Corals sleep like us, but their symbiosis does not rest
Corals rest at night to recover from oxidative stress caused by their photosynthetic microbes. This daily cycle regulates their biological clock and balances the host-microbe relationship.
Coral Reefs
Articles tagged with Coral Reefs
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New evidence of a global wave of sea urchin mass mortality
A global study reveals signs of complete extinction in the Canary Islands, where a previously undetected mass mortality event was identified in mid-2022. The affected species is no longer capable of reproducing, potentially leading to local extinction with severe ecological consequences.
£3.7 million project aims to provide unprecedented analysis of mesophotic coral reefs
A £3.7 million project aims to provide unprecedented analysis of mesophotic coral reefs' vulnerability to climate change and identify ways to protect them. The study will use state-of-the-art technologies to collect comprehensive data on biodiversity, health, and environmental parameters.
This is how a coral produces the pulsating movements of its tentacles – without a brain and in perfect synchronization
A joint study by Tel Aviv University and the University of Haifa discovered that a soft coral's tentacles drive rhythmic movements through a decentralized neural pacemaker system. The system enables each tentacle to perform independent movement while achieving precise collective synchronization.
Allowing coral reef fish stocks recover could feed millions
Rebuilding coral reef fisheries can help fight global hunger and improve nutrition by increasing sustainable fish yields by nearly 50%. Countries with higher malnutrition indexes can benefit most from recovered reef fish stocks, which could provide enough servings for several million people annually.
A Coral reef’s daily pulse reshapes microbes in surrounding waters
Researchers found coral reefs impose daily rhythms on nearby microbes, reshaping their composition and abundance. This daily pattern is stronger than seasonal differences, suggesting time of day is a critical factor in studying reef-associated microbial communities.
Connection and protection boost health in coral reefs
A new study by the University of Oxford and WCS reveals that connections between coral reefs can stabilize reef health, reducing the risk of collapse. By simulating future reef conditions under different management scenarios, researchers found that a dual approach improving land and sea conditions provides the best outcomes for reefs.
Climate extremes triggered rare coral disease and mass mortality on the Great Barrier Reef
A recent study found that extreme ocean temperatures triggered a rare coral disease and mass mortality on the Great Barrier Reef. The study discovered that bleaching was followed by an unprecedented outbreak of black band disease, which killed massive Goniopora corals at One Tree Reef.
Coral reefs have stabilized Earth’s carbon cycle for the past 250 million years
Researchers found that coral reefs governed the pace of climate recovery by tuning the planet's carbon and climate cycles. The study suggests that reefs played a crucial role in stabilizing climate, but modern reef systems are declining due to warming and ocean acidification.
Volcanic bubbles help foretell the fate of coral in more acidic seas
By 2100, coral reefs will be slow to recover, less complex, and dominated by fleshy algae as a result of high carbon dioxide changes in ocean chemistry. The study uses unique coral reefs in Papua New Guinea to determine the impact of ocean acidification on coral reefs.
Island-wide field surveys illuminate land-sea connections in Mo‘orea
Researchers found that nutrients in lagoons are highest near the island, lower offshore, and linked to human activities on land. Precipitation acts as a key mediator for connections between land use and lagoon waters.
The future of corals – what X-rays can tell us
Researchers used X-rays to investigate the impact of ocean acidification on corals' early skeleton development. They found that acidification affects the formation and structure of the coral's skeleton, with significant implications for marine ecosystems.
New modelling shows difficult future for the GBR under climate change
A new study models the impact of climate change on the GBR, forecasting a rapid coral decline before the middle of this century. However, curbing emissions and strategic management can help improve coral resilience, especially in well-mixed waters with good larval replenishment.
How algae help corals bounce back after bleaching
Scientists at UC Riverside are using advanced technology to understand how corals regain life-giving algae after suffering from heat stress. By studying the cellular and genetic mechanisms of algae reestablishment, researchers aim to develop practical tools to help reefs survive ocean warming.
New insights reveal how coral gets a grip
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology have discovered a three-step process in coral fragments attaching to reefs, involving an immune response, tissue anchoring, and skeleton building. The study reveals distinct biological differences between coral species influencing attachment efficiency and growth rates.
Nutritional supplements boost baby coral survival
Researchers at the University of Technology Sydney discovered that tailored lipid supplements can significantly increase coral larvae's strength, speed, and survival rate. This innovation has major implications for reef restoration projects, which aim to improve larval supply but often face low post-settlement survival rates.
