Call to heal the world's coral reefs
Marine scientists urge urgent action to save coral reefs from climate change, overfishing, and pollution. They propose management advice to empower local communities and control human impacts.
Search results for “Coral Reefs”
1,000+ results for "Coral Reefs"
Taking the pulse of coral reefs
Coral reefs are surprisingly noisy places with fish and invertebrates producing clicks and grunts that provide useful information about the state of the reef. Healthier reefs were found to be louder, with a clear association between overall noise level generated and the amount of living coral.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateSep 20, 2010
AGU Journal highlights -- Aug. 30, 2010
Researchers discovered a relict coral reef in the southern Pacific Ocean that thrived thousands of years ago, providing insight into how reefs adapted to sea level changes. Additionally, heavy snowfall in the US and Europe was caused by the collision of El Niño and negative North Atlantic Oscillation weather patterns.
Coral off Puerto Rico's coast 'ideal case study' for Gulf oil spill's impact
Researchers studying coral in Puerto Rico's Vega Baja area are using the site to assess potential damage from the Gulf oil spill. The team is analyzing enzyme presence, contaminant chemical signatures, and sediment samples to determine stressors and sources of harm.
How corals fight back
Coral reefs' immune system is linked to their susceptibility to bleaching and disease, with corals using energy for growth and reproduction affecting immune function. Understanding this connection can help scientists predict vulnerability to stress and develop preventive measures.
Creation of the first frozen repository for Hawaiian coral
Researchers have created the world's first frozen repository for Hawaiian coral, banking cells to preserve species diversity and potentially restore populations. The frozen material can be thawed decades or even centuries later to revive coral reefs threatened by climate change, pollution, and human impact.
Super-rare 'elkhorn' coral found in Pacific
A team of researchers has discovered a rare and unique 'elkhorn' coral in the Pacific Ocean, with colonies reaching up to five meters across. Genetic analysis suggests that it may be a variant of the critically endangered Atlantic elkhorn coral, highlighting conservation concerns due to limited data on its population size.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalSystematics and Biodiversity·DateJul 28, 2010
Scientists test Moreton Bay as coral 'lifeboat'
Moreton Bay has shown coral survival and flourishing in about half of the past 7000 years, but human activities have negatively affected corals. The study's findings suggest that improving water quality and regrowing mangroves are essential for making Moreton Bay a suitable 'lifeboat' for corals.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJul 25, 2010
Isolation a threat to Great Barrier Reef fish
Research suggests that small and isolated reefs are more susceptible to local species extinctions due to variable fish populations. Larger, connected habitats see fewer fluctuations in population sizes, making them more resilient to changes.
Study shows cleaner water mitigates climate change effects on Florida Keys coral reefs
A new study published in Marine Ecology Progress Series found that cleaner water improves the resilience of coral reefs to climate change in the Florida Keys. Corals living in cleaner waters with fewer nutrients were shown to be more resistant to warming and bleaching, while those in dirtier water became sick.
Discovery of how coral reefs adapt to global warming could aid reef restoration
Scientists have discovered how corals respond to ocean warming, shedding light on potential methods for preserving or restoring coral reefs. The research found that some corals cope better with heat stress than others due to genetic variability, offering new insights into coral reef restoration.
Fringe dwellers 'hold secrets of survival'
Researchers have discovered that coral ecosystems facing pressure from human activities and climate change may find survival clues in their fringed areas. These areas are critical for coral evolution, hybridization, and adaptation, highlighting the need to rethink protection strategies.
Coral transplantation the simple and cheap solution to reef restoration
A new study published in Restoration Ecology reveals that coral transplantation is an effective and affordable solution for reef restoration. The research team transplanted elkhorn coral fragments onto a damaged reef in the British Virgin Islands, achieving significant growth and survival rates over four years.
After the oil spill: New research sheds light on coral susceptibility to environmental stress
A new study in the FASEB Journal reveals that different coral species invest varying amounts of resources in immunity and defense, which may explain differences in susceptibility to negative environmental impacts. The research highlights the importance of maintaining favorable environmental conditions on reefs to maximize coral immune ...
SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 1, 2010
Distressed damsels stress coral reefs
Researchers find threespot damselfish kill slow-growing head corals due to habitat needs. Restoring staghorn coral populations can alleviate pressure on other corals and help mitigate the damage.
Distressed damsels stress coral reefs
Threespot damselfish are killing head corals and adding stress to Caribbean coral reefs due to habitat competition. Restoring staghorn coral, their preferred home, can alleviate pressure on other corals. The fish were not overfished, but rather limited by available real estate.
Baby corals dance their way home
Researchers discovered that coral larvae can detect sound waves to locate suitable habitats, which is essential for their survival. The study highlights the importance of understanding how corals respond to their environment, particularly in light of human noise pollution.
Researchers offer first proof that chemicals from seaweeds damage coral on contact
Researchers found that common seaweed species in Pacific and Caribbean Oceans can kill corals using chemical means. The study suggests that the proliferation of seaweeds may prevent natural recovery from happening at all, especially for reefs damaged by human use or overfishing.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2010
Lionfish invasion continuing to expand
Scientists from Oregon State University are trying to address a looming crisis caused by the lionfish invasion in the Caribbean Sea. The invasive species is eating its way through entire ecosystems, reducing small fish populations by up to 79 percent and disrupting delicate ecological balances.
New mathematical model helps biologists understand how coral dies in warming waters
Researchers developed a new mathematical model to understand bacterial community dynamics behind coral bleaching and disease. The models reveal how beneficial bacteria protect corals from pathogens when waters are normal, but switch to pathogenic bacteria when corals are stressed by elevated temperatures.
Ancient corals hold new hope for reefs
A study on fossil corals found that reef ecosystems persisted through massive environmental changes, including sharply falling sea levels. The research suggests that coral reefs can survive adverse conditions given suitable shallow rocky habitat, and complex ecosystems were maintained during less optimal periods.
Will coral reefs disappear?
Coral reefs face a dire outlook due to rising ocean temperatures, with mass bleaching events predicted under different climate scenarios. Despite this, some habitats like shaded areas may support reef survival, and researchers are studying unique ecosystems in the central equatorial Pacific to better understand reef resilience.
World-class protection boosts Australia's Great Barrier Reef
The study reveals rapid increases in fish populations inside no-take reserves, improving ecosystem health and resilience. Additionally, the reserve network helps threatened species like dugongs and marine turtles.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 21, 2010
Coral can recover from climate change damage
A University of Exeter study shows coral reefs located in marine reserves can recover from the devastating effects of global warming. The research found that reducing fishing levels is a viable way to protect delicate aquatic ecosystems.
Sponges recycle carbon to give life to coral reefs
A marine sponge species recycles carbon from dissolved organic material, sustaining the diverse ecosystems of coral reefs. This process involves rapid cell turnover and shedding, allowing other reef residents to consume the recycled cells, thereby supporting the reef's complex food web.
NOAA, the Nature Conservancy address coral reef threats
The partnership will support 36 projects addressing coral reef health, with a focus on climate change, overfishing, and land-based pollution. The initiative aims to improve the resilience of coral reefs for future generations.
The white stuff: Marine lab team seeks to understand coral bleaching
Researchers studied Vibrio coralliilyticus's metabolic activity using NMR, finding temperature-dependent changes that contribute to coral bleaching. The team aims to better understand the symbiotic relationships between coral and its zooxanthellae algae.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 22, 2009
What are coral reef services worth? $130,000 to $1.2 million per hectare, per year: experts
Research estimates that coral reefs provide annual services to humans valued at US $172 billion, with a single hectare providing an average of $1.1 million in food and ornamental resources, while also regulating climate and moderating extreme events. Investing in protected areas offers exceptional returns on investment, with a cost-ben...
Coral bleaching increases chances of coral disease
Mass coral bleaching events are devastating coral colonies worldwide, and researchers have found that bleaching can increase the susceptibility of corals to disease. The study reveals a link between bleaching and disease prevalence, suggesting a more complex cause of coral decline than previously thought.
Scripps-led study shows ocean health plays vital role in coral reef recovery
A Scripps-led study reveals that improving ocean health can accelerate coral reef recovery after bleaching events. Corals from reefs with clean water and abundant sea life bounced back to normal growth rates within two to three years.
