Recent findings suggest that rapid sea-level rise of about 20m in less than 500 years occurred in the last deglaciation, causing the drowning of fossil coral reefs in Hawaii. The study provides new evidence of a meltwater pulse, associated with catastrophic ice-sheet collapse and the Earth's warming after the last ice age.
A new hermit crab species, Diogenes heteropsammicola, has been discovered that adopts a walking coral as its home instead of a seashell. The crab transports the coral and prevents it from being buried by sediment, offering an advantage over traditional shell homes.
Researchers analyzed 18th century British nautical charts to track the loss of coral reef habitat in the Florida Keys. The study found a 52% loss of coral area, with nearshore areas declining by 87.5% and 68.8%. This research highlights the need for longer-term conservation efforts based on historical data.
A new study using old nautical charts and satellite data found that more than half of the coral reef habitat mapped in the 1770s was no longer there, with some areas experiencing up to 90% loss. The research has important conservation implications and highlights the need for a shifted spatial baseline.
Artificial coral reefs can be more attractive to divers than natural formations and help mitigate potential reef damage. A new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that artificial reefs around the world can evaluate aesthetic, behavioral, and attitudinal aspects of diving experiences.
A team of marine biology researchers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) identified key mechanisms that enable corals to adapt to environmental changes. The study suggests that microbes play a vital role in coral physiology, allowing them to adjust quickly under changing conditions.
Research has found that ancient coral reefs were bolstered by their bond with red algae, which also strengthens them today. The study suggests that understanding this relationship is crucial for preserving coral reefs in the face of climate change.
New research suggests that corals build their hard, calcium carbonate skeletons faster and in bigger pieces than previously thought. This active construction method helps them grow much faster and with greater control.
Tiny plant cells in coral tissue produce osmolytes to regulate pressure, helping corals survive in salty waters. This finding has important implications for managing coral reefs under climate change.
Scientists from the US and Cuba have discovered healthy and nearly pristine mesophotic coral reefs off Cuba's coast, with many sites suitable for potential creation of marine protected areas. The expedition resulted in thousands of dive notes, underwater photos and video, documenting diverse marine organisms and new species.
Researchers examined spearfishing practices in the Caribbean, finding that compressor divers targeted higher-quality fish more efficiently than free divers. The study highlights the importance of understanding fishing methods to develop effective management strategies for coral reefs.
A new study found that Caribbean staghorn corals are benefiting from 'coral gardening,' which involves planting laboratory-raised coral fragments on reefs. The research provides important benchmarks for the long-term survival of coral reefs worldwide, which have been declining due to climate change and ocean pollution.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in genetically engineering microalgae found in corals to enhance their stress tolerance and prevent coral bleaching. This could be a game-changer for ocean productivity and global coral reef conservation.
A study found that oil impairs coral reef fish ability to find homes and evade predators, affecting their behavior and growth. The impact of oil on coral reefs could be catastrophic, with many people relying on these ecosystems for food and income.
Researchers found unusual coral reefs in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, defying expectations of inhospitable conditions. The discovery suggests that factors such as abundant food and unique chemistry may contribute to their existence.
A Florida State University professor's discovery of deep-sea coral reefs in the North-Pacific has sparked hope for vulnerable coral colonies. The research suggests that factors such as high chlorophyll levels and suitable currents may contribute to the reefs' success, but mysteries remain about their presence at these depths.
A $1.875 million EDGE program award will help Virginia Weis study the microscale mechanisms behind coral-algal symbiosis, a key component of coral reef ecosystems threatened by environmental stress and climate change. The project aims to develop new genomic tools and techniques for understanding coral health and stress.
Researchers will develop coral disease forecasting models for Hawai'i, U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef using field work, experimental data, and satellite information. The project aims to identify local environmental stressors increasing disease susceptibility and prioritize management practices.
Researchers from the California Academy of Sciences' Hope for Reefs initiative recently returned from the Philippines, where they discovered several new species of fish, nudibranchs, and sand dollars. The team also documented evidence of human impacts on deep-sea reefs, highlighting the need for stronger protections.
A new study uses a novel chemical technique to assess the impact of human activity on coral skeletons, revealing devastating effects of pollution and climate change. The research provides critical information for predicting future reef health and informs mitigation strategies for tropical islands facing similar challenges.
