Bremen International Graduate School for Marine Sciences

Identification and evaluation of stress antagonists to mitigate negative effects of ocean warming on corals

Shifts in physical and biogeochemical conditions are widely recognized to predominantly induce coral bleaching. Due to rapidly increasing seawater temperatures driven by global warming amplified by events like El Niño, heat stress is currently one of the major bleaching triggers threatening coral reefs worldwide. However, minimal progress has been made towards the mitigation of global climate change threats. Therefore, direct actions are urgently needed to maintain healthy and resilient coral reefs.

To address coral bleaching induced by heat stress, my PhD project aims to evaluate the potential of different stress antagonists in preventing bleaching triggers and cascades. Through manipulative aquarium and in situ experiments, I will assess the efficacy of these stress antagonists to mitigate the impacts of heat stress on the coral holobiont and coral reef associated organisms. If proven effective and safe, optimal concentrations will be established, paving the way for potential in situ applications to enhance coral resilience in the face of ocean warming.