What is the Mesophotic zone?

Next stop, The Mesophotic Zone. It is a world between worlds – between brightly lit shallow waters and the deepest, darkest depths of the ocean – thus, the “middle light” zone. Here, 30 to 150 meters beneath the surface, is the furthest that sunlight can penetrate the ocean.

What are Mesophotic reefs built by?

MCRs are usually built by light-dependent corals whose photosynthetic symbionts tolerate middle- to low-light conditions11,12. Other taxa that provide structural habitat, include sponge and algal species13,14.

What ecosystems do corals live?

Corals prefer warm, clear, shallow water, and these reefs are found throughout the tropics. Different species of corals live in different ocean basins, so reefs in the tropical western Atlantic Ocean can look different than reefs in the Indo-Pacific Ocean.

How big is the mesophotic coral ecosystem ( MCE )?

This book summarizes what is known about mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) geographically and by major taxa. MCEs are characterized by light-dependent corals and associated communities typically found at depths ranging from 30-40 m. and extending to over 150 m. in tropical and subtropical ecosystems.

What are the dominant communities in the mesophotic zone?

The dominant communities providing structural habitat in the mesophotic zone are corals, sponges, and algae. Little is known or understood about these ecosystems because until recently, studies were hampered by lack of technology.

Where are corals found in the tropical ocean?

NOAA Ocean Today: The Mesophotic Zone. Mesophotic coral ecosystems are found in tropical and subtropical regions at depths ranging from almost 100 feet to over 490 feet below the ocean’s surface. The dominant communities providing structural habitat in the mesophotic zone are corals, sponges, and algae.

How big are the coral communities in MCEs?

MCEs are characterized by light-dependent corals and associated communities typically found at depths ranging from 30-40 m. and extending to over 150 m. in tropical and subtropical ecosystems.