Biodiversity and resilience of coral reefsApril 08, 2003With over 3000 fish species, Indo-Pacific coral reefs represent one of the most diverse ecosystems on the globe. It is easy to assume that the loss of one or two species from these systems would have little impact. However, in an article in the April issue of Ecology Letters, Bellwood and colleagues document major changes in Indo-Pacific coral reef ecosystems as a result of over-fishing just one species, the giant humphead parrotfish. As each parrotfish consumes over 5 tonnes of reef carbonate per year, this species represents a major bioeroding agent on reefs. On unexploited reefs this bioerosion balances reef growth. This species, however, is highly vulnerable to spearfishing. The researchers found that human activity was negatively correlated with fish bioerosion rates, regardless of local fish biodiversity. High biodiversity does not ensure ecosystem resilience. The loss of just one species may markedly change the nature of coral reef ecosystems. Blackwell Publishing Ltd |
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| Related Coral Reef Current Events and Coral Reef News Articles Coral reefs inspire rare consensus -- just save them One of the first set of studies to examine what tourists and recreation enthusiasts actually think about coral reef ecosystems suggests they are a rare exception to controversies over human use versus environmental conservation - their stunning beauty is so extraordinary that almost everyone wants them protected in perpetuity. What are coral reef services worth? $130,000 to $1.2 million per hectare, per year: experts Experts concluding the global DIVERSITAS biodiversity conference today in Cape Town described preliminary research revealing jaw-dropping dollar values of the "ecosystem services" of biomes like forests and coral reefs - including food, pollution treatment and climate regulation. Coral bleaching increases chances of coral disease Mass coral bleaching has devastated coral colonies around the world for almost three decades. Now scientists have found that bleaching can make corals more susceptible to disease and, in turn, coral disease can exacerbate the negative effects of bleaching. Man-made crises 'outrunning our ability to deal with them,' scientists warn The world faces a compounding series of crises driven by human activity, which existing governments and institutions are increasingly powerless to cope with, a group of eminent environmental scientists and economists has warned. Time to tap climate-change-combating potential of the world's ecosystems Investing in restoration and maintenance of the Earth's multi-trillion dollar ecosystems - from forests and mangroves to wetlands and river basins - can have a key role in countering climate change and climate-proofing vulnerable economies. NOAA report finds flower garden banks sanctuary reefs among healthiest in Gulf Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is among the healthiest coral reef ecosystems in the tropical Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, according to a new NOAA report. Humans Mounting evidence that human activity is changing the world's oceans in profound and damaging ways is outlined in a new scientific discussion paper released today. Overfishing and evolution Using snorkelers and SCUBA divers is not the best way to monitor fish populations, if we want to know the evolutionary effects of overfishing. Corals face 'a stormy future' As global warming whips up more powerful and frequent hurricanes and storms, the world's coral reefs face increased disruption to their ability to breed and recover from damage. Help for climate-stressed corals Banning or restricting the use of certain types of fishing gear could help the world's coral reefs and their fish populations survive the onslaughts of climate change according to a study by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and other groups. More Coral Reef Current Events and Coral Reef News Articles |
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