Articles tagged with Coral Reefs
Coral reefs face declining health due to nutrient pollution. Scientists emphasize that too many nutrients can harm corals more than a lack of them. Understanding nutrient competition is crucial for developing effective management strategies.
Researchers developed robotic fish inspired by the weakly electric black ghost knifefish to study fragile coral reefs and investigate sunken ships. The technology improves underwater vehicles' agility, allowing them to navigate complex geometries in murky waters.
A recent study found that six common species of fish near the equator are unable to survive in warmer waters, with some species experiencing a narrow temperature range. This suggests that climate change poses a significant threat to these fish populations, which could have devastating consequences for human societies reliant on them.
Marine scientists in Palau found corals living in acidic waters to be diverse and healthy, contradicting previous observations. The unique environment in Palau's Rock Islands is believed to provide a 'perfect storm' of conditions that allow corals to thrive.
Researchers discovered that coral reefs in Palau's Rock Islands are surprisingly diverse and healthy despite being exposed to acidic water. The unique conditions in Palau, including a residence time of seawater that allows for continuous calcification and respiration, contribute to the corals' resilience.
A four-year study tracked the migratory patterns of 33 tiger sharks across the Coral Sea. Coastal marine parks offer limited protection to these apex predators, whereas oceanic reefs are crucial for their ecology and require prioritization in conservation efforts.
The ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies has been awarded $28m for research on sustainable coral reef management. The centre will focus on understanding the interaction between coral reefs and people, with a goal to foster their sustainable use.
A new study by Wildlife Conservation Society reveals that protecting Fiji's forests near the sea is crucial for preserving coral reefs. The study found that terrestrial protected areas benefit both land and coastal ecosystems, highlighting the importance of integrated planning.
The study emphasizes the need to consider human values in decision-making for long-term coral reef management. It highlights successful co-management arrangements in countries like Papua New Guinea and Kenya, where community engagement reduces conflict and increases ecological benefits.
A global assessment reveals that fishing has reduced vital seaweed-eating fish by more than 50%, compromising coral reef health. The study highlights the importance of protecting these key species to preserve ecosystem balance.
Research shows ocean warming reduces swimming ability of large reef fish, impacting hunting, mating, and reproduction. The study suggests that coral trout populations may adapt to warmer temperatures, but further research is needed.
A three-year experiment found that elevated levels of nitrogen and phosphorus lead to double the prevalence of disease and tripled bleaching. However, corals recovered rapidly once pollution was stopped.
Experts warn of substantial economic losses from ocean acidification, with declines in shellfisheries and tropical coral reefs expected. Reducing carbon dioxide emissions can slow acidification and protect some ecosystems.
A new study suggests that coral reefs can adapt to moderate climate warming if there are significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. The research found that corals have already adapted to part of the warming that has occurred over the past 40 to 60 years, and could potentially reduce bleaching by 20-80% through genetic adaptation.
Researchers have discovered coral animals produce dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP), a molecule that helps protect them against heat stress and influences cloud formation. This finding could be crucial for regulating local climate and mitigating the effects of rising seawater temperatures.
Scientists at Hebrew University and Bar-Ilan University found that Eilat's corals are more resilient than other sites due to a 'warm-water barrier' in the Red Sea. This barrier allows only heat-tolerant genotypes of corals to enter, making it a unique refuge for coral reefs.
Researchers found new areas with high functional diversity in temperate waters, revealing a more nuanced map of global biodiversity. The study used data from volunteer divers to analyze species traits and distribution, painting a different picture than traditional species counts.
A decline in shark populations leads to a decrease in herbivorous fishes, promoting algae growth on coral reefs. This study highlights the critical role sharks play in maintaining reef health and underscores the need for conservation efforts to protect these apex predators.
A study suggests that shark populations are declining due to commercial fishing, leading to a decrease in herbivorous fish that promote reef health. This has fundamental effects on the structure of food chains and ecosystem resilience.
The OceanCube Observatories are designed to understand changes in species, nutrients, and energy within a controlled cube-shaped volume of water. The system provides real-time data on temperature, salinity, and other chemical, biological, and physical data critical to understanding coral reef ecosystem health.
