Reproductive periodicity of the scleractinian coral Lophelia pertusa from the Trondheim Fjord, Norway

Between 2002 and 2008, samples of the cold-water scleractinian coral Lophelia pertusa were collected from the Trondheim Fjord in Norway to examine reproductive periodicity. Collections were made from three locations: Tautra, (63°35.36′N, 10°31.23′E at 40–70 m), Stokkbergneset (63°28.18′N, 09°54.73′E at 110–500 m), and Røberg (63°28.88′N, 09°59.50′E at 250 m). Populations of L. pertusa from the Trondheim Fjord initiated oogenesis in January and spawning occurred from late January to early March the following year. Gametogenic cycles of the female L. pertusa samples overlapped by approximately 2 months, with oogonia visible in January, but this was not evident in the males. This paper provides the most complete gametogenic cycle to date and spawning observations for this important structure-forming species. The results from fjord populations are compared with published and preliminary data from other regions and are discussed in the context of regional differences in physical and biological variables, particularly food supply. Differences in gametogenic cycles within a single species provide a rare opportunity (especially in deep-sea species) to examine potential drivers of reproduction.     

Brooded coral larvae differ in their response to high temperature and elevated pCO2 depending on the day of release

To evaluate the effects of temperature and pCO₂ on coral larvae, brooded larvae of Pocillopora damicornis from Nanwan Bay, Taiwan (21°56.179′N, 120°44.85′E), were exposed to ambient (419–470 μatm) and high (604–742 μatm) pCO₂ at ~25 and ~29 °C in two experiments conducted in March 2010 and March 2012. Larvae were sampled from four consecutive lunar days (LD) synchronized with spawning following the new moon, incubated in treatments for 24 h, and measured for respiration, maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (F _v/F _m), and mortality. The most striking outcome was a strong effect of time (i.e., LD) on larvae performance: respiration was affected by an LD × temperature interaction in 2010 and 2012, as well as an LD × pCO₂ × temperature interaction in 2012; F _v/F _m was affected by LD in 2010 (but not 2012); and mortality was affected by an LD × pCO₂ interaction in 2010, and an LD × temperature interaction in 2012. There were no main effects of pCO₂ in 2010, but in 2012, high pCO₂ depressed metabolic rate and reduced mortality. Therefore, differences in larval performance depended on day of release and resulted in varying susceptibility to future predicted environmental conditions. These results underscore the importance of considering larval brood variation across days when designing experiments. Subtle differences in experimental outcomes between years suggest that transgenerational plasticity in combination with unique histories of exposure to physical conditions can modulate the response of brooded coral larvae to climate change and ocean acidification.     

Effect of temperature and temperature adaptation on calcification rate in the hermatypic coral Pocillopora damicornis

Using ⁴⁵Ca incorporation into the coral skeleton as a measure of calcification rate, the effect of temperature on clacification rate was studied in the hermatypic coral Pocillopora damicornis. Both immediate and long-term (adaptation) effects were investigated. Temperature has a marked effect on rate — an effect that varies depending on the temperature history of the coral (i.e., temperature adaptation occurs). P. damicornis showed both 27° and 31°C temperature optima, one or the other being dominant depending on the natural water temperature to which the coral was adapted. The two optimum temperatures may indicate two isoenzymes or two alternate metabolic pathways involved in the calcification process.     

Elevated CO2 affects the behavior of an ecologically and economically important coral reef fish

We tested the effect of near-future CO₂ levels (≈490, 570, 700, and 960 μatm CO₂) on the olfactory responses and activity levels of juvenile coral trout, Plectropomus leopardus, a piscivorous reef fish that is also one of the most important fisheries species on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Juvenile coral trout reared for 4 weeks at 570 μatm CO₂ exhibited similar sensory responses and behaviors to juveniles reared at 490 μatm CO₂ (control). In contrast, juveniles reared at 700 and 960 μatm CO₂ exhibited dramatically altered sensory function and behaviors. At these higher CO₂ concentrations, juveniles became attracted to the odor of potential predators, as has been observed in other reef fishes. They were more active, spent less time in shelter, ventured further from shelter, and were bolder than fish reared at 490 or 570 μatm CO₂. These results demonstrate that behavioral impairment of coral trout is unlikely if pCO₂ remains below 600 μatm; however, at higher levels, there are significant impacts on juvenile performance that are likely to affect survival and energy budgets, with consequences for predator–prey interactions and commercial fisheries.     

