Mesophotic coral ecosysteMs research strategy: 

InternatIonal Workshop to prIorItIze research and ManageMent needs 

for MesophotIc coral ecosysteMs 

Jupiter, Florida • 12–15 July 2008 

NOAA Technical Memorandum
 

NOS NCCOS 98 and OAR OER 2
 
 

cItatIon: 

Puglise KA, Hinderstein LM, Marr JCA, Dowgiallo MJ, Martinez FA. 2009. Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems 

Research Strategy: International Workshop to Prioritize Research and Management Needs for Mesophotic 

Coral Ecosystems, Jupiter, Florida, 12-15 July 2008. Silver Spring, MD: NOAA National Centers for Coastal 

Ocean Science, Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research, and Office of Ocean Exploration and 

Research, NOAA Undersea Research Program. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 98 and OAR 

OER 2. 24 pp. 

for More InforMatIon: 

National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science 

Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research 

1305 East West Highway 

Silver Spring, MD 20910 

www.cop.noaa.gov 

Office of Ocean Exploration and Research 

NOAA Undersea Research Program 

1315 East West Highway 

Silver Spring, MD 20910 

explore.noaa.gov 

dIsclaIMer: 

Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for 

their use by the United States government. 

photo credIts: 

Sam Kahng (p. 13), NOAA’s Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory (p. 5, 6, 8), Dan Polhemus (p. vi, 2, 7), 

Hector Ruiz (p. Cover, 1, 10), Jorge Sabater (p. 12, 13), and Heather Spalding (p. 7) . 

Cover Photo: Black grouper, Mycteroperca bonaci, at 62 m off La Parguera, Puerto Rico. 

Photo Credit: Hector Ruiz. 
 

Mesophotic coral ecosysteMs research strategy: 

InternatIonal Workshop to prIorItIze research and ManageMent needs for 

MesophotIc coral ecosysteMs 

Jupiter, Florida • 12–15 July 2008 

K.A. Puglise1,2, L.M. Hinderstein1, J.C.A. Marr3, M.J. Dowgiallo1 and F.A. Martinez1 

1 NOAA, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research 

2 NOAA, Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, NOAA Undersea Research Program 

3 Perry Institute for Marine Science 

November 2009 

NOAA Technical Memorandum
 

NOS NCCOS 98 and OAR OER 2
 

U.S. Department of National Oceanic and National Ocean Service 

Commerce Atmospheric Administration 

Gary F. Locke Jane Lubchenco John H. Dunnigan 

Secretary Administrator Assistant Administrator 
Acknowledgements
 

This document summarizes the results of the first Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Workshop held in Jupiter, 

Florida on July 12-15, 2008. The workshop was hosted by the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) and 

organized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Centers for Coastal 

Ocean Science’s Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research and the Office of Ocean Exploration and 

Research’s NOAA Undersea Research Program, and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This meeting 

brought together researchers, managers, and nongovernmental agents active in mesophotic coral 

ecosystem issues to determine the current state of knowledge and establish research priorities for these 

ecosystems. NOAA, USGS, and PIMS offer their gratitude to participants and their organizations for a very 

successful workshop. Their enthusiasm, knowledge, and input were integral to the achievements discussed 

herein and we look forward to future collaborations. We especially would like to thank Tori Redinger of 

PIMS for her expert assistance with the planning and execution of the workshop; Lynn Dancy for editing this 

document; and all the photo contributors for sharing their images. 

sponsored By: 

the partIcIpants: 

Front row: Tori Redinger, Lara Hinderstein, Pat Colin, Sam Kahng, Marc Slattery, Julie Olson, Roy Armstrong, Marjorie 

Reaka, Chris Kellogg, Kimberly Puglise, Reni Garcia, John Marr, Mike Dowgiallo. Middle row: Felix Martinez, John 

Reed, Randy Kosaki, Clark Sherman, Michael Lesser, David Wachenfeld, Jerry Ault, G.P. Schmahl, David Ballantine, 

Tony Montgomery, Dave Zawada, Rich Pyle. Back row: Stan Locker, Tim Battista, Pim Bongaerts, Rob Toonen, 

Heather Spalding, Darryl Felder, Rich Appeldoorn, Ernesto Weil, Behzad Mahmoudi, Jack Sobel, Paul Yoshioka, Rick 

Nemeth, Brian Bowen. 

iii 
Table of Contents
 

Acknowledgements......................................................................................................................................................iii
 

Table of Contents ..........................................................................................................................................................iv
 

Executive Summary.......................................................................................................................................................v
 

Introduction....................................................................................................................................................................1
 

About the Workshop.......................................................................................................................................... 1
 

Workshop Accomplishments........................................................................................................................... 2
 

Research Strategy Framework........................................................................................................................ 2
 

Implementing the Research Strategy ............................................................................................................ 2
 

Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems.................................................................................................................................... 5
 

Importance..........................................................................................................................................................6
 

Threats .................................................................................................................................................................6
 

Research Priorities for Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems .......................................................................................... 7
 

Characterization.................................................................................................................................................8
 

Ecology...............................................................................................................................................................10
 

Values and Threats ..........................................................................................................................................12
 

Appendix A: Workshop Agenda................................................................................................................................14
 

Appendix B: Workshop Participants........................................................................................................................16
 

Appendix C: Selected References............................................................................................................................20
 

iv 
Executive Summary 

MesophotIc coral ecosysteMs Workshop 

Jupiter, Florida — 12-15 July 2008 

Overview 

On July 12-15, 2008, researchers and resource managers 

met in Jupiter, Florida to discuss and review the state 

of knowledge regarding mesophotic coral ecosystems, 

develop a working definition for these ecosystems, 

identify critical resource management information 

needs, and develop a Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems 

Research Strategy to assist the U.S. National Oceanic 

and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other 

agencies and institutions in their research prioritization 

and strategic planning for mesophotic coral ecosystems. 

Workshop participants included representatives from 

international, Federal, and state governments; academia; 

and nongovernmental organizations. 

The Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Workshop was hosted 

by the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) and 

organized by NOAA and the U.S. Geological Survey 

(USGS). The workshop goals, objectives, schedule, 

and products were governed by a Steering Committee 

consisting of members from NOAA (National Centers 

for Coastal Ocean Science’s Center for Sponsored 

Coastal Ocean Research, the Office of Ocean 

Exploration and Research’s NOAA Undersea Research 

Program, and the National Marine Fisheries Service), 

USGS, PIMS, the Caribbean Coral Reef Institute, and 

the Bishop Museum. 

Mesophotic coral ecosystems are characterized 

by the presence of light-dependent corals and 

associated communities typically found at depths 

ranging from 30-40 m and extending to over 

150 m in tropical and subtropical regions. The 

dominant communities providing structural 

habitat in the mesophotic zone can be comprised 

of coral, sponge, and algal species. 

AccOmplishments 

The workshop resulted in three products: (1) a 

special issue of the peer-reviewed journal Coral Reefs 

reviewing the state of understanding of mesophotic 

coral ecosystems and the management needs associated 

with these ecosystems, as well as primary research 

articles focused on mesophotic coral ecosystems; 

(2) mesophotic.org, a online resource for scientists, 

resource managers, and others interested in the research, 

management, and conservation of mesophotic coral 

ecosystems; and (3) a Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems 

Research Strategy to help guide the path forward towards 

understanding these ecosystems. 

reseArch priOrities 

Research priorities were identified to improve the 

understanding of mesophotic coral ecosystems to enable 

effective ecosystem-based management. Priorities were 

divided into three themes: characterization, ecology, and 

values and threats. 

Characterization 

Mesophotic coral ecosystems are far more extensive than 

previously thought with some experts estimating that 

their linear extent could rival or exceed that of shallower 

reefs. Suitable habitat for these ecosystems is dependent 

on several factors including light availability, substrate, 

temperature and other parameters. To what extent these 

factors control the distribution of these ecosystems is 

unknown. 

The varied depths and topographies of mesophotic 

coral ecosystems present challenges for research 

sampling. Thus, there is a great disparity in the extent 

of knowledge for different taxonomic groups and 

geographic regions. Major components of the biotic 

assemblage are unknown, underscoring a critical need 

for basic taxonomic and systematic characterization. 

v 
Resource managers need to know where mesophotic 

coral ecosystems are found and their extent, what 

determines where these ecosystems are located, and what 

organisms are there. 

Research priorities to address the needs are to: 

»

»

»

Determine the distribution and occurrence of these 

ecosystems, and the geological and physical processes 

that control their distribution. 

Characterize mesophotic coral ecosystem biodiversity 

and endemism. 

Understand the biotic and abiotic factors that 

influence and regulate biodiversity. 

Ecology 

Mesophotic coral ecosystems support an abundant 

reef fauna, some of which are shared with shallower 

coral ecosystems. However, many of the inhabitants 

of these ecosystems and the processes which regulate 

their community structure and dynamics are currently 

unknown. These ecosystems may be an extension 

of shallow coral biota, a unique assemblage, or a 

combination of shallow and deep biota. If there is 

connectivity between shallow and mesophotic coral 

ecosystems, then mesophotic coral ecosystems might 

be a potential source of propagules to restore depleted 

shallow populations. 

Resource managers need to know what key species are 

present in these ecosystems, what ecological role these 

ecosystems play, and if they are connected to shallow, 

other mesophotic, and deep-sea coral ecosystems. 

Research priorities to address the needs are to: 

» Characterize community structure. 

» Understand the specific processes and mechanisms 

that underlie the ecological dynamics of these 

ecosystems. 

» Determine their ecological role. 

» Understand the trophic, ecological, and genetic 

connectivity of mesophotic coral ecosystems with 

shallow, other mesophotic, and deep-sea coral 

ecosystems. 

Values and Threats 

Mesophotic coral ecosystems possess considerable 

natural, social, and economic values, and are believed 

to face similar threats as shallower coral ecosystems do. 

To protect the values of mesophotic coral ecosystems 

and mitigate the threats to them, we need to better 

understand, from an ecological and human dimension, 

how these systems are characterized, which factors 

control the processes that regulate them, and what the 

key values, threats, and impacts are. 

Resource managers need to know what the threats and 

their subsequent impacts are to these ecosystems, as well 

as an improved understanding of their intrinsic and 

extrinsic values. 

Research priorities to address the needs are to: 

» Understand anthropogenic and natural impacts to 

these ecosystems. 

» Determine the benefits of mesophotic coral 

ecosystems. 

Workshop accoMplIshMents 

•	 A special issue of Coral Reefs reviewing 

the state of knowledge regarding these 

ecosystems. 

•	 Creation of mesophotic.org as a resource 

for individuals interested in mesophotic 

coral ecosystems and to enhance 

collaborations. 

•	 A Mesophotic Coral Ecosystem Research 

Strategy. 

vi 
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vii 
 

Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research Strategy 

Introduction
 

Mesophotic coral ecosystems are found occupying both flat and slope substrates. Pictured is a mesophotic coral ecosystem off La 

Parguera, Puerto Rico at a depth of 45 m. Photo Credit: Hector Ruiz. 

On July 12-15, 2008, researchers and resource managers 

met in Jupiter, Florida to discuss and review the state 

of knowledge regarding mesophotic coral ecosystems, 

develop a working definition for these ecosystems, 

identify critical resource management information 

needs, and develop a Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems 

Research Strategy to assist the U.S. National Oceanic 

and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other 

agencies and institutions in their research prioritization 

and strategic planning for mesophotic coral ecosystems. 

Workshop participants included representatives from 

international, Federal, and state governments; academia; 

and nongovernmental organizations. The purpose of this 

document is two-fold: (1) to summarize the workshop 

results and (2) to present a research strategy to further 

the understanding of mesophotic coral ecosystems. 

