Coral Ecophysiology

 

Coral distribution and success relies on a unique symbiotic association with microalgae, or zooxanthellae (Symbiodinium spp.). Whilst corals are essentially sedentary organisms they exist in an environment that experiences huge variability in light. Consequently, the amount of nutrition that can be provided by the Symbiodinium directly corresponds with their ability to respond to the changing light environment (photoacclimation). in situ work in Indonesia and the Seychelles focuses on changes in whole coral colony physiology and photoacclimation across environmental gradients. Laboratory work focuses on optical and biophysical properties of cultured Symbiodinium types under different conditions. Our research will help predict how climate change will affect reef structure and diversity, which will be dependent on the unique assemblage of coral hosts and zooxanthellae.

Research topics:

• Photoacclimation between isolated zooxanthellae types which differ in thermal tolerance with Dr. Mark Warner
• The role of hydrogen peroxide in bleaching with Dr. Mark Warner
• Pigment photoacclimation with Professor Barbara Brown, Dr Kathleen McDougall and Dr. Stuart Gibb.
• The extent of host modification and its role upon zooxanthellae photoacclimation with Dr. Maxim Gorbunov
• The in hospite flexibility and rate of zooxanthellae photoacclimation in key ecological species. Which species show greater flexibility and increased resistance to climate change?