Articles tagged with Coral Reefs
A recent study led by Harvard University researchers found that coral restoration efforts can have a positive impact on fish communities in the short term and over time. The study showed that even after just one week, significantly more fish and a greater diversity of species were present at experimental coral beds.
Researchers assess hurricane damage to Caribbean coral reefs, finding severe injury and changes in composition. Despite encouraging signs of recovery, scientists note increased vulnerability due to climate change and stressors.
Research suggests that sixbar wrasse baby fish settle on coral reefs during the moon's last quarter, resulting in a 10% larger size, likely due to delayed arrival. This delay allows them to avoid predators on bright full moon nights and increases their chances of survival.
Researchers identified 100 undisturbed reefs with potential to provide coral larvae to damaged areas, promoting regional recovery. Effective local protection is crucial to support this ecosystem's resilience.
New research from Oregon State University reveals that a heat-tolerant Symbiodinium species may not be able to form a healthy partnership with corals, exacerbating the threat of climate change. The study used an established model system, sea anemones, to test the hypothesis.
Researchers created detailed photomosaics of the coral reef at Palmyra Atoll, discovering non-random clustering and a link between coral growth and reproductive strategy. The findings have implications for coral reef management and conservation.
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 recent study published in PLOS ONE found that fish biomass is up to five times greater in protected zones compared to unprotected areas at northernmost reefs of the Great Barrier Reef. The researchers analyzed data from 31 reefs and found that even in lightly exploited areas, protected zones showed significant benefits for fish popul...
A newly described species of brown-and-white Philippine butterflyfish was found 360 feet beneath the ocean's surface. The discovery was made after a live specimen traveled from the deep reefs to an aquarium in San Francisco, where it was noticed by biologists due to its unique fin spine.
A new study reveals that healthy coral populations can produce significantly more offspring than degraded populations, with higher percentages of successful parents and increased reproductive output. This finding highlights the critical role of healthy coral reefs in supporting reef recovery and re-seeding other areas.
A recent expedition to the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary revealed a 10% drop in salinity levels due to Hurricane Harvey's floodwater plume. The team hopes to track the plume as it migrates through the Gulf, aiming to understand its impact on the reefs' health.
Researchers at SDSU and partners have developed a new method to identify medicinal properties in unknown coral reef molecules. By analyzing molecular fingerprints, they can predict the potential therapeutic value of these molecules.
Researchers found that bleached anemones led to a drastic fall in viable eggs among clownfish (-73%) and increased cortisol levels. This study reveals the impact of climate change on coral reefs and the fish that depend on them.
Recent findings suggest that rapid sea-level rise of about 20m in less than 500 years occurred in the last deglaciation, causing the drowning of fossil coral reefs in Hawaii. The study provides new evidence of a meltwater pulse, associated with catastrophic ice-sheet collapse and the Earth's warming after the last ice age.
Parrotfish rotationally harvest their favorite food, creating pockets of space without turf algae that enable tiny coral larvae to settle and grow. This behavior supports coral reef health by reducing the harmful impact of turf algae.
Branching Acropora corals, once a dominant reef-building species, now represent less than 5% of living corals on the Great Barrier Reef. The decline in resilience is linked to discrete disturbances during the early to mid-20th century.
A new study found extensive loss of branching corals and changes in coral community structure on the Palm Islands over the past century. The area's hard coral cover is declining, with recovery severely lagging behind predictions.
Researchers analyzed 18th century British nautical charts to track the loss of coral reef habitat in the Florida Keys. The study found a 52% loss of coral area, with nearshore areas declining by 87.5% and 68.8%. This research highlights the need for longer-term conservation efforts based on historical data.
A new study using old nautical charts and satellite data found that more than half of the coral reef habitat mapped in the 1770s was no longer there, with some areas experiencing up to 90% loss. The research has important conservation implications and highlights the need for a shifted spatial baseline.
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.