AbOut the wOrkshOp 

The Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Workshop was 

the outgrowth of a partnership between two offices 

within NOAA – the National Centers for Coastal 

Ocean Science’s Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean 

Research (NCCOS/CSCOR) and the Office of Ocean 

Exploration and Research’s NOAA Undersea Research 

Program (OER/NURP). The partnership began with 

development of the NCCOS/CSCOR Deep Coral 

Reef Ecosystem Studies announcement of opportunity 

for research projects in 2006 focused on deep water 

(50-100 m), hermatypic, light-dependent coral reef 

ecosystem1

 processes in which OER/NURP agreed to 

administer the operations for applicants that did not 

have access to deep water technologies and the necessary 

safety oversight through their home institutions. The 

Deep Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies announcement 

resulted in two multi-year research projects focused 

on mesophotic coral ecosystems, one in the Caribbean 

(Puerto Rico) and one in the Pacific (Hawaii). These 

studies administered by NCCOS/CSCOR contribute 

to the mission of the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation 

Program. Since then, the need to develop a research 

strategy to provide a detailed list of critical information 

needs to better understand these ecosystems and focus 

limited research dollars became apparent and thus, the 

Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Workshop was born. 

1 Note: the thinking has evolved since 2006. These 

ecosystems are now referred to as mesophotic coral ecosystems to 

lessen confusion with azooxanthellate deep-sea corals. 

1 
Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research Strategy 

The Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Workshop was hosted 

by the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) and 

organized by NOAA and the U.S. Geological Survey 

(USGS). The workshop goals, objectives, schedule, 

and products were governed by a Steering Committee 

consisting of members from NOAA (NCCOS/CSCOR, 

OER/NURP, and the National Marine Fisheries 

Service), USGS, PIMS, the Caribbean Coral Reef 

Institute, and the Bishop Museum.2

 The workshop 

consisted of both plenary and breakout sessions 

organized around three themes: (1) characterization, (2) 

ecology, and (3) management. For the breakout sessions, 

participants were divided into one of six sub-themes: 

(1) Characterization 

• 		Biodiversity

• 		Geomorphology	and	Physical	Processes

(2) Ecology 

• 		Community	Structure	and	Dynamics

• Connectivity

(3) Management 

• 		Fisheries	Impacts	and	Uses

• 		Management	Needs

Mesophotic corals such as Leptoseris spp. in Hawaii grow 

in plate-like form to maximize light capture by their 

zooxanthellae. Photo Credit: Dan Polhemus. 

 The Caribbean Coral Reef Institute at the University of 

Puerto Rico and the Bishop Museum were the awardees of the 2006 

and 2007 NCCOS/CSCOR funding focused on mesophotic coral 

ecosystems. 

wOrkshOp AccOmplishments 

Remarkable achievements were made during the 

three-day workshop, the first of its kind to focus 

on mesophotic coral ecosystems, with participants 

identifying and prioritizing critical information needs 

to improve the understanding of mesophotic coral 

ecosystems to aid resource managers in decisionmaking. 

Participants actively discussed and agreed to a working 

definition for mesophotic coral ecosystems, an 

accomplishment that by itself was worth having the 

workshop. In addition to agreeing on the definition, 

the workshop resulted in three products: (1) a special 

issue of the peer-reviewed journal Coral Reefs that 

reviews the state of understanding of mesophotic coral 

ecosystems and their management needs, and includes 

primary research articles focused on mesophotic coral 

ecosystems; (2) mesophotic.org, a online resource for 

scientists, resource managers, and others interested in the 

research, management, and conservation of mesophotic 

coral ecosystems; and (3) a Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems 

Research Strategy to help guide the path forward towards 

understanding these ecosystems. 

reseArch strAtegy FrAmewOrk 

The intention of the Workshop and the Research 

Strategy was to identify critical research needs to help 

inform management. In developing this document, 

it became apparent that using a theme entitled 

“management” as one of the three themes from the 

workshop was not the best way to present information. 

For the Research Strategy, research priorities have been 

divided into three themes: (1) characterization, (2) 

ecology, and (3) values and threats. For each theme, 

the management needs are stated in a question format 

followed by the research objective(s) and activities 

needed to answer the management question. 

implementing the reseArch strAtegy 

The goal of the Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research 

Strategy is to guide NOAA-supported activities, as 

well as serve as a resource for other funding agencies, 

scientists, and managers working at local, regional, 

national, and international scales. To be most effective, 

the implementation of the research priorities identified 

herein should be addressed using a mixture of both 

short-term (1-2 years) and longer-term (3-5 years) 

research studies. Short-term, small-scale projects provide 

the ability to answer targeted questions that can feed 

into longer-term, ecosystem-scale studies focused on 

2 

2
understanding the patterns and processes associated 

with mesophotic coral ecosystems. Longer-term 

studies should strive to be comprehensive in nature by 

addressing research questions in an ecosystem context 

using a multi-disciplinary, multi-investigator approach. 

The role of research is to answer questions, not 

implement the results. Thus, to ensure that research 

conducted is relevant to resource managers, they must 

be entrained from the outset. One of the simplest ways 

to involve resource managers in a research study is to 

include them as part of the research or oversight team 

responsible for designing and guiding the research 

project. This will help ensure that the science performed 

addresses management needs. Additionally, involvement 

of other key stakeholders, such as Fishery Management 

Councils or National Marine Sanctuaries, should be 

addressed during the research design and execution 

phases so that these stakeholders are aware of the 

potential implications of the work being conducted 

and able to provide valuable feedback on the types of 

information that would be useful to them. 

MesophotIc.org 

Mesophotic.org is an online resource for scientists, resource managers, and other parties that are interested in 

the research, management, and conservation of mesophotic coral ecosystems. Mesophotic.org provides a forum 

for collaboration and permits individuals to submit1

 their own information as it pertains to their interests and 

expertise in mesophotic coral ecosystems. The website is designed with the user in mind and contains contact 

information2

 to enhance collaborations, a list of publications, photos, news stories, and postings of job and 

educational opportunities. In addition, general information to enhance the public’s understanding of these 

ecosystems is provided including text on the specialized underwater technologies used to study these ecosystems, as 

well as the threats they face. 

