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Description:
Project Manager:
Derek Manzello
Project Years:
2018
2019
2020
Project Summary:
From previous CRCP funding, we measured bleaching severity and recovery in the threatened coral Orbicella faveolata in the Florida Keys as a function of coral host and algal symbiont genotype on 10 reefs spanning environmental gradients of temperature, light, and pH. Inshore sites, despite higher temperatures (+0.5-1.2oC), demonstrated significantly better recovery and often higher bleaching resistance than sites offshore during mass bleaching in 2015. Host genotype significantly influenced the abundance of heat-tolerant symbionts and how much thermal tolerance was gained by hosting them. On inshore reefs in the Florida Keys the existence of corals at temperatures that are +1.0oC warmer than offshore sites may be a possible source of heat-tolerant genotypes for restoration. These results have vital implications, as we may have identified a potential repository of "super" corals that could be used for future management and restoration activities with climate change.To understand if the inshore-offshore dichotomy in heat resistance is due to acclimatization or adaptation, we propose to measure gene expression associated with the different genotypes of O. faveolata in the reciprocal transplant experiments described below.
Expected Outcome:
This project will determine the physiological molecular mechanisms that are associated with acclimatization and adaptation to heat stress in this threatened coral species. Understanding the genetic basis of how certain coral genotypes can cope with heat stress is the first step towards management of this critical species with climate change.
Project Locations:
Project Category:
Climate Change
Project Type:
Ongoing
Project Status:
Funding Ended
Associated Products:
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