As climate change threatens tropical coral reefs with warming waters, the search for areas where water temperature remains relatively cool during warming events has become a critical area of research. One avenue of research—known as the Deep Reef Refugia Hypothesis—is investigating whether mesophotic coral ecosystems can provide sanctuary for tropical corals facing warming sea surface temperatures. A key aspect of the Deep Reef Refugia Hypothesis is vertical connectivity—how larvae and genetic material move between shallow and deeper reefs.  

In this episode, Camille explains the context for why mesophotic reefs and vertical connectivity are relevant for reef resilience, and Dr. Bellworthy walks us through research she conducted to test the Deep Reef Refugia Hypothesis in the Gulf of Aqaba. Visit mesopotic.org to learn more about mesophotic ecosystems.