Scientists predict radical shifts in coral reef configurations as they struggle to cope with climate change, pollution, and human impacts. The window of opportunity to save reefs remains open, but urgent action is needed to secure a future for these ecosystems.
Scientists have identified two climate-resistant coral refuges in northern Mozambique and the Quirimbas Islands, which provide variability for corals to adapt to climate change. Maintaining sustainable fishing levels and reef fish biomass is crucial to preserve these reefs.
A new study reveals that a consistent supply of coral larvae from neighboring healthy reefs is crucial for the recovery of degraded reefs. This allows corals to colonize in groups and thrive in areas with low seaweed abundances and cryptic spaces.
A comprehensive study of mesophotic coral reefs on Hawaii island has revealed the presence of a diverse range of fish species, with many found nowhere else. The research highlights the importance of these deep reefs in conserving reef fish biodiversity and providing critical habitat for shallow reef fishes.
A study has mapped nearly two square kilometers of seafloor around the leeward side of Bonaire, revealing new details about mesophotic reefs. The data can help local conservation efforts by identifying areas worthy of further investigation and providing insights into reef dynamics.
A new WCS study reveals that some corals are adapting to warmer ocean waters, with less coral bleaching in 11 of the 21 coral species studied. However, many species are not adapting, and global commitment is needed to address threats facing coral reef ecosystems.
Researchers found that fish biomass is 62% higher in Sudanese reefs compared to Saudi Arabian reefs, highlighting the effect of fishing on local ecosystems. The study suggests that careful management and protection could restore Saudi's reefs to their former state, making them suitable for eco-tourism
A new global coral bleaching database has been developed to predict future bleaching events and assess changes in mass bleaching frequency. The database contains 79% more reports than the existing voluntary database, with two-thirds showing moderate or severe bleaching.
The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School has received a two-year NOAA grant to support cutting-edge coral conservation research. Researchers will outplant nursery-raised staghorn corals onto nearshore reef habitats and develop an outreach program to engage the public in coral reef conservation.
Researchers found sea floor erosion has increased water depths by more than predicted, threatening coastal communities with storms and erosion. Coral reefs worldwide are declining due to various forces, including climate change, overfishing, and pollution.
A new study suggests that the social eating habits of fish play a critical role in protecting coral reefs. By analyzing the feeding behavior of reef fish, researchers found that overfishing can lead to a decrease in algae-eating and increase in vulnerability to predators.
A University of Texas at Arlington biologist is conducting a novel study to quantify how susceptible coral species are to disease by examining their immunity. The research aims to determine the variability of coral immune traits and develop a predictive model to inform reef community structure.
A new study found that certain bacterial species and fungal families are present in both land-based sources and coral reefs, suggesting invasion. The researchers used high-throughput DNA sequencing to analyze water samples from coastal inlets, sewage treatment plants, and coral tissues.
A new study by Smithsonian scientists reveals that dead zones are a major threat to coral reefs globally, causing mass mortality. By controlling sewage and agricultural runoff, these localized threats can be reduced.
Coral bleaching reappears on the Great Barrier Reef for the second year in a row, with scientists conducting aerial and underwater surveys to measure damage. The study reveals that past exposure to bleaching does not make corals more tolerant, and global warming is the primary threat to the Reef's resilience.
Researchers discovered that corals activate ancient genes when exposed to stressful conditions, which could serve as an early warning sign for coral bleaching events. This study provides a new way to monitor coral health and predict bleaching events, potentially helping scientists identify and map survivor coral colonies worldwide.
Scientists used OCT to observe tissue organization and behavior of living corals, identifying changes in tissue layers and fluorescent pigments under light exposure. The study reveals that corals expand their surface area at night and produce more mucus upon stress, challenging current assumptions about coral metabolic rates.
Researchers found that up to 90% of predatory fish are gone from Caribbean coral reefs, straining the ecosystem and coastal economy. Protected supersites could support large numbers of predator fishes, potentially boosting the economy through tourism.
New research reveals that mass coral die-offs in the Maldives and other Indian Ocean reefs have caused widespread bleaching and erosion, leading to a rapid decline in reef growth rates. The study found that reefs are now eroding at a faster rate than they are growing, with severe consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem services.
