Improving collaboration between modellers and empirical scientists.
Organisers: Erica Hendy, Sally Wood & Sönke Hohn
From individual-level carbonate production to global patterns of diversity, numerical models of reef processes on various scales are becoming increasingly common. It is therefore important that we understand why and how models are used, what constitutes good practice, and how model output should be interpreted. The necessity of models is driven by a lack of data, and this same lack of data renders the utility of models as primarily heuristic - “toys to tune our intuition”. Whilst the onus should be on modellers to explain their work clearly, a general understanding of these principles by empirical scientists will aid in improving the utility of numerical models for reef research.This session aims to improve communication between empirical scientists and modellers in order to promote the collection of data of real use to both, as well as showcasing cutting-edge research at the model-data boundary. The session will be of interest to: empirical researchers who either use or would be interested in using the output from models of reef processes, and modellers who use data for parameterisation and/or validation. Numerical modelling offers a means to better understand the processes influencing reef ecosystems, filling in the ‘gaps’ in empirical data collection. However, two perceived issues may be holding back the full utility of these powerful tools; 1) data for model parameterisation is often lacking, leading to claims of lack of model ‘realism’, and 2) this lack of data also leads to significant challenges in validating models, potentially preventing empirical researchers from engaging with modelling and hindering publication and funding for interdisciplinary model-empirical work. These issues can be negated by a proper understanding of why models are used and how they should be interpreted.
From individual-level carbonate production to global patterns of diversity, numerical models of reef processes on various scales are becoming increasingly common. It is therefore important that we understand why and how models are used, what constitutes good practice, and how model output should be interpreted. The necessity of models is driven by a lack of data, and this same lack of data renders the utility of models as primarily heuristic - “toys to tune our intuition”. Whilst the onus should be on modellers to explain their work clearly, a general understanding of these principles by empirical scientists will aid in improving the utility of numerical models for reef research.This session aims to improve communication between empirical scientists and modellers in order to promote the collection of data of real use to both, as well as showcasing cutting-edge research at the model-data boundary. The session will be of interest to: empirical researchers who either use or would be interested in using the output from models of reef processes, and modellers who use data for parameterisation and/or validation. Numerical modelling offers a means to better understand the processes influencing reef ecosystems, filling in the ‘gaps’ in empirical data collection. However, two perceived issues may be holding back the full utility of these powerful tools; 1) data for model parameterisation is often lacking, leading to claims of lack of model ‘realism’, and 2) this lack of data also leads to significant challenges in validating models, potentially preventing empirical researchers from engaging with modelling and hindering publication and funding for interdisciplinary model-empirical work. These issues can be negated by a proper understanding of why models are used and how they should be interpreted.
21. Coral reef food-web structures in space and time
Organisers: Nicholas Polunin & Benjamin Kürten
Food-webs are core components of all ecosystems but we are way behind in understanding the complex structure and dynamics of these on coral reefs. Stable isotopes and other tracers (e.g. fatty acids), and approaches such as size-based and spatial gradient analyses, among others, have helped to elucidate some fundamental processes and features. This session will act as a focal point for those who are exploring the food-webs and trophic ecologies of coral reefs. It is anticipated that presentations will include topics such as: novel feeding methods; size-based food-web structures and their interpretation (e.g. predator-prey interactions); large-scale changes in structure and drivers of these including coral-bleaching, nutrient input and fishing impacts; production source types supporting coral reefs and spatial variation in these; implications of trophic structure shifts for wider ecosystem function (e.g. nutrient recycling, fish production); ecosystem connectivity (e.g. benthic-pelagic coupling); modelling of whole food-webs; and food-web reconstruction.
Food-webs are core components of all ecosystems but we are way behind in understanding the complex structure and dynamics of these on coral reefs. Stable isotopes and other tracers (e.g. fatty acids), and approaches such as size-based and spatial gradient analyses, among others, have helped to elucidate some fundamental processes and features. This session will act as a focal point for those who are exploring the food-webs and trophic ecologies of coral reefs. It is anticipated that presentations will include topics such as: novel feeding methods; size-based food-web structures and their interpretation (e.g. predator-prey interactions); large-scale changes in structure and drivers of these including coral-bleaching, nutrient input and fishing impacts; production source types supporting coral reefs and spatial variation in these; implications of trophic structure shifts for wider ecosystem function (e.g. nutrient recycling, fish production); ecosystem connectivity (e.g. benthic-pelagic coupling); modelling of whole food-webs; and food-web reconstruction.
