>Ocean acidification is a serious threat to the world’s coral reefs, one of the most important marine ecosystems on Earth. It causes corals to lose their skeletons, which provide them with structural support and protect them from predators. A new study, published in the journal Nature Communications, has identified some of the molecular mechanisms behind ocean acidification’s destructive effects on coral skeletons.

>The study, led by researchers at the University of Southampton, UK, investigated the effects of ocean acidification on the formation of coral skeletons. Scientists have already observed coral to become more brittle and weaker under increasingly acidic ocean conditions. This study now identifies how this happens to inform better conservation strategies.

>They found that ocean acidification reduces the production of a certain type of collagen, which is a protein that gives coral skeletons their strength. This reduction in collagen production leads to the formation of weaker coral skeletons, which are more susceptible to damage from wave action and other environmental factors.

>“As we continue to study the effects of changing pH on this complex material, we can now turn our attention to the possibility of engineering stronger coralline structures for reef restoration or finding ways for these animals to become more tolerant of acidic environments,” said lead researcher Samantha deVries.

The study’s findings provide further evidence for the negative impacts that ocean acidification is having on coral reefs. This information will be important for designing future conservation strategies for these critically important ecosystems.

Reference:

>deVries, S., Gichuki, S.N., Bellantuono, A. _et al._ “Ocean acidification weakens coral skeletons via nonlinear and non-monotonic effects of pH on collagen and protein expression”.

Nature Communications (2023).

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-35590-1