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New Insights into the Resilience of Intertidal Anemones

Within the confines of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, marine biologist Dimitri Deheyn investigates the unique adaptations of intertidal anemones. Surrounded by bubbling aquariums and the scent of vibrant intertidal algae, Deheyn carefully studies the anemones’ response to light in an experimental setup dedicated to understanding biofluorescence.

In a dimly lit photobiology laboratory, Deheyn places an anemone under an ultraviolet (UV) spotlight, revealing its brilliant green glow. This striking display of color is a fascinating demonstration of biofluorescence—where specific proteins within the organism absorb UV light and emit it at different wavelengths. Depending on the protein composition, these creatures can fluoresce in a variety of colors such as neon green, blue, yellow, or orange.

Intertidal anemones, including Anthopleura elegantissima, have developed remarkable resilience to their dynamic habitats, which undergo significant changes every day due to tidal cycles. As these creatures contend with fluctuating environmental conditions, recent studies have unveiled more about their survival strategies.

The research, led by Nathaniel Clarke from MIT and supported by Deheyn, revealed a protein dubbed AnthoYFP in intertidal anemones, enhancing their fluorescence while also serving as an antioxidant. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, toxins that organisms encounter during stressful conditions. This newfound biochemical defense may play a crucial role in helping anemones adapt to environmental shifts, such as rising temperatures, thereby enhancing their chances for survival and reproduction in an increasingly volatile ocean.

Investigators focused on three anemone species along the Californian coast, finding the common ability to fluoresce vibrantly under UV light. However, differences in appearance under white light caught their attention, particularly among sunburst anemones (Anthopleura sola). The discovery of a distinct color morph that glows neon green has sparked further investigation into how the AnthoYFP protein influences both UV and white light fluorescence.

The antioxidant properties linked to this protein open new frontiers for research. Clarke envisions potential applications where AnthoYFP might be advantageous for other invertebrates facing cellular stress, suggesting it could even be utilized to genetically enhance resilience in corals and other cnidarians as climate change progresses.

Changes driven by climate phenomena pose significant threats to intertidal ecosystems. Factors such as aggressive waves and prolonged exposure to heat are amplifying stress on marine life. Deheyn emphasizes that anemones equipped with the newly discovered protein could have a competitive edge in adapting to these incremental challenges.

Aiding in these discoveries are citizen scientists, whose contributions have proven invaluable. By utilizing platforms like iNaturalist, participants have been vital in mapping the distribution of the sunburst anemone’s unique color morph and assessing its population across a broad geographical range from Oregon to Baja, Mexico.

Passionate citizen scientists like Jami Feldman and Laura Simonato play a key role in this environmental stewardship. Feldman, a ScubaPro ambassador, actively dives into the tide pools of La Jolla, capturing the beauty and diversity of intertidal life while documenting her findings on social media. Simonato, through her platform @thetidepooler, showcases her underwater explorations, emphasizing both the wonder and the vulnerability of these ecosystems.

With ongoing climate shifts impacting the delicate balance of marine environments, the work of citizen scientists complements formal research efforts, collectively fostering a deeper understanding of ecosystem dynamics. As they share their observations, they raise awareness and engage new audiences in vital conservation conversations, striving to illuminate a path toward a more resilient ocean.

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www.smithsonianmag.com