Effect of ambient light conditions on the growth of the coral Orbicella faveolata in the Mexican Caribbean

Abstract

Massive corals of the genus Orbicella are key organisms that help maintain the physical structure of Caribbean reefs. However, they are currently threatened by environmental changes, such as increased nutrient loads and pollution, which affect the optical properties of seawater and, consequently, limit reef development. Thus, analyzing the responses in the growth of coral species to changes in light environments can help us improve mitigation and conservation strategies for coral reefs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of changes in environmental light conditions on the growth rate of Orbicella faveolata by comparing fragments transplanted from 9 m to 3 m depth and control fragments that were transplanted under the same light conditions (3 m). The fragments of both treatments showed similar growth (16–23%), as well as comparable extension and diameter values. The annual growth rate for the control fragments and transplant treatment fragments was 1.04 ± 0.18 cm·y–1 and 1.11 ± 0.23 cm·y–1, respectively. The results of this study reveal that O. faveolata can physiologically acclimate to new environmental light conditions after being transplanted from a deep environment to a shallow environment in the short-term (1–9 months). This suggests great potential for the use of O. faveolata in restoration strategies and management programs that aim to maintain the populations and structural framework of coral reefs in the Caribbean region.