Tropical coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse and economically important ecosystems on earth. Nevertheless, we found dramatic changes in communities reef slopes of Curaçao Bonaire since 1973. Cover abundance declined for virtually all species. The data show a shift from dominated by framework building species (e.g. Orbicella spp.) to consisting small opportunistic, phenotypically plastic, species, including few remaining structural colonies. Madracis mirabilis, Porites...

Abstract The capacity of coral reefs to maintain their structurally complex frameworks and retain the potential for vertical accretion is vitally important persistence ecological functioning ecosystem services they sustain. However, datasets support detailed along‐coast assessments framework production rates do not presently exist. Here, we estimate, based on gross bioaccretion bioerosion measures, carbonate budgets resultant estimated (EAR) shallow reef zone leeward Bonaire – between 5 12 m...

Health of tropical coral reefs depends largely on the balance between constructive (calcification and cementation) destructive forces (mechanical-chemical degradation). Gradual increase in dissolved CO2 resulting decrease carbonate ion concentration ('ocean acidification') ocean surface water may tip towards net mass loss for many reefs. Enhanced nutrients organic loading waters ('eutrophication'), susceptibility reef near shore environments to acidification. The impacts these processes...

Excavating sponges are among the most important macro-eroders of carbonate substrates in marine systems. Their capacity to remove substantial amounts limestone makes these animals significant players that can unbalance reef budget tropical coral reefs. Nevertheless, excavating currently rarely incorporated standardized surveys and experimental work is often restricted a few species. Here were provide chemical mechanical bioerosion rates for six sponge species commonly found on shallow...

Abstract Caecilians (order Gymnophiona) are elongate, limbless, snake‐like amphibians that the sister‐group (closest relatives) of all other recent (frogs and salamanders). Little is known their cardiovascular anatomy physiology, but one nearly century old study suggests Hypogeophis (family Indotyphlidae), commonly relied upon as a representative caecilian species, has atrial septation in frontal plane more than septum. In contrast, vertebrates there generally septum sagittal plane. We...

Saba Bank, a submerged atoll in the Caribbean Sea with an area of 2,200 km2, has attained international conservation status due to rich diversity species that reside on bank. In order assess role Bank as potential reservoir for surrounding reefs, we examined population genetic structure, abundance and health two prominent benthic species, coral Montastraea cavernosa sponge Xestospongia muta. Sequence data were collected from 34 colonies M. (nDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2; 892 bp) 68 X. muta sponges...

Anthropogenic pressures threaten the health of coral reefs globally. Some these directly affect functioning, while others are indirect, for example by promoting capacity bioeroders to dissolve aragonite. To assess reef status, it is necessary validate community-scale measurements metabolic and geochemical processes in field, determining fluxes from enclosed patches. Here, we investigate diurnal trends carbonate chemistry, dissolved organic carbon, oxygen, nutrients on a 20 m deep patch...

Abstract. Coral reefs are declining worldwide. The abundance of corals has decreased alongside a rise filter feeders, turf, and algae in response to intensifying human pressures. This shift prevalence functional groups alters the biogeochemical processes tropical water ecosystems, thereby influencing reef functioning. An urgent challenge is understand consequences these shifts develop suitable management strategies that aim at preserving biological functions reefs. Here, we quantify...

Successful dispersal of freshwater sponges depends on the formation dormant sponge bodies (gemmules) under adverse conditions. Gemmule allows to overcome critical environmental conditions, for example, desiccation or freezing, and re-establish as a fully developed when conditions are more favorable. A key process in development from hatched gemmules is construction silica skeleton. Silica spicules form structural support three-dimensional filtration system uses filter food particles ambient...

Ocean acidification (OA) is expected to modify the structure and function of coral reef ecosystems by reducing calcification, increasing bioerosion, altering physiology many marine organisms. Much our understanding these relationships based on experiments with static OA treatments, although evidence suggests that magnitude diurnal fluctuations in carbonate chemistry may modulate calcification response OA. These light-mediated swings seawater pH are projected become more extreme OA, yet their...

Abstract On coral reefs, some of the most aggressive calcium carbonate eroders are dinoflagellate-hosting sponges genus Cliona . Like in other marine taxa, influence these symbiotic microorganisms on metabolism host sponge, and thereby erosion surrounding ecosystem, is increasingly acknowledged. Despite elevating pH (and hence saturation state), dinoflagellate photosynthesis promotes bioerosion by their hosts. This paradox might be solved a spatial isolation from dissolution, but it remains...

Abstract On the evenings of June 11 and 12, 2019, 5 6 days before full moon, broadcast spawning by four echinoderm species two mollusc was observed on Marsa Shagra reef, Egypt (25° 14′ 44.2" N, 34° 47′ 49.0" E). Water temperature 28 °C invertebrates were at 2–8 m depth. The sightings included a single basket star Astroboa nuda (Lyman 1874), 2 large Tectus dentatus (Forskal 1775) sea snails, 14 individuals Leiaster cf. leachi (Gray 1840) 1 Mithrodia clavigera (Lamarck 1816) star, 3...

Abstract Endolithic sponges are key players in carbonate cycling on coral reef systems. While their bioerosion of framework is relatively well studied, role biogenic sediment generation poorly understood. In this study, the sedimentary attributes and production rates eight Caribbean endolithic sponge species were characterized. The findings revealed notable species‐specific variations (range: 1.0–6.3 kg CaCO 3 m −2 yr −1 ), alongside consistency characteristics (modal sizes ranging from 39...

Abstract Regeneration is an essential process for all multicellular organisms, allowing them to recover effectively from internal and external injury. This has been studied extensively in a medical context vertebrates, with pathways often investigated mechanistically, both derive increased understanding as potential drug targets therapy. Several species other parts of the metazoan tree life, noted their regenerative prowess, have previously targeted study. allows us understand mechanisms see...

Abstract. Coral reefs are declining worldwide. The abundance of corals has decreased alongside the rise filter feeders, turf and algae in response to intensifying human pressures. This shift prevalence functional groups alters biogeochemical processes tropical water ecosystems, thereby influencing reef biological functions. An urgent challenge is understand consequences these shifts order develop suitable management strategies that aim at preserving functions reefs.Here, we quantify...