► Description: |
This book summarizes
what is known about mesophotic coral
ecosystems (MCEs) geographically and by
major taxa. MCEs are characterized by
light-dependent corals and associated
communities typically found at depths
ranging from 30-40 m. and extending to
over 150 m. in tropical and subtropical
ecosystems. They are populated with
organisms typically associated with
shallow coral reefs, such as macroalgae,
corals, sponges, and fishes, as well as
specialist species unique to mesophotic
depths. During the past decade, there has
been an increasing scientific and
management interest in MCEs expressed by
the exponential increase in the number of
publications studying this unique
environment. Despite their close proximity
to well-studied shallow reefs, and the
growing evidence of their importance, our
scientific knowledge of MCEs is still in
its early stages. The topics covered in
the book include: regional variation in
MCEs; similarities and differences between
mesophotic and shallow reef taxa, biotic
and abiotic conditions, biodiversity,
ecology, geomorphology, and geology;
potential connectivity between MCEs and
shallow reefs; MCE disturbances,
conservation, and management challenges;
and new technologies, key research
questions/knowledge gaps, priorities, and
future directions in MCE research.
|