Mesophotic.org is a collaborative effort between NOAA, PIMS, and the Centre for Marine Studies at the 

University of Queensland in Australia. 

1

Subject to review. 

2

Contact information is based on user submissions. 

Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research Strategy 

3 
Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research Strategy 

Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems
 

The coral species Leptoseris provides habitat for a variety of fishes including Psuedanthias thompsoni and Cheatodon milliaris, 

Auau Channel, Hawaii, depth of 70 m. Photo Credit: NOAA’s Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory. 

The term “coral” conjures up visions of warm, tropical 

waters, or, as of late, the cold, dark depths of the 

ocean where not a ray of sunlight penetrates. Found 

between these two visions is a relatively unknown 

and poorly understood depth realm referred to as the 

mesophotic zone – ‘meso’ for middle and ‘photic’ for 

light. Mesophotic coral ecosystems are characterized by 

the presence of light-dependent corals and associated 

communities typically found at depths ranging from 

30-40 m and extending to over 150 m in tropical 

and subtropical regions. The dominant communities 

providing structural habitat in the mesophotic zone can 

be comprised of coral, sponge, and algal species. 

Investigations into the mesophotic depth realms have 

been hampered not by a lack of interest or importance, 

but by technology. The upper limit of mesophotic 

coral ecosystems happens to coincide with the depth 

limitation for conventional SCUBA diving, and is too 

shallow and costly for most deep-diving technologies 

[e.g., remotely operated vehicles (ROV) and 

submersibles] to operate safely without entanglement. 

Consequently, two-thirds of the total depth range of 

zooxanthellate coral environments remains largely 

unexplored. Advances in undersea technologies in 

the past decade have begun to make investigating the 

mesophotic zone a more tangible reality. Technologies 

such as, open/closed-circuit rebreather and mixedgas diving, as well as smaller ROVs and autonomous 

underwater vehicles designed for benthic mapping 

are enabling easier access to study mesophotic coral 

ecosystems. 

Little is known or understood about mesophotic coral 

ecosystems. In an effort to identify the information 

gaps (unknowns), workshop participants and invited 

contributors summarized the state of knowledge 

regarding these ecosystems in a series of review 

papers to be published in a special issue of the peerreviewed journal Coral Reefs. The review papers focus 

on biodiversity, geomorphology, community ecology, 

biological and physical connectivity, and management 

issues related to mesophotic coral ecosystems. These 

articles, while providing a detailed account of what 

is known, make the large gaps which exist in our 

understanding of these ecosystems even more apparent. 

4 
An example of an algal-dominated mesophotic coral 


ecosystem community in the Auau Channel, Hawaii. Photo 


Credit: NOAA’s Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory.
 

impOrtAnce 

In an era of significant coastal ocean changes, 

documented human impacts on shallow coral reefs, 

and increased efficiency of exploitation, it is important 

to understand the value and role of mesophotic coral 

ecosystems in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. 

Limited data on taxonomy, distribution, population 

genetics, reproductive biology, and life histories of 

species restrict our ability to address these issues and 

implement effective management. 

Mesophotic coral ecosystems may be regarded as 

extensions of shallow coral ecosystems including 

sharing common species. It has been hypothesized that 

mesophotic coral ecosystems may serve as refugia for 

impacted shallow-water populations. If true, mesophotic 

coral ecosystems may serve as potential sources to 

reseed or replenish degraded shallow-water populations. 

Additionally, mesophotic coral ecosystems may contain a 

number of species that are endemic to this depth range, 

making them especially vulnerable to disturbances. 

Mesophotic coral ecosystems may also serve as critical 

habitat for economically- and ecologically-important 

species that undergo ontogenetic shifts in habitat use 

from the larval to juvenile to adult phases. Little is 

known about which species may utilize these ecosystems 

Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research Strategy 

as essential fish habitat.3

 Discoveries of new species or 

horizontal and vertical range expansions tensions are 

occurring on a regular basis at these depths. 

In addition, the ability to live in the mesophotic zone 

requires special adaptations to low-light conditions. 

These adaptations may increase the value of these species 

as bioproducts such as pharmaceuticals. Similar to 

their shallower-water counterparts, mesophotic coral 

ecosystems contain organisms with specialized defenses 

to ward off predators, competitors, and microbial 

infections. These specialized defenses often yield unique 

compounds that have potential as marine natural 

products. 

threAts 

Since mesophotic coral ecosystems are part of the 

continuum of shallow-water reefs along a depth gradient, 

they are subject to many of the same threats faced by 

shallower coral ecosystems, such as climate change, 

fishing, pollution, invasive species, and coastal uses (e.g., 

dredging and anchoring). The degree and extent each 

threat poses to these ecosystems is unknown and needs 

to be evaluated. However, even without a quantitative 

measurement of the impact from threats, it is fairly safe 

to state that anything limiting light penetration (e.g., 

increased water turbidity and sedimentation) or hinders 

sessile organisms from performing normal functions 

(e.g., sedimentation impairing an organism’s ability 

to filter feed) could have a significant impact on these 

ecosystems. 

Increased nutrients may also pose a problem to these 

ecosystems. At mesophotic depths, there are less 

herbivores compared to shallower depths. Therefore, if 

an algal bloom is triggered by increased nutrients, there 

will not be enough herbivores present to reduce the 

impact of the algal bloom. 

Fishing-specific impacts to productivity are welldocumented for coastal ecosystems and can result in 

changes in habitats, fish community dynamics, and 

connectivity to supportive nearshore habitats. Fisheries 

activities may negatively influence abundances, sizes, and 

the diversity of fishes, invertebrates, and corals, as well as 

alter food web dynamics. Loss of fisheries productivity 

will deleteriously affect the economic and cultural 

benefits derived from the ecosystem. 

