Bouncing back from macroalgal-dominated reefs: microbial and chemical effects of algal removal and coral transplanting.

(REVERTER_P24ARIES)

Bouncing back from macroalgal-dominated reefs: microbial and chemical effects of algal removal and coral transplanting.

(REVERTER_P24ARIES)

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Miriam Reverter, University of Plymouth – Contact me

Dr Mahasweta Saha, Plymouth Marine Laboratory

Dr Andy Foggo, University of Plymouth, School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Background

Climate change is causing major ecological shifts, with important consequences for ecosystem functioning. In coral reefs, coral-algal transitions are the most well-known shift. Following algal increases, an array of mechanisms that reinforce algal dominance and prevent coral recovery are established. For example, algal chemicals can promote changes in microbial communities, negatively affecting corals. Algae can damage corals upon contact through the presence of chemical defences or by transferring opportunistic bacterial pathogens. To date, understanding of these mechanisms, their reversibility, and their effects on key reef functions remains limited. The objective of this project is to investigate the microbial and chemical mechanisms that reinforce algal-dominated reefs and to evaluate if algal removal and coral transplantation can reverse these mechanisms to help recover coral-dominated reefs.

Methodology

The student will study macroalgal-dominated coral reefs undergoing different interventions near the island of Moorea (French Polynesia). The microbial and chemical landscapes of these ecosystems will be studied using metabarcoding and metabolomics. Different experiments (coral settlement and herbivore deterrence) will be carried out at the University of Plymouth and the University of Derby to investigate the effects of macroalgae on key reef functions.

Training

The student will receive exceptional training in metabolomics, microbiology, bioinformatics, marine fieldwork and in writing scientific publications. The student will learn good laboratory practice and quality assurance, and will present their findings at team meetings, international scientific conferences, and in peer-reviewed scientific publications. The skillset acquired will be relevant to careers in academia, biotechnology, and ngo/governmental conservation roles.

This project links to a wider international project that explores the effectiveness of coral restoration interventions, allowing the student to become part of a vibrant international team. The student will participate in at least one field season at CRIOBE (Moorea).

The student will be allowed freedom to modify the project design, depending on own interests and skills, within the broad scope of the project’s aims.

Person specification

We seek a highly motivated individual with a Marine Biology (or related) degree, ideally holding a diving qualification (minimum Advance), willing to travel to remote field sites. R experience desirable.

References

  • 1 Pessarrodona, A., Foggo, A., Smale, D.A. (2019) Can ecosystem functioning be maintained despite climate-driven shifts in species composition? Insights from novel marine forests. Journal of Ecology 107, 91-104.
  • 2 Reverter, M., Helber, S. B., Rohde, S., de Goeij, J. M., & Schupp, P. J. (2022). Coral reef benthic community changes in the Anthropocene: Biogeographic heterogeneity, overlooked configurations, and methodology. Global Change Biology, 28, 1956– 1971.Reverter, M., Helber, S. B., Rohde, S., de Goeij, J. M., & Schupp, P. J. (2022). Coral reef benthic community changes in the Anthropocene: Biogeographic heterogeneity, overlooked configurations, and methodology. Global Change Biology, 28, 1956– 1971
  • 3 Reverter, M., Helber, S. B., Rohde, S., de Goeij, J. M., & Schupp, P. J. (2024). Drivers of coral reef benthic changes and implications on ecosystem functioning and services. Oceanography and Marine Biology: an Annual Review. In Press.
  • 4 Wegley Kelly, L., Nelson, C.E., Petras, D., Koester, I., Quinlan, Z.A., Arts, M.G.I., Nothias, L-F., Comstock, J., White, B.M., Hopmans, E.C., van Duyl, F.C., Carlson, C.A., Aluwihaer, L.I., Dorrestein, P.C., Haas, A.F. (2022). Distinguishing the molecular diversity, nutrient content, and energetic potential of exometabolomes produced by macroalgae and reef-building corals. PNAS 119, e2110283119.
  • 5 Saha, M., Dove, S., Weinberger, F. (2020). Chemically mediated microbial “gardening” capacity of a seaweed holobiont is dynamic. Microorganisms 8 (12), 1893.

Key Information

  • This project has been shortlisted for funding by the ARIES NERC DTP and will start on 1st October 2024. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 10th January 2024.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a NERC studentship, which covers fees, stipend (£18,622 p.a. for 2023/24) and research funding. International applicants are eligible for fully-funded ARIES studentships including fees. Please note however that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK. We expect to award between 4 and 6 studentships to international candidates in 2024.
  • ARIES students benefit from bespoke graduate training and ARIES provides £2,500 to every student for access to external training, travel and conferences, on top of all Research Costs associated with the project. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses.
  • ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage enquiries and applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, and our recruitment process considers potential with the same weighting as past experience.
  • All ARIES studentships may be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis, visa requirements notwithstanding.
  • For further information, please contact the supervisor. To apply for this Studentship follow the instructions at the bottom of the page or click the 'apply now' link.
  • ARIES is required by our funders to collect Equality and Diversity Information from all of our applicants. The information you provide will be used solely for monitoring and statistical purposes; it will remain confidential, and will be stored on the UEA sharepoint server. Data will not be shared with those involved in making decisions on the award of Studentships, and will have no influence on the success of your application. It will only be shared outside of this group in an anonymised and aggregated form. You will be ask to complete the form by the University to which you apply.
  • ARIES funding is subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Postgraduate Researchers are expected to live within reasonable distance of their host organisation for the duration of their studentship. See https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/ for more information

Applications open

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