About this Research Topic
The mesophotic coral-reef ecosystem (MCE) has been defined as comprising light-dependent communities of corals and other organisms found at depths between 30 and >150 m in tropical and subtropical regions. Due to technical and safety constraints, until the past decade most coral-reef studies have been restricted to the upper ~30 m and therefore data on MCEs remains sparse. Current technological advances, however, such as remotely operated vehicles and closed-circuit re-breather diving, have now facilitated the investigation of MCEs.
-What is the reason for valorising MCEs?
-Why does this need to be accelerated?
-What knowledge needs to be gained about/from MCEs?
This Research Topic publishes papers consolidating and advancing our understanding of Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems (MCEs), their potential for valorisation and how this can best be implemented taking into account environmental and socio-economic factors as well as their conservation and management. It aims to provide a comprehensive picture of current research on these ecosystems and the possibilities for progress. Manuscripts addressing any of the following themes are particularly welcome:
• Biodiversity of organisms in MCEs
• Biology of MCE organisms
• MCEs bacterial, fungal and algal symbionts
• Bioactive natural compounds from MCEs
• Bioprospecting technology
• Impact of climate change and anthropogenic activities
• Adaptation to physico-chemical and trophic constraints of MCEs
• Biotechnology and biomolecules
• Environmental and conservation issues related to MCEs
This topic will serve to orientate and coordinate international research efforts on MCEs and their valorisation and will feed into policy recommendations to ensure sustainable and ethical practices.
Acknowledgements: This research topic is coordinated by the TASCMAR project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme for research and innovation under grant agreement number 634674. For more information: www.tascmar.eu
The Topic Editors Jamal Ouazzani and Yehuda Benayahu declare that they are affiliated with the EU project TASCMAR on Tools And Strategies to access original bioactive compounds
by Cultivating MARine invertebrates and associated symbionts.
-What is the reason for valorising MCEs?
-Why does this need to be accelerated?
-What knowledge needs to be gained about/from MCEs?
This Research Topic publishes papers consolidating and advancing our understanding of Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems (MCEs), their potential for valorisation and how this can best be implemented taking into account environmental and socio-economic factors as well as their conservation and management. It aims to provide a comprehensive picture of current research on these ecosystems and the possibilities for progress. Manuscripts addressing any of the following themes are particularly welcome:
• Biodiversity of organisms in MCEs
• Biology of MCE organisms
• MCEs bacterial, fungal and algal symbionts
• Bioactive natural compounds from MCEs
• Bioprospecting technology
• Impact of climate change and anthropogenic activities
• Adaptation to physico-chemical and trophic constraints of MCEs
• Biotechnology and biomolecules
• Environmental and conservation issues related to MCEs
This topic will serve to orientate and coordinate international research efforts on MCEs and their valorisation and will feed into policy recommendations to ensure sustainable and ethical practices.
Acknowledgements: This research topic is coordinated by the TASCMAR project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme for research and innovation under grant agreement number 634674. For more information: www.tascmar.eu
The Topic Editors Jamal Ouazzani and Yehuda Benayahu declare that they are affiliated with the EU project TASCMAR on Tools And Strategies to access original bioactive compounds
by Cultivating MARine invertebrates and associated symbionts.
Keywords: Mesophotic coral-reef ecosystem (MCE), Biodiversity, Marine Biotechnology, Impact of climate change, Bioactive natural compounds, Marine invertebrates, Environmental adaptation, Conservation, Innovative bioprospecting tools
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