A new study found that tropical squid species are unaffected by projected end-of-century CO2 levels, which could lead to an increase in their population. This is surprising given the negative impact of ocean acidification on other marine species.
Researchers found that cardinalfish, thought to be monogamous, engage in complex mating behaviors including infidelity and cannibalism. The study suggests that males can offset the energy costs of brooding eggs by eating them or accepting eggs from other females.
Researchers found that corals and coralline algae, crucial for reef structure, are vulnerable to ocean acidification. The study suggests a significant shift in the composition and function of future reefs if they can survive climate change.
Researchers discovered that tiny fish living in the gaps of coral reefs play a crucial role in sustaining the ecosystem. These 'cryptobenthics,' which include species like gobies and blennies, reproduce rapidly and are consumed by other animals, providing a vital food supply for larger species.
A new study finds that when competing fishermen cooperate over local environmental problems, they can improve the quality and quantity of fish on coral reefs. The research, conducted across five coral reef fishing communities in Kenya, reveals that communication among competitors leads to more fish and higher quality catches.
Researchers discovered that reef fish rely heavily on food from the open ocean, with some species relying on more than 400 grams of plankton per kilogram of fish produced. The study found that areas of the reef exposed to the open ocean produce the largest quantities of fish, offering hope for resilient reefs.
New research reveals that global warming has made it difficult for coral reefs to recover, with a 89% decline in adult corals and a 93% drop in coral replenishment. The study's findings indicate that the Great Barrier Reef's resilience is now severely compromised by global warming.
New research confirms that drastic changes in ocean salinity can cause 'freshwater bleaching' of coral reefs, leading to cell function collapse. The study found corals sensitive to slight changes, with nearshore reefs exposed to half normal ocean salinity causing a shock response preventing normal cell function.
Researchers discovered that corals use green fluorescent light to signal the presence of Symbiodinium, a type of mobile microalgae critical to the establishment of a healthy partnership. The study found that this 'positive phototaxis' mechanism enables corals to attract Symbiodinium, which provide essential nutrients via photosynthesis.
A study by ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies found fish respond faster to simulated predator attacks in turbid water, indicating increased anxiety. This effect may stunt growth and damage health due to reduced visibility affecting energy allocation.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that corals that survived 2016 bleaching were more resistant to heat stress in 2017. The research highlights the extent of damage caused by multiple coral bleaching events on the Great Barrier Reef, with only 7% of reefs escaping bleaching entirely since 1998.
Researchers found that closely related reef fish species with vastly different colour patterns are most pronounced when their ranges overlap. The study also discovered that this divergence in colour patterns can occur quickly over 300,000 years but remains stable for millions of years.
Distinguished Professor Terry Hughes exposed coral reef damage caused by rising water temperatures, while Britt Hermes publicised her research on evidence-based medicine. Both received the 2018 John Maddox Prize for their courage in promoting science.
A recent study revealed that robust reef-building corals possess a unique capacity to generate an essential amino acid, which may make them less susceptible to global warming-induced coral bleaching. This advantage allows robust corals to repair tissue and grow new tissue more efficiently than complex corals.
Researchers have successfully mapped the orange clownfish's genome using high-tech sequencing tools, creating a comprehensive genetic blueprint. The completed genome contains over 26,000 protein-coding genes and will aid in understanding reef fish biology, sex change, larval dispersal, and ocean acidification impacts.
New research suggests that high- and low-income countries will struggle to achieve environmental sustainability if current economic growth patterns continue. The study argues that restructuring the economic system is key to making development compatible with ecological sustainability.
A new study found that nearly half of fishers from seven countries witnessed someone poaching in marine protected areas in the past year, with most doing nothing about it. Inaction was especially common on Australia's Great Barrier Reef, where nearly 80% of fishers did nothing.
Distinguished Professor Terry Hughes has been honored by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation for his climate change research on coral reefs. His work recognizes the influence of rapid climate change on world's coral reefs.
A massive study of 1,800 tropical coral reefs found that marine reserves near human populations struggle to protect fish stocks. However, these reserves still offer significant benefits for key fisheries species and top predators like sharks. The study highlights the importance of targeted conservation strategies in different locations.
New research suggests many coral reefs will be unable to keep growing fast enough to keep up with rising sea levels, leading to increased erosion and flooding risk. Coral reefs are struggling due to combinations of coral disease, water quality deterioration, fishing pressure, and severe impacts from climate change-induced coral bleaching.
Researchers found that reef fish inherit epigenetic changes from their parents, enabling them to cope with warmer ocean temperatures. This adaptation may provide a buffer against the impacts of climate change and allow for genetic adaptation over time.
A new study found that corals on the northern Great Barrier Reef experienced a catastrophic die-off following the extended marine heatwave of 2016. The amount of coral death was closely linked to the amount of bleaching and level of heat exposure, with the northern third of the reef being the most severely affected.
New research reveals coral bleaching events reduce fish species and community diversity on reefs. The Great Barrier Reef suffered significant losses after a mass bleaching event in 2016, with some fish species declining sharply.
Researchers found that fringing coral reefs can effectively protect shorelines from extensive erosion caused by tropical cyclones. The study used Ningaloo Reef as a case study and showed that the reef's shape and structure can dissipate large waves, reducing coastal damage.