22. Mesophotic coral ecosystems: shifting from patterns to processes
Organisers: Dominic Andradi-Brown, Gal Eyal, Joe Turner & Andrea Gori
Both mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs; tropical reefs from approximately 30-150 m depth) and the deep-sublittoral zone in temperate seas have historically been neglected in marine research because of the difficulties associated with access to these depths. Yet these ecosystems often contain high diversity of corals, fishes and other invertebrate species. In the face of increasing global threats to benthic communities there is an increased interest in the role of deeper habitats as refuge aiding communities resilience. This has led to a substantial increase in research on mesophotic benthic communities over the past decade, especially on tropical MCEs. We now generally understand the broad patterns in community structure changes between shallow and deeper reefs and research attention is now starting to shift to more detailed ecological processes. This session will be open to all those working on tropical MCEs or temperate deep-sublittoral reef systems at similar depths. We will actively encourage submissions covering all taxonomic groups and geographical regions. With the conference taking place in the UK we expect to draw on expertise both from across all of the European region, where many research groups working on these ecosystems are based, but also globally.
Both mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs; tropical reefs from approximately 30-150 m depth) and the deep-sublittoral zone in temperate seas have historically been neglected in marine research because of the difficulties associated with access to these depths. Yet these ecosystems often contain high diversity of corals, fishes and other invertebrate species. In the face of increasing global threats to benthic communities there is an increased interest in the role of deeper habitats as refuge aiding communities resilience. This has led to a substantial increase in research on mesophotic benthic communities over the past decade, especially on tropical MCEs. We now generally understand the broad patterns in community structure changes between shallow and deeper reefs and research attention is now starting to shift to more detailed ecological processes. This session will be open to all those working on tropical MCEs or temperate deep-sublittoral reef systems at similar depths. We will actively encourage submissions covering all taxonomic groups and geographical regions. With the conference taking place in the UK we expect to draw on expertise both from across all of the European region, where many research groups working on these ecosystems are based, but also globally.
23. Diversity and function of coral symbionts of the genus symbiodinium- sentinels of coral resilience
Organisers: Christian R. Voolstra, Ben Hume & Edward Smith
Corals and the ecosystems they support have been among the most sensitive to climate change. However, considerable variations in their response to environmental stressors are observed. One important factor that contributes to coral reef resilience is the identity of the coral-harbored algal symbionts in the genus Symbiodinium. Dinoflagellate algae of the genus Symbiodinium are important endosymbionts of corals and many other tropical marine invertebrates. Focus of research over the past few decades has highlighted how genetic diversity within this genus may be critical to the longer term survival of coral reefs. However, it is only through recent technical and conceptual advances that we are beginning to understand the functional complexity of Symbiodinium populations and how coral reef communities may adapt to prevailing environmental conditions. Despite this progress, it is currently unclear how flexible host-symbiont associations may be and by what mechanisms different algal symbionts may confer physiological advantages to their hosts. Such knowledge is critical in gaining further insight into the global capacity of corals to develop symbioses that will allow them to persist during future shifts in climate. In this session we invite contributions that explore how advances in physiology, ecology, and taxonomy of host-algal symbioses are challenging established paradigms and shedding light on the role these symbioses will play in mitigating further loss of coral cover in reef ecosystems globally. This session will bring together researchers focusing on basic and applied aspects of Symbiodinium biology and encourage submissions from across all disciplines.
