The function and stability of mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) have been extensively studied in recent years. These deep reefs are characterized by local physical processes, particularly the steep gradient in irradiance with increasing depth, and their impact on trophic resources. Mesophotic reefs exhibit distinct zonation patterns that segregate shallow reef biodiversity from ecologically unique deeper communities of endemic species. While mesophotic reefs are hypothesized as relatively stable refuges from anthropogenic stressors and a potential seed bank for degraded shallow reefs, these are site-specific features, if they occur at all. Mesophotic reefs are now known to be susceptible to many of the same stressors that are degrading shallow reefs, suggesting that they require their own specific conservation and management strategies.

近年来，中光珊瑚生态系统（MCE）的功能和稳定性得到了广泛的研究。这些深层珊瑚礁的特点是局部物理过程，特别是随着深度的增加，辐照度梯度陡峭，及其对营养资源的影响。中光珊瑚礁表现出独特的分区模式，将浅层珊瑚礁生物多样性与生态独特的深层特有物种群落分开。虽然中光珊瑚礁被假设为免受人为压力源影响的相对稳定的避难所，也是退化浅珊瑚礁的潜在种子库，但如果它们真的出现的话，这些都是特定地点的特征。现在已知中光珊瑚礁容易受到许多导致浅珊瑚礁退化的相同压力源的影响，这表明它们需要自己特定的保护和管理策略。