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.
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.
A new study found that lionfish can slash the survival of other reef fishes by 80 percent within a short period. The invasive species disrupts the ecological balance of coral reefs, allowing seaweeds to overwhelm them. This is another major threat to coral reefs, following overfishing and pollution.
Researchers have identified a specific type of dinoflagellate that renders corals more susceptible to disease. The study found that this particular symbiont produces less food for the coral, leading to starvation and increased disease risk.
A third of reef-building corals are threatened with extinction, according to a comprehensive global assessment. Climate change and human activities such as destructive fishing and pollution are leading causes of coral bleaching and disease.
A new NOAA coral bleaching prediction system suggests some bleaching in the Caribbean later this year, but not severe. The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are at a higher risk of widespread bleaching in August.
Researchers have discovered a new reef structure off Brazil's coast that harbors an abundance of fish and unique species found only in Brazil. The newly mapped reef is more abundant in marine life than previously known reefs, posing conservation challenges due to over-fishing, coastal development, and climate change.
The study revealed 57 coral species, with higher diversity in smaller patchy areas and a focus on protecting larger conservation units. The authors recommend marine reserves to protect high-biodiversity areas, such as the islands of Isla Galera, Isla San Telmo, and Isla Mogo Mogo.
A new NOAA report reveals that nearly half of the US coral reef ecosystems are in poor or fair condition due to human-derived threats such as coastal development and recreational use. Climate-related effects like coral bleaching, disease, and ocean acidification also pose significant risks to these ecosystems.
A team of scientists is living and working at 60 feet below the sea surface for an eight-day mission to investigate ways to improve coral reef restoration. They are transplanting corals into shallow and deep sites to study how different species respond to stressors.
A recent investigation found that coral species have recovered from the atomic blast, with diverse and abundant marine life observed. However, some species are locally extinct due to the bomb's effects on water temperatures and nutrient levels.
Recent coral die-off events can be attributed to changes in the microbes living in and around reefs. Warmer sea temperatures allow disease-causing bacteria to thrive, weakening corals' defences. Scientists stress the need for better understanding of microbe processes to reduce reef decline.
Researchers found that healthy coral polyps rely on both photosynthetic carbon from algae and feeding-derived carbon for survival. The study suggests a key role for this dual carbon source in coral recovery from bleaching, with implications for the management of these critical ecosystems.
Researchers found that changes in dissolved organic matter affect coral bacterial communities, potentially leading to disease and reef deterioration. Shifts in microbial populations may be out-competed by problematic bacteria, exacerbated by rising temperatures.
Scientists warn that butterflyfish, such as the Chevroned Butterflyfish, are at risk of extinction due to their specialized feeding habits. The coral reefs' decline is threatening these fish's survival as they can only eat one type of coral, leading to a high risk of extinction.
A new study finds evidence of an ocean 'thermostat' regulating sea-surface temperatures in the Western Pacific Warm Pool, protecting coral reefs from severe warming. This discovery lends support to a long-debated theory that naturally warm waters may be more resistant to climate change.
Three major environmental groups call for a significant increase in protected areas to combat climate change and destructive fishing practices. They also emphasize the importance of human uses being limited within these systems to allow marine species to recover.
A major new study published in Science warns that global warming and acidification are triggering widespread coral disease and stifling coral growth. The researchers argue that drastic action is needed from world leaders to protect coral reefs, which support 100 million people and generate billions of dollars in tourism.
Scientists warn that coral reefs will struggle to survive in increasingly acidic ocean waters due to rising carbon emissions, threatening marine biodiversity and coastal economies. The Great Barrier Reef is among the first victims of this acidification, which could lead to its collapse by mid-century.
Coral reefs, crucial for millions of livelihoods worldwide, are at risk due to rapid climate change and ocean acidification. The International Coral Reef Targeted Research Program warns that most coral reefs will not survive the forecasted increases in global temperatures and CO2 emissions unless drastic action is taken.
Coral reefs are facing extinction due to rising ocean temperatures and acidification, threatening marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions. Scientists call for urgent action to reduce carbon emissions and local pressures such as overfishing and pollution to save these vital ecosystems.
