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Heterotrophy, microbiome, and location effects on restoration efficacy of the threatened coral Acropora palmata

July 17, 2023

The iconic and threatened Caribbean coral, Acropora palmata, is an essential reef-ecosystem engineer. Understanding the processes underpinning this coral’s survival and growth is essential to restoring this foundational species. Here, we compared replicate A. palmata colonies transplanted along 350 km of Florida’s offshore coral reef to determine holobiont and/or environmental variables that predict transplant success. We found a west-to-east gradient in coral physiology coupled with site-specific coral-associated microbiomes. Interestingly, no variables were linked to coral genet. Our results suggest that the unique oceanographic conditions with periodic upwelling events in the Dry Tortugas provide corals with greater opportunity for heterotrophy that in turn enhances coral growth and survivorship, and positively influences the microbiome. Our findings indicate that restoration efforts in the Dry Tortugas, and other places exhibiting higher food availability, could be most effective for A. palmata.

Publication Year 2023
Title Heterotrophy, microbiome, and location effects on restoration efficacy of the threatened coral Acropora palmata
DOI 10.1038/s43247-023-00888-1
Authors Leila Chapron, Ilsa B. Kuffner, Dustin W. Kemp, Ann M. Hulver, Elise Keister, Anastasios Stathakopoulos, Lucy Bartlett, Erin O. Lyons, Andrea G. Grottoli
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Communications Earth & Environment
Index ID 70246718
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
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