MATTEO BRAVO

PhD Student

Research Title: Mangrove-Coral Interactions
Research Group: Tropical Environmental Change (TEC)
Thesis Advisor: Prof Paul Kench

Tropical coral reefs and mangrove forests are among Earth's richest ecosystems in terms of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. However, these systems are under significant threat from various anthropogenic and natural factors, with climate change exacerbating these stresses. Corals and mangroves often coexist in tropical coastal systems, forming intricate habitats known as "coexisting mangrove-coral" (CMC) habitats. These habitats offer mutual benefits, such as reduced solar irradiance stress for corals under mangrove canopies, potentially serving as climate refugia and genetic reservoirs. Despite their potential importance, our understanding of CMC habitats is limited, especially in Southeast Asia, where rapid urbanization and land reclamation are causing severe coastal habitat loss. This project aims to resolve coral-mangrove relationships and identify and characterize CMC habitats in Southeast Asia to enhance conservation efforts and understand their role in climate change resilience.

The research aims to map the extent of CMC habitats and analyze the eco-geomorphological factors influencing their distribution and structure from coastal to offshore gradients. This involves assessing seawater chemistry, temperature, water flow, salinity, and light availability. Additionally, the project will study the 3D structure of coral reefs to understand their impact on ecosystem dynamics, species diversity, and resilience to climate change. The study will also explore the ecological interplay between corals and mangroves, focusing on resource competition and mutualistic interactions. By investigating nutrient pathways and trophic interactions, the research will provide insights into potential coral adaptations and seasonal variations within these interactions.

By achieving these objectives, the project aims to enhance our understanding of CMC habitats, contribute to their conservation, and highlight their potential role as refugia in the face of climate change.