A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that coral reefs in sites with varying seasonal temperatures are more likely to survive rising ocean temperatures. This 'tough love' approach allows corals to adapt to environmental variation, increasing their chances of survival.
A new underwater nursery in Biscayne National Park is dedicated to the propagation of staghorn corals. The nursery aims to develop effective fragmentation and propagation methodologies to help recover the species from decline due to climate change, coral diseases, and hurricanes.
Researchers warn that Caribbean coral reefs will decline permanently unless measures are taken to address overgrowth with seaweed and protect key grazers like parrotfish. The study suggests a need for policy changes to control fish traps and promote reef regeneration.
Coral reefs face irreversible destruction due to global warming, with scientists urging immediate action to reduce emissions and implement no-fishing reserves. The Great Barrier Reef alone generates $6.9 billion annually in economic activity, supporting over 65,000 jobs.
Coral cover in Indo-Pacific reefs has declined significantly since the 1960s, with nearly 600 square miles of reef disappearing per year. The rate of decline is twice that of rainforest loss, with coral cover hovering around 2% today.
Researchers have discovered large colonies of glass sponges thriving on the seafloor off Washington state, extending the range of reef-building species into open ocean. The sponge reefs support a dense ecosystem of sea life, including zooplankton, fish and crustaceans, in a previously sparsely populated area.
Researchers have identified a silent, natural disaster that silently wipes out coral reefs on clear sunny days during extreme low tides. The study reveals that these events are highly predictable and can be anticipated through alignment of weather patterns and tidal charts.
Researchers found that recovery rates increased over time, with sheltered bay areas supporting recovery of outer-reef sites. Effective local management practices may aid reef recovery, suggesting a promising sign for other regions.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that marine reserves can double the number of young corals, leading to a healthier reef ecosystem. The Bahamas' Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park was used as a testing ground for this innovative approach.
Researchers found that close living quarters among coral in healthy sections of the Great Barrier Reef facilitate easy infection spread, despite warmer ocean temperatures. Higher temperatures drive disease outbreaks, with a strong connection between white syndrome and coral cover.
Coral reefs on Pulau Simeulue and Pulau Banyak were severely damaged due to the 2005 earthquake, with some species suffering up to 100% loss. However, despite initial mass mortality, some coral species are beginning to re-colonize shallow reef areas, offering hope for recovery.
Researchers found that herbivorous fish play a key role in coral reef recovery from bleaching events. Exclusion of these fish led to reef degradation, while their presence boosted resilience.
Marine scientists discovered that baby fish can find their way back to their home coral reef by using their sense of smell, braving strong currents and predators. This unique ability has major implications for how reefs are managed and drives evolution on the Reef.
A rare species of batfish has emerged as a potential savior for coral reefs, consuming large amounts of seaweed that were choking the reef. By removing a cage, scientists observed the batfish cleaning up most of the weed in just five days and completely clearing it in eight weeks.
A recent study reveals that a rare batfish species is crucial in promoting the return to health of disturbed coral reefs overgrown with algae. Researchers found that only two of 27 herbivorous fish species had a significant impact on reef recovery, with parrotfishes and surgeonfishes unable to reverse algal blooms.
A Princeton University study finds that healthy coral reefs offer at least twice as much protection from destructive tsunami waves as dead reefs. The study uses a computer model to simulate the impact of tsunamis on reef-bounded shorelines, providing quantitative confirmation of a widely held theory.
A new study reveals that coral reefs are experiencing abnormal die-off rates, unlike anything seen in the past 11,000 years. The frequency of reef disturbances was at least an order of magnitude less than today's levels, according to Associate Professor John Pandolfi.
Researchers found that reef shark abundance on reefs open to fishing is about ten times lower than on unfished reefs. High reef shark abundance was only apparent on the most strictly enforced no-take zones, suggesting moderate poaching can derail conservation efforts.
A group of researchers has successfully identified algae of the genus known to represent coral symbionts and demonstrated that isolated algae can establish symbioses with new corals. This finding potentially bolsters future efforts to protect and rehabilitate coral reefs.
A scientific team has developed the world's first engineering model to predict how coral reefs will be affected by intense storms. The model takes into account factors such as colony shape, sea-bed strength, and wave force to estimate the likelihood of coral damage.