3 Essential fish habitat is those waters and substrate necessary to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to maturity. 

5 
Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research Strategy 

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6 
 

 

Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research Strategy 

Research Priorities for Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems
 

Fish collected at mesophotic depths in the Auau Channel, Hawaii. Many of the fish species found at mesophotic depths are endemic 

to the Hawaiian archipelago. Photo Credit: Heather Spalding. 

Research Goal: to provide sound science to enable effective ecosystem-based management 

of mesophotic coral ecosystems. 

For resource managers to make informed decisions, they 

require the most up-to-date scientific information for the 

resources under their purview. In the case of mesophotic 

coral ecosystems, so little is known about them that 

what is needed most is baseline information on their 

location, characteristics, perceived threats, condition, 

and the causes and consequences of that condition. The 

highest priorities for improving the understanding of 

mesophotic coral ecosystems are to: 

•	 Locate and predict where mesophotic coral 

ecosystems exist; 

•	 Characterize their biodiversity and the geological 

and physical processes that control their 

distribution; 

•	 Determine the community structure and 

dynamics of these ecosystems, as well as their 

connectivity to other coral ecosystems found in 

shallow, mesophotic, and deeper depths; and 

•	 Identify threats, uses, and values of these 

ecosystems. 

7 
Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research Strategy 

The Pisces IV and V submersibles have been critical to the study of mesophotic coral ecosystems in Hawaii. Scientists in the Pisces 

IV shown collecting a sea cucumber, Stichopus sp. Photo Credit: NOAA’s Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory. 

chArActerizAtiOn OF mesOphOtic cOrAl ecOsystems 

Mesophotic coral ecosystems are far more extensive than 

previously thought with some experts estimating that the 

linear extent of these ecosystems could rival or exceed 

that of shallower reefs. Suitable habitat for mesophotic 

coral ecosystems will be dependent on several factors 

including light availability, substrate, temperature, and 

other parameters. To what extent these factors control 

the distribution of these ecosystems is unknown. 

Improving our ability to predict the location of these 

ecosystems will be vital to enhancing our understanding 

of them and ensuring that limited research dollars are 

used efficiently. Additionally, collecting coral cores 

could provide information on the accretion history of 

these systems, and enable forecasts of how current and 

predicted environmental changes may impact them. 

The varied depths and topographies of mesophotic 

coral ecosystems present challenges for sampling and 

measuring biodiversity, and there is a great disparity in 

the extent of our knowledge for different taxonomic 

groups and geographic regions. Although conventional 

wisdom and a few studies indicate that diversity is 

lower in these ecosystems than in their shallower-water 

counterparts, several studies show high diversity and 

species richness within mesophotic coral ecosystems. 

Additionally, major components of the biotic assemblage 

are unknown, thus underscoring a critical need for basic 

taxonomic and systematic characterization. 

Mesophotic coral ecosystems may also harbor endemic 

species. Some species in these ecosystems have more 

restricted geographic ranges than those on shallow 

reefs and thus, are at risk of extinction if disturbed or 

exploited, attesting to the urgency for their study. Other 

species have broad geographic and depth distributions. 

For resource managers, it is important to understand 

where and to what extent mesophotic coral ecosystems 

are found, what factors influence their location, as well 

as what organisms are found in these ecosystems. 

8 
 

 

 

Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research Strategy 

Management Need: Where are mesophotic coral ecosystems found and what is their extent? 

Research Objective:	 Determine the distribution and occurrence of mesophotic coral ecosystems. 

•	 Evaluate existing data sets for the presence/absence of mesophotic coral ecosystems to target mapping efforts. 

•	 Conduct broad-scale, reconnaissance surveys to identify the presence/absence of mesophotic coral 


ecosystems, and site-specific, high-resolution surveys for small-scale characterizations.
 

•	 Develop or refine, test, and evaluate tools and technologies to predict where these ecosystems may occur, and 

assess the distribution and extent of mesophotic coral ecosystems. 

Management Need: What determines where mesophotic coral ecosystems are found? 

Research Objective:	 Understand the geological and physical processes that control mesophotic coral ecosystem 

distribution and characteristics. 

•	 Characterize the environmental regime spatially and temporally (e.g., light, temperature, and carbonate 


chemistry) associated with mesophotic coral ecosystems.
 

•	 Determine which geomorphological features are associated with mesophotic coral ecosystems (e.g., upper 

shelf geology and slope gradient). 

•	 Ascertain how physical processes influence mesophotic coral ecosystem formation (e.g., downward 


sedimentation, currents, and upwelling).
 

Management Need: What organisms are found in these ecosystems? 

Research Objective:	 Characterize mesophotic coral ecosystem biodiversity to better understand, manage, and 

conserve biodiversity and endemism. 

•	 Develop consistent sampling methods in conformance with data standards to allow for cross-study 


comparisons and collaborations.
 

•	 Conduct systematic, broad-scale surveys to inventory organisms present in the mesophotic zone. For each 

species: 

o 	 Collect and catalog specimens including photo documentation and tissue samples for molecular analyses. 

o 	 Determine relative abundance, geographic and depth distributions, and extinction vulnerabilities. 

•	 Improve the understanding of basic taxonomy of mesophotic coral ecosystem biota. 

•	 Determine biotic and abiotic factors which influence biodiversity. 

9 
Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research Strategy 

The dominant communities providing structural habitat in the mesophotic zone can be comprised of coral, sponge, and algal 

species. Image taken at 60 m at Precipico on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico. Photo Credit: Hector Ruiz. 

ecOlOgy OF mesOphOtic cOrAl ecOsystems 

Mesophotic coral ecosystems cover extensive areas 

and support an abundant community of reef fauna, 

some of which are shared with shallow-water coral 

reef ecosystems. However, many of the inhabitants of 

mesophotic coral ecosystems and the processes which 

regulate their community structure and dynamics are 

currently unknown. 

