Improving water quality can help save coral reefs
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.
Coral Reefs
Articles tagged with Coral Reefs
Microbes, sponges, and worms add to coral reef woes
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.
Skin cancer identified for the first time in wild fish populations
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.
Coral reef thriving in sediment-laden waters
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.
Could volcanic eruptions in the south-west Pacific save the Great Barrier Reef?
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.
Our coral reefs: In trouble - but tougher than we thought
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.
Viruses linked to algae that control coral health
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.
Pulverized rocks, coral reefs, seawater chemistry, and continental collisions
Researchers have discovered evidence of catastrophic events causing rock pulverization near major faults in California and Japan, while coral reefs at high latitudes and turbid inner bays provide insights into environmental gradients. Continental collisions are also explored through the study of Taiwan's pre-collision zone.
New book inspires children to protect dugongs
Dr Mariana Fuentes' new book 'Dhyum the Dugong' takes readers on a journey through the life of a real dugong in the Torres Strait. The book aims to educate young Australians about the importance of protecting these endangered marine mammals.
'We can still save our reefs:' Coral scientist
Despite grim scientific evidence, coral scientist John Pandolfi believes it's possible to save 60-70% of the world's coral reefs. The key to success lies in reducing local stresses from pollution, runoff, and overfishing, as well as aggressively reducing CO2 emissions.
Scientists join forces in call for action to save coral reefs
A Scientific Consensus Statement on Climate Change and Coral Reefs supports 2,400 scientists calling for action to safeguard valuable reef ecosystems. The statement highlights the impacts of rising sea levels, intense storms, and ocean pollution on coral reefs.
New research finds increased growth responsible for color changes in coral reefs
Coral growth and tissue proliferation are linked to disease, wounding, and stress-related color changes in reef-building corals. The study found that increased growth is the underlying physiological process associated with these changes.
Climate change suspended reef growth for 2 millennia
Researchers found that climate change led to a collapse of coral reefs in the eastern Pacific for 40% of their total history, spanning 4,000 years. The study suggests that similar collapse could occur again due to current climate patterns.
Fish learn to cope in a high CO2 world
Researchers found that anemone fish babies can adjust to ocean acidification if their parents are also raised in acidic water. This discovery suggests some species may be more resilient than previously thought, which could help mitigate the impact of CO2 emission reduction.
NOAA scholarship awarded to Jan Vicente to study the impact of ocean acidification on marine sponges
Jan Vicente, a graduate student at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, has been awarded a NOAA Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship to investigate how ocean acidification affects sponge skeletons. The research will focus on two common Florida Keys sponges and their bacterial communities.
Caribbean wins the seaweed Olympics
A new study reveals that Caribbean seaweeds bloom four times faster than their counterparts in the Pacific Ocean, giving them an upper hand over corals. This could lead to reduced coral recovery after damage, posing a significant threat to Caribbean coral reefs.
Stanford researchers help predict the oceans of the future with a mini-lab
Researchers created a mini-lab in Australia's Great Barrier Reef to simulate predicted future ocean conditions and test the reaction of corals. The study, published in Scientific Reports, provides new insights into how reefs respond to ocean acidification and can inform conservation efforts.
First mission for new ocean floor observatory
MoLab measures biological, physical, chemical, or geological parameters over several months and square kilometers. The system investigates the impact of climate change on corals and their ecosystems.
Marine reserves provide baby bonus to fisheries
A groundbreaking study found that marine reserves can restock fish populations in areas open to fishing. The research tracked the dispersal of baby coral trout and stripey snappers from reserve sites, finding that up to 30km away, a significant proportion settled on reefs open to fishing.
One-quarter of grouper species being fished to extinction
An international team of scientists assesses 163 grouper species and finds 20 at risk of extinction, while 22 are Near Threatened. Groupers take years to mature and are vulnerable to overfishing and habitat loss.
Weed-eating fish 'help protect jobs, livelihoods'
Herbivorous fish play a vital role in maintaining the health of coral reefs by limiting algae growth. A diverse supply of these fish provides strong 'insurance' against environmental fluctuations, reducing the risk of regime shifts towards seaweed-dominated reefs.
Global warming refuge discovered near at-risk Pacific island nation of Kiribati
A new study reveals that ocean currents may mitigate warming near a handful of equatorial islands, including some in the nation of Kiribati. This finding has important implications for the survival of coral reef systems and provides hope for these at-risk Pacific islands to avoid the devastating effects of global warming.
