Optimal thermal conditions for corals extend poleward with oceanic warming

• DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13765
• Publication Date: 2023-08-31T07:30:01Z
• Authors: Félix Landry Yuan; Takehisa Yamakita; Timothy C. Bonebrake; Shelby E. McIlroy
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 13. Climate action; 14. Life underwater; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences

Abstract Aim The capacity for poleward range expansions beyond the tropics in corals hinges on ecophysiological constraints and resulting responses to climatic variability. We aimed determine how future warming will affect coral habitat suitability at edges of these foundational species Northwest Pacific. Location Methods generated models integrating thermal physiological adapted extreme seasonality Hong Kong, specifically minimum annual temperature proportion time annually spent seasonal extremes. With models, we projected five under current conditions across Results Climate model projections reveal an easing leading‐edge limits with expansion thermally suitable by 2°–7° latitude depending considered. also highlight a potential divergence present regimes that may lead mismatch currently inhabiting high reefs. Main Conclusions Understanding distributions defining climate change is critical adaptive management focuses conservation ensuring ecosystem function existing subtropical temperate ecosystems.