广西英罗港不同红树林群落土壤CO2和CH4通量对气温变化的响应

采用WEST-1011便携式土壤通量测量仪对广西北海英罗港自然保护区不同红树植物群落土壤的CO2和CH4排放通量特征以及其与气温的关系进行研究。结果表明,各群落土壤CH4通量的值都较小,在-2~3μmol.m-2.s-1之间;红海榄Rhizophora stylosa群落、木榄Brugiera gymmonhiza群落一天的CO2通量变化很小,秋茄Kandelia candel群落一天的CO2通量变化比较明显,最大值出现在19：00,为5.001μmol.m-2.s-1,桐花树Aegiceras corniculatum群落一天的CO2通量变化明显,最大值出现在11：00,为8.325μmol.m-2.s-1。排放通量与气温做相关性研究发现,气温与红海榄群落、木榄群落土壤CH4通量与气温呈不显著的正相关关系,与秋茄群落呈现极其显著的负相关关系,与桐花树群落呈显著的负相关关系;气温与红海榄群落、木榄群落、秋茄群落、桐花树群落的土壤CO2通量均呈不显著的负相关关系。     

Effect of elevated temperature on aerobic respiration of coral recruits

Metabolic rates provide a valuable means to assess the condition of early life stages of scleractinians, but their small biomass creates a signal-to-noise problem in a confined respirometer. To avoid this problem, measurements of the oxygen diffusion boundary layer (DBL) and Ficks first law were used to calculate the respiration rate of coenosarc tissue on recruits (i.e., colonies 5–14 mm diameter) of Porites lutea (Edwards and Haime, 1860) exposed to two temperatures at a flow speed of 0.6 cm s^–1. All experiments were completed in Moorea, French Polynesia, between November and December 2003. At 26.8°C, the DBL was 565±55 µm thick, the oxygen saturation adjacent to the tissue was 80±3%, and the mean respiration of the coenosarc was 1.2±0.1 µl O₂ cm^–2 h^–1 (all values mean ± SE, n=10). Exposure to 29.7°C for 24–48 h did not affect the DBL thickness but significantly reduced the oxygen saturation adjacent to the tissue (to 74%) and increased the mean respiration rate by 35%. As the small corals differed slightly in size, in a uniform flow speed they experienced dissimilar flow environments as characterized by the Reynolds number (Re), thereby creating the opportunity to test the flow dependency of respiration. At 26.8°C, respiration and Re were unrelated, but at 29.7°C, the relationship was positive and statistically significant. Thus, respiration of small corals may not be mass transfer limited at low temperature, but relatively small increases in temperature may result in an increased metabolic rate leading to mass transfer limitation and flow-dependent rates of respiration.Communicated by J.P. Grassle, New Brunswick     

Synergistic effects of temperature,salinity and light on the hermatypic coral Montipora verrucosa

Temperature tolerance in the reef coral Montipora verrucosa (Lamarck) is affected by salinity and light. Low salinity reduces ability of the coral to survive shortterm exposure to elevated temperature. High natural light intensity aggravates damage sustained by corals at high temperature. In long-term growth experiments, high light intensity caused substantial loss of zooxanthellar pigment, higher mortality rates, reduced carbon fixation and lowered growth rate at both upper and lower sublethal temperatures Effects of light at optimal temperature were less dramatic. Interactions between physical environmental factors appear to be most important near the limits of tolerance for a given factor. Acclimation capability was indicated, and was influenced by both thermal history and pigmentation state of stressed corals.Contribution No. 543 of the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology.     

大气CO2浓度升高对植物光合作用的影响

大气CO2浓度不断升高以及由此带来的温室效应已成为全球变化研究的热点问题之一。CO2作为植物光合作用的底物,其浓度升高必然对植物的光合作用产生影响。大气CO2浓度升高对植物光合作用的影响主要体现在:对不同植物的光合色素含量均有影响,但结果有所差异;短期处理光合速率提高,而长期处理则可能出现光合适应,其适应机理目前尚存在分歧;不同光合类型植物的叶片形态结构有不同的响应结果,叶绿体超微结构也明显变化;生物量和产量提高。此外,CO2浓度升高与其它环境因子相互作用对植物的光合作用也具有重要影响。大气CO2浓度升高条件下对木本植物的研究、在分子水平上的深入研究以及在不同环境下的研究将成为未来研究的主要方向。     

