The study found that coral reefs' capacity to provide essential benefits and services, including food and livelihoods, has declined significantly. The decline in coral reef coverage and biodiversity is attributed to climate change, overfishing, pollution, and more.
A new study found that coral reefs have lost half their ability to provide food, jobs, and climate protection since the 1950s, with significant declines in reef coverage and biodiversity. This loss threatens the well-being and sustainable development of human communities on coastal areas.
A new study reveals unexpected trends in coral reef condition and its environment, contrary to prevailing scientific expectations. The authors found that local threats such as pollution do not lead to a decrease in coral cover, and biogeophysical forcings poorly predict ecosystem-scale coral reef condition.
A University of Queensland-led study found that nearly 85% of coastal areas leach sediment to coral reefs, a major threat. Reforestation can help by reducing sediment transport, increasing light levels for coral growth and reproduction. Land restoration is crucial for building coral resilience.
Coral reefs will experience substantial declines in productivity and survival due to rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification, with some attributes responding similarly to heat stress with or without acidification
Researchers found that coral communities in the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) are recovering from past heatwaves, with heat-tolerant offspring repopulating the reefs. This study provides a source of hope for coral reef conservation and restoration, highlighting the potential for some reefs to keep pace with ocean warming.
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation has completed the largest coral reef survey and mapping expedition in history, assessing over 1,000 reefs in 16 countries. The Global Reef Expedition provided a comprehensive dataset for coral reef conservation, highlighting the status and major threats to these ecosystems.
SECORE International's coral breeding technique shows significant success in closing the gap to scale for coral restoration, using floating mesocosms to produce thousands of coral recruits. The approach promotes genetic diversity and can help corals cope with climate change.
A new study found that tropical coral species in Western Australia's Kimberley region and offshore reefs are at risk of disappearing or moving south due to climate change. The research predicts a significant decline in coral biodiversity across the entire WA coastline, with many species likely to be driven to local extinction.
Researchers have identified a massive coral structure in the Great Barrier Reef, measuring 5.3m tall and 10.4m wide, which is not only the widest but also the sixth tallest recorded in the reef.
Researchers from FAU Harbor Branch adapted Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry to generate 3D models for tracking lesion progression and impacts on diseased coral colonies. The study found that stony coral tissue loss disease prevalence varied significantly across location, but not through time.
A new study on coral reefs in Kiribati found that more polluted and high-traffic waters can handle extreme heat events better than remote reefs. The research raises questions about the effectiveness of marine protected areas in conserving coral reefs.
Researchers studied Pacific Gilbert Islands coral reefs, a natural laboratory for climate change-induced heat stress. The study found that coral reefs in the region exhibit resistance and resilience to multiple stressors, but are still recovering after over a decade of environmental pressures.
Researchers have identified different thermal tolerance mechanisms in corals, with some species exhibiting 'resilient' and 'resistant' responses to heat stress. The findings provide a toolbox for protecting coral reefs worldwide and inform conservation prioritization.
Scientists have developed a new model to predict the health of coral reefs using data from the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation's Global Reef Expedition. The model identifies key drivers of coral reef health, including biophysical and anthropogenic factors.
The coming decade will determine whether coral reefs survive, with up to 30% predicted to persist if global warming is limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Policymakers are called upon to address climate change, improve local conditions, and restore coral reefs through coordinated actions and innovative approaches.
Researchers warn of devastating consequences for coral reefs as three key species experience changes in distribution due to the climate crisis. Conservation efforts are urged to focus on regions such as the Abrolhos region and the Gulf of Mexico.
Researchers observed coral cells engulfing free-living algae in a process that began within minutes, marking the first stages of symbiosis. This study provides new insights into the complex relationship between corals and algae, which is crucial for understanding coral bleaching caused by climate change and pollution.
Scientists have observed individual stony coral cells engulfing single-celled photosynthetic algae, crucial for keeping corals healthy. Around 40% of coral cells incorporated the algae in 30 minutes and remained healthy for a month, providing insights into the partnership between corals and dinoflagellates.
Researchers at NIST used an emerging molecular profiling method to analyze a type of tumor-like disease called growth anomalies in corals. The study identified 18 small molecules that promise to help better understand the series of molecular reactions leading to the disease, which affects coral skeletons and soft tissues.
