A new study finds that climate-driven transformations render marine reserves ineffective in protecting biodiversity and fish biomass. Marine reserves still protect some species, but conservation efforts require re-evaluation. Urgent action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate other pressures.
The Caribbean coral reef decline began in the 1950s and 1960s due to local human activities such as fishing and land-clearing. Researchers used fossil data, historical records, and underwater survey data to reconstruct the abundance of staghorn and elkhorn corals over the past 125,000 years.
A recent study found that only five percent of tropical reefs globally can meet multiple goals, including providing enough fishing stocks and maintaining biodiversity. Marine reserves placed in areas with low human pressures had the best results for helping reefs get on the 'A-list', meeting all goals simultaneously.
Researchers have developed 3D-printed coral-inspired structures that can grow dense populations of microscopic algae, opening up new applications for coral conservation and bioenergy. The innovative technology mimics the symbiotic relationship between corals and algae, with microalgae producing sugars to the coral through photosynthesis.
Research shows that juvenile crown of thorns starfish can delay their diet shift to coral for at least 6.5 years, allowing them to build up populations on reefs in the absence of coral. This delayed transition complicates efforts to manage the starfish population and may trigger a feedback mechanism in their transition to coral predators.
The Great Barrier Reef has suffered its third coral bleaching event in just five years, with the most recent event being the worst. Severe bleaching has struck all three regions of the reef, causing widespread damage to coral habitats.
New study reveals ocean deoxygenation as a critical factor in coral reef degradation, highlighting the need for improved data collection and management practices. Researchers warn that reduced oxygen availability exacerbates the impact of climate change and pollution on reefs.
Research links ENSO climate pattern to detrimental impacts on Southeast Asian coral reefs, revealing long-term environmental changes. Coral cores provide a critical record of local changes in river runoff and rainfall, highlighting the need for resilience to future environmental changes.
The Red Sea's coral reef, critical to the region's ecosystem, is resilient but vulnerable to climate change. The researchers call for UNESCO recognition and coordinated conservation efforts to protect the reef.
Scientists from the Global Reef Expedition found that many coral reefs in the Cook Islands were in good shape, with high coral cover and diverse fish communities. However, Aitutaki's corals were being ravaged by a crown-of-thorns starfish outbreak, causing significant damage to the reef ecosystem.
A new study found that elevated nutrients and modest water temperature increases negatively affect coral larvae's first few days of life. The research revealed that nutrient imbalances can seriously impact coral larvae, but certain larvae types are more resistant to environmental stressors.
35 coral species on Turks and Caicos Islands remained resilient during a severe global bleaching event. Corals that experienced bleaching quickly recovered, with some appearing healthier in 2017 than in 2014.
A study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that high levels of nitrogen pollution lower the temperature at which coral begins to bleach and increases its severity. The team surveyed over 10,000 corals around Moorea and found that both types of branching corals showed identical responses to nutrient pollution.
Researchers discovered a 7,000-year-old fossilized coral reef that predates human settlement and closely resembles its pre-human state. The team found the reef to be resilient, with minimal changes over centuries, despite current environmental degradation.
New research suggests that rising sea surface temperatures and acidic waters could eliminate nearly all existing coral reef habitats by 2100. The study found that few to zero suitable coral habitats will remain by 2100, with only small portions of Baja California and the Red Sea being viable locations for coral reefs.
Long-standing human stressors like agricultural run-off and overfishing have contributed to coral reef die-offs. Coral communities were being transformed by human activities much earlier than previously thought, according to recent studies.
A new study reveals that tropical forests and coral reefs are being threatened by a combination of ongoing climate changes, increasingly extreme weather, and damaging local human activities. The research highlights the urgent need for international action to decrease CO2 emissions and reverse this trend.
Researchers discovered that coralline algae can build tolerance to ocean acidification over time, providing a potential solution for coral reef survival. The findings suggest that these algae may be able to resist the impacts of climate change on coral reefs.
Research suggests that maintaining a healthy size distribution of parrotfish in sea floor ecosystems is crucial for coral reef health. Experiments show that large parrotfish play a key role in controlling algae growth, and selective fishing practices could lead to an overgrowth of algae if these larger fish are removed.
A comprehensive study of French Polynesia's coral reefs has been conducted, revealing the healthiest reefs are found around islands with low elevation. The study also found that cyclones and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks have decimated reefs in some areas.
A study by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution compared seawater from protected and impacted reefs in Cuba and Florida Keys, finding that protected reefs have higher microbial diversity and lower nutrient concentrations. This suggests that offshore and highly-protected reefs are healthier than nearshore reefs with less protection ...
