The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Effects of thermal stress on coral-associated macroinvertebrates at higher-latitude pioneer coral communities
ID:80 Poster Presentation

2027-01-15 21:00 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 1 - Coastal ecosystem by anthropogenic activities and climate changes

Abstract
Global climate change poses a severe threat to tropical coral reefs, prompting the poleward range expansion of reef-building corals into higher-latitude habitats. Driven by warming and ocean currents, these corals are increasingly replacing temperate kelp forests in regions such as Shikoku Island, Japan. While these emergent temperate reefs may serve as crucial thermal refugia, they present novel environmental challenges, notably colder winter temperatures and higher seasonal variability. Although the physiological adaptations of migrating corals and reef fishes have been largely documented, the thermal tolerances and metabolic adjustments of the migrating coral-associated macroinvertebrates remain overlooked, representing a critical knowledge gap. This study aims to assess the impact of these marginal thermal conditions on the metabolic performance of coral-associated macroinvertebrates and to identify potential physiological mismatches between their thermal tolerances and those of their host corals. The research focuses on a temperate emergent community model comprising the coral host Pocillopora sp. alongside three vital invertebrates from interacting functional groups: Drupella sp. (an obligate corallivorous snail), Diadema setosum (an opportunistically corallivorous sea urchin), and Trapezia sp. (a coral-dwelling guard crab). This design elucidates how thermal challenges impacts the complex ecological interactions and functioning within the coral community. Using a comparative experimental design, the study evaluates an established subtropical community in Hong Kong and a pioneer temperate community in Ōtsuki, Japan. Following acclimatization, live specimens (n=64) undergo a thermal ramping cycle of ±1°C/day to reach target temperatures ranging from 13°C to 35°C. Closed-chamber respirometry is then utilized to measure species-specific metabolic rates via proxy of respiration. The empirical data will be used to generate Thermal Performance Curves (TPCs) for each species. Ultimately, these TPCs will be integrated with global SSP climate change scenarios to construct predictive Habitat Suitability Models (HSMs). These time-scaled models will forecast the future distribution and viability of coral-associated macroinvertebrates in high-latitude habitats, providing critical insights into how physiological mismatches could impact community dynamics at poleward range edges.
 
Speaker
Ryan Chi Ho Leung The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Author
Ryan Chi Ho Leung The Chinese University of Hong Kong

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027