The chemical warfare between sponge and coral species informing reef restoration in Pacific Island communities in Papau New Guineacore
CIRCLE · Horizon Europe grant · 2026-02-01–2028-01-31
EC contribution
Total cost
Beneficiaries
About the data
Source: CORDIS (official EU open data), Horizon Europe. Framework HORIZON · call HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01 · scheme HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF · topic HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01-01. CORDIS record →
Objective
Human activity is predicted to result in a 1.5-4 ºC global warming of air temperature by 2100. The globally averaged ocean surface temperature data shows a mean warming trend of 0.062 ºC/decade since 1900. Since 2010 this has increased to 0.280 ºC/decade. The loss of coral species is decreasing the competitive sponge species chemically fighting for space. Given the imminent threat that global warming has on the future of coral reefs, there is a strong need for robust scientific measures of reef health and future sustainability to improve the survival potential of corals and better inform reef restoration projects, ensuring healthy, diverse, and resilient coral reefs. CIRCLE (ChemIcal waRfare in CoraL rEefs) aims to investigate the influence of climate change on the chemical warfare that occurs in coral reef ecosystems between sponge and coral species, to inform conservation efforts to protect reef ecosystems. We hypothesize that the increasing ocean temperatures are influencing the diversity and distribution of sponge and coral species, where a trade-off is being made between survival and growth. This research will develop critical information for understanding the chemistry and genetic variations required for reef ecosystem growth and (re)-building in response to climate change. It will improve our understanding of future economic and social impacts of global warming on Pacific Island reef ecosystems. CIRCLE will advance the current state of the art application of multi omics techniques to explore the interspecies chemical ecology between sponge and coral species. Through the combined use of omic techniques and chemical natural product experiments we will identify biochemical markers of coral and sponge health. The knowledge gained in this project will empower local Pacific Island communities to enact procedures to monitor and protect the reef and ocean environment, protecting social and economic prosperity.
Beneficiaries (2)
| Organisation | Country | Role | EC contribution | SME |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY | IE | coordinator | €252,729 | |
| University of Papua New Guinea | PG | associatedPartner | — |
Get the EU Defence Funding Calendar — free
The full calendar of open EU defence and dual-use funding calls, sorted by deadline, updated nightly. Delivered with DFM Analysis, our weekly briefing on who is funding what in European defence.
Or browse all open defence & dual-use calls on the funding calendar →
Defence Finance Monitor is an analytical and informational product. Grant data is official CORDIS; the paid Annual Professional subscription is handled on DFM Analysis.