A new study investigates why gorgonian corals, which can form a 'canopy' over reefs, appear to be proliferating in certain places. Preliminary data suggests that gorgonian coral density has been increasing on shallow reefs surrounding St. John, even as stony corals have declined.
Researchers suggest that extreme events like tropical storms and cloudy weather can trigger coral regrowth on degraded reefs. By adopting a more resilient management approach, it may be possible to restore living coral cover to these systems.
Computer models predict coral reef ecosystem shifts due to warming and acidification, with the Western Pacific becoming less suitable by 2070. Coral Triangle biodiversity is also at risk, while some areas like the eastern Pacific may remain suitable.
A new study models how baby corals disperse in the world's oceans to understand their responses to changing sea conditions. The researchers used a computer model to simulate the paths of coral larvae worldwide, revealing that some may travel thousands of kilometers across open ocean.
A new simulation model reveals coral larvae's long-distance journeys across the world's seas, with some traveling up to 9,000 km. The study provides insights into coral reef distributions and potential effects of climate change.
Researchers discovered that small damsel fish grow larger 'eye' spots near their tail and reduce the size of their real eyes when threatened with predation. This allows them to distract predators and increase their chances of survival.
A new coral reef species, Echinophyllia tarae, has been discovered in the Gambier Islands of French Polynesia. The species is a zooxanthellate coral that grows on dead coral fragments and contributes to coral reef formation.
A multidisciplinary study investigates the effects of anthropogenic influences on coral reefs, focusing on microbial dynamics and their impact on coral health. The research explores intricate interactions between microbes, coral, algae, and fish, revealing key insights into the delicate balance of these ecosystems.
Researchers found snails increased oxygen consumption 4-5 times during jumping to cope with rising temperatures. The study suggests the snails can maintain this strong increase in oxygen uptake even at high temperatures that would be lethal to fish.
A new study finds that all existing coral reefs will be engulfed in inhospitable ocean chemistry conditions if civilization continues on its current emissions trajectory. Deep cuts in emissions are necessary to sustain even a fraction of existing reefs.
Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered the biological process of how corals create their skeletons, which form massive and ecologically vital coral reefs. The study found that specific proteins produced by corals can form limestones, even in more acidic water, suggesting coral reefs may survive ocean acidification.
A 17-year study on coral colonies off South America reveals the devastating impact of El Niño on coral diversity and density. The study found that it took 13 years for the coral reef system in Brazil to recover from the event, highlighting their vulnerability to climate-related changes.
Researchers found that limiting greenhouse warming to three watts per square metre can slow coral reef habitat loss. However, artificial temperature regulation through solar radiation geoengineering may have unintended consequences on tropical corals.
Coral reefs face declining health due to climate change, pollution, and overfishing. However, researchers suggest that proactive measures can prevent their collapse, emphasizing the importance of reef function and local management.
Researchers discovered that corals' skeletons scatter light differently, affecting algae retention and survival. This phenomenon helps predict coral reef response to climate change stressors, shedding light on preservation strategies.
A long-term study shows that isolated coral reefs like Scott Reef in Western Australia can recover from severe disturbances without relying on neighboring reefs. The reef's isolation allowed surviving corals to rapidly grow and propagate, ultimately recovering within 12 years.
The research team will develop an integrated model of coral reef development to link climate change, sea level, tectonics, and reef growth rates. The findings will provide a record of tropical climates and coral reef growth.
Researchers found that clownfish fan their anemone hosts to increase oxygen consumption, benefiting both species. The fish's nocturnal antics may also improve circulation in the anemone, supporting life under low oxygen conditions.
A new study projects that most coral reefs will experience annual bleaching events by 2045, with a quarter experiencing them up to five years earlier. Reducing carbon emissions can delay these events in nearly a quarter of reef areas for over two decades.
A recent study using underwater video cameras has identified four species of herbivorous fish as the primary cleaners of coral reefs in the South Pacific. These fish are highly picky eaters and target specific types of seaweeds, highlighting the importance of biodiversity for reef health.
Researchers at National Oceanography Centre and New York University Abu Dhabi discovered corals can thrive at high seawater temperatures, up to 36 degrees Celsius. The study found special algae strains that facilitate this heat resistance, providing new insights into coral survival and potential for reef conservation.
