[A-OS13] Marine ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles: theory, observation and modeling

[AOS13-P03] Impacts of Temperature Variations and Nutrient Supply on Soft Coral Coverage: A Case Study from the SE Taiwan Strait

*Ting-Hsuan Huang¹、Chen-Tung Arthur Chen¹、Li-Lian Liu¹ (1.Department of Oceanography, National Sun Yat-sen University)

キーワード：soft coral, Taiwan Strait, upwelling, nutrients

The coral reef ecosystem acts as a canary in the coal mine for the ocean's health under the influence of climate change. Through Reef Check, a practical method to record the benthic cover variations, citizen scientists participate in recording the environmental shifts and provide long-term data. To analyze the relationship between soft coral cover rate, sea surface temperature, and nutrient supply, this study utilizes Reef Check data, alongside sea surface temperature (SST) records, shipboard CTD profiles, laboratory-analyzed nutrient data, and HYCOM results from 2010 to 2019. The Reef Check data were published by the Taiwan Environmental Information Association, and SST from the Central Weather Bureau buoys. Focusing on the southeast Taiwan Strait, including the Penghu Channel and nearby Xiaoliuqiu and Penghu islands—areas noted for upwelling—this study observes a decrease in SST near Penghu against a backdrop of rising SST near Xiaoliuqiu. This contrast is linked to local upwelling, internal tides, and monsoonal effects. The findings highlight a positive relationship between soft coral coverage and both SST variations and nutrient concentrations, emphasizing the critical role of thermal stability and nutrient access in coral resilience.