A team of marine biology researchers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) identified key mechanisms that enable corals to adapt to environmental changes. The study suggests that microbes play a vital role in coral physiology, allowing them to adjust quickly under changing conditions.
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.
An Australian anthropologist believes a 1818 Indian newspaper article reveals the fate of La Pérouse's crew, who survived shipwreck on the Great Barrier Reef near Murray Island. The crew spent several months building a small vessel to return to France before being forgotten.
Research has found that ancient coral reefs were bolstered by their bond with red algae, which also strengthens them today. The study suggests that understanding this relationship is crucial for preserving coral reefs in the face of climate change.
Scientists have created magnetic nanobiocomposite beads that can effectively remove oxybenzone, a coral killer found in sunblock, from seawater. The beads, made from environmentally friendly materials, can capture high concentrations of oxybenzone and have shown promising results in laboratory tests.
Researchers found that seasnakes living in polluted areas have darker skin, which helps them bind and rid their bodies of contaminants. This is an example of industrial melanism, where dark-colored varieties thrive in industrial environments.
Research finds that boat noise affects cleaner fish behavior, leading to increased cheating and decreased cleaning efficiency. This study highlights the need to control man-made noise in protected habitats.
Researchers examined spearfishing practices in the Caribbean, finding that compressor divers targeted higher-quality fish more efficiently than free divers. The study highlights the importance of understanding fishing methods to develop effective management strategies for coral reefs.
A new study found that Caribbean staghorn corals are benefiting from 'coral gardening,' which involves planting laboratory-raised coral fragments on reefs. The research provides important benchmarks for the long-term survival of coral reefs worldwide, which have been declining due to climate change and ocean pollution.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in genetically engineering microalgae found in corals to enhance their stress tolerance and prevent coral bleaching. This could be a game-changer for ocean productivity and global coral reef conservation.
A study found that oil impairs coral reef fish ability to find homes and evade predators, affecting their behavior and growth. The impact of oil on coral reefs could be catastrophic, with many people relying on these ecosystems for food and income.
A Florida State University professor's discovery of deep-sea coral reefs in the North-Pacific has sparked hope for vulnerable coral colonies. The research suggests that factors such as high chlorophyll levels and suitable currents may contribute to the reefs' success, but mysteries remain about their presence at these depths.
An innovative system is proposed by Professor Mo Ehsani to address coral bleaching: a single-piece pipe feeding cooler water to stressed coral. The InfinitPipe uses wave energy and clean, renewable sources to power the pump.
Researchers will develop coral disease forecasting models for Hawai'i, U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef using field work, experimental data, and satellite information. The project aims to identify local environmental stressors increasing disease susceptibility and prioritize management practices.
Researchers from the California Academy of Sciences' Hope for Reefs initiative recently returned from the Philippines, where they discovered several new species of fish, nudibranchs, and sand dollars. The team also documented evidence of human impacts on deep-sea reefs, highlighting the need for stronger protections.
Research by University of Exeter scientists shows motorboat noise reduces fish survival rates and changes parental behavior, with increased aggression and reduced feeding among affected males. Motorboat noise is considered a global pollutant, distracting fish from protecting their young.
A new study uses a novel chemical technique to assess the impact of human activity on coral skeletons, revealing devastating effects of pollution and climate change. The research provides critical information for predicting future reef health and informs mitigation strategies for tropical islands facing similar challenges.
Researchers discover lionfish preying on a newly named deep-sea fish species in the Caribbean, raising concerns about biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruption. The finding suggests that invasive lionfish are extending their range to the unexplored 'twilight zone,' where little is known about reefs or resident species.
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.
Corals in peril at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve on O'ahu, Hawai'i are facing increased risk due to global climate change, with temperature being the most influential factor in coral bleaching. Researchers have documented high levels of bleaching and mortality, highlighting the need for continued conservation efforts.
A new study by Yale researchers found that maintaining a diverse collection of species in fungal communities not only safeguards weaker species but also protects the genetic diversity of the larger community. This phenomenon, known as biodiversity begetting biodiversity, can help protect threatened ecosystems like coral reefs.