The possibility that mesophotic coral ecosystems can 

replenish shallow reefs, many of which have been 

impacted by natural and anthropogenic disturbances, has 

become an issue of keen interest to resource managers. 

Mesophotic coral ecosystems may be an extension of 

shallow coral reef communities, a unique assemblage, 

or a combination of shallow and deep biota. If there is 

population genetic connectivity between shallow and 

mesophotic coral ecosystems, then mesophotic coral 

ecosystems might be a potential source of larvae to 

restore depleted shallow populations. If there is trophic 

connectivity between these habitats, then mesophotic 

coral ecosystems may enhance or restore ecosystem 

services for shallow reef habitats. Population connectivity 

is driven by biological processes that encompass larval 

supply, hydrodynamics, settlement, and movement 

within and among populations. The rate of exchange of 

these individuals determines whether mesophotic coral 

ecosystems are connected to shallow, other mesophotic, 

or deep-sea coral ecosystems. Trophic connectivity 

depends on the extent of biophysical coupling between 

habitats. Thus, reciprocal connectivity between shallow 

habitats and mesophotic coral ecosystems encompasses 

processes related to energy flux, trophic biology, and 

population genetics. 

For resource managers, it is important to know what key 

species are found in mesophotic coral ecosystems, what 

types of ecological roles mesophotic coral ecosystems 

play, as well as the connectivity of these ecosystems 

with shallow, other mesophotic, and deep-sea coral 

ecosystems. 

10 
 

 

 

Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research Strategy 

Management Need: What are the key species within mesophotic coral ecosystems? 

Research Objective:	 Characterize community structure including patterns of distribution and abundance. 

•	 Identify and describe the economically- and ecologically-important species from representative habitats. 

•	 Determine spatial and temporal variability within and between mesophotic regions. 

•	 Relate distribution and abundance patterns to biotic and abiotic factors. 

•	 Characterize the microbial ecology of the holobiont4

 including autotrophic and heterotrophic components. 

Management Need: What types of ecological roles do mesophotic coral ecosystems play? 

Research Objective:	 Understand the role of mesophotic coral ecosystems in supporting various life stages of 

living marine resources and the processes that regulate these ecosystems. 

•	 Characterize the life history traits of economically- and ecologically-important species. 

•	 Determine whether economically- and ecologically-important species undergo an ontogenetic shift in 


mesophotic habitat use from larval to juvenile to adult phases.
 

•	 Characterize the range of habitat types and their distribution, how they are utilized, and how these 


relationships change over time.
 

•	 Determine the reproductive output of economically- and ecologically-important species within mesophotic 

coral ecosystems. 

•	 Understand the specific processes and mechanisms that underlie the ecological dynamics of these ecosystems. 

Management Need: What is the connectivity of these ecosystems with shallow, other mesophotic, and deep-sea

 coral ecosystems? 

Research Objective:	 Understand the connectivity of these ecosystems with shallow, other mesophotic, and deepsea coral ecosystems. 

•	 Investigate how energy flux varies spatially and temporally. 

•	 Determine the biophysical forcing factors that control nutrient and larvae distributions. 

•	 Identify how migratory organisms use mesophotic coral ecosystems (e.g., as a trophic resource and spawning 

habitat). 

•	 Describe trophic dynamics and nearshore primary productivity for these ecosystems. 

•	 Determine the horizontal and vertical population structure of mesophotic coral ecosystems and to what 

extent there is genetic and ecological connectivity horizontally and vertically. 

o 	 Determine whether mesophotic coral ecosystems can serve as refugia and reseed shallow reefs (or vice 

versa). 

o 	 Determine the connectivity between mesophotic coral ecosystems. 

•	 Determine the distribution overlap of key species with shallow and deep-sea coral ecosystems. 

 Holobiont refers to the coral animal, its endosymbiotic zooxanthellae, and the associated community of microorganisms. 

11 

4
 

Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research Strategy 

Mesophotic coral ecosystems may serve as a refuge for heavily exploited species such as the Nassau grouper, Epinephelus guttatus, 

photographed at 38 m off Bajo de Sico, Puerto Rico. Photo Credit: Jorge Sabater. 

vAlues And threAts tO mesOphOtic cOrAl ecOsystems 

Mesophotic coral ecosystems possess considerable 

natural, social, and economic values. A few studies 

indicate that these ecosystems may be in relative pristine 

condition and less affected by current environmental 

and anthropogenic threats. As such, mesophotic coral 

ecosystems may contribute to the restoration of the 

much more impacted shallower coral ecosystems as 

sources for replenishment. However, they are still 

vulnerable to the same threats that affect shallowwater coral ecosystems such as climate change, fishing, 

pollution, invasive species, eutrophication, and coastal 

uses. At present, few mesophotic coral ecosystems 

are under some level of protection. For those under 

protection, resource managers assume that the needs are 

similar to those of shallower coral ecosystems. However, 

because of their remote location and greater depths, 

they pose unique challenges and opportunities for 

management. 

To protect the values of mesophotic coral ecosystems 

and mitigate the threats to them, it is necessary to better 

understand, from an ecological and human dimension, 

how these systems are characterized, which factors 

control the processes that regulate them, and what 

the key values and threats are. Research focused on 

mesophotic coral ecosystems is needed to help identify 

which management strategies will be most effective. 

For resource managers, it is important to know the 

threats and their impacts to mesophotic coral ecosystems 

and their extrinsic and intrinsic values. 

12 
Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research Strategy 

Management Need: What are the known or perceived threats and their impacts to these ecosystems? 

Research Objective: Understand the anthropogenic and natural impacts to mesophotic coral ecosystems. 

•	 Determine the anthropogenic and natural threats - including episodic events - facing mesophotic coral 


ecosystems.
 

•	 Evaluate the ecological impacts and extent of these threats and the subsequent recovery from impacts/
 

disturbances. 


•	 Identify the temporal and spatial variability of these threats. 