A new study by University of Miami researchers documents how coral genes respond to stony coral tissue loss disease, a rapidly spreading disease killing corals in Florida and the Caribbean. The study found that a network of genes important for cell death, immunity, and tissue rearrangement are triggered in response to the disease.
A recent study found that coral reefs in the South China Sea adjust their trophic patterns in response to environmental conditions. By analyzing zooxanthellae density, nutrient levels, and light intensity, researchers discovered that corals can shift from autotrophic to heterotrophic modes of nutrition, enhancing their adaptability to ...
Climate change is expected to suppress the growth of Florida's coral reefs due to their inability to migrate north. The warming seas and increasing frequency of water-cooling cold snaps will make it difficult for corals to adapt and survive, leading to further decline and potentially extinction.
A Southern Cross University study reveals global coral reef ecosystem calcification is declining at a rate of 4.3% yr-1, with consequences for ecosystem survival. The decline may be linked to stress events and reduced coral cover, potentially impacting food and habitat production.
Five scientists from Israel and Jordan have been awarded research grants by the Red Sea Reef Foundation to study the unique corals in the northern Red Sea. Their innovative projects aim to monitor reef health, develop coral bioindicators, and refine coral farming techniques to support conservation efforts.
Researchers studied blue rice corals, which produce a natural sunscreen pigment that may help them recover from bleaching and thrive in warmer oceans. This discovery sheds light on how some coral species can better withstand climate change and ocean warming.
A new study led by Katie Barott found that climate change-resistant corals can thrive in different environments and maintain their resilient qualities after transplantation. The research suggests that these hardy corals could serve as a founding population to restore reefs in the future.
Research reveals that genetic differences within microscopic algae living inside corals correspond to the coral species they inhabit, suggesting a coevolutionary relationship. This partnership optimization may hold key insights into improving conservation efforts for critically endangered coral species.
A new study suggests that managing local environmental conditions can help coral reefs persevere in the face of climate change. Local factors like macroalgae presence and nutrient pollution exacerbate coral loss, but also offer opportunities for management to boost reef resilience.
A new study finds that local management of coral reefs can increase their chances of recovery after devastating bleaching events. Caring for reefs on a local scale may help them persist globally by minimizing environmental stressors such as overfishing and pollution.
A recent study published in Science found that local conditions play a significant role in coral reef survival after climate-driven heatwaves. Managing global climate change and local factors such as nutrient pollution and overfishing can help reefs withstand the effects of climate change, according to researchers.
New guidelines for coral reef restoration aim to optimize efforts for ecosystem benefits and human protection from flooding. Research suggests targeting shallow, energetic areas for restoration to reduce coastal flooding.
New research on coral reef growth rates reveals a window of opportunity to save the world's coral reefs, but time is running out. The study shows that unless carbon dioxide emissions are drastically reduced, the growth of coral reefs will be stunted due to climate change.
A global study suggests that coral reefs will experience significant declines in calcium carbonate production under projected climate scenarios. The models predict that 63% of reefs will continue to grow by 2100 under RCP2.6, but 94% will be eroding by 2050 under RCP8.5.
New research reveals coral can fight back against juvenile crown of thorns starfish with stinging cells, damaging their arms and delaying growth. The study shows coral's defensive mechanism may not be enough to protect it from other threats like climate change.
Researchers have created the first atlas of stony coral cell types, revealing specialized immune cells that aid in coral resilience. The study provides new insights into coral biology and evolution, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms behind coral growth and symbiosis.
Researchers found evidence of sound-related genes in corals, which could enable them to use sound to interact with their environment. This discovery has significant implications for understanding coral communication and developing restoration and conservation projects to protect these critical ecosystems.
Researchers have successfully grown cells from stony coral Acropora tenuis, creating eight distinct cell types that can grow indefinitely. The cell lines hold promise for understanding coral interactions with photosynthesizing algae and bleaching processes.
A new study by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute reveals that a common antibiotic, amoxicillin, is effective in treating stony coral tissue loss disease. The study showed a 95% success rate in healing individual lesions, but did not prevent the development of new lesions over time.