Research by University of Plymouth and Auckland aims to demonstrate coral reef islands' adaptability to rising sea levels, providing hope for vulnerable nations. The study uses a 1:50 scale replica of an island in Tuvalu to test the theory that shifting sand and gravel can form a natural barrier against sea water.
A study has mapped nearly two square kilometers of seafloor around the leeward side of Bonaire, revealing new details about mesophotic reefs. The data can help local conservation efforts by identifying areas worthy of further investigation and providing insights into reef dynamics.
A comprehensive study of mesophotic coral reefs on Hawaii island has revealed the presence of a diverse range of fish species, with many found nowhere else. The research highlights the importance of these deep reefs in conserving reef fish biodiversity and providing critical habitat for shallow reef fishes.
A new global coral bleaching database has been developed to predict future bleaching events and assess changes in mass bleaching frequency. The database contains 79% more reports than the existing voluntary database, with two-thirds showing moderate or severe bleaching.
The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School has received a two-year NOAA grant to support cutting-edge coral conservation research. Researchers will outplant nursery-raised staghorn corals onto nearshore reef habitats and develop an outreach program to engage the public in coral reef conservation.
Researchers found sea floor erosion has increased water depths by more than predicted, threatening coastal communities with storms and erosion. Coral reefs worldwide are declining due to various forces, including climate change, overfishing, and pollution.
A new study suggests that the social eating habits of fish play a critical role in protecting coral reefs. By analyzing the feeding behavior of reef fish, researchers found that overfishing can lead to a decrease in algae-eating and increase in vulnerability to predators.
A research team led by Professor Bernard Degnan and Associate Professor Sandie Degnan has discovered that crown-of-thorns starfish gather in large groups due to pheromone release. The team plans to use this knowledge to develop environmentally safe baits to capture the pests, making it easier to protect coral reefs.
Scientists from OIST and Australia have sequenced the COTS genome, revealing identical genetic material between Great Barrier Reef and Okinawa populations. The study identified water-borne molecules used by COTS for communication, which could be targeted to disrupt destructive spawning events.
Scientists have discovered a new species of snail that filter-feeds like whales and shoots webs like Spiderman. The 'Spiderman' worm-snails could play a significant role in coral reef restoration efforts, but their presence also poses risks to corals and other reef organisms.
The fang blenny's opioid peptides inhibit pain rather than cause it, making them a potential source of new painkillers. The unique venom also gives the fish an advantage in the wild, allowing it to escape predators or defeat competitors.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that a 2°C rise in sea surface temperature in June 2015 led to a 6°C rise on Dongsha Atoll, killing approximately 40% of the resident coral community. The researchers suggest that natural cooling mechanisms can no longer protect corals from the effects of global warming.
A new species of hard coral, Cyphastrea salae, has been discovered on Lord Howe Island, Australia, using modern genetic techniques. The discovery highlights the unique fauna of this isolated location in the Tasman Sea and increases the conservation significance of Lord Howe Island.
A new study by Smithsonian scientists reveals that dead zones are a major threat to coral reefs globally, causing mass mortality. By controlling sewage and agricultural runoff, these localized threats can be reduced.
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.
New research reveals that mass coral die-offs in the Maldives and other Indian Ocean reefs have caused widespread bleaching and erosion, leading to a rapid decline in reef growth rates. The study found that reefs are now eroding at a faster rate than they are growing, with severe consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Experts will discuss the state of Cuban marine ecosystems and explore how science can inform U.S. and Cuban policies to protect biodiversity and human welfare. The event highlights pioneering Cuban conservation work that has protected common resources as US-Cuba relations evolve.
A new study suggests that deep coral reefs are unlikely to 'reseed' shallow reefs, contradicting previous hopes for their recovery. The research found that the genetic similarity between coral populations varies greatly between species on a reef, making it difficult for deep reefs to aid shallow reefs.