Guardians of the coast: Philippine scientists unlock the climate power of mangroves in Eastern Visayas
A new study by Dr. Hannah Alexis Melquiades Asilo and her team at the University of the Philippines Tacloban College reveals that mangroves store up to four times more carbon per hectare than tropical rainforests, challenging reforestation assumptions and highlighting the importance of afforestation strategies.
“Dual feeding” strategy helps Mediterranean coral thrive in rising sea temperatures
A Mediterranean coral species has been found to have a unique "dual feeding" strategy that allows it to survive and even thrive in rising sea temperatures. This flexibility involves the coral being able to feed itself with or without algae, making it more resilient to climate change.
Neutron scanning of coral fossils reveals Earth’s hidden climate history
A new method, pioneered by University of Sydney student Carra Williams, uses neutron computed tomography to identify well-preserved pockets of coral skeleton that can reveal precise timelines of sea-level and climate shifts. The technique has the potential to transform how scientists reconstruct ancient climates.
FAU awarded US EPA grant to integrate genetics in Florida bay sponge restoration
Researchers will analyze genetic diversity and structure of four key sponge species to enhance resilience in restored populations. The project aims to build ecological resilience in vulnerable marine environments through a genetics-based approach.
Coral reefs set to stop growing as climate warms
Most coral reefs in the western Atlantic are projected to stop growing and begin eroding due to global warming, with more than 70% expected to decline by 2040. The study also found that reefs will lag behind sea-level rise, resulting in increased flooding risks along vulnerable coasts.
Stress-tolerant corals could help buy time for reefs in a warming world
New research demonstrates that corals naturally thriving in extreme environments can be used to boost the resilience of reef sites. Despite being transplanted to more stable conditions, these corals retained their heat tolerance and activated pathways associated with DNA repair and homeostasis.
Natural archives in coral skeletons show sea-level rise began accelerating earlier than previously thought: NUS-led study
A NUS-led study analyzed coral samples from the Maldives, extending the sea-level record by 60 years and revealing an acceleration of rising sea levels since 1959. The findings show that the Indian Ocean has been highly responsive to climatic changes, with significant sea level rise of 30cm since the mid-20th century.
EMBARGOED until 00:01 AEST, 6 August 2025: Great Barrier Reef more volatile with sharp declines in coral cover
The Great Barrier Reef has experienced a significant decline in coral cover, with hard coral cover sitting near the long-term average in each region. Climate change-induced heat stress and cyclones have been major contributors to this decline, particularly among corals dominated by the Acropora species.
Blending technologies may help coral offspring blossom
Researchers at Ohio State University developed two technologies to support the survival and growth of baby corals, combining Underwater Zooplankton Enhancement Light Array (UZELA) with 3D printed artificial settlement modules. This combination doubles coral survivorship and quadruples growth, providing a promising solution for coral re...
Study finds that listening to snapping shrimp is an effective tool to monitor coral reef health
Researchers have discovered that high-frequency sounds from snapping shrimp can serve as a proxy for coral reef resilience. The study found that protected areas showed more prominent snapping shrimp sounds after bleaching events compared to unprotected sites.
Unprecedented acidification ahead for Hawaiian corals
A new study projects significant ocean acidification around Hawaiian Islands within the next three decades, posing challenges to coral reefs and other marine organisms. Researchers found varying levels of acidity across different island regions, with windward coastlines exhibiting higher novelty in future conditions.
FAU Harbor Branch receives $1M grant to study gulf’s mesophotic coral habitats
Researchers will study how ocean currents and nutrients from land influence the health and productivity of MCEs, which support diverse marine life and important fisheries. The project aims to fill critical knowledge gaps and provide science-based solutions for environmental protection and sustainable growth in the gulf region.
Coral calcification benefits from human hormone injections
A new technique allows scientists to inject molecules into coral tissues, revealing thyroxine's positive effect on calcification. The study raises questions about the evolution of animal physiology and how corals utilize thyroxine in their natural habitat.
Eliminating invasive rats may restore the flow of nutrients across food chain networks in Seychelles
A study suggests that eliminating invasive rats can restore the flow of nutrients across food chain networks in Seychelles, potentially enhancing ecosystem function on coral reefs. Seabird populations play a mediating role in this process by increasing turf algae growth and stimulating top-down controls.
