World’s soft coral diversity retains signature of an ancient, vanished sea – Florida Museum of Natural History

Report on Soft Coral Biodiversity and Its Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Despite extensive research, much remains unknown about coral reefs, particularly soft corals. A recent comprehensive study led by Professor Catherine McFadden of Harvey Mudd College reveals new insights into the diversity and distribution of soft corals, emphasizing their ecological significance and vulnerability.

Key Findings of the Study

1. An international team analyzed over 4,400 museum specimens collected over two decades, completing the world’s second and largest survey of soft corals.
2. Soft corals exhibit two primary centers of diversity, one of which was previously unrecognized.
3. Their distribution is influenced by limited dispersal abilities and historical biogeography linked to the ancient Tethys Sea.
4. Soft corals have low dispersal rates and localized habitats, increasing their risk of extinction due to climate change and human activities, especially in the newly identified biodiversity hotspot.

Soft vs. Stony Corals: Biological and Ecological Differences

• Lineage: Soft corals (Octocorallia) and stony corals (Hexacorallia) diverged approximately 771 million years ago, representing distinct evolutionary lineages.
• Physical Structure: Stony corals possess hard skeletons facilitating easier species identification, while soft corals lack rigid skeletons, complicating taxonomy.
• Identification Challenges: Soft corals rely on variable sclerites for structure, which are difficult to quantify and insufficient for species identification without DNA analysis.
• Reproductive Strategies: Soft corals often brood larvae with limited dispersal, whereas stony corals frequently broadcast larvae capable of wider distribution.

Discovery of a New Soft Coral Biodiversity Hotspot

The study identified two centers of soft coral diversity:

• The well-known Coral Triangle in the central Indo-Pacific, encompassing Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands.
• A newly recognized hotspot along the coasts of Madagascar and Southeast Africa, exhibiting comparable or greater soft coral diversity than the Coral Triangle.

This discovery challenges previous assumptions and highlights the importance of the western Indian Ocean for coral biodiversity.

Historical Biogeography and Coral Distribution

• The closure of the Tethys Sea approximately 20 million years ago altered coral distribution, fragmenting ancient reef systems.
• The formation of the Indonesian archipelago created new reef habitats, shifting biodiversity centers.
• Soft corals’ limited larval dispersal contributes to high endemism in the western Indian Ocean, emphasizing the region’s conservation value.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 14: Life Below Water

• Understanding soft coral biodiversity supports the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.
• Identification of biodiversity hotspots guides marine protected area (MPA) designation and management.
• Protecting endemic species reduces extinction risks exacerbated by climate change and human pressures.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• Soft corals’ vulnerability to ocean warming and bleaching highlights the urgency of climate mitigation efforts.
• Research informs adaptive strategies to enhance coral reef resilience under changing environmental conditions.

SDG 15: Life on Land (Ecosystem Conservation)

• Preserving coral reef ecosystems contributes to overall biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• Maintaining coral diversity supports fisheries and coastal protection, benefiting human communities.

Conservation Challenges and Recommendations

1. Increased scientific sampling and genetic analysis are needed to fully characterize soft coral diversity globally.
2. Priority should be given to conserving the western Indian Ocean biodiversity hotspot due to its high endemism and susceptibility to extinction.
3. Climate change mitigation and local management of human impacts are critical to prevent further coral reef degradation.
4. International collaboration and funding support are essential for ongoing research and conservation initiatives.

Conclusion

This landmark study advances knowledge of soft coral biodiversity, revealing previously unknown centers of diversity and emphasizing the fragility of these ecosystems. The findings underscore the importance of integrating scientific research with sustainable development policies to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on marine conservation and climate action.

Study and Funding Information

The study was published in Scientific Reports and involved multiple international institutions. Funding was provided by organizations including the U.S. National Science Foundation, Binational Science Foundation, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and others.

Contact Information

• Gustav Paulay: paulay@flmnh.ufl.edu
• Catherine McFadden: mcfadden@g.hmc.edu
• Media Contact – Jerald Pinson: jpinson@flmnh.ufl.edu, Phone: 352-294-0452

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article focuses extensively on coral reefs, their biodiversity, and the threats they face, which directly relates to the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.
   • Issues such as coral bleaching, species extinction risk, and marine biodiversity hotspots are central to SDG 14.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article discusses the impact of global warming and climate change on coral reefs, especially coral bleaching caused by rising ocean temperatures.
   • This connects to efforts to combat climate change and its impacts.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • While primarily marine-focused, the article touches on biodiversity and species extinction risks, which align with the broader goal of protecting terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The use of DNA sequencing and museum specimen analysis reflects scientific innovation and infrastructure development for biodiversity research.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, and take action for their restoration.
   • Target 14.3: Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation.
   • Target 14.5: Conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law.
   • Target 14.a: Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and protect endangered species.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including encouraging innovation and research.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Indicators for SDG 14 (Life Below Water)
   • Number and diversity of coral species identified and described (implied by the DNA sequencing and species cataloging efforts).
   • Extent and health of coral reef ecosystems, including bleaching events and recovery rates.
   • Proportion of marine protected areas established, especially in biodiversity hotspots like the Coral Triangle and western Indian Ocean.
2. Indicators for SDG 13 (Climate Action)
   • Frequency and severity of coral bleaching events as a proxy for climate change impact.
   • Changes in ocean temperature and acidification levels (implied by discussion of warming oceans).
3. Indicators for SDG 15 (Life on Land)
   • Number of endemic species and their conservation status, indicating biodiversity health and extinction risk.
4. Indicators for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
   • Number of scientific studies and surveys conducted using advanced technologies like DNA sequencing.
   • Number of museum specimens collected and curated for biodiversity research.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: floridamuseum.ufl.edu