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Effect of light intensity on photophysiology and growth dynamics of crustose coralline algae (CCA): implications for the loss of canopy-forming algae

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Abstract

The disappearance of canopy-forming algae in coastal habitats exposes crustose coralline algae (CCA) to varying light conditions during the transition from foliose macroalgal habitats to barren ground by physical, chemical, or biological interaction. We hypothesized that the sudden increase in light intensity, resulting from the absence of canopy-forming algae, leads to photodamage in CCA related to inhibition of growth. To test this, a 4-week indoor incubation experiment was conducted under different light intensities (20-, 60-, 120-, and 250-μmol photons m−2 s−1). Results revealed that CCA can acclimate to limited light environments, with the efficiency of PSII significantly reduced at higher light levels. Photoprotective mechanisms were activated under persistent stress, leading to a reduction in encrusting area and CCA bleaching. This suggests that CCA coexist with canopy-forming algae in environments with sufficient light exposure, benefiting from the shade provided. However, if directly exposed to light due to the disappearance of canopy-forming algae, CCA faces extreme light stress and potential disappearance.

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The data in this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

We thank YJY, YJS, and HYP for field sampling and technical support.

Funding

This research was supported by the following Research Grants: Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Korean Government (MIST) (NRF-2021R1A2C4002298 to J-HK and NRF-2022R1C1C2008739 to EJK). Also, this work was partially funded by the project titled “Techniques development for management and evaluation of biofouling on ship hulls” (No. RS-2021-KS211530) to J-HK, “Development of marine aquaculture within offshore wind farms” (No. RS-2022-KS221679) to YSK through the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Korea (MOF), and Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (Grant Number PEA 02025) to J-HK and HK.

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  1. Eun Ju Kang and Ye Rim Kim have contributed equally to this work and share first authorship.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science, Kunsan National University, Gunsan, 54150, South Korea

    Eun Ju Kang, Ye Rim Kim, Hyung Woo Lee & Ju-Hyoung Kim

  2. Department of Marine Biology, Kunsan National University, Gunsan, 54150, South Korea

    Ye Rim Kim & Young Sik Kim

  3. East Sea Research Institute, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Uljin, 36315, South Korea

    Haryun Kim

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EJK and YRK analyzed data and wrote the draft manuscript. HWL and HK conducted the sample collection, analysis, and data discussion. J-HK and YSK supervised the project and reviewed the draft manuscript. All authors reviewed and approved the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Young Sik Kim or Ju-Hyoung Kim.

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Kang, E.J., Kim, Y.R., Lee, H.W. et al. Effect of light intensity on photophysiology and growth dynamics of crustose coralline algae (CCA): implications for the loss of canopy-forming algae. Hydrobiologia (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-024-05553-y

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