Marine biologist Dimitri Deheyn at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography takes us to a specialized aquarium where rows of intertidal anemones are thriving. Amid the hum of equipment and the scent of algae, Deheyn carefully transfers one of these fascinating creatures into a petri dish and heads to the photobiology laboratory. Here, the real magic happens.
In the darkness of the lab, under an ultraviolet (UV) spotlight, the seemingly ordinary anemone glows a brilliant green, showcasing the wonder of biofluorescence. This natural process occurs when unique proteins in the anemone absorb UV light and emit it at different wavelengths, creating vibrant colors like neon green, blue, yellow, or orange.
Intertidal anemones are true survivors, enduring the drastic changes of the intertidal zone where they live. Twice daily, they face the challenge of adapting to the fluctuating conditions between high and low tide. These extreme shifts have led to the evolution of specialized adaptations, allowing anemones to thrive where others might perish.
In a groundbreaking study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers have uncovered a new adaptation that could be crucial for these creatures. A protein found in intertidal anemones not only enhances their fluorescent output but also provides an antioxidant defense. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals—harmful chemicals generated by environmental stressors—thereby protecting the anemones from damage. This dual function of the protein could mean the difference between life and death in the increasingly hostile environment of the ocean.
Nathaniel Clarke, formerly of Stanford University and now at MIT, and Deheyn led the study, focusing on three species of anemones along the California coast. They identified a unique protein, AnthoYFP, which controls the intensity of biofluorescence. While studying the sunburst anemone (Anthopleura sola), they discovered a remarkable color morph that glows neon green under both UV and white light, unlike its typical olive green or brown counterparts. This discovery led to the identification of a variant of AnthoYFP that makes the anemone brighter and more resilient.
Beyond its photonic properties, this protein’s biochemical defense marks the first time researchers have observed such an antioxidant function in a living organism. This opens the door to new avenues of research that could extend beyond the intertidal zone. Clarke envisions a future where AnthoYFP could be used to help other invertebrates combat cellular stress. Deheyn suggests the potential to genetically engineer this protein into other cnidarian species, like corals, to increase their resilience against climate change-induced challenges.
As climate change intensifies, the stressors in the intertidal zone—ranging from extreme waves at high tide to scorching heat at low tide—will only increase. Rising seas will push the habitat of these creatures further up the beach, squeezing them into smaller, more vulnerable spaces. Anemones equipped with the newly identified protein could be better suited to withstand these challenges and continue to thrive.
The study also highlights the significant role of citizen scientists in advancing our understanding of these remarkable creatures. Through platforms like iNaturalist, a dedicated community of intertidal enthusiasts has helped researchers map the range and population density of the unique sunburst anemone. Thousands of photos and observations from Oregon to Baja, Mexico, contributed to identifying sunburst anemone populations, offering invaluable data for the study.
Among these citizen scientists is Jami Feldman, a passionate diver and TikTok creator known as @UnderwaterPaparazzi. Feldman frequently explores the tide pools of La Jolla, California, armed with her underwater camera and a deep love for intertidal life. Her dedication, even during the early morning hours, has led to rare encounters with species that are often hidden from sight.
Similarly, Laura Simonato, another avid citizen scientist, shares her discoveries on Instagram as @thetidepooler. She uses iNaturalist to locate species she’s yet to encounter and has even created an interactive poster called “Tidaldex,” showcasing the diversity of intertidal creatures.
Through their efforts, Feldman and Simonato are not only capturing the beauty of these ecosystems but also providing valuable insights to scientists. By documenting out-of-place species and habitat shifts, they help researchers understand the impact of climate change on these delicate environments.
As they introduce the wonders of the intertidal to others, Feldman and Simonato hope to inspire more people to join in and contribute to the collective effort to protect our oceans. Their work, alongside the pioneering research on biofluorescence, brings us closer to ensuring a brighter, more resilient future for marine life.
