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Wildlife Conservation Society study finds seasonal seas save corals with 'tough love'
November 30, 2007Finally, some good news about the prospects of coral reefs in the age of climate change. According to a new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society, corals may actually survive rising ocean temperatures in 'tough love' seas with wide-ranging temperatures.
Researchers discovered that coral reefs in sites with varying seasonal temperatures are more likely to survive the 'hot pulses' of Climate Change. Conversely, reefs living in environments with stable but higher temperatures are more susceptible to "bleaching," a global phenomenon where beneficial algae are "evicted" by corals, ultimately leading to the reef's demise.
The study, which appears in the latest edition of the journal Ecological Monographs, presents the results of an 8-year study on the reefs of East Africa.
"This finding is a ray of hope in a growing sea of coral bleaching events and threatened marine wildlife," said Dr. Tim McClanahan, Senior Scientist working for WCS' Coral Reef Programs and lead author of the study. "With rising surface temperatures threatening reef systems globally, these sites serve as high diversity refuges for corals trying to survive."
Coral reefs are composed of tiny creatures that live in colonies in mostly tropical and subtropical waters. Corals are home to beneficial algae, which gives reefs their stunning colors. During prolonged, unusually high surface temperatures, many coral species bleach, discharging the algae and leaving the reefs white and sickly.
The study examined temperature variations and coral bleaching events off the coast of East Africa between the years of 1998 and 2005.
The researchers also discovered that the coral reefs in sites with the most temperature variation were in the 'shadow' of islands, protected from the oceanic currents that reduce temperature variations in reef ecosystems. According to the authors of the study, the results suggest that corals in these locations are better adapted to environmental variation. Consequently, they are more likely to survive dramatic increases in temperature.
"The findings are encouraging in the fact that at least some corals and reef locations will survive the warmer surface temperatures to come," added McClanahan. "They also show us where we should direct our conservation efforts the most by giving these areas our highest priority for conservation."
On a broader scale, the Wildlife Conservation Society engages in coral reef conservation on a global scale, with projects on reef systems in Belize, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and Madagascar. All of these nations are island environments that may have similar persistence across the global warming crisis.
Wildlife Conservation Society
"This finding is a ray of hope in a growing sea of coral bleaching events and threatened marine wildlife," said Dr. Tim McClanahan, Senior Scientist working for WCS' Coral Reef Programs and lead author of the study. "With rising surface temperatures threatening reef systems globally, these sites serve as high diversity refuges for corals trying to survive."
Coral reefs are composed of tiny creatures that live in colonies in mostly tropical and subtropical waters. Corals are home to beneficial algae, which gives reefs their stunning colors. During prolonged, unusually high surface temperatures, many coral species bleach, discharging the algae and leaving the reefs white and sickly.
The study examined temperature variations and coral bleaching events off the coast of East Africa between the years of 1998 and 2005.
The researchers also discovered that the coral reefs in sites with the most temperature variation were in the 'shadow' of islands, protected from the oceanic currents that reduce temperature variations in reef ecosystems. According to the authors of the study, the results suggest that corals in these locations are better adapted to environmental variation. Consequently, they are more likely to survive dramatic increases in temperature.
"The findings are encouraging in the fact that at least some corals and reef locations will survive the warmer surface temperatures to come," added McClanahan. "They also show us where we should direct our conservation efforts the most by giving these areas our highest priority for conservation."
On a broader scale, the Wildlife Conservation Society engages in coral reef conservation on a global scale, with projects on reef systems in Belize, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and Madagascar. All of these nations are island environments that may have similar persistence across the global warming crisis.
Wildlife Conservation Society
Coral Current Events and Coral News RSSTEEB report released on the economics of ecosystems and biodiversity for policy makers
Policy makers who factor the planet's multi-trillion dollar ecosystem services into their national and international investment strategies are likely to see far higher rates of return and stronger economic growth in the 21st century.
Sponges recycle carbon to give life to coral reefs
Coral reefs support some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, yet they thrive in a marine desert. So how do reefs sustain their thriving populations?
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.
Calm before the spawn: Climate change and coral spawning
What's the point of setting up marine reserves to protect coral reefs from pollution, ship groundings and overfishing if climate change could cause far more damage? A study published this week in London in Proceedings of the Royal Society B provides the answer.
World interest in Australian fishery impact test
An Australian method for assessing the environmental impact of marine fisheries has caught the eye of fishery management agencies worldwide.
The white stuff: Marine lab team seeks to understand coral bleaching
With technology similar to that used by physicians to perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, researchers from six institutions-including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-working at the Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML) in Charleston, S.C., are studying the metabolic activity of a pathogen shown to cause coral bleaching, a serious threat to undersea reef ecosystems worldwide.
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.