•	 Investigate whether anthropogenic and natural disturbances disrupt the biological processes and connectivity 

of these ecosystems with shallow, other mesophotic, and deep-sea coral ecosystems. 

Management Need: Are mesophotic coral ecosystems of value? 

Research Objective: Determine the benefits of mesophotic coral ecosystems. 

•	 Identify the ecosystem services5

 provided by mesophotic coral ecosystems, as well as the range of current and 

potential future human uses of these areas. 

•	 Analyze the various governance systems with jurisdiction over or relevance to mesophotic coral ecosystems 

and identify legislative and regulatory gaps. 

•	 Develop decision support tools to help managers identify mesophotic coral ecosystems of value and in need 

of protection. 

5 Ecosystem services are fundamental life-support processes upon which all organisms depend (Daily et al. 1997. Ecosystem 

services: benefits supplied to human societies by natural ecosystems. Issues in Ecology No. 2, Ecological Society of America). 

Mesophotic coral ecosystems can be found from 30-40 m and 

extend to beyond 150 m. This image is taken at 40 m off Bajo 

de Sico, Puerto Rico. Photo Credit: Jorge Sabater. 

In the Auau Channel, Hawaii, deep-sea corals, such as this 

azooxanthellate black coral (Antipathes grandis) at 90 m, 

can be found at mesophotic depths. Photo Credit: Sam Kahng. 

13 
AGENDA

Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Workshop

Jupiter Beach Resort • Jupiter, Florida

12-15 July 2008

GOAL: Develop a Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research Strategy.

WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES: 

1. Reach consensus on a definition for “Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems.”

2. Develop concise descriptions for each sub-theme.

3. Identify and prioritize critical information needs for each sub-theme for inclusion in the Mesophotic Coral Ecosystem Research Strategy.

4. Develop outline, timeline, and division of labor for each sub-theme’s review paper.

Pre-DAY 1 Saturday, July 12, 2008 Arrival of Guests and Welcome Reception

6:30 p.m. Organizational Meeting (Steering Committee and Team Leads Only - Terrace) 

7:00-9:00 p.m. Welcome Reception (Marlin Room and Sandbar)

DAY 1 Sunday, July 13, 2008 Review Themes and Define Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems

8:00 a.m. Breakfast at the Hotel (Gallery)

9:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions (Michael Dowgiallo – Sailfish)

9:15 a.m. Review the Agenda – Meeting Objectives and Organization (Plenary – Felix Martinez)

9:30 a.m. REVIEW THEMES –THEME 1: CHARACTERIZATION (Plenary)

• 9:40 Biodiversity (Marjorie Reaka)

• 10:00 Geomorphology and Physical Processes (Stan Locker)

10:20 a.m. BREAK (15 minutes)

10:35 a.m. REVIEW THEMES –THEME 2: ECOLOGY (Plenary)

• 10:50 Community Structure and Dynamics (Sam Kahng)

• 11:10 Connectivity (Marc Slattery)

11:30 a.m. REVIEW THEMES – THEME 3: MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS (Plenary)

• 11:40 Fisheries Impacts and Uses (Jerald Ault)

• 12:00 Management Needs (G.P. Schmahl)

12:30 p.m. LUNCH (Lounge)

1:30 p.m. Recap Morning Presentations (Plenary)

1:45 p.m. Defining Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems (Plenary)

2:45 p.m. Breakout Group Afternoon Assignment Explained (Plenary)

3:00 p.m. BREAK (15 minutes)

3:15-5:30 p.m. Developing Sub-theme Descriptions (Breakout Groups)

5:30 p.m. END of DAY 1

 Dinner “on your own”

DAY 1 Products:

1. A working definition of mesophotic coral ecosystems.

2. Descriptions of each sub-theme.

Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research Strategy 

Appendix A: Workshop Agenda
	

14 
DAY 2 Monday, July 14, 2008 Identifying Critical Information Needs

8:00 a.m. Breakfast at the Hotel (Terrace)

9:00 a.m. Review Day 1 Accomplishments – Review the Agenda for Day 2 (Plenary - Terrace)

9:30 a.m. Identifying Critical Information Needs (Breakout Groups)

• Review sub-theme descriptions

• Identify and prioritize 3-5 research questions

• For each research question, identify types of sampling techniques, technologies, etc.

10:15 a.m. BREAK (15 minutes)

10:30 a.m. Identifying Critical Information Needs Continued (Breakout Groups)

12:00 p.m. LUNCH (Lounge)

1:00 p.m. Breakout Groups Present Identified Information Needs and Discussion (Plenary)

• 1:10 Biodiversity (Marjorie Reaka)

• 1:30 Geomorphology (Stan Locker)

• 1:50 Community Structure and Dynamics (Sam Kahng)

• 2:10 Connectivity (Marc Slattery)

• 2:30 Fisheries Impacts and Uses (Jerald Ault)

• 2:50 Management Needs (G.P. Schmahl)

3:10 p.m. BREAK (15 minutes)

3:25 p.m. Review Paper - discuss and agree to a timeline and discuss outline development (Plenary) 

4:00 p.m. Developing Review Paper Outlines (Breakout Groups)

5:30 p.m. END OF DAY 2

 Dinner “on your own”

DAY 2 Products:

1. List of 3-5 research questions/critical information needs for each sub-theme and the necessary steps to answer the questions defined.

