The Red Sea: Israel

摘要: The mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) of Eilat, in the Northern Red Sea, are among best-studied worldwide, as demonstrated by high number publications from region. Nonetheless, Eilat’s MCEs remain relatively unexplored compared to its shallow reefs. Its host diverse benthic communities that potentially linked ecologically Here, we summarize history MCE research and compare reefs using long-term biotic abiotic data. exhibit lower fluctuations temperature, light, sedimentation, a decreased frequency shore-related disturbances than adjacent reefs, supporting hypothesis key environmental parameters become more stable with increasing depth. However, nutrient concentrations variable nearby We provide novel definition upper (30–80 m) (80–160 zone boundaries based on degree light penetration, well relative abundance major fauna flora. Scleractinian diversity increases depth, specialist taxa. Corals (93 spp.) comprise organisms contributing living cover. A mass coral-bleaching event took place 2015 exclusively affected MCEs, discuss event’s potential mechanisms consequences for vs. assemblages. Protection regulations needed maintain support these unique ecosystems.