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Temporal and spatial variation in fatty acid composition in Acropora tenuis corals along water quality gradients on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

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Abstract

Fatty acids (FA) play a vital role in coral physiology, metabolism and stress resistance. Optimal health requires a balance of fatty acids, and more specifically essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), for efficient biochemical and physiological functioning. Therefore, it is necessary to fully assess and evaluate the viability of FA as biomarkers for monitoring the health of coral populations. This study explores seasonal and spatial variation in the abundance of 17 FA in the coral Acropora tenuis, along two water quality gradients on the central Great Barrier Reef. Ratios of key FA varied similarly along the two water quality gradients and were highest in corals from comparatively good water quality conditions. Strong differences in PUFA composition were found between wet and dry seasons, with high percentage n-3 PUFA defining the dry seasons (June 2013 and October 2013) and high percentage n-6 PUFA defining the wet seasons (February 2013 and 2014). Saturated FA and monounsaturated FA concentrations varied with season, positively correlated with Symbiodinium density, and had highest concentrations in corals exposed to relatively poor water quality. Overall, results demonstrate that essential FA and their derived ratios support FA as a potential indicator of coral holobiont health; however, strong seasonal variation may negate FA and their derived ratios as water quality indicators.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Dr. Britta Schaffelke and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) Inshore Marine Monitoring Team (MMP) for logistical and field support, Sam Noonan for field support, and Dr. Jennifer Atherton for comments to improve the manuscript. AIMS Laboratory facilities were used for this study. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority provided Research Permit No. G35406.1. AIMS, the National Environmental Research Program, the PADI Grant Foundation and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies provided funding.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB #3, Townsville MC, QLD, 4810, Australia

    Melissa M. Rocker, Katharina E. Fabricius & Line K. Bay

  2. AIMS@JCU, Australian Institute of Marine Science, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia

    Melissa M. Rocker

  3. College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia

    Melissa M. Rocker & Bette L. Willis

  4. ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia

    Melissa M. Rocker, Bette L. Willis & Line K. Bay

  5. Deakin University, Geelong, Australia, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Warrnambool Campus, Princes Hwy, Sherwood Park, PO Box 423, Warrnambool, VIC, 3280, Australia

    David S. Francis

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Rocker, M.M., Francis, D.S., Fabricius, K.E. et al. Temporal and spatial variation in fatty acid composition in Acropora tenuis corals along water quality gradients on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Coral Reefs 38, 215–228 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-019-01768-x

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