A new social-ecological systems monitoring framework has been implemented to uncover drivers of coral reef conservation success, incorporating both social and ecological indicators. The framework, developed from Elinor Ostrom's work, sheds light on local coral reef management contexts, resource use, and stakeholders' perceptions.
A recent volcanic eruption created a new island in the South Pacific, and coral reefs have shown incredible resilience and recovery. The study found that one section of the island supported diverse coral reefs largely unaffected by the eruption, which provided a source of larvae to repopulate reefs around the rest of the island.
A new study by Rice University researchers warns that coral reefs in the Gulf of Mexico are on the brink of collapse due to rising temperatures and ocean acidification. The study found that even reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet the Paris Agreement's targets may not be enough to preserve the reefs.
Coral reefs in the Gulf of Mexico face extinction due to rising temperatures, acidification, and increased storm intensity. The region's reefs are expected to disappear by the end of this century if no action is taken to mitigate climate change.
The 'blue boat' fleet, consisting of small fishing vessels painted blue, is stripping Pacific coral reefs of seafood, endangering food security for Pacific Island nations. The boats are allegedly operated by Vietnamese fishermen with no contract or insurance, and are traveling thousands of kilometers to fish illegally in Pacific waters.
Researchers found parrotfish populations surge in damaged reefs, consuming microalgae and cyanobacteria that provide food for the fish. This 'feedback loop' helps coral recover as reef health improves, with parrotfish numbers declining once ecosystems stabilize.
Researchers found that playing healthy reef sounds through loudspeakers in dead coral patches doubled fish arrival and increased species diversity by 50%. This 'acoustic enrichment' method could help kick-start natural recovery processes on damaged coral reefs.
A new coral disease has been found to alter the community of microbes on host corals, and measuring these changes may be a useful tool for monitoring coral health. The disease, known as 'grey-patch disease', was characterized by the growth of cyanobacteria, forming a biofilm that overgrew live coral tissue.
Researchers found that internal waves can reduce coral bleaching by up to 88% and prevent severe heating events. This natural cooling process may offer hope for coral reefs, but its impact is uncertain due to climate change.
A new study has estimated the growth rates of deep-sea coral communities in Hawaii, revealing a pattern of ecological succession over centuries to millennia. The research found that Coralliidae, pink coral, were the first to colonize, followed by Isididae, bamboo coral, and Antipatharia, black coral.
A long-term study found significant declines in live, hard corals on Great Barrier Reef island groups, with temperature stress and wave exposure identified as key drivers. The research highlights the importance of addressing water quality and climate change to prevent ecosystem collapse.
Researchers at the University of Delaware found that 3D-printed coral models do not harm fish behavior or coral survival. Fish showed no preference between native coral and artificial habitats, making biodegradable materials like cornstarch a promising alternative to plastic.
An interdisciplinary team from Northwestern University has developed a non-invasive imaging platform to study coral nanoscale structures and quantify pigment absorption in live corals. This tool could help researchers develop strategies to prevent coral reef death due to climate change.
A recent study found that coral bleaching in the Indo-Pacific is driven by a variety of stressors, with each region responding differently to excess heat. The research suggests that coral responses to global climate change are changing, requiring management and policies to be aligned with location and type of stresses.
A new study found that coral defenses are compromised by warming, but reef conservation and certain fish species, like the Acropora millepora, can enhance them. The research used potions from protected and heavily fished reefs to test their effectiveness against a pathogen.
The study found that the presence of Nassau grouper had a positive effect on fish abundance, with groups having both a resident grouper and complex habitat producing the highest numbers of fish. Habitat complexity also significantly benefited fish populations, with degraded sites having fewer than 50 fish on average.
Researchers have sequenced the genomes of corals and their microbial partners, revealing new insights into symbiotic relationships and nutrient sharing. The study aims to aid in the revival of threatened coral reefs by understanding how they interact with their environment.
Researchers suggest a bolder approach to safeguarding coral reefs by focusing on land as well as the ocean. Implementing strategies like renewable energy, aquaculture, and restoring vegetation can reduce global emissions and enhance people's livelihoods. Current approaches to coral reef conservation are failing, and addressing the root...
USC scientists discover coral passes beneficial algae colonies to offspring for survival advantage. The finding suggests corals can adapt to rising ocean temperatures through genetic mechanisms.
A Tel Aviv University study reveals that coral spawning synchrony has broken down in the Gulf of Eilat/Aqaba, leading to reduced recruitment and stagnant aging populations. The researchers attribute this decline to ocean warming and endocrine-disrupting pollutants, posing a threat to the long-term survival of coral species.