Pacific islands may become refuge for corals in a warming climate, study finds
Climate change could cause ocean currents to operate in a surprising way, mitigating the warming near Pacific island coral reefs. These islands may become isolated refuges for corals and fish, thanks to enhanced upwelling processes driven by the Equatorial Undercurrent.
Coral reef winners and losers in a warmer world
A new study reveals that coral reefs will survive climate change by altering the mix of coral species as temperatures rise and oceans become more acidic. This shift could have significant implications for ecosystem services like reef tourism and fishing, with potential losses in biodiversity.
Under climate change, winners and losers on the coral reef
Research reveals that corals can adapt to changing ocean conditions by shifting species composition, which could help reefs survive climate change. However, this shift may lead to loss of habitat for fish and other marine life.
Corals 'could survive a more acidic ocean'
New research suggests that some corals and their symbiotic algae have an in-built mechanism to cope with ocean acidification. However, coralline algae and a large class of plankton appear vulnerable to rising acidity, posing concerns for marine life and the oceans' ability to absorb CO2.
Declines in Caribbean coral reefs pre-date damage resulting from climate change
Researchers attribute decline of Caribbean coral reefs to historical land clearing and overfishing, not climate change. The study used novel excavation techniques to reconstruct the timeline of historical change in coral reefs, finding damage from these activities occurred decades before climate-related damage.
Some corals like it hot: Heat stress may help coral reefs survive climate change
Researchers discovered that corals surviving past heat stress are more likely to adapt in the future. The study suggests coral reefs may be able to withstand rising temperatures in locations with naturally variable water temperatures, benefiting millions of people reliant on coral reefs for sustenance and livelihoods.
Chemical microgradients accelerate coral death at the Great Barrier Reef
Corals infected with Black Band Disease experience phototrophic zone and anoxic lower zone in tissue, leading to rapid lesion spread. Sulfide concentration and oxygen penetration determine disease progression.
1 solution to global overfishing found
A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society finds that co-management is a successful solution to global overfishing, with more than half of surveyed fishermen feeling it improved their livelihoods. The approach has also been shown to protect fish stocks and improve ecosystem health.
SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2012
Avoiding the tragedy of overfishing
A study of 42 co-managed coral reef fisheries found that partnerships between government, conservation groups, and local fishers were successful in meeting the livelihood needs of local communities and protecting fish stocks. The research identified conditions for co-management success, providing vital guidance for conservation groups,...
SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2012
Global warming threat to coral reefs: Can some species adapt?
Coral reefs face a global warming threat, but some species may be able to adapt. A study found that corals in Singapore and Malaysia survived severe bleaching despite high sea temperatures, suggesting they have adapted to thermal stress.
A test of the senses in the search for a shoal mate
Research from the University of Bristol and Radboud University Nijmegen found that young French grunts are attracted to coral reef noises and muddy soft-sediment smells, but only visual cues of familiar fish guide them to their shoal mates. This hierarchical approach allows the fish to navigate safely in complex habitats.
Coral reef study traces indirect effects of overfishing
A study on Kenyan reefs found that the loss of predatory fish leads to an explosion in sea urchin populations, damaging the reef structure and reducing crustose coralline algae growth. This reduces coral recruitment by lowering juvenile coral densities on fished reefs.
Coral-eating sea star invaders turn out to be locals
Researchers found that crown-of-thorns sea stars originate from local populations, rather than spreading across large distances via larval dispersal. Genetic analysis revealed significant genetic differences among reefs and habitats within the same island.
Big fish reveal shelter secrets on reefcam
Researchers found that big fish in coral reefs prefer sheltering under large, flat table corals due to their importance as a source of cover. The team's study suggests that maintaining these structures could be crucial for the reef's resilience to climate change.
Heat and cold damage corals in their own ways, Scripps study shows
A Scripps Institution of Oceanography study reveals that corals exposed to cold temperatures suffer greater growth impairment and measurable damage compared to those subjected to heat. However, corals are able to adjust to cool conditions over time, whereas prolonged heat stress leads to severe bleaching and growth stoppage.
Detecting detrimental change in coral reefs
A NASA expert has developed a method to detect detrimental changes in coral reefs using Landsat data, allowing for targeted conservation efforts. The 'temporal texture' approach analyzes reflectance information over time to identify areas of significant change, enabling scientists to pinpoint 'hotspots' for intervention.
Lessons in coral reef survival from deep time
Scientists uncover complex fish-coral relationships that have evolved over millions of years, revealing the importance of preserving specific reef types to save coral reefs. The study suggests that protecting the right sorts of reefs is crucial for their survival, and that past mass extinctions can inform conservation efforts.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateJan 22, 2012
Multiple partners not the only way for corals to stay cool
Recent experiments show that corals with a single type of zooxanthellae can have varying thermal tolerance, with some coping well to higher temperatures while others suffer severe bleaching. This finding challenges the previous assumption that corals associating with the same type of zooxanthellae are physiologically similar.
