IN THEIR SYMBIONT ERA: IDENTIFYING MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES IN MAUI SHALLOW-WATER CORALS IMPACTED BY WASTEWATER

Nutrient pollution and ocean acidification harm shallow-water coral health by disrupting coral host and symbiont interactions. Zooxanthellae, endosymbiotic algae in coral tissues, provide essential nutrient products from photosynthesis but may be expelled during host stress, increasing the risk of coral bleaching and disease. Corals also rely on a stable prokaryotic population for nutrient cycling and pathogen resistance. In the Kahekili Herbivore Fisheries Management Area (KHFMA) of Maui, Hawaii, scleractinian corals are exposed to high nutrient concentrations and decreased seawater pH from sewage treatment plant wastewater entering the reef through submarine groundwater vents. This study compares microbial communities in KHFMA corals at varying proximity to a vent site. Coral tissue, mucus, and reef water samples collected underwent DNA extraction. We amplified 16S rRNA using V4-V5 primers 515F-Y/926R to characterize prokaryotic associations and enhance our understanding of their roles in coral health and resilience in reef ecosystems impacted by nutrient pollution. We also optimized the PCR protocol with SYM_VAR_5.8S2/SYM_VAR_REV primers, which have increased specificity for the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) region of Symbiodinium. By assessing Symbiodinium clade diversity at sites near and far from the vent, we aim to uncover unique zooxanthellae responses to stressors and coral recruitment of zooxanthellae in nutrient-polluted areas. This study may aid in developing improved methods to promote coral success for future conservation and restoration efforts.

Presentation Preference: Oral

Primary Presenter: Grace Mathis, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (graceyvonne2004@yahoo.com)

Authors:

Grace Mathis, Texas A&M University, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor  (gymathis@cru.umhb.edu)

Makeda Mills, Texas A&M University  (mmills@tamu.edu)

Jason Sylvan, Texas A&M University  (jsylvan@tamu.edu)