Scientists have found 34 species of coral thriving in mangrove lagoons on the Great Barrier Reef, providing novel information on mechanisms supporting coral resilience to climate change and pollution. The corals have adapted to extreme low pH, low oxygen, and variable temperatures, but at a cost: reduced calcification rates.
Nearshore corals, which grow faster than offshore counterparts due to warmer temperatures, have experienced a decline in growth rates over the past decade. Climate change and coastal development are believed to be major contributors to this decline, with far-reaching implications for global coral reefs.
A new study reveals that functioning coral reefs still exist and can be saved through three management strategies: protect, recover, and transform. These strategies aim to safeguard reef ecologies and ecosystem services into the future, prioritizing 'cool spots' with functioning coral communities.
A landmark study on coral reefs has collected data on over 2.5 million individual corals across 44 countries, revealing alarming rates of bleaching due to climate change, with researchers urging immediate action to protect reefs in the Indo-Pacific region.
Researchers found that severe marine heatwaves lead to immediate coral mortality and rapid decay, not just bleaching. This phenomenon is distinct from coral bleaching and will likely become more frequent as temperatures rise.
A new genus of bacteria has been identified as a major contributor to coral decline, siphoning energy from corals and making them more susceptible to disease. The study found that the bacterial genus is globally associated with many different coral hosts and has genes that enable it to parasitize its hosts for amino acids and ATP.
Scientists have found that severe marine heatwaves can lead to the death of coral animals themselves, causing the underlying skeleton to decay rapidly. This new understanding highlights the need for urgent action to preserve coral reefs and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Researchers at Hiroshima University discovered that giant clam feces contain symbiotic algae zooxanthellae, which can be transferred to juvenile clams and establish a symbiotic relationship. This finding may help solve the mystery of how coral reefs acquire these essential algae.
Coral mass spawning events are becoming more frequent, allowing corals to spread their offspring across different reefs. This phenomenon improves the Great Barrier Reef's resilience and increases its recovery potential.
A study led by Dr Chancey MacDonald found that fussy fish can survive and even thrive in deeper waters due to their ability to adapt their diets. The Triangle Butterflyfish, a dietary specialist, fed more selectively on preferred corals, while the Eight-Band Butterflyfish, a generalist, became more flexible in their diet with depth.
A new paper outlines concrete guidelines for restoring coral populations by maximizing genetic diversity, allowing them to adapt to local conditions and thrive. The guidelines, developed by a consortium of experts, provide a definitive plan for collecting, raising, and replanting corals in locations similar to their original environment.
A 30-year study reveals that coral bleaching is not just caused by climate change, but also by reactive nitrogen from human activities. Nitrogen levels from sewage and fertilizers are causing phosphorus starvation in corals, leading to reduced temperature thresholds for 'bleaching'.
A team of scientists has discovered a new species of fairy wrasse in the mesophotic coral reefs off the coast of Tanzania, dubbed the 'Vibranium Fairy Wrasse' due to its purple scales. The discovery sheds light on the unique ecosystems of the twilight zone, which are just as vulnerable to human threats as shallow reefs.
Researchers have discovered that coral skeletons record subtle changes in pH levels, allowing scientists to study past ocean acidification and its effects on corals. The study provides insight into the impact of climate change on coral reefs and their ecosystem.
New research reveals coral reefs have retreated from tropical waters and established new reefs in more temperate regions over the last 40 years. This shift is attributed to climate change, which has warmed ocean temperatures, favoring corals' growth in subtropical areas.
A new study by Flinders University and the University of Melbourne found that artificial light pollution can prevent clownfish eggs from hatching. The presence of artificial light at night (ALAN) masks natural cues, leading to a zero success rate for test eggs incubated in its presence.
A study published in Nature Climate Change suggests that conserving a wide range of coral habitats is the best approach to protect these ecosystems from climate change. This strategy recognizes that corals can adapt rapidly to changing conditions, but also emphasizes the importance of protecting diverse habitats to provide future refug...
Researchers have documented surprising amounts of coral living in areas with less than 1% of the surface light, shedding light on deep-sea life and strategies for survival. The study found different corals use varying strategies to deal with low light levels, including changing pigments or symbionts.
Coral and algal symbiotic relationships are crucial for reef construction. Researchers analyzed cellular processes in anemones hosting native and non-native dinoflagellate algae to understand preferential relationships and potential for revival of bleached coral communities. They found elevated protein expression associated with nutrie...