Effects of the 1996 and 1998 positive sea-surface temperature anomalies on corals,coral diseases and fish in the Arabian Gulf (Dubai,UAE)

Two positive sea-surface temperature anomalies occurred in the Arabian Gulf in short sequence. Between May and August 1996 and 1998, sea-surface temperatures in the southern Arabian Gulf were elevated by 2°C above average. The consequences for coral fauna, coral diseases and coral regeneration were studied in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) between Jebel Ali and Ras Hasyan. In 1996, coral death was widespread, affecting primarily the genus Acropora. In Acropora-dominated areas, live coral cover was reduced from 90% to about 26% in 1996, while in 1998 only a reduction from 26% to 22% of the remaining coral cover occurred. In the study area, all six Acropora species suffered total mortality in 1996, thus the coral fauna was reduced from 34 species to 27. The nearest areas with surviving Acropora were 30 km to the east (Deira) and 20 km to the west (Al Jazira). Massive coral species suffered negligible mortality, and slowly increased in space cover. The Acropora overkill turned 7.9 km² (19.7% of total coral-covered area) of previously lush coral gardens into a dead framework that was increasingly bioeroded. Acropora recruitment only started in 1998, average recruit size in 1999 was 7Dž cm, and recruits were rare. Prior to the mass mortality event, coral diseases were common and seasonal (14LJ% of corals, mainly Acropora, affected in summer, in winter 7Lj%, mainly massives), after the mortality event seasonality was lost and infection remained below winter levels (6LJ%, only massives infected). In fish, overall species richness decreased from 95 to 64 species in point counts, but frequency only decreased in one species (Pseudochromis persicus). Guild structure changed inasmuch as herbivores and planktivores increased, and invertivores decreased, although differences were not statistically significant. The most abundant family, both prior to and after the coral mass mortality, was Lutjanidae. It appears that even though much of the coral was dead, the maintenance of structural complexity allowed the fish assemblage to avoid a similar catastrophic change to that experienced by the coral assemblage.     

Post-larval development of two intertidal barnacles at elevated CO2 and temperature

Ocean acidification and global warming are occurring concomitantly, yet few studies have investigated how organisms will respond to increases in both temperature and CO₂. Intertidal microcosms were used to examine growth, shell mineralogy and survival of two intertidal barnacle post-larvae, Semibalanus balanoides and Elminius modestus, at two temperatures (14 and 19°C) and two CO₂ concentrations (380 and 1,000 ppm), fed with a mixed diatom-flagellate diet at 15,000 cells ml⁻¹ with flow rate of 10 ml⁻¹ min⁻¹. Control growth rates, using operculum diameter, were 14 ± 8 μm day⁻¹ and 6 ± 2 μm day⁻¹ for S. balanoides and E. modestus, respectively. Subtle, but significant decreases in E. modestus growth rate were observed in high CO₂ but there were no impacts on shell calcium content and survival by either elevated temperature or CO₂. S. balanoides exhibited no clear alterations in growth rate but did show a large reduction in shell calcium content and survival under elevated temperature and CO₂. These results suggest that a decrease by 0.4 pH_(NBS) units alone would not be sufficient to directly impact the survival of barnacles during the first month post-settlement. However, in conjunction with a 4–5°C increase in temperature, it appears that significant changes to the biology of these organisms will ensue.     

Effects of in situ CO2 enrichment on the structural and chemical characteristics of the seagrass Thalassia testudinum

Seagrasses commonly display carbon-limited photosynthetic rates. Thus, increases in atmospheric pCO₂, and consequentially oceanic CO_2(aq) concentrations, may prove beneficial. While addressed in mesocosms, these hypotheses have not been tested in the field with manipulative experimentation. This study examines the effects of in situ CO_2(aq) enrichment on the structural and chemical characteristics of the tropical seagrass, Thalassia testudinum. CO_2(aq) availability was manipulated for 6 months in clear, open-top chambers within a shallow seagrass meadow in the Florida Keys (USA), reproducing forecasts for the year 2100. Structural characteristics (leaf area, leaf growth, shoot mass, and shoot density) were unresponsive to CO_2(aq) enrichment. However, leaf nitrogen and phosphorus content declined on average by 11 and 21 %, respectively. Belowground, non-structural carbohydrates increased by 29 %. These results indicate that increased CO_2(aq) availability may primarily alter the chemical composition of seagrasses, influencing both the nutrient status and resilience of these systems.     

