Taking the metabolic pulse of the world’s coral reefs

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190872
• Publication Date: 2018-01-09T19:13:49Z
• Authors: Tyler Cyronak; Andreas J. Andersson; Chris Langdon; Rebecca Albright; Nicholas R. Bates; Ken Caldeira; Renee Carlton; Jorge E. Corredor; Rob B. Dunbar; Ian Enochs; Jonathan Erez; Bradley D. Eyre; Jean-Pierre Gattuso; Dwight Gledhill; Hajime Kayanne; David I. Kline; David A. Koweek; Coulson Lantz; Boaz Lazar; Derek Manzello; Ashly McMahon; Melissa Meléndez; Heather N. Page; Isaac R. Santos; Kai G. Schulz; Emily Shaw; Jacob Silverman; Atsushi Suzuki; Lida Teneva; Atsushi Watanabe; Shoji Yamamoto
• Keywords: Ocean Acidification; Alkalinity; Biogeochemistry; Biogeochemical Cycle

Worldwide, coral reef ecosystems are experiencing increasing pressure from a variety of anthropogenic perturbations including ocean warming and acidification, increased sedimentation, eutrophication, overfishing, which could shift reefs to condition net calcium carbonate (CaCO3) dissolution erosion. Herein, we determine the calcification potential relative balance organic carbon metabolism (net community production; NCP) inorganic calcification; NCC) within 23 locations across globe. In light these results, consider suitability using two metrics developed total alkalinity (TA) dissolved (DIC) measurements collected on different spatiotemporal scales monitor biogeochemistry under change. All in this study were calcifying for majority observations as inferred depletion offshore, although occasional occurred at most locations. However, with lower (i.e., TA depletion) towards sooner than higher potential. The percent influence fluxes changes NCP compared sum ranged 32% 88% reflected inherent biogeochemical differences between reefs. Reefs largest percentage experienced variability seawater pH given change DIC, is directly related ability elevate or suppress local open ocean. This work highlights value measuring chemistry when evaluating their susceptibility ongoing global environmental offers baseline guide future conservation efforts aimed preserving valuable ecosystems.