A new study suggests that deep coral reefs are unlikely to 'reseed' shallow reefs, contradicting previous hopes for their recovery. The research found that the genetic similarity between coral populations varies greatly between species on a reef, making it difficult for deep reefs to aid shallow reefs.
A new study reveals that parrotfish play a vital role in maintaining healthy coral reefs. When parrotfish were more abundant, the reef grew faster and remained healthier due to their algae-eating habits. The research suggests that conserving parrotfish populations is essential for protecting corals.
A new study reveals parrotfish play a pivotal role in coral growth by removing algae. Overfishing of parrotfish is linked to declining reef health and the shift from coral- to algae-dominated reefs.
A recent study found that coral reef food webs are altered when fishing impacts on valued species, leading to potential collapse of top-tier predators. Lightly fished reefs can support these valuable fish, while moderate fishing levels cause a decline in mid-tier predators, ultimately affecting the ecosystem.
Scientists found that top-level predator fish like Snapper and Grouper are easily overfished in heavily-fished areas, altering the food chain. In contrast, lightly fished coral reefs support a rapidly passing energy flow from bottom to top of the food web.
A study from the University of California, Davis found that reef fish are willing to overcome their fear of sharks and eat algae in danger zones. This behavior can help counteract excess algae growth in coral reefs threatened by nutrient pollution.
Researchers found small algae-grazing sea urchins and parrotfish may take the place of larger grazers to prevent algae from overgrowing reefs. These tiny organisms, comprising up to 95% of grazing biomass, can preempt shifts from coral to algae on degraded reefs.
Coral reefs face severe bleaching every year on 99% of the world's reefs within this century if current trends continue. However, more ambitious emissions reductions may extend their survival by an average of 11 years.
Researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that superoxide produced at coral surfaces may help corals resist bleaching. Contrary to previous findings, corals producing high concentrations of superoxide had greater resilience to bleaching than those with low production levels.
A new study suggests that maintaining a few orange-lined triggerfish increases the ability of coral reefs to grow by preying on reef-eroding sea urchins. This finding is significant as coral reefs face threats from rising sea levels and ocean temperatures.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh used computer models to predict the effect of climate change on North Atlantic coral populations. They found that a shift in winter weather conditions could threaten the long-term survival of these populations, which are maintained by tiny coral larvae.
A $205,000 grant is funding a study to identify optimal habitats for coral survival in the Florida Reef Tract. The research aims to improve coral reef restoration and conserve endangered species by understanding the factors that affect coral growth.
A new analysis predicts that most coral reef ecosystems will be severely impacted by ocean acidification and sea surface temperature rise, leading to lost fish habitats and shoreline protection. The study suggests that policy action must be informed by data and science to combat these threats and mitigate their effects on communities.
The study predicts that countries in Oceania and Southeast Asia will be most affected by 2050, with high human dependence on coral reefs also facing combined threats from climate change and ocean acidification.
A recent study found that shallow coral reefs in Singapore can recover rapidly from bleaching events, despite high levels of sedimentation. The team's research suggests that diverse shallow coral communities can persist in adverse conditions, highlighting the resilience of corals to environmental stresses.
A large-scale study of Caribbean coral has yielded discoveries on the pairing process between an endangered coral and its microscopic symbiotic algae. Environmental factors play a crucial role in this relationship, rather than host-symbiont genetics, which could inform work to protect and promote recovery in reefs.
A new study confirms that the coral-algae symbiotic relationship dates back to the late Triassic period, around 210 million years ago. This finding highlights the importance of symbiosis for the health and development of coral reefs, which provide habitat for a quarter of all marine life.
Scientists discovered large areas of 100% coral cover on Hawaiian mesophotic coral ecosystems, which are home to twice as many unique species as shallow-water reefs. The study highlights the importance of these poorly explored environments in understanding coral reef health and management.
A comprehensive study of Hawaii's mesophotic coral ecosystems has documented vast areas of 100% coral cover and extensive algal communities at depths of 50-90 meters. The findings reveal unique species not found on shallow reefs, with significant implications for conservation.
Scientists have discovered a new species of butterflyfish in the deep reefs of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting and exploring poorly explored marine ecosystems.
Coral larvae can't survive long enough to cross the Pacific Ocean due to changing ocean currents, supporting Darwin's opinion of an impassable barrier. The study highlights the importance of local conservation for remote and poorly-protected coral reefs.