Articles tagged with Coral Reefs
A recent study found that coral reefs with fewer large, predator fish have nearly half of their key nutrients absent. Fish play a crucial role in recycling nutrients in the reef's tight nutrient cycle. The researchers suggest that curbing fishing practices targeting large predator fish could help reefs recover.
A recent study found that a mix of marine zones, including protected reserves and fished areas, is crucial for the health of prey fish. The research discovered that depleting predators on the Great Barrier Reef had negative effects on prey species, such as reduced growth and reproduction.
Researchers from Queensland University of Technology have captured the first videos of a coral's bleaching behavior, showing how it employs pulsed inflation to expel Symbiodinium algae. The study suggests that this rapid expulsion may increase the coral's chance of survival during abnormally high sea temperatures.
Researchers found that in pristine remote coral reefs, sharks outnumber their prey at local scales due to spawning aggregations delivering fish directly to them. Conservation efforts may need to prioritize protection of these aggregations alongside shark fishing bans to maintain shark populations.
A new solitary species of zoantharian was discovered off the coast of Okinawa, Japan. The species, Sphenopus exilis, lacks zooxanthellae and is much smaller than other known species.
Researchers at James Cook University have developed a more efficient fertilizer that reduces nitrogen loss by up to half. The new technology allows for improved balance between plant growth and environmental protection. Testing on a North Queensland dairy farm showed promising results, with significant reductions in pollution.
Research reveals that cleaner wrasse use 'tactical deception' to lure in clients and cheat them by biting off mucus, a behavior similar to human scams. The study also found that cleaners adjust their cheating behavior based on competition and stress levels.
Scientists have identified good bacteria as vital to coral health, enabling corals to recover from bleaching caused by rising temperatures. The study highlights the importance of understanding bacterial communities on corals to ensure long-term survival.
Scientists have found that large, healthy-looking corals may be 'coral zombies' with no reproductive ability, making them useless in a recovery effort. The study suggests that oxybenzone, a common UV-filtering compound in sunscreen, is killing coral and causing DNA damage.
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.
NOAA forecasts widespread coral bleaching in US and global waters due to rising sea temperatures, with Hawaii, Florida Keys, and Pacific island nations at highest risk. The agency is working with communities and conservationists to enhance reef resilience and reduce local stressors.
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.
Researchers identified genes allowing some algae to tolerate high ocean temperatures, which could help predict coral bleaching risk. The study found that warmer reef algae can activate heat-tolerant genes to counter damaging effects of reactive oxygen species.
Researchers found that a combination of factors including overfishing, nutrient pollution, and pathogenic disease weaken corals, allowing opportunistic pathogens to build to deadly levels. The study suggests that coral reef declines are being caused by the interaction of multiple local stressors and global warming.
A three-year study found that corals are declining worldwide due to a combination of threats including overfishing, nutrient pollution and pathogenic disease. The study reveals that even modest temperature increases make corals more vulnerable to bacteria, leading to increased algal cover and coral mortality.
A three-year study found that 62% of corals weakened by pollution died when parrotfish bit them, turning a natural process into coral murder. Multiple stressors combined with warming temperatures facilitate pathogens, killing corals.
A UN report finds mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) may preserve some species and replenish shallow reef populations, providing a refuge from bleaching. Cooler, deeper water in MCEs could be more hospitable to many species than warmer surface water, offering a stable environment.
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.
A recent study by Newcastle University has found that finfish populations have declined drastically over the last 65 years due to uncontrolled fishing, with five species now fighting for survival. The research highlights the urgent need for action to protect coral reefs and the ecosystem as a whole.
Acropora corals have thrived by leveraging environmental challenges, such as tropical storms, to grow and form new colonies. However, their rapid growth is vulnerable to global warming, diseases, and coral bleaching, threatening their future in marine regions.
The study found that fisheries management types, distance to fish markets, and water temperatures are crucial in predicting fish biomass levels. It also suggests a recovery time of 8.1 years for individual reef systems to reach a critical level of 1,150 kilograms of fish biomass per hectare.
A comparative analysis of three shark species in the Virgin Islands reveals distinct use patterns in deeper coral reefs. Lemon sharks show increased activity near group spawning aggregations, suggesting a link between fish prey location and shark movements.
Research finds that intact coral reef areas with extensive live coral cover harbor the greatest amount of genetic diversity, supporting targeted protection of reefs throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Genetic diversity varies across the region, highlighting the need for diverse conservation approaches.
A new study found that coral reefs use platelet activating factor (PAF) to trigger inflammation, a key process in bringing in protective immune cells. This molecule has been part of human immune systems for over 550 million years, suggesting a common evolutionary origin.
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.
Researchers found significant differences in climate change impacts for 1.5°C and 2°C global warming by 2100, including higher sea levels, longer heat waves, and coral reef degradation. Tropical regions are projected to bear the brunt of these impacts.
Researchers discovered that some corals can acquire new types of algae from their environment, making them more heat-tolerant and enhancing recovery. This phenomenon, known as 'symbiont switching,' was previously thought to occur only in juvenile corals or during bleaching events.
A new UQ project aims to improve Great Barrier Reef management by developing maps and a monitoring program to identify areas most likely to benefit from conservation efforts. The research will focus on the reef's ecological integrity and address local and global stressors threatening its survival.
A new study projects severe reduction in thermal tolerance for Great Barrier Reef corals, leading to increased coral bleaching. The research found that near-future temperature increases may result in loss of protective mechanisms, resulting in dramatic increase in coral bleaching events.
