Possible monitoring of mesophotic scleractinian corals using an underwater mini-ROV to sample coral eDNA.

ABSTRACT: Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) are light-dependent tropical or subtropical communities occurring at depths of 30-150 m. Broader surveys of MCEs are needed to better understand stony corals, the keystone species of coral-reef ecosystems. While MCEs have been studied by professional SCUBA divers and with deep-sea robots, comprehensive surveys of MCEs are required. An eDNA metabarcoding method has recently been used to survey scleractinian corals in shallow reefs. We tested whether MCEs might be more comprehensively surveyed by collecting seawater samples using an underwater mini-remote operated vehicle (mini-ROV). Seawater was collected 1-2 m above reef tops at depths of 20-80 m at 24 sites in six locations around the Zamami Islands (Okinawa, Japan). Water samples were then subjected to

SUBMITTER: Nishitsuji K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10870239 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature