Mesophotic coral ecosystems - A lifeboat for coral reefs?

Abstract

Mesophotic coral ecosystems (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 regions. They are populated with organisms typically associated with shallow coral reefs, such as corals, macroalgae, sponges, and fish, as well as species unique to mesophotic depths or deeper.