Mesophotic Coral Resilience Project: New Assessment

Deep Sea Corals Face Climate Threat, Major New Research Project Launched

A groundbreaking, £3.7 million initiative will assess the vulnerability of mesophotic coral ecosystems – those found between 30 and 150 meters below the surface – to the escalating impacts of climate change in the Indian Ocean. The five-year project, commencing in February 2026, aims to determine how these deeper reefs will respond to warming waters and inform strategies for their protection.

The Hidden Reefs at Risk

For years, scientists believed deeper coral reefs might be shielded from the worst effects of climate change impacting their shallow-water counterparts. However, recent discoveries are challenging that assumption.Researchers from the University of Plymouth previously identified the deepest known evidence of coral reef bleaching in the Indian Ocean, signaling that these ecosystems are far from immune.This new project seeks to address critical knowledge gaps surrounding the diversity, distribution, and resilience of these vital underwater habitats.

Did you know? – Mesophotic coral ecosystems, or “twilight reefs,” receive minimal sunlight, supporting unique biodiversity not found in shallower reefs. They are increasingly crucial as shallow reefs decline.

A Collaborative Effort to Understand Resilience

The ambitious undertaking will be led by marine biology and oceanography experts from the University of Plymouth, with core contributions from coral reef biodiversity specialists at Imperial College London and numerical modeling experts at Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML). The research will be supported by a grant from the Natural Habitat Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation.

Researchers will employ a range of methods,including in-situ measurements of biodiversity,health,and environmental parameters across the Indian Ocean. This data will be supplemented by high-resolution numerical modeling to create a extensive picture of reef vulnerability. Further studies will be conducted in the Coral Spawning Laboratory at the University of Plymouth, with assistance from the Horniman Museum and Gardens in London, to investigate the reproductive strategies and thermal tolerance of mesophotic coral species.

Implications for Biodiversity and Coastal nations

The project’s scope extends beyond scientific assessment. Scientists will collaborate with organizations in the Maldives, Seychelles, and Mauritius – nations heavily reliant on healthy oceans for food security, environmental protection, and economic stability. Partner organizations include the Maldives Environmental Protection Agency, Maldives Marine Research Institute, Seychelles Island Foundation, island Conservation Society (Seychelles), and the Government of Mauritius.

“Until recently, we thought deeper coral reefs might be protected against similar threats,” stated a project lead. “However our work in the Indian Ocean has challenged that assumption. This project aims to further our understanding of how resilient these deeper coral ecosystems are to warming waters, and the impact any changes in their structure and function could have on coral reef biodiversity in the Indian Ocean and globally.”

Through this research, scientists hope to quantify the potential of the western and central Indian Ocean to sustain coral reef biodiversity under future climate scenarios, pinpointing critical areas and those most susceptible to climate change impacts due to their unique location and oceanographic conditions. The findings will be crucial for developing targeted conservation strategies and ensuring the long-term health of these invaluable ecosystems.

Reader question – What role do you think local communities can play in protecting these deeper coral reefs, and how can scientists best engage them in conservation efforts?

News Report Expansion:

Why is this research happening? This £3.7 million, five-year research project is launching because recent evidence indicates that mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Indian Ocean, previously thought to be resilient to climate change, are experiencing bleaching. This challenges existing assumptions and necessitates a deeper understanding of their vulnerability.The project aims to assess the impact of warming waters on these deeper reefs and inform conservation strategies.

Who is involved? The project is led by the University of Plymouth, with key contributions from Imperial College London and Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML). Funding comes from the Natural Environment Research council (UK Research and Innovation).Collaboration extends to organizations in the Maldives,Seychelles,and Mauritius,including environmental agencies and research institutes.

What will the research entail? Researchers will use a combination