Corals and the ecosystems they support have been among the most sensitive to climate change. However, considerable variations in their response to environmental stressors are observed. One important factor that contributes to coral reef resilience is the identity of the coral-harbored algal symbionts in the genus Symbiodinium. Dinoflagellate algae of the genus Symbiodinium are important endosymbionts of corals and many other tropical marine invertebrates. Focus of research over the past few decades has highlighted how genetic diversity within this genus may be critical to the longer term survival of coral reefs. However, it is only through recent technical and conceptual advances that we are beginning to understand the functional complexity of Symbiodinium populations and how coral reef communities may adapt to prevailing environmental conditions. Despite this progress, it is currently unclear how flexible host-symbiont associations may be and by what mechanisms different algal symbionts may confer physiological advantages to their hosts. Such knowledge is critical in gaining further insight into the global capacity of corals to develop symbioses that will allow them to persist during future shifts in climate. In this session we invite contributions that explore how advances in physiology, ecology, and taxonomy of host-algal symbioses are challenging established paradigms and shedding light on the role these symbioses will play in mitigating further loss of coral cover in reef ecosystems globally. This session will bring together researchers focusing on basic and applied aspects of Symbiodinium biology and encourage submissions from across all disciplines.
24. Coral reef engineers in a changing ocean- implications for ecosystem functions and services
Organisers: Christin Wild, Florian Roth & Nils Rädecker
Key coral reef organisms like hard corals, sponges, or algae act as ecosystem engineers by creating habitats for other organisms and by controlling the availability of resources. Reef ecosystem engineers fulfill important biogeochemical functions such as the release of inorganic (i.e. calcium carbonate structures) and organic (i.e. mucus and sugars) compounds and facilitate C and N fixation by associated microbes. Recent research revealed that the physiology of reef engineers and their biogeochemical processes is highly and differently affected by global (e.g. ocean warming and acidification) and local (e.g. eutrophication and overfishing) stressors that likely interact. This implies cascading impacts on reef ecosystem functions and services such as primary productivity, nutrient recycling, coastal protection, provisioning of biodiversity, and human food security. Novel reef ecosystems, shaped by ongoing environmental change, will likely be dominated by benthic organisms other than hard corals resulting in altered ecosystem functions and a potential loss of precious and unique services. This session invites abstracts on the latest findings related to coral reef ecosystem engineers and their associated ecosystem services. Bringing together scientists from a diverse background, this session aims to facilitate interdisciplinary exchange about future research priorities and implications for coral reef management.
Key coral reef organisms like hard corals, sponges, or algae act as ecosystem engineers by creating habitats for other organisms and by controlling the availability of resources. Reef ecosystem engineers fulfill important biogeochemical functions such as the release of inorganic (i.e. calcium carbonate structures) and organic (i.e. mucus and sugars) compounds and facilitate C and N fixation by associated microbes. Recent research revealed that the physiology of reef engineers and their biogeochemical processes is highly and differently affected by global (e.g. ocean warming and acidification) and local (e.g. eutrophication and overfishing) stressors that likely interact. This implies cascading impacts on reef ecosystem functions and services such as primary productivity, nutrient recycling, coastal protection, provisioning of biodiversity, and human food security. Novel reef ecosystems, shaped by ongoing environmental change, will likely be dominated by benthic organisms other than hard corals resulting in altered ecosystem functions and a potential loss of precious and unique services. This session invites abstracts on the latest findings related to coral reef ecosystem engineers and their associated ecosystem services. Bringing together scientists from a diverse background, this session aims to facilitate interdisciplinary exchange about future research priorities and implications for coral reef management.
25. Open Application (for general conference sessions on a range of coral reef related topics)
Want to present a talk or poster at the European Coral Reef Symposium, but not sure what session your work fits into? No problem! You can submit your abstract to our Open Session and we'll try our best to accommodate you!
We will be having a series of general conference sessions covering topics such as Ecology & Diversity, Conservation & Management, Molecular & Cell Biology, Geology & Geomorphology, Fish & Fisheries Science, and Social Sciences. If you submit your abstract as an open application we'll allocate your abstract to a session with similar talks.
We will be having a series of general conference sessions covering topics such as Ecology & Diversity, Conservation & Management, Molecular & Cell Biology, Geology & Geomorphology, Fish & Fisheries Science, and Social Sciences. If you submit your abstract as an open application we'll allocate your abstract to a session with similar talks.