Scientists have found that high carbon dioxide levels cause squid to bungle attacks on their prey, leading to a 20% decrease in successful attacks. This effect is observed in two cephalopod orders, pygmy squid and bigfin reef squid, which may have significant consequences for marine ecosystems.
Researchers found that nearly 97% of recreational fishers considered poaching personally unacceptable, while a small minority believed it was common. The study suggests that the 'false consensus effect' may be influencing poachers' perceptions, making them overestimate the prevalence of poaching.
An international team of scientists has developed a strategy to help people living in tropical coastal communities adapt to climate change. The key ways to build up adaptive capacity include ensuring assets, providing flexibility, learning about adaptation options, investing in social relationships, and empowering individuals.
A recent study has found that contact with plastic waste significantly increases the chance of disease in corals. Dr. Joleah Lamb led the research, which examined over 120,000 corals on 159 reefs across Asia-Pacific regions. The findings highlight the critical role plastics play in promoting disease among marine organisms.
Global warming is accelerating coral bleaching, threatening the future of coral reefs and millions of people reliant on them. The study documents a dramatic shortening of the gap between pairs of bleaching events, now occurring every six years on average.
The new book highlights scientific advances and emerging opportunities for targeted research, focusing on key questions to improve management effectiveness. World-renowned experts discuss the biology, ecology, and early life stages of COTS, emphasizing the need for improved knowledge to prevent outbreaks.
Seemingly identical sea snake populations revealed to be genetically distinct, emphasizing the importance of preserving biodiversity. Targeted research on habitat and diet requirements is crucial to understanding the sudden disappearance of sea snakes from Australian reefs.
The study found significant bleaching in Kimberley region and mild bleaching at Rottnest Island. Ningaloo Reef escaped bleaching, but experienced temperature-related coral mortality.
A global study of over 5,000 people from 40 countries reveals diverse communities form strong attachments to the Great Barrier Reef, regardless of geographic location. The research suggests resource managers should engage with global communities to build broad public support for protecting the reef.
International scientists issue recommendations for future research on coral acclimatization and adaptation to climate change. Key findings suggest that while there is a 'nugget of hope' for corals to adapt, major knowledge gaps remain regarding their ability to cope with rapid warming,
A new study reveals that reef fish are less affected by ocean acidification than previously thought. The researchers used a laboratory setting to mimic natural daily changes in water chemistry, which provided fish with a recovery period and reduced their sensitivity to higher carbon dioxide levels.
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.
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 found that cone snails, crucial for the ocean food chain, struggle to catch their prey when exposed to rising CO2 levels. This study suggests that ocean acidification may have far-reaching impacts on marine ecosystems and potentially affect commercially important seafood species.
A groundbreaking study has shown that baby reef fish possess an internal magnetic 'compass' that enables them to swim towards their home reef at night. The researchers, led by Professor Mike Kingsford, found that the tiny Cardinal fish can use their magnetic senses to orient themselves in total darkness.
A recent study found that climate change is affecting 82% of key ecological processes, which have a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of human societies. The study highlights the need for immediate action to achieve emissions targets and safeguard biodiversity in the face of rapid global warming.
The Great Barrier Reef has suffered severe damage from coral bleaching, with 93% of the reef's corals affected. Severely bleached corals have lost nearly all their zooxanthellae, making recovery highly unlikely.
Researchers identified 15 'bright spots' with more fish than expected on coral reefs, often due to local involvement and management practices. The study's findings offer hope for radical new approaches to conservation and suggest investments in local ownership rights can promote better reef conditions.
A study by ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies found that fishers who communicate with their competitors can reduce shark catches and adopt more sustainable fishing methods. By sharing information about avoiding sharks, nearly 46,000 sharks could have been saved annually in the Pacific Ocean.
The study found that Acropora corals, responsible for modern reef growth, are experiencing sharp declines in abundance worldwide. However, by managing local anthropogenic stressors such as pollution and over-fishing, it is possible to increase their resistance to climate change and preserve these corals.
A new study found that Great Barrier Reef corals survived past bleaching events by being exposed to a gradual warming pattern. However, this protective mechanism is likely to be lost under near future climate change scenarios. The researchers recommend prioritizing conservation efforts for reefs with retained thermal protection.
A new global database allows scientists to quickly address unresolved questions about coral reefs. The Coral Trait Database houses physiological, morphological, ecological, phylogenetic, and biogeographic trait information.
Researchers found that most coral reef sharks consume small prey items, such as fish and molluscs, and often go hungry between meals. The study's findings suggest that reef sharks are opportunistic eaters, not always consuming large quantities of food.
A new study found that motorboat noise increases stress levels in young coral reef fish, making them more vulnerable to predators. The team recommends creating marine quiet zones or buffer areas to mitigate this effect and protect the marine environment.
Researchers have discovered that the shape of a fish's tail is a key predictor of its ability to live across different depths on coral reefs. Fish with more forked tails are better adapted to survive in both shallow and deep habitats, thanks to their stealth swimming capabilities.
A global assessment reveals that marine protected areas (MPAs) insufficently protect the evolutionary history of tropical corals and fishes, with less than a quarter of wrasse species receiving minimum protection levels. The study suggests that protecting the genetic history of living organisms is crucial in a changing world.