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.
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Important Dates
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Jan 30
2026
Session / Event proposals open
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Mar 31
2026
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Apr 30
2026
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Apr 30
2026
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Jun 30
2026
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Aug 31
2026
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Sep 15
2026
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Oct 15
2026
Early bird registration closes
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Jan 12–15
2027
XMAS 2027
