[Coral-List] Call for abstracts: ICRS 2020 Theme 3: roles nutrients on coral reefs

[Michael Fox]

Hi everyone,

We are pleased to announce a session focusing on the roles of nutrients in
coral reef ecosystem functioning and survival in a changing climate.

Our session is #3 in theme 3: Ecosystem functions and services - *What are
the roles of nutrients in coral reef survival?*

The session abstract is copied below and can also be found here:
http://www.icrs2020.de/program/session-program/#c235

We are looking forward to an exciting and engaging session. Please feel
free to contact us if you have any questions. The submission deadline is
September 1st.

Thanks,

Mike Fox, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Jörg Wiedenmann, University of Southampton
Kristen Davis, UC Irvine
Gareth Williams, Bangor University

SESSION ABSTRACT: Shallow water coral reefs are traditionally considered
nutritionally self-sustaining systems, capable of thriving in oligotrophic
waters. But coral reefs exist across a wide range of oceanic nutrient
concentrations, primary production, and anthropogenic impacts. Emerging
evidence reveals that many reefs receive substantial inputs of exogenous
nutrients from natural processes such as upwelling, internal waves, or
lagoon flushing. These inputs can significantly increase background
nutrient concentrations and enhance nearshore phytoplankton biomass. Under
such conditions, many reefs exhibit higher coral cover, fish biomass, and
overall ecosystem productivity. In contrast, nutrients associated with
anthropogenic activities enter reef systems through agricultural runoff,
sewage, or groundwater discharge where they often compromise ecosystem
functioning. To date, much of the focus has been on the negative effects of
nutrients on reef communities, while the synergistic roles of natural
nutrient enrichment have received less attention. Resolving why nutrients
can have contrasting impacts on different organisms and reef systems is an
important next step in predicting the fate of coral reefs under future
changes in coastal eutrophication and primary production. Recent advances
in analytical techniques (e.g., compound-specific stable isotope analysis),
high-resolution climate and biogeochemical modeling, and observational
technologies (e.g., in situ and remote sensing) are creating opportunities
to address the critical gaps in knowledge needed to develop innovative
management strategies and refine predictions of coral reef trajectories.
This session invites contributions from experimental, observational, and
modeling studies that seek to quantify and understand the connections
between nutrient supply, primary production, coral reef community structure
and function, energy flow, and ecosystem resilience.

-- 
Mike