The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, has released a groundbreaking study indicating that more life can be supported by the remains of dead coral than by live coral. The findings shed new light on the complex ecosystem hiding beneath the ocean’s surface, revealing a fascinating variety of creatures lurking beneath the rubble of decaying coral.
Cryptic Organisms: The Hidden Life Beneath the Waves
The term “cryptic organisms” refers to creatures that are morphologically indistinguishable, meaning they appear identical but are actually genetically distinct from each other. Cryptic species include such animals as the African elephant, which was identified in 2001 as actually being two genetically distinct, non-interbreeding species.
Within dead coral reefs, cryptic organisms such as small fish, snails, tiny crabs, and worms find shelter, evading predators and contributing to the biodiversity of the reef.
Investigations Into a Hidden World
To monitor and survey these cryptic organisms, UQ researchers designed three-dimensional-printed coral stacks, called RUbble Biodiversity Samplers (RUBS). The simulated coral attracted a variety of unsuspecting reef organisms and allowed scientists to monitor population changes over time.
Revealing the Hidden Complexities of Coral Reefs
The research has unearthed key insights into how small, hidden animals support the entire coral reef food chain. Dead coral reef rubble, often overlooked, was found to play a significant role in maintaining the intricacies of the ocean ecosystem. This work expands understanding and raises awareness about the significance of both active and inactive reefs.
The Creation and Death of Coral Reefs
Coral reefs, dubbed “the rainforests of the sea,” are intricate underwater structures built from the calcium-rich exoskeletons of colonial marine invertebrates known as coral. Corals extract calcium carbonate from seawater to create a durable exoskeleton that encases their soft bodies. Over time, these skeletal remain pile up to form expansive and ecologically diverse coral reefs.
When corals are stressed by factors such as pollution or global warming, they can expel the algae that lives symbiotically within them, leading to a bleaching event—a marker of the coral’s death. There is growing concern over the increasing incidence of coral bleaching due to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, prompting international interventions to address this pressing issue.
Biorock: A Ray of Hope
In India, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), in collaboration with Gujarat’s forest department, is exploring ways to restore coral reefs using “biorock” or mineral accretion technology. This innovative approach offers a glimmer of hope in the face of escalating global coral loss.
Moving Forward: The Importance of Dead Coral Reefs
The UQ research underscores the importance of not only preserving live coral reefs but also maintaining the remains of dead coral reefs to foster marine biodiversity. This deeper understanding of the foundational structure of coral reefs could guide efforts to create artificial reefs, potentially offering a temporary solution to the rapidly escalating problem of dying coral reef ecosystems. Despite the grim outlook for our planet’s coral reefs, innovations, and scientific breakthroughs such as these offer a ray of hope for the future.