Image: Nick Kamenos
Research project This project will use biophotonics to better understand the photosynthesis and physiology of red coralline algae – globally distributed reef-building calcified seaweeds. These coralline algae reefs are biodiversity hotspots but are threatened by human activities and climate change, so understanding their physiology is essential for effective sustainable management.
Photosynthesis supports almost all of ocean life. Thus, in a time of increasing energy demand and rapid climate change we are faced with an urgent need to understand aquatic photosynthesis because of its importance in carbon uptake, the ecological impact of climate change and the opportunities available for technological innovation. The photosynthesis of “ecosystem engineers” is of particular importance because the habitats they create are global biodiversity hotspots and they are severely threatened by climate change and human activity.
Coralline algae – habitat-forming red seaweeds – are one of the most important marine ecosystem engineers with a global distribution, but our understanding of their photosynthesis has significant knowledge gaps. In part, this is due to the limitations of the traditional techniques used to research marine photosynthesis. To overcome this, in this project we harness the significant advancements we have seen in biophotonics in recent years by developing new routines for biophotonic applications to understand coralline algae photosynthesis. We take a multidisciplinary collaborative approach to establish new routines for the application of pump-probe spectroscopy, single-cell Raman spectroscopy, micro-Computed Tomography and finite element modelling. In doing so, we will gain unique new insights into coralline algae photosynthesis, growth and environmental resilience, and create a foundation for a wealth of new collaborative opportunities.
