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Hard branching coral on consolidated substrate in very deep waterShort descriptionSubtidal mesophotic coral ecosystems on consolidated substrate in very deep water, dominated by branching hard corals. Disclaimer: Ecosystem type descriptions are based on biophysical attributes identified in Central Queensland through expert advice and supported by scientific literature. Not all ecosystem types are mapped based on current inventory, and many of the ecosystems described here may also occur in other parts of Queensland.
Classification categoriesSelect from the links below to view related ecosystem type categories Long descriptionSubtidal mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs, i.e. low light coral ecosystems), dominated by branching hard coral on consolidated substrate in very deep water (below 30 metres depth). Branching hard corals are also known as staghorn corals. These ecosystems typically occur on old shorelines and/or in deeper paleochannels. Surveys of MCEs in the central Great Barrier Reef found that ‘reefal’ substrate was the best predictor of Structural macrobiota. These consolidated substrates consisted of sediment covered limestone or limestone Substrate composition, of ridge Terrain morphology, formed along the Great Barrier Reef shelf edge by shallow water coral communities during lower sea levels[2]. Dominant Structural macrobiota taxa of MCEs included hard corals, octocorallians* and sponges. There is a wide variation in structures and groups of taxa dominating different sites, depending on differences in Benthic depth, Terrain slope, Rugosity, Water clarity and System metabolism i.e. chlorophyll. The flat tops of the ridges provided the best light for corals deriving their food from photosynthesis (phototrophic) and the steep slopes and sides of the ridges were dominated by corals capable of capturing planktonic prey (heterotrophic)[3]. Branching hard corals (genera Acropora, Isopora) make up a substantial component of upper mesophotic communities (30 to 60 metres) and include deep water specialists exclusively below 40 metres depth[5]. However drilled cores document changing dominant genera on the shelf edge mesophotic reef terraces over the last 30,000 years, with five distinct reef sequences corresponding to different sea levels as the reef migrated back and forth in response[7]. Branching hard corals in MCEs can form large monospecific stands, e.g. extensive Acropora tenella colonies/stands cover over 200 square metres on the Great Detached Reef, far northern Great Barrier Reef, however this has been rarely observed (based on limited surveys[2][3][1][6][5][7]). These are comparable to some of the largest monospecific stands of branching hard corals in shallow waters. Other taxa include non-branching hard corals (also octocorals and sponges) occupying the upper mesophotic depths to around 60 metres depth and lower mesophotic zones to approximately 130 metres (based on surveys in the far northern Great Barrier Reef). Like non-branching deep water corals, branching hard deep water corals are most likely to occur in the lower latitudes. These waters tend to have higher light levels than higher latitudes (everything else equal) due to the angle of the light and reduced path length through the water column (P. Muir, pers. comm.). However deep water corals also occur in shaded microhabitats at higher latitudes, which indicates the low light tolerance of these corals[6]. *Octocorallia is a subclass of the class Anthozoa in the phylum Cnidaria, and include soft corals, gorgonians, sea whips, sea pens, sea fans and octocorals. Like some of the many other anthozoans, octocorallians are sessile polyp-bearing animals with a mobile larval phase. Octocorallians are distinguished by the eight (i.e. octo) tentacles in each polyp. Most octocorallians do not deposit a rigid calcium carbonate exoskeleton, and therefore tend to attach to reefs rather than contribute to reefal frameworks as per the reef building Scleractinian (hard) corals[4]. Special valuesMesophotic ecosystems are potential refugia from disturbance for coral species also found on shallow water ecosystems and include species tolerant to low light levels. Forty-five per cent of shallow reef coral species also occur in the mesophotic[6]. These ecosystems can provide protection from coral bleaching, however the mechanism for reduced bleaching at depth is complicated and appears to be related to Water temperature and/or light levels. In general, MCEs are also a refuge from the physical damage associated with storms and cyclones (Energy magnitude), apart from very intense ones. Coral reefs and communities (including MCEs) are highly valued for their diverse flora and fauna, fish habitat values, as commercial fisheries. The values of Queensland’s coral reefs are internationally recognised in the World Heritage (Great Barrier Reef) and many MCEs are found within its boundaries. The Outstanding Universal Value of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area is based on four criteria (vii), (viii), (ix), (x). Hard coral taxa of MCEs in the northern Great Barrier Reef have high diversity and potentially can preserve evolutionary lineages of Indo-Pacific corals[6]. Diagnostic attributesInundation 'Subtidal' Benthic depth 'Very deep (>30m)' Structural macrobiota 'Hard coral – branching' Consolidation 'Consolidated' QualifiersThe Naturalness qualifier is relevant to MCEs subject to disturbances such as anchoring and trawling. The Cover qualifier is relevant as percentage cover of branching hard corals is of relevance to coral ecosystem monitoring. DistributionA continuous line of submerged reefs extends along much of the shelf edge of the Great Barrier Reef in very deep waters[1]. In the central Great Barrier Reef, consolidated limestone framework from previous shallow reef growth during earlier sea levels provided the best substrate for Structural macrobiota of MCEs[2][3]. There is very little data for MCEs south of Townsville due to limited surveys. Deep water corals are most likely to occur in the lower latitudes. Lower latitude waters tend to have higher light levels than higher latitudes (everything else equal) due to the angle of the light and reduced path length through the water column (P. Muir, pers. comm.). Deep water corals may also occur in shaded microhabitats at higher latitudes, which also indicates the low light tolerance of these corals[6]. The flat tops of the ridges provided the best light for corals deriving their food from photosynthesis (phototrophic) and the steep slopes and sides of the ridges were dominated by corals capable of capturing planktonic prey (heterotrophic)[3]. CommentsVery deep water depth is associated with low light levels. Very clear water (Water clarity) is required for hard corals to grow in very deep water. Hard coral growth at depth requires very clear water to enable sufficient light to reach the corals (P. Muir, pers. comm.). Other attributes include Terrain morphology, Slope and Water temperature[2][5][6]. Through bathymetric multi-beam surveys of deep water, likely MCEs were located by analysing terrain variables of Morphology, Slope etc., identifying consolidated substrates to survey for their Structural macrobiota and Benthic rugosity[3]. Energy source (current/upwelling) and Magnitude are also relevant[3]. Additional InformationWhat are Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems? - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Mapping the life mesophotic - Marine Biodiversity Hub References
Last updated: 12 July 2019 This page should be cited as: Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, Queensland (2019) Hard branching coral on consolidated substrate in very deep water, WetlandInfo website, accessed 30 August 2024. Available at: https://wetlandinfo.des.qld.gov.au/wetlands/ecology/aquatic-ecosystems-natural/estuarine-marine/descriptions/76/ |