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 global index detailing vulnerable corals and their susceptibility to thermal stress is now available. The index, based on nearly half a century of historical data, will help conservationists and scientists understand the effects of climate change on coral reefs.
A novel imaging technique using µCT scans has revealed that coral reefs are more vulnerable to bioerosion than previously thought, with changes in ocean pH having a significant impact on reef growth and breakdown. The study provides new insights into the complex relationships between environmental conditions and reef processes.
Researchers found that no-take marine reserves are less impacted and recover faster than unprotected reefs. Well-designed reserves provide benefits for non-target species and wider ecosystem processes.
Researchers are studying coral genomes to better comprehend why some reefs thrive while others die, with implications for Guam's economy and tourism industry. The new genetic sequencer will enable local scientists to tackle molecular reef ecology and train the next generation of researchers.
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.
Caribbean coral reefs face mounting pressure from global warming, local pollution, and over-fishing of herbivorous fish. A new study suggests that implementing size limits and catch limits can help maintain reef resilience. The research provides tools for fisheries managers to revise current practices and sustain fishers' livelihoods.
New research highlights the key role of existing coral reef biodiversity in facilitating rapid adaptation to climate change. The study found that natural selection of existing biodiversity is essential for coping with rising seawater temperatures and other stressors threatening coral reefs.
A new approach to studying coral reefs suggests that multiple stressors, such as ocean temperature and acidification, can have devastating effects on corals. The researchers recommend a global strategy for choosing locations for larger field-based experiments to inform adaptation policies.
Using tiny bubbles in seawater can help reduce acidity and promote coral growth, potentially saving the world's largest reef systems. The technique could provide a cost-effective solution to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Researchers propose transforming Guantánamo Bay into a marine research center and international peace park, uniting the US and Cuba in joint management. The proposal aims to protect coral reefs, marine life, and promote sustainable development.
A new experimental platform is providing new insights into the complex problem of coral decline. The 'coral on a chip' system allows scientists to examine living coral polyps in the lab under controlled conditions.
Researchers found that viruses opt for 'piggyback-the-winner' strategy, integrating into hosts to reduce replication and avoid immunity defenses. This model better explains virus-host dynamics during microbial population booms.
A recent study found that ocean acidification is already affecting coral reefs, causing them to grow slower than they did in preindustrial conditions. The research, published in Nature, manipulated seawater chemistry in a natural coral-reef community to determine the impact of excess carbon dioxide on coral reef growth.
Scientists have found that ocean acidification is already slowing coral reef growth, with the potential for widespread devastation if left unchecked. Researchers manipulated seawater chemistry in a natural ecosystem to determine the impact of excess CO2 on coral reefs.
Coral reefs are already experiencing slower growth due to ocean acidification, which is causing coral calcification rates to decrease. The study found that increasing the pH of seawater can stimulate calcification rates.
The current global coral bleaching event, started in 2014, could extend into 2017 due to record ocean temperatures caused by El Niño. Corals are stressed when expelling symbiotic algae, leading to erosion and destruction of fish habitats.
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 study by Rice University and Oregon State University found that significant marine virus outbreaks may be associated with coral bleaching events, especially due to multiple environmental stresses. Viral groups, including a herpes-like virus, were detected in corals undergoing bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef.
The Island Mass Effect hypothesis explains why seas surrounding islands are more productive. Phytoplankton growth creates a self-sustaining cycle, supporting life from small fish to top predators.
A global analysis reveals coral reefs under less protection due to proximity to human settlements. Conservation efforts may be misdirected towards isolated reefs that naturally receive more protection.
A study found that viral infections, including a herpes-like virus, contributed to coral bleaching events, particularly under high temperatures and environmental stresses. The research suggests that viruses may play an important role in coral disease, especially when combined with other stressors.
Researchers determine when coral died with precision of up to one to two years, revealing dramatic loss of coral cover near Bowen, Queensland. The study provides a benchmark for monitoring the recovery of these reefs.
Researchers have raised laboratory-bred colonies of a threatened Caribbean coral species to sexual maturity, reproducing simultaneously with their natural population. This breakthrough technique increases genetic diversity and provides new hope for the recovery of dwindling elkhorn coral populations.
More than three quarters of Australians consider the Great Barrier Reef part of their national identity, and nearly 90% believe it is under threat from climate change. The survey also found that many Australians feel personally connected to the reef's protection.
Native forests reduce flood frequency and severity, while coral reefs provide a 97% cost-effective defense from storm surges. The cost of adaptation could reach $100 billion per year, but intact ecosystems offer the best defense against climate change.
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 new study by Dartmouth researchers reveals that the type of fishing gear used has a significant impact on the amount of fish caught, as well as the social dynamics between fishermen. The study found that fishermen who use compressor divers tend to catch more fish and have less cohesion within their communities.
A study found that butterflyfishes overwhelmingly avoid corals with seaweed contact, suggesting chemical cues produced by seaweed alter coral palatability. This shift in behavior could have ripple effects on the entire ecosystem, impacting food supply and tourism opportunities.
Scientists have discovered two critically endangered species of sea snakes off the coast of Western Australia, including the short-nosed and leaf-scaled sea snakes. The discoveries were made in Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay, raising hopes for conservation efforts to protect these unique species.
Researchers found that coral communities on most of the reefs had recovered rapidly from a major bleaching event. However, reefs dominated by branching and table corals are vulnerable to higher sea surface temperatures, threatening their growth potential.