2. Outline for review paper.

DAY 3 Tuesday, July 15, 2008 Organizing Teams for Review Papers

8:00 a.m. Breakfast at the Hotel (Terrace)

9:00 a.m. Review Day 2 Accomplishments – Review the Agenda for Day 3 (Plenary - Terrace)

9:15 a.m. Organizing team to accomplish the review paper (Breakout Groups)

10:30 a.m. BREAK (15 minutes)

10:45 a.m. Discuss Accomplishments and next Steps (Plenary) 

11:45 a.m. Housekeeping Issues (John Marr)

12:00 p.m. END of WORKSHOP

 Lunch “on your own”

DAY 3 Products:

1. Timeline with tasks for each team member to complete the sub-theme’s review paper. 

Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research Strategy 

15 
Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research Strategy 

Appendix B: Workshop Participants 

Workshop steerIng coMMIttee 

pArticipAnt AFFiliAtiOn e-mAil 

Richard Appeldoorn University of Puerto Rico 

Caribbean Coral Reef Institute richard.appeldoorn@upr.edu 

Andy David NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service 

Southeast Fisheries Science Center andy.david@noaa.gov 

Michael Dowgiallo NOAA, National Ocean Service 

Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research michael.dowgiallo@noaa.gov 

Lara Hinderstein NOAA, National Ocean Service 

Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research lara.hinderstein@noaa.gov 

John Marr Perry Institute for Marine Science jmarr@perryinstitute.org 

Felix Martinez NOAA, National Ocean Service 

Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research felix.martinez@noaa.gov 

Kimberly Puglise NOAA, Oceanic and Atmospheric Research 

NOAA Undersea Research Program kimberly.puglise@noaa.gov 

Richard Pyle Bishop Museum deepreef@bishopmuseum.org 

Dave Zawada U.S. Geological Survey dzawada@usgs.gov 

16 
Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research Strategy 

theme 1: CharaCterizatioN oF mesophotiC Coral eCosystems 

BIODIVERSITY 

pArticipAnt AFFiliAtiOn e-mAil 

Marjorie Reaka† University of Maryland mlreaka@umd.edu 

David Ballantine University of Puerto Rico david.ballantine@upr.edu 

Michael Dowgiallo NOAA, National Ocean Service 

Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research michael.dowgiallo@noaa.gov 

Darryl Felder University of Louisiana dlf4517@louisiana.edu 

Julie Olson University of Alabama jolson@bama.ua.edu 

Richard Pyle Bishop Museum deepreef@bishopmuseum.org 

John Reed Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute jreed12@hboi.fau.edu 

GEOMORPHOLOGY AND PHYSICAL PROCESSES 

pArticipAnt AFFiliAtiOn e-mAil 

Stan Locker† University of South Florida stan@marine.usf.edu 

Roy Armstrong University of Puerto Rico roy.armstrong@upr.edu 

Tim Battista NOAA, National Ocean Service 

Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment tim.battista@noaa.gov 

Pat Colin Coral Reef Research Foundation crrf@palaunet.com 

Clark Sherman University of Puerto Rico clark.sherman@upr.edu 

Dave Zawada U.S. Geological Survey dzawada@usgs.gov 

†Sub-theme Leader 

17 
Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research Strategy 

theme 2: eCology oF mesophotiC Coral eCosystems 

COMMUNITY STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS 

pArticipAnt AFFiliAtiOn e-mAil 

Sam Kahng† Hawaii Pacific University skahng@hpu.edu 

Reni Garcia University of Puerto Rico renigar@caribe.net 

Lara Hinderstein NOAA, National Ocean Service 

Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research lara.hinderstein@noaa.gov 

Chris Kellogg U.S. Geological Survey ckellogg@usgs.gov 

Heather Spalding University of Hawaii at Manoa hspaldin@hawaii.edu 

Rob Toonen University of Hawaii at Manoa toonen@hawaii.edu 

Ernesto Weil University of Puerto Rico eweil@caribe.net 

CONNECTIVITY 

pArticipAnt AFFiliAtiOn e-mAil 

Marc Slattery† University of Mississippi slattery@olemiss.edu 

Pim Bongaerts University of Queensland pim@uq.edu.au 

Brian Bowen University of Hawaii at Manoa bbowen@hawaii.edu 

Michael Lesser University of New Hampshire mpl@unh.edu 

Rick Nemeth University of Virgin Islands rnemeth@uvi.edu 

Kimberly Puglise NOAA, Oceanic and Atmospheric Research 

NOAA Undersea Research Program kimberly.puglise@noaa.gov 

Paul Yoshioka University of Puerto Rico paul.yoshioka@upr.edu 

†Sub-theme Leader 

18 
Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research Strategy 

theMe 3: ManageMent of MesophotIc coral ecosysteMs 

FISHERIES IMPACTS AND USES 

pArticipAnt AFFiliAtiOn e-mAil 

Jerry Ault† 

University of Miami 

Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric 

Science 

jault@rsmas.miami.edu 

Rich Appeldoorn University of Puerto Rico 

Caribbean Coral Reef Institute richard.appeldoorn@upr.edu 

Andy David* NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service 

Southeast Fisheries Science Center andy.david@noaa.gov 

Behzad Mahmoudi Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute behzad.mahmoudi@fwc.state.fl.us 

Tony Montgomery Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources tony.montgomery@hawaii.gov 

MANAGEMENT NEEDS 

pArticipAnt AFFiliAtiOn e-mAil 

G.P. Schmahl† 

NOAA, National Ocean Service 

Flower Garden Banks 

 National Marine Sanctuary 

george.schmahl@noaa.gov 

Brian Keller†* 

NOAA, National Ocean Service 

Office of National Marine Sanctuaries 

Southeast Region 

brian.keller@noaa.gov 

Randy Kosaki 

NOAA, National Ocean Service 

Papāhanaumokuākea 

 Marine National Monument 

randall.kosaki@noaa.gov 

Felix Martinez NOAA, National Ocean Service 

Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research felix.martinez@noaa.gov 

Roger Pugliese* South Atlantic Fishery Management Council roger.pugliese@safmc.net 

Jack Sobel Ocean Conservancy jsobel@oceanconservancy.org 

David Wachenfeld Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority david.wachenfeld@gbrmpa.gov.au 

†Sub-theme Leader 

*Not in Attendance 

19 
Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research Strategy 

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20 
Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems Research Strategy 

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24 
U.S. Department of Commerce 

Gary F. Locke 

Secretary 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

Jane Lubchenco 

Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere 

and NOAA Administrator 

National Ocean Service 

John H. Dunnigan 

Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management