Silent witnesses: corals pinpoint the start of deforestation in Borneo
University of Leicester researchers analyzed coral cores to spot the start of industrial deforestation in Malaysian rainforest and its impact on coastal ecosystems. The study found that sediment concentrations remained low before 1950, but increased after, indicating enhanced soil erosion due to deforestation.
Drones reveal extreme coral mortality after bleaching
Research reveals extreme coral mortality after bleaching, with mortality exceeding 99% in some areas. The study highlights the urgent need for action on climate change, as repeated disturbances have compounded the ecosystem's vulnerability.
Diver-operated microscope brings hidden coral biology into focus
Researchers developed a cutting-edge microscope to study coral photosynthesis and health in their natural habitat. The BUMP imaging system provides unprecedented insights into coral reefs, advancing efforts to understand coral bleaching.
Cascading impacts of groundwater input to coral reefs
A new study found that submarine groundwater discharge increases nutrient availability, alters seawater acidity, and impacts coral skeleton calcification. This research provides insights into the complex interactions between land and ocean, highlighting the importance of keeping groundwater free of contaminants for coral reef health.
World’s soft coral diversity retains signature of an ancient, vanished sea
A recent study sheds light on the diverse species of soft corals, which were previously difficult to identify due to their variable sclerites. The researchers sequenced DNA from over 4,400 specimens and found that soft corals are more diverse than initially thought, with new discoveries made in regions previously unexplored.
Island rivers carve passageways through coral reefs
Research shows that island rivers shape reef passes, allowing seawater and nutrients to flow in and out. The locations of reef passes align with where rivers funnel out from an island's coast, providing circulation throughout the reef.
Deciphering starfish communication may help protect coral reefs
Researchers have discovered a synthetic peptide that attracts Crown-of-Thorns Starfish at low concentrations and with no toxicity, offering an efficient pest-management solution. This breakthrough may lead to the development of potent attractins to control CoTS outbreaks, protecting coral reefs from devastating damage.
Urgent action needed to protect corals fleeing warming seas
A recent study found that coral reefs are rapidly moving poleward due to ocean warming, but immediate action can still significantly improve their future outlook. The research suggests that reducing greenhouse gas emissions could limit coral loss to around a third, rather than the expected 86%.
New research challenges long-held belief of coral reefs as oases in marine deserts
Coral reefs are found to be more productive ecosystems than previously thought, with 80% occurring in nutrient-rich conditions. The study challenges the 'Darwin's Paradox' narrative and highlights the importance of understanding linkages between reef animals and their surroundings.
Smithsonian research reveals that probiotics slow spread of deadly disease decimating Caribbean reefs
Researchers have discovered that a bacterial probiotic helps slow the spread of stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) in already infected wild corals in Florida. Applying the probiotic treatment across entire coral colonies helped prevent tissue loss, providing a more lasting protection than traditional antibiotics.
Coral Art: Drawing out the secrets of coral reef resilience to high ocean temperatures
Research in Panama reveals that corals from more variable ocean environments are better equipped to survive rising ocean temperatures. The study found that these corals have more resilient microbiomes, which play a crucial role in their survival.
Fish ‘beauty salons’ offer insight into how microbes move within reefs
A study by University of California - Davis and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute found that cleaner fish stations influence damselfish and reef microbial diversity. The presence of cleaning gobies was linked to increased fish visits and changes in water nutrients and microbial communities.
Geological time capsule highlights Great Barrier Reef’s resilience
New research from the University of Sydney reveals that while sea levels can rise without devastating the reef, environmental stressors like poor water quality and warming climates are a greater threat to its survival. The study suggests the modern Great Barrier Reef may undergo significant changes in the next 50-100 years.
Coral fusion and microbiology to advance coral reef restoration
Researchers from University of Guam Marine Lab propose a novel framework to innovate in restoration ecology, integrating coral microbiology, fusion, fragmentation, and environmental resilience. They found that nursery-cultured corals have different morphology, physiology, and microbiomes than wild counterparts.
Microbiome dynamics in corals may be key to successful coral restoration efforts
A recent study found that coral fragments were low in beneficial Endozoicomonas bacteria, which is associated with coral health. This discovery highlights the importance of microbiome analysis in assessing the performance of coral outplants and may provide new insights into coral restoration efforts.