A new model developed by researchers at the University of California - Santa Barbara predicts the survival of coral reefs based on their shape and size. The study found that table corals with broad flat tops are more susceptible to strong wave forces, while bushy or mounded corals are less vulnerable.
Tiny Pacific 'housekeeper' crabs play a crucial role in preventing coral death by removing sediment from coral surfaces. Without these crabs, corals experience slower growth rates, increased tissue bleaching, and higher sediment loads.
Wade Cooper, a University of Miami student, has been awarded a $80,000 scholarship to advance his research on the early life stage dynamics of stony corals in natural environments. His work aims to aid in coral's survival in the face of climate change and ocean acidification.
Coral reefs face severe threats from human activities, and current MPAs are often insufficient to protect biodiversity. A global network of MPAs with optimal size and isolation is necessary to conserve coral reefs.
A new study reveals that coral reefs in Aceh, Indonesia, can survive devastating events like tsunamis, economic crises, and civil wars if effectively managed. Managed reefs showed significantly higher coral cover than open-access areas.
Researchers urge governments to implement stricter controls on the live reef fish trade, a growing threat to coral reefs. The trade has devastating effects on the ecosystem, including the depletion of coral reef stocks and the spread of destructive harvesting methods.
A global survey of coral reefs, built using NASA satellite images, found that only a handful of marine protected areas provide effective protection for fish species and marine life. The study highlights the need for larger reserves to protect these ecosystems.
A UCF study found that coral tissue damage cannot heal near pollution sources on land, leading to reef decline and increased hurricane risks. The loss of coral harms natural ecosystems and the tourism economy, while also protecting coastal areas from storms.
The study found that 40% of marine protected areas are smaller than 1-2km2, an insufficient size to protect large fish and other animals. To effectively conserve coral reefs, each Marine Protected Area should be at least 10-20 km in diameter.
A global assessment of coral reef protection reveals that marine protected areas (MPAs) are often poorly managed and fail to effectively safeguard these critical ecosystems. The study found that many MPAs lack enforcement mechanisms, leading to threats such as resource extraction, poaching, pollution, coastal development, and overfishing.
The survey found a diverse range of life, including new fish species, in Malagasy waters. The region's coral diversity is one of the richest in the Indian Ocean, making it a high conservation priority.
The world's coral reefs are left vulnerable by insufficiently managed marine protected areas (MPAs), according to a new global analysis. The study found that many MPAs are too small and far apart, leaving them susceptible to poaching and external human threats such as pollution and overfishing.
Scientists have discovered a link between bacterial growth fueled by algae and the death of corals. The study shows that bacteria suffocate corals by cutting off oxygen supply, leading to a positive feedback loop that accelerates reef decline. Human activities such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change exacerbate this process.
A recent study found that coral reefs in the Seychelles have suffered severe damage from global warming, leading to a 90% decline in coral cover and a significant loss of biodiversity. The damaged reefs are unable to reseed and recover, resulting in profound impacts on other organisms in the ecosystem.
A new study found that branching coral Montipora capitata sharpens its plankton intake when bleached, increasing its chances of recovery. The findings indicate that any coral, regardless of shape or location, can recover if it can increase feeding.
Researchers discovered that some coral species can replenish energy reserves by increasing feeding rates, allowing them to recover from bleaching events. However, even resilient species face a significant threat as global warming projections suggest up to 60% of the world's coral reefs could be lost within 10-30 years.
A group of high school students will participate in a groundbreaking coral reef research expedition to the Red Sea, assessing threats such as climate change, ecotourism, and pollution. The team's findings will guide international policy on coral reef management and have significant economic and social implications for the world's oceans.
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is conducting a pioneering study on the Farasan Islands Marine Protected Area off the coast of Saudi Arabia. The research will assess the effects of ecotourism, pollution, over-fishing, climate change, dredging, and development on coral reefs.
Cold-water corals are vulnerable to ocean acidification, which can harm their ability to build skeletons. By 2100, only 30% of cold-water reefs may still be in waters supersaturated with aragonite, a form of calcium carbonate.