Terrestrial nutrient inputs restructure coral reef dissolved carbon fluxes via direct and indirect effects

Nyssa J. Silbiger; Megan J. Donahue; Benjamin Hagedorn; Danielle M. Barnas; Hendrikje Jorissen; Jamie R. Kerlin; Rayna McClintock; Emily Nixon; Wesley J. Sparagon; Maya Zeff; Craig E. Nelson

doi:10.1002/ecm.70020

journal article May 01, 2025

Terrestrial nutrient inputs restructure coral reef dissolved carbon fluxes via direct and indirect effects

Nyssa J. Silbiger

Megan J. Donahue

Benjamin Hagedorn Danielle M. Barnas Hendrikje Jorissen Jamie R. Kerlin Rayna McClintock Emily Nixon Wesley J. Sparagon Maya Zeff Craig E. Nelson

Ecological Monographs Vol. 95 No. 2 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1002/ecm.70020

Abstract

AbstractThe addition of terrestrial inputs to the ocean can have cascading impacts on coastal biogeochemistry by directly altering the water chemistry and indirectly changing ecosystem metabolism, which also influences water chemistry. Here, we use submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) as a model system to examine the direct geochemical and indirect biologically mediated effects of terrestrial nutrient subsidies on a fringing coral reef. We hypothesize that the addition of new solutes from SGD alters ecosystem metabolic processes including net ecosystem production and calcification, thereby changing the patterns of uptake and release of carbon by benthic organisms. SGD is a common land–sea connection that delivers terrestrially sourced nutrients, carbon dioxide, and organic matter to coastal ecosystems. Our research was conducted at two distinct coral reefs in Moʻorea, French Polynesia, characterized by contrasting flow regimes and SGD biogeochemistry. Using a Bayesian structural equation model, our research elucidates the direct geochemical and indirect biologically mediated effects of SGD on both dissolved organic and inorganic carbon pools. We reveal that SGD‐derived nutrients enhance both net ecosystem production and respiration. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that SGD‐induced alterations in net ecosystem production significantly influence pH dynamics, ultimately impacting net ecosystem calcification. Notably, the study underscores the context‐dependent nature of these cascading direct and indirect effects resulting from SGD, with flow conditions and the composition of the terrestrial inputs playing pivotal roles. Our research provides valuable insights into the interplay between terrestrial inputs and coral reef ecosystems, advancing our understanding of coastal carbon cycling and the broader implications of allochthonous inputs on ecosystem functioning.

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Details

Published: May 01, 2025
Vol/Issue: 95(2)
License: View

Authors

N

Nyssa J. Silbiger

Uehiro Center for the Advancement of Oceanography, Department of Oceanography University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Honolulu Hawaiʻi USA

M

Megan J. Donahue

Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Kāneʻohe Hawaiʻi USA

B

Benjamin Hagedorn

Department of Earth Science California State University Long Beach California USA

D

Danielle M. Barnas

Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Kāneʻohe Hawaiʻi USA; Department of Biology California State University Northridge California USA

H

Hendrikje Jorissen

Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Kāneʻohe Hawaiʻi USA; Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education, Department of Oceanography and Sea Grant College Program University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Honolulu Hawaiʻi USA

J

Jamie R. Kerlin

Department of Biology California State University Northridge California USA

R

Rayna McClintock

Uehiro Center for the Advancement of Oceanography, Department of Oceanography University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Honolulu Hawaiʻi USA; Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education, Department of Oceanography and Sea Grant College Program University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Honolulu Hawaiʻi USA

E

Emily Nixon

Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego California USA

W

Wesley J. Sparagon

Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education, Department of Oceanography and Sea Grant College Program University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Honolulu Hawaiʻi USA

M

Maya Zeff

Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California Santa Cruz California USA

C

Craig E. Nelson

Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education, Department of Oceanography and Sea Grant College Program University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Honolulu Hawaiʻi USA

Funding

Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Division of Ocean Sciences Award: 1924281

Cite This Article

Nyssa J. Silbiger, Megan J. Donahue, Benjamin Hagedorn, et al. (2025). Terrestrial nutrient inputs restructure coral reef dissolved carbon fluxes via direct and indirect effects. Ecological Monographs, 95(2). https://doi.org/10.1002/ecm.70020

Terrestrial nutrient inputs restructure coral reef dissolved carbon fluxes via direct and indirect effects

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