Nursery programs for corals receive TLC from NOAA this Independence Day
The Nature Conservancy will coordinate a project to develop large-scale, in-water coral nurseries and restore reefs along Florida's southern coast and in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The program aims to grow 12,000 corals to enhance coral populations at 34 degraded reefs.
SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateJul 2, 2009
Corals stay close to home
Recent study reveals coral species tend to stay close to home, with high local genetic diversity important for conservation. Marine reserves should prioritize locally sourced coral recruitment to maintain healthy populations.
Coral face 'a stormy future'
A new study found that coral recruitment drops sharply after major bleaching events or hurricanes, with some species not recruiting at all. This disruption threatens the survival of larger, more spectacular reef-building corals as climate change intensifies and storms become more frequent.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalMarine Environmental Research·DateJun 22, 2009
Help for climate-stressed corals
A study suggests that banning certain types of fishing gear, such as spear guns and fish traps, could aid in the recovery of reefs and fish populations affected by coral bleaching events. The research proposes that temporary bans or selective gear restrictions offer a middle ground for reef managers and fishers, reducing pressure on th...
Gear bans 'can help save reefs'
A new study proposes banning or restricting fishing gear to aid in the recovery of coral reefs and fish populations. The research found that spear guns, fish traps, beach seine nets, and gill nets can be particularly damaging to corals and fish species, leading to accelerated decline and loss of reef resilience.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJun 17, 2009
In the turf war against seaweed, coral reefs more resilient than expected
Researchers analyzed thousands of surveys to find coral reefs dominated by macroalgae globally are less common than assumed, with only 4% of reefs showing significant coverage. The study suggests no recent trend toward coral-algal phase shifts worldwide.
Studies shed light on collapse of coral reefs
Scientists have shed light on the collapse of coral reefs, revealing their genetic complexity and intricate symbiotic relationship with algae. The delicate communication process between the coral and algae is also being stressed by global change, leading to coral bleaching and collapse.
Stanford scientists find heat-tolerant coral reefs that may resist climate change
Researchers found that some corals can adapt to higher temperatures by hosting heat-resistant symbionts, potentially helping them survive global warming. The discovery suggests that with time, many corals may be able to match hotter environments.
WWF study says climate change could displace millions in Asia's Coral Triangle
A WWF study predicts catastrophic loss of coral reefs in the Coral Triangle region of the Pacific Ocean by end of century, threatening 100 million people's food supply and livelihoods. The report highlights opportunities for prevention through climate action and regional solutions to overfishing and pollution.
Most extensive genetic resource for reef-building coral created
A team of biologists at the University of Texas at Austin has created a nearly complete collection of genes for a species of reef-building coral, revealing approximately 11,000 different genes. This genetic database will enable researchers to study natural variations in corals and their responses to stress, facilitating an explosion in...
Rules proposed to save the world's coral reefs
A team of scientists has proposed six 'rules of thumb' to help save the world's imperiled coral reefs. The key to saving threatened coral ecosystems is maintaining links between reefs, allowing larvae to flow between them and re-stock depleted areas.
Large sponges may be reattached to coral reefs
A new study describes a method for reattaching large sponges to coral reefs, with 62.5% of sponges surviving at least 2.3-3 years. The technique uses sponge holders and can be applied to other large sponge species removed by human activities or storm events.
Reef boom beats doom
Coral reefs in Australia's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park have recovered rapidly from a devastating bleaching event in 2006, thanks to an exceptional combination of ecological mechanisms. Asexual reproduction played a vital role in the recovery process.
4,000-year-old coral beds among world's oldest living things, prof says
Researchers have found ancient coral beds off the coast of Hawaii that are over 4,200 years old, making them some of the oldest living creatures on Earth. The discovery was made using carbon dating methods and has significant implications for the protection of these reefs.
Coral reef expedition to Farasan Banks of the Red Sea set to launch
The final expedition of a four-year collaborative research program will assess the health of coral reefs without being confounded by stressors near populated shorelines. The research will provide baseline data on habitat types, keystone species, and factors promoting coral reef health during global climate change.