Seawater microbes are a powerful tool for diagnosing coral reef health and strengthening conservation efforts, according to new paper
Researchers detail how sampling and analyzing reef water microbes can provide a more immediate picture of health and details about organisms living alongside reefs. The study aims to make this knowledge accessible to various stakeholders, including marine park managers and policy makers.
Heat-tolerant symbionts a critical key to protecting Florida’s elkhorn coral from bleaching during marine heatwaves
Researchers found that heat-tolerant symbiont Durusdinium can increase the survival of elkhorn corals under extreme temperatures. This discovery offers new hope for reef restoration and resilience amid rising ocean temperatures.
An ink that boosts coral reef settlement by 20 times
Researchers have engineered a bio-ink that can promote coral larvae settlement and restore coral reefs. The ink, dubbed SNAP-X, slowly releases chemical cues into seawater, attracting coral larvae and encouraging them to settle on the reef. Testing showed that larvae were 20 times more likely to settle on substrates sprayed with SNAP-X.
New gel could boost coral reef restoration
Researchers at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography developed a gel called SNAP-X that releases chemical cues encouraging coral larvae settlement. In laboratory tests, SNAP-X increased coral settlement by up to 20 times compared to untreated surfaces, offering a promising solution for coral reef restoration efforts.
World on course to trigger multiple climate ‘tipping points’ unless action accelerates
New research warns that global policies may lead to triggering of multiple climate tipping points, with a 62% risk on average. However, sustainable future pathways with lower greenhouse gas emissions can significantly reduce this risk.
Coral reefs exude myriad chemicals, fueling dynamic microbial recycling of nutrients
Research reveals thousands of chemical compounds derived from coral reefs and seaweeds are available for microbial decomposition and utilization. Microbes can break down previously thought-to-be-harder-to-degrade chemicals, such as benzene rings and steroids.
Reality check on our approach to saving Nemo’s home
A recent study found that coral reef restoration efforts are hindered by small-scale programs, high costs, and targeting already compromised reefs. The researchers argue that scaling up restoration efforts is unlikely to offset climate change-driven losses, and suggest bolstering ecosystem resilience through complementary strategies.
Coral diseases and water quality play a key role for coral restoration and survival efforts
A recent study found that coral genotypes display resistance to either high nutrient levels or disease, but not both simultaneously. Poor water quality also reduces coral survival even in the absence of disease.
5,700-year storm archive shows rise in tropical storms and hurricanes in the Caribbean
A 30-meter sediment core from the Great Blue Hole in Belize provides the longest recorded storm frequency data for the Atlantic, with 574 storm events over 5,700 years. The research reveals a steady increase in tropical storms and hurricanes in the southwestern Caribbean due to climate change.
Red coral colonies survive a decade after being transplanted in the Medes Islands
A decade after transplantation, red coral colonies have survived and contributed to the recovery of the coral reef ecosystem. The transplanted colonies have assimilated into natural communities, demonstrating the effectiveness of restoration actions in mitigating climate change impacts.
After the fury, hurricanes can leave a lasting mark on deep ocean
A study using a unique moored platform in the Sargasso Sea found that hurricanes can transport sediments from shallow-water reefs to the deep ocean, affecting the environment for weeks. The study demonstrated how much of an impact hurricanes can have on the deep environment, with significant effects lasting for near decades.
Unexpected ecosystem found deep below Red Sea Coral Reef
Researchers found a unique ecosystem in the deep waters of the Farasan Bank coral reef system, where corals and fish adapted to survive in low-oxygen environments. The discovery highlights the need for further marine exploration and conservation of these extreme habitats.
‘Fishial’ recognition: Neural network identifies coral reef sounds
A new neural network can identify fish activity on coral reefs by sound, faster than human experts, enabling real-time monitoring of fish populations, species identification, and disaster response. This technology has the potential to revolutionize ocean monitoring and research.
NYU Abu Dhabi research highlights adaptability of some coral reef fish to rising temperatures
Researchers found that some coral reef fish exhibit higher thermal tolerance in the Arabian Gulf's variable thermal environment, but overall biodiversity is lower. This suggests that only certain species can adapt to environmental changes, and highlights the need for further investigation into climate change impacts.
Heat-stressed reefs may benefit from coral-dwelling crabs
Researchers found that corals with crab tankmates experienced less tissue loss and rapid healing compared to uninjured or injured corals without crabs. The presence of algae increased tissue loss, while crabs removed it by pruning the coral's habitat.