Geomorphology and benthic cover of mesophotic coral ecosystems of the upper insular slope of southwest Puerto Rico

Sherman, Clark; Nemeth, Michael; Ruiz, Héctor; Bejarano, Ivonne; Appeldoorn, Richard S.; Pagan, Francisco; Schärer, Michelle T.; Weil, Ernesto

doi:10.1007/s00338-010-0607-4

Cited by 68 publications

(44 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…Downslope sediment transfer grooves, which are extensions of the spur and groove environment at the shelf break, are generally devoid of macroscopic biological growth. As a result, mesophotic community development is largely restricted to topographical highs (Sherman et al, 2010). Living coral cover is occasionally substantial; however, percent bottom cover is often dominated by algal and sponge growth.…”

Section: Environment and Habitatmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Mesophotic, Coral Reef-Associated, Marine Algal Flora of Puerto Rico, Caribbean Sea

Ballantine¹,

Torres²,

Aponte³

2016

Smithsonian Contributions to Botany

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s m i t h s o n i a n c o n t r i b u t i o n s t o b o t a n y • n u m b e r 1 0 5 Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press Smithsonian Institution Scholarly PressThe Mesophotic, Coral Reef-Associated, Marine Algal Flora of Puerto Rico, Caribbean Sea David L. Ballantine, Hector Ruiz Torres, and Nilda E. Aponte SERIES PUBLICATIONS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTIONEmphasis upon publication as a means of "diffusing knowledge" was expressed by the first Secretary of the Smithsonian. In his formal plan for the Institution, Joseph Henry outlined a program that included the following statement: "It is proposed to publish a series of reports, giving an account of the new discoveries in science, and of the changes made from year to year in all branches of knowledge." This theme of basic research has been adhered to through the years by thousands of titles issued in series publications under the Smithsonian imprint, commencing with Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge in 1848 and continuing with the following active series: s m i t h s o n i a n c o n t r i b u t i o n s t o b o t a n y • n u m b e r 1 0 5The Cover images, from left to right: Edge of insular shelf, offshore from La Parguera; technical divers' descent to the mesophotic; bottom habit, edge of insular shelf, "Weinberg," offshore from La Parguera. Published by SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION SCHOLARLY PRESS

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Section: Environment and Habitatmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Mesophotic, Coral Reef-Associated, Marine Algal Flora of Puerto Rico, Caribbean Sea

Ballantine¹,

Torres²,

Aponte³

2016

Smithsonian Contributions to Botany

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“…These have resulted in an increase in knowledge of the geographic extent of MCEs and a glimpse of the community structure of the MCEs found, e.g., in Hawaii, Rooney et al (2010); and in Tutuila, American Samoa, Bare et al (2010). Sherman et al (2010) provide a more detailed analysis of the evolution of the underlying geological structure supporting the extant MCEs in southwestern Puerto Rico, relating their results to Caribbean sea level change models.…”

Section: Introduction To Mesophotic Coral Ecosystemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Theme section on “Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems: Characterization, Ecology, and Management”

et al. 2010

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Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) are characterized by the presence of light-dependent corals and associated communities that are typically found at depths ranging from 30 to 40 m and extending to over 150 m in tropical and subtropical regions. The dominant communities providing structural habitat in the mesophotic zone can be comprised of coral, sponge, and algal species. Because working in this depth range is constrained by traditional SCUBA limits, less is known about corals and associated organisms there compared to shallower coral communities. Following the first-ever gathering of international scientists to review and discuss existing knowledge of MCEs, this issue focuses on the ecological characterization, geomorphology, and concept of MCEs as refugia for shallow-water populations. The review and research papers comprising this special issue reflect the current scientific understanding of these ecosystems and the underlying mechanisms that regulate them, as well as potential resource management implications. It is important to understand the value and role of mesophotic coral ecosystems in tropical and subtropical regions as these areas face increasing environmental change and human impacts Keywords Mesophotic coral ecosystem Á Biodiversity Á Geomorphology Á Connectivity Á Community structure Á Resource management Mesophotic coral ecosystem workshopOn 12-15 July 2008, a scientific workshop was held in Jupiter, Florida, to identify critical research and resource management needs for mesophotic coral ecosystems

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“…[5,10,11]. The area of potential MCE habitat in high-gradient slopes is minimal when compared to low-gradient platforms.…”

Section: Geomorphic Features and Habitatsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mesophotic Coral Reefs of the Puerto Rico Shelf

Armstrong¹,

Singh²

2012

Seafloor Geomorphology as Benthic Habitat

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Geomorphology and benthic cover of mesophotic coral ecosystems of the upper insular slope of southwest Puerto Rico

Cited by 68 publications

References 31 publications

The Mesophotic, Coral Reef-Associated, Marine Algal Flora of Puerto Rico, Caribbean Sea

The Mesophotic, Coral Reef-Associated, Marine Algal Flora of Puerto Rico, Caribbean Sea

Theme section on “Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems: Characterization, Ecology, and Management”

Mesophotic Coral Reefs of the Puerto Rico Shelf

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