Scientists found that eradicating rats from tropical islands restores critical nutrient cycles to coral reefs within 16 years. Seabird populations are increasing on islands where rats have been eradicated, boosting the health of surrounding ecosystems and improving their chances of rebounding.
A new study uses a citizen science approach and AI to analyze vast amounts of 3D coral reef imagery, providing insights into the health of coral ecosystems. The NeMO-Net video game harnesses the power of citizen scientists to generate training datasets and classify coral species.
Over 500 million people rely on coral reefs for protection and resources, but these ecosystems are threatened by global warming. A team of scientists recommends a massive energy transition as the most effective action to limit coral reef decline, with international political support necessary.
Researchers used image-analysis methods from engineering to spot minute movements of a stony coral. The study found more activities happening under nighttime conditions and provided insights into coral behavior and physiology.
Researchers found that prolonged warm water causes coral heat stress, disrupting nutrient cycling and leading to starved corals. Monitoring nutritional status can help anticipate bleaching problems.
A new study reveals coral reefs offer over $1.8 billion in annual flood protection to US coastal communities, preventing 100-year flooding zones from increasing by 23% and impacting 53,800 more people. The US has 200 miles of high-value reefs worth millions per mile.
A new study on the Northern Star Coral reveals its ability to recover from laboratory-induced stress, shedding light on coral resilience. Researchers found that coral with algal symbionts recovered their mucus microbiomes more consistently and quickly.
The study created high-resolution molecular maps of coral reef organisms using 3D imaging techniques, revealing specific microbial and viral functions that are key components of the coral microbiome. The research has direct implications for coral reef restoration and management.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara found that coral predators have a significant impact on young coral growth and survival, even when protected by fish. The study suggests that density has little effect on predation, as corals are vulnerable to predators regardless of group size or protection.
A recent study reveals that coral-eating fish excrete symbiotic dinoflagellate algae by the millions, potentially keeping reefs healthy. This unexpected twist on coral reef symbiosis confirms that poop from coral-eating fish is an important environmental source of beneficial coral symbionts.
Researchers found that algae colonizing dead coral can lead to false impressions of a healthy reef ecosystem. This challenges traditional methods for assessing coral health, which rely on measuring calcium carbonate production, as it may not accurately account for the impact of algal overgrowth.
Researchers at Florida State University found that certain coral species vary in their response to thermal stress, with some surviving and others dying. This diversity helps maintain coral reef resilience, much like a diverse financial portfolio.
The study reveals that despite local coral loss, global extinction risk is lower for most species due to broad geographic ranges and huge population sizes. The researchers estimate that only a few dozen of the 80 considered species are threatened with extinction.
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation's Global Reef Expedition found the Chagos Archipelago to be home to some of the most diverse coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. Despite being relatively undisturbed, human impacts were evident, and mass bleaching caused widespread coral mortality.
A University of Hawaii study found that Oahu's marine protected areas do not adequately protect populations of herbivorous fish species that eat algae on coral reefs. The research suggests that environmental characteristics like habitat complexity and depth have a greater impact on these fish populations than MPA protection.
A new study reveals a unique link between the diet and distribution of coral reef fishes, highlighting planktivores as potentially vulnerable to environmental change. The Indo-Australian Archipelago is a global marine biodiversity hotspot, where planktivorous fish species are more diverse than others.
Researchers found significant distribution disparities in coral reef fish species across trophic groups, with a disproportionate number of planktivores in the IAA. Planktivore species richness was highest near Indonesia and the Solomon Islands, but declined sharply outside the region.
Recent studies suggest organic UV filters in sunscreens may harm coral reefs, but evidence is limited and inconclusive. Researchers recommend further field and lab studies to assess environmental risk and develop a coral environment risk assessment framework.
A recent study reveals Florida's delayed response to a coral disease epidemic resulted in massive coral deaths, with key findings highlighting the importance of early intervention and effective management strategies.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery about coral bleaching, revealing that corals start to starve before their algae are expelled due to nutrient depletion. This finding has significant implications for understanding the causes of coral bleaching and identifying resilient reefs.
Cold-water coral reefs in the Western Mediterranean have been growing almost continuously for 400,000 years, with major climate swings controlling their development. The study reveals that intense monsoon events also had a detrimental impact on these reefs.