Combining sun, sand and science in the Bahamas
It is well known that people from all over the world come to the Bahamas to enjoy the pristine waters, spectacular coral reefs and great fishing.
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.
More Coral Current Events and Coral News Articles
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Gift Boxed Large Red Sponge Coral Carved Rose, Sterling Silver, and Black Onyx Band Ring Size 6(Size 5,6,7,8,9,10,11) by Silver Insanity Romance is in full bloom with this Sponge Coral and Black Onyx Sterling Silver Rose Ring. Dyed red sponge coral (approx. 23.5mm) is carved into a single red rose. This passionately symbolic flower rests in a sterling silver bezel setting atop a dyed black onyx band (approx. 24x25mm).Ring measures approx. 7/8"L x 7/8"W x 7/16"H with 5/16"W shankWeight is 15.8 - 18.8 grams (Based upon size)Sizes 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11Tapered shankMarked .925Boxed |
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Branch Coral - Natural - 6 in. x 4 12 in. x 5 in. by BLUE RIBBON PET PRODUCTS INC Enhance the beauty of your aquarium with this unique, individually cast ornament. The solid color casting prevents fading and provides vivid colors that create a realistic Branch Coral. The coral is safe for freshwater and saltwater aquariums. |
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Aquarium Corals : Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History by Eric H. Borneman (Author) 464 pages, hardcover. By Eric H. Borneman. Color photographs. Designed to help new and experienced aquarists to select the most appropriate corals for their systems and to provide guidance in keeping them healthy for the long term, this all-new book is pa Beautiful, bizarre, and among nature's most colorful creations, living corals are now being successfully kept and grown in a rapidly growing number of home reef aquariums. Designed to help new and experienced aquarists to select the most appropriate corals for their systems and to provide guidance in keeping them healthy for the long term, this all-new book is packed with the advice of a seasoned coral keeper. More than 700 world-class photographs and text reviewed by leading coral biologists and reef aquarists guide the reader through... |
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Red Genuine Sea Bamboo Coral Chip Stretch Bracelet by SilverSpeck.com The Varying shapes of chips give a unique attractiveness and fashionable flair to this stylish Red Genuine Sea Bamboo Coral Chip Bracelet. One size fits all. |
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Singles Collection by The Coral Limited UK two CD edition of this 2008 compilation from the Liverpudlian sextet including a bonus CD featuring new tracks, demos, live versions and covers. Singles Collection is the sixth album to be released from The Coral, following four studio albums and one B-sides and rarities compilation. The band have notched up five Top Ten albums (including a Number One for their sophomore album Magic And Medicine), over one million record sales and numerous hit singles, all while the band members are still all in their 20s! Equal parts Mersey Beat, the Doors, Dylan, and Oasis, the Coral's sound was unique and diverse enough to generate column inches in the fickle British music press. Singles Collection once again demonstrates the strength of their songwriting, their ability to make the simple... |
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White Coral - Made of Resin - New by Florida Gifts Resin Coral White Approximately 10 x 8.5 x 8 New New |
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Corals: A Quick Reference Guide (Oceanographic Series) by Julian Sprung (Author) A comprehensive field guide for aquarists, divers and naturalists, with detailed full color photographs of hundreds of species, encompassing the majority of coral genera one is likely to encounter on reefs around the world, This book defines corals and distinguishes them form similar hydrozoans, zoanthids, and corallimorpharia. The corals are described and compared to similar looking species, and their range and the correct pronunciation of the Latin name is given. In addition, for aquarists who grow corals in reef aquariums, information is provided in quick reference charts concerning each coral's requirements for light, water movement, and food, hardiness in captivity, aggressiveness toward other corals, and proper positioning in the aquarium. |
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Sterling Silver 6mm Simulated Red Coral Stone Bead Beaded Chain 15-19" Necklace by SilverSpeck.com Coral makes a natural and bold fashion statement in this simulated Red Coral breathtaking beaded Necklace. |
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Dreaming Of You The Coral (Primary Contributor) |
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The Coral by The Coral While the fiery rock & roll spirit of the La's Lee Mavers courses through their veins, the debut album by youthful Liverpudlian mystics the Coral prove they are far more than Merseybeat imitators. The opening "Spanish Main" ("We've set sail again! / We're heading for the Spanish Main!") casts the sextet as marauding pirates, out to pillage musical history for loot. It's possible to hear the influence of everything from Captain Beefheart to Miles Davis, from Spanish mariachi music to Cossack dance rhythms, surfacing between the tight, ragged grooves of "I Remember When" and "Shadows Fall." This album is stuffed to bursting point with ideas that are presented with remarkable clarity. Highlights are the curious, swooping fable of "Simon Diamond" and the insane "Skeleton Key," which finds... |
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