Coral reefs may start dissolving when atmospheric CO2 doubles
Atmospheric carbon dioxide could lead to coral reef dissolution as acidification and rising temperatures threaten global coral health. Research models predict that if CO2 levels double, most coral reefs will experience significant calcification rate reductions.
Shape-shifting coral evade identification
Researchers used genetic markers to study coral groupings and found that skeletal shape is not a reliable way to differentiate species. This discovery highlights the need for accurate understanding of coral biodiversity to conserve coral reefs.
What's killing the coral reefs?
Scientists used a DNA array to catalog microbes in coral reefs, finding diverse microbial populations accompanying disease. The PhyloChip offers a powerful way to track change and shed light on pathogens plaguing coral reefs.
Long-term recovery of reefs from bleaching requires local action to increase resilience
Scientists assess a quarter-century of climate change effects on coral health and find both good and bad news. Reefs in the Indian Ocean are recovering relatively well from bleaching events, while western Atlantic reefs have generally failed to recover due to chronic stressors like diseases and overfishing.
SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalEstuaries and Coasts·DateFeb 3, 2009
Bacterial pathogens and rising temperatures threaten coral health
Researchers identify bacteria responsible for yellow band disease, a bacterial infection that sickens coral colonies and kills photosynthetic symbionts. Warmer temperatures exacerbate the disease's virulence, posing a grim prognosis for corals and their spread.
Time running out on coral reefs as climate change becomes increasing threat
The report finds that climate change is the primary threat to coral reefs worldwide, with bleaching and acidification expected to cause significant declines. However, some reefs have shown recovery, particularly those in protected areas or with minimal human impact.
First-ever socioeconomic study on coral reefs points to challenges of coastal resource management
The study, which analyzed socio-economic data from 14,000 households in 27 tropical countries, found that healthy coral reefs are crucial for communities' livelihoods and food security. Despite decades-old recommendations, effective implementation of these recommendations is still a challenge in many parts of the world.
Isopora or isn't it?
Researchers discovered two new extinct species of coral, Isopora ginsburgi and Isopora curacaoensis, found on the Island of Curaçao six million years ago. The findings provide insight into coral evolution and biogeographic separation between Caribbean and Indo-Pacific regions.
SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalPalaeontology·DateDec 8, 2008
Light pollution offers new global measure of coral reef health
A new global measure of coral reef health has been developed using light pollution index, revealing the impact of human activity on ocean health. The study found that coral reefs near urban areas, gas flares, and fishing boat activity have higher stress levels.
Rising Co2 'will hit coral reefs harder'
A new study reveals that acidification of oceans from human CO2 emissions can worsen coral bleaching and death. Key findings indicate that coralline algae may be lost in near future due to increased CO2 levels. On the positive side, some coral species show ability to cope with ocean acidification by enhancing photosynthesis.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 27, 2008
Diversity of plant-eating fishes may be key to recovery of coral reefs
A Caribbean experiment shows that maintaining proper balance of plant-eating fishes may be key to restoring coral reefs, which are declining dramatically worldwide. Research found significant recovery in sections of coral reefs on which fish of two complementary species were caged.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2008
Turf wars: Sand and corals don't mix
Researchers find that when fish can't eat seaweed due to sediment, algae mats form, preventing corals from re-establishing themselves. Climate change and sea level rise further threaten coral reefs' survival.
Modest CO2 cutbacks may be too little, too late for coral reefs
Ocean acidification could devastate coral reefs even if atmospheric carbon dioxide stabilizes at 450 ppm. Computer simulations suggest that only a small fraction of existing coral reefs would remain in waters with the kind of chemistry that has sustained them in the past.
Shipwrecks on coral reefs harbor unwanted species
A study found that shipwrecks on coral reefs harbor unwanted species like Rhodactis howesii, which can overtake healthy coral and decrease diversity. Removing man-made debris could prevent further losses in species and habitat.
Fishing ban guards coral reefs against predatory starfish outbreaks
No-take marine reserves can help prevent crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, reducing their impact on coral cover. The frequency of outbreaks is lower in protected zones, suggesting a potential benefit of fishing bans.