Articles tagged with Coral Reefs
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.
A massive undersea landslide has been revealed on the Great Barrier Reef, spanning approximately 30 kilometers and featuring a debris field of large blocks and smaller knolls. The discovery provides new insights into the reef's complex landscape and poses concerns for tsunami hazard to the Queensland coast.
Research in Fiji Islands reveals that small community-based marine protected areas can be susceptible to attacks by crown-of-thorns sea stars, which can devastate coral reefs. Despite the importance of these protected areas, the findings highlight a new threat that may emerge from degraded areas surrounding healthy ecosystems.
A new species of crab has been discovered in coral rubble off the coast of Guam, with a genus name inspired by 'Harry Potter' character Harry Conley. The species features reduced eyes and well-developed antennae to survive in dark depths.
A new study reveals parrotfish play a pivotal role in coral growth by removing algae. Overfishing of parrotfish is linked to declining reef health and the shift from coral- to algae-dominated reefs.
A new study reveals that parrotfish play a vital role in maintaining healthy coral reefs. When parrotfish were more abundant, the reef grew faster and remained healthier due to their algae-eating habits. The research suggests that conserving parrotfish populations is essential for protecting corals.
A study from the University of California, Davis found that reef fish are willing to overcome their fear of sharks and eat algae in danger zones. This behavior can help counteract excess algae growth in coral reefs threatened by nutrient pollution.
A recent study found that coral reef food webs are altered when fishing impacts on valued species, leading to potential collapse of top-tier predators. Lightly fished reefs can support these valuable fish, while moderate fishing levels cause a decline in mid-tier predators, ultimately affecting the ecosystem.
Scientists found that top-level predator fish like Snapper and Grouper are easily overfished in heavily-fished areas, altering the food chain. In contrast, lightly fished coral reefs support a rapidly passing energy flow from bottom to top of the food web.
Coral reefs face severe bleaching every year on 99% of the world's reefs within this century if current trends continue. However, more ambitious emissions reductions may extend their survival by an average of 11 years.
The Great Barrier Reef nearly drowned during the Last Interglacial period due to rapid sea-level rise from melting glaciers and polar ice sheets. The reef's shallow growth recommenced once the sea-level rise stabilized, but modern pressures such as pesticide run-off, warming temperatures, and dredging could threaten its survival.
Researchers found small algae-grazing sea urchins and parrotfish may take the place of larger grazers to prevent algae from overgrowing reefs. These tiny organisms, comprising up to 95% of grazing biomass, can preempt shifts from coral to algae on degraded reefs.
An international study argues that protecting 20-30% of fishing grounds can help sustain and rebuild unregulated fisheries, benefiting millions of people. Marine reserves can be an effective management tool in highly diverse and overfished areas.
Researchers analyzed feeding behaviors of 15 common species of algae-eating fish to understand their role in maintaining coral reef health. The study found that individual species selectively graze on different types of algae and in varying ways.
A new study suggests that maintaining a few orange-lined triggerfish increases the ability of coral reefs to grow by preying on reef-eroding sea urchins. This finding is significant as coral reefs face threats from rising sea levels and ocean temperatures.
A recent study by WCS found over 1,000 juvenile hawksbill sea turtles at Glover's Reef, indicating a positive conservation effort. The protected waters provide a safe haven for the species to thrive, with a high survival rate and promising implications for the Caribbean region.
A $205,000 grant is funding a study to identify optimal habitats for coral survival in the Florida Reef Tract. The research aims to improve coral reef restoration and conserve endangered species by understanding the factors that affect coral growth.
A new analysis predicts that most coral reef ecosystems will be severely impacted by ocean acidification and sea surface temperature rise, leading to lost fish habitats and shoreline protection. The study suggests that policy action must be informed by data and science to combat these threats and mitigate their effects on communities.