开放式空气CO2浓度升高对水稻根系形态的影响

在FACE（free-air carbon dioxide enrichment）技术平台上，采用水培的研究方法，观测了大气CO2浓度升高和两种氮水平下水稻根系形态的变化。结果表明，在水稻各生育期，CO2浓度升高都极显著增加了根干质量，且主要增加于根粗为2．0～2．5mm／n的部位。根系形态的各项指标均对高CO2浓度有积极的响应，在抽穗期尤为明显；N处理的差异很明显，低氮条件下根系表现为根长、根尖数和根表面积增加，常氮条件下根粗和发根数增加。各生育期的根冠比在高CO2浓度下极显著增加，尤其在LN处理下。水稻从分蘖期到抽穗期，因地上部分的增幅大，根冠比表现为逐渐降低的趋势。     

Effects of crude oil and chemical dispersant on photosynthesis in the brain coral Diploria strigosa

An eight-hour exposure of Diploria strigosa (Dana) to a mixture of Arabian Light crude oil (19 ppm) and the chemical dispersant “Corexit 9527” (1 ppm) in a flowing seawater system reduced photosynthesis by symbiotic zooxanthellae by 85%, while either oil or dispersant alone had no effect. The greatest effect of crude oil plus dispersant occurred in the incorporation of photosynthetic products into lipids. Synthesis of was esters and triglycerides, the major storage lipids, was particularly affected. Total carbon fixation was restored within 3–5 h after treatment, and lipid synthesis was restored within 5–24 h after exposure.     

高温和干旱对银杏光合作用、叶片中黄酮苷和萜类内酯含量的影响

为了探讨高温和干旱的相互作用对银杏(Ginkgobiloba)生长及叶内次生代谢物的影响,设干旱、高温(夜间30℃)和干旱+高温3个处理,测定了2年生银杏幼苗的生长指标、光合特性、叶片水势、气孔导度以及叶内黄酮苷和萜类内酯的含量。与对照(未经干旱或高温处理)相比,高温引起银杏叶片最大净光合速率降低,气孔导度和光补偿点增加;干旱处理后,银杏最大净光合速率、气孔导度和叶片水势均降低,但光补偿点以及叶片黄酮苷和萜类内酯含量增加,表观量子产量变化不明显。高温和干旱共同作用下,银杏光补偿点和呼吸速率增高,光饱和点显著降低,根冠干重比无统计学上显著变化,但总干重降低。上述结果说明干旱和高温降低了银杏对光的适应范围,银杏光能利用效率变低,气孔导度下降,最大净光合速率降低,呼吸作用增强,抑制了生长;干旱引起黄酮苷和萜类内酯含量增加的幅度大于高温。     

颗石藻藻源性二甲基硫丙酸（DMSP）在致死卤虫时的作用检测(The Detection of Lethal Effects of Algal Derived DMSP of Pleurochrysis carterea on Artemia salina)

颗石藻Pleurochrysis carterea具有显著致死卤虫的作用,但机理尚需进一步解明.为了分析颗石藻藻源性的二甲基硫丙酸(DMSP)及其分解产物二甲基硫(DMS)和丙烯酸是否是致死卤虫的原因所在,检测了P.carterae在受卤虫捕食压力情况下细胞DMSP及其裂解产物DMS的定量变化,以及外源DMSP、DMS和丙烯酸对卤虫的直接作用.结果显示,外源添加的高挥发性DMS对卤虫无节幼虫没有急性致死效应.外源重复添加浓度为0.08至1.0mM的DMSP和丙烯酸对卤虫的致死存在浓度和时间相关的效应,浓度越高发生卤虫大量死亡的时间越早.检测外源重复添加DMSP和丙烯酸时的pH变化发现,试剂重复添加会造成pH显著下降,这可能是致死卤虫真实的直接原因.捕食者与被捕食者系统中,检测颗石藻液中藻源性DMSP及裂解产物的定量水平并未达到显著致死卤虫的作用.但是,考虑颗石藻被卤虫重复捕食入体内的累积变化时,从理论值分析来看,颗石藻在卤虫体内的裂解可能对体内产生脉冲式的累积过低酸刺激,或许是造成卤虫的死亡原因.