Evaluating the potential of antagonists for assisting corals to cope with ocean warming
Coral reefs are built by a sensitive interplay between corals and their symbiotic algae cells, which is increasingly threatened by ocean warming, leading to widespread bleaching and mortality. Since climate change is still progressing, we need to increase coral resistance to aid the survival of reefs until global climate actions and policies show effect.
My research focuses on how different nutrients and trace metals can protect corals from the effects of heat stress. I simulate ocean warming in laboratory experiments, subject corals to different concentrations of potential nutrient treatments and measure key physiological parameters to identify ways to help heat-stressed corals. If corals exposed to certain concentrations of a substance show reduced stress symptoms when heated, this suggests that the nutrient helps counteract the effects of warming: an antagonistic interaction where the nutrient mitigates heat stress. In later experiments I will then test the transferability of my findings on natural coral reef communities.
A deeper understanding of coral physiology under heat stress and different levels of certain nutrients could lead to new insights and methods that help combat the effects of heat waves on reef systems. Ideally, my findings would help to create local management methods to lessen the effects of the global stressor ocean warming and help sustain coral reefs for the future.
