A recent study reveals that corals in Panama's Pacific waters exhibit remarkable resilience to rising temperatures, offering insights into how marine ecosystems can adapt to climate change and informing conservation strategies.
Researchers found that corals in areas with greater temperature variability showed a superior ability to resist extreme heat. The study, published in Current Biology and conducted by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), focused on the coral holobiont. The research compared corals from the Gulf of Panama, with significant temperature fluctuations, with those from the Gulf of Chiriquí, known for its consistently warm waters.
Glynn evaluated the response of Pocillopora corals to thermal stress. Water was heated up to 10.5°C above the local average. The results showed that corals from the Gulf of Panama were more heat-resistant, suggesting genetic selection due to regular exposure to temperature variability.
Regarding the symbiotic algae, some corals retained their original algae. The elevated temperature rapidly altered the bacterial microbiome. A key finding was that damage to the microbiome occurred only from a 7.5°C increase. Glynn emphasizes the importance of understanding the holobiont as an integrated system, stating that the survival of corals is intrinsically linked to their microbiomes.
The study highlights that these elements, modulated by the environment and genetic lineage, form the basis of their thermotolerance. Understanding how certain corals manage to resist or recover from thermal stress is vital for guiding effective conservation strategies.
The findings suggest that corals accustomed to variable conditions may be better equipped to face future extreme climate events. Glynn concludes that understanding coral resilience is fundamental to guiding conservation efforts, protecting coastal communities, and safeguarding biodiversity.