Researchers have discovered that Caribbean coral reefs are facing a significant threat due to reduced rates of carbonate production, leading to erosion and loss of growth potential. The study found that reefs in shallow waters have declined by 60-70% in growth rates compared to historical records.
Corals produce pigments that act as sunscreens for their symbiotic algae, removing harmful light and allowing the algae to photosynthesize. This mechanism helps corals survive in shallow water where sunlight can be detrimental to algae and hosts alike.
Researchers from the University of Ryukyus discovered two new species of Neozoanthus anemones in southern Japan and the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. The finding highlights the vast yet under-explored biodiversity of marine ecosystems.
The Säcken reef in Sweden's Koster Fjord is threatened by trawling and sedimentation, with a recent study showing it is isolated from nearby reefs. To combat this, researchers are introducing healthy corals from Norway to aid in the reef's restoration.
The Great Barrier Reef has lost over half its coral cover in the last 27 years, primarily due to intense tropical cyclones, population explosions of Crown-of-thorns starfish, and two severe coral bleaching events. The study highlights the need for action to control crown of thorns populations.
The Great Barrier Reef is experiencing significant changes in sea surface temperatures and seasonal patterns over the past 25 years. Water temperatures have increased by an average of 0.2 degrees, with more pronounced warming in certain areas. This shift affects marine life and poses challenges for managing protected areas.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that overgrown algae can bring unwanted pathogens, choke off oxygen, and disrupt helpful bacteria on coral reefs. The study reveals a 'slippery slope to slime' where increased algae growth leads to decreased coral growth rates and altered bacterial communities.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change warns that most coral reefs will be subject to severe degradation if global warming exceeds 2 degrees Celsius. Only a scenario with strong action on mitigating greenhouse-gas emissions and rapid coral adaptation could save two-thirds of coral reefs.
Researchers developed a method to analyze ear-bone 'tree rings' to track juvenile fish movements, revealing surprising plasticity and long-distance migrations between habitats. This study has important implications for management and protection of coral reefs.
Coral scientists have developed a simplified method for measuring coral reef resilience, prioritizing heat-resistant coral species and background temperature variability. The new model offers a cost-effective tool for conservation planning, but further research is needed to evaluate its priority and types of corals required.
Research finds that coral reefs' ability to adapt to environmental changes is linked to the number and variety of single-celled algae they host. Inflexible corals, which host a single type of algae, are more resistant to stress than flexible corals, which host multiple types.
Locally managed marine protected areas in Fiji will effectively protect between 12-18 percent of all coastal and inshore marine habitats by 2020. This 'people power' approach is on track to meet the national government's goal to protect at least 30 percent of Fiji's inshore habitats.
Research found that nutrient imbalance in reef waters increases bleaching susceptibility of corals. Balancing nutrient input in coastal waters could mitigate effects of warming oceans on coral reefs.
A recent study by Wildlife Conservation Society and University of the Azores identifies additional risks to coral reefs from pollution and overfishing. The proliferation of microbes, sponges, and worms further degrades corals, highlighting the complexity of reefs and possible solutions.
Research reveals widespread skin cancer in wild coral trout populations, caused by UV radiation, affecting three species on the Great Barrier Reef. The study's findings highlight the urgent need for continued conservation and management of reefs and their inhabitants.
A new study has discovered that Middle Reef, part of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, has grown more rapidly than other reefs in areas with lower levels of sediment stress. The reef thrives in water with high levels of sediment, which had previously been believed to be detrimental to growth.
Geologist Dr Scott Bryan's research found plants and tiny animals including corals latched onto pumice as it traveled over 5000km from Tonga to north-eastern Australia. This journey provided concrete proof that pumice rafting is a significant factor in dispersing marine life.
Indo-Pacific coral reefs are more resilient due to lower seaweed growth rates and a higher abundance of herbivorous fish, which treats seaweed as a delicacy. The study suggests that these reefs can withstand degradation before being overtaken by seaweeds.
Researchers have identified two viruses that infect symbiotic microalgae essential for coral growth and health. The presence of these viruses could be a contributing factor to the decline of coral reefs worldwide. Corals face various environmental threats, including warming temperatures, competition, and pollution.