Fish mimics octopus that mimics fish
Scientists have recorded the first association between a black-marble jawfish and a mimic octopus. The jawfish sticks close to the octopus for protection, allowing it to venture away from its burrow to look for food. This unique case highlights the complex interactions within coral reef ecosystems.
Sea cucumbers: Dissolving coral reefs?
Research by Carnegie Institution scientists found that sea cucumbers dissolve half of the calcium carbonate on coral reefs at night, contributing to their destruction. The team's findings highlight the importance of understanding marine organisms' roles in maintaining the balance of these delicate ecosystems.
When the heat's on, fish can cope
Researchers discovered that some tropical fish can adjust to higher sea temperatures by transmitting information between generations. This allows them to cope with elevated water temperatures, but may have penalties such as smaller offspring and reduced reproduction rates.
Submarine springs offer preview of ocean acidification effects on coral reefs
Submarine springs in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula reveal how ocean acidification may impact coral reef ecosystems. The study found that some coral species can calcify at low pH, but these are not the dominant framework builders of Caribbean reefs.
Scientific sleuths pinpoint the guilty coral killers
Researchers have developed a method to diagnose coral diseases using quantitative-PCR technology, which can detect pathogens at low levels. This will help control the impact of disease on coral reefs affected by rapid coastal development, declining water quality, and climate change.
Corals can sense what's coming
A team of Australian scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery about the mechanism behind coral bleaching, a devastating event caused by rising water temperatures. Corals are able to respond to stress by killing off some cells while strengthening others in an attempt to recover after the hot water has moved on.
New study reveals coral reefs may support much more biodiversity than previously thought
A new study reveals that the diversity of organisms living on coral reefs is much greater than previously thought, with 525 species of crustaceans found in a small sample area. This underestimation highlights the need for further research and conservation efforts to protect these endangered habitats.
US residents say Hawaii's coral reef ecosystems worth $33.57 billion per year
A peer-reviewed study estimates the total economic value of Hawaii's coral reefs at $33.57 billion annually, demonstrating the ecosystem's significance to US residents regardless of location or usage
Clustered hurricanes reduce impact on ecosystems
Research finds clustered hurricane activity reduces damage to coral reefs and ecosystems, allowing for recovery time. Clustering of storms also benefits insurance companies by providing time to rebuild profits.
SourceGlobal Change Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2011
Study identifies molecules used by certain species of seaweed to harm corals
Researchers have identified four toxic molecules used by certain species of seaweed to harm corals, which could inform management techniques to protect fish that consume these harmful seaweeds. The molecules are from a class of organic compounds known as terpenes and were found to be active at very low concentrations.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2011
Decline and recovery of coral reefs linked to 700 years of human and environmental activity
A study reconstructing 700 years of human-environment interactions in Hawaiian coral reefs found that historical changes in human societies led to degradation or recovery. While some reefs declined due to overexploitation and land-based pollution, others recovered through cultural protection and conservation efforts.
World-first discovery 'can help save coral reefs'
A new study provides a predictive sequence of events leading to coral reef collapse and identifies key sustainability targets for managing coral reefs. Researchers found that well-protected areas typically have 1000-1500 kilos of reef fish per hectare, and regulations restricting gear or species can help maintain biomass.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2011
New analysis confirms sharks are in trouble
A recent study confirms shark populations are in trouble worldwide, with significant declines observed on the Great Barrier Reef. The research used innovative methods to estimate population growth rates, finding that sharks are declining rapidly due to fishing.
Wildlife Conservation Society study uncovers a predictable sequence toward coral reef collapse
A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society identified 8 changes that occur on coral reefs before they collapse due to overfishing. Researchers found a 'window' of maximum sustainable yield between 300-600 kilograms per hectare, but when fish stocks drop below this threshold, reef degradation accelerates.
SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2011
Captive breeding could transform the saltwater aquarium trade and save coral reefs
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin are developing means to efficiently breed saltwater fish and invertebrates in captivity. Successful breeding has been achieved for seven species, including clownfish, gobies, and coral, reducing reliance on destructive wild-caught methods.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of the World Aquaculture Society·DateSep 20, 2011
Award winner 'can count fish from space'
Dr Nick Graham, a young researcher at James Cook University, has won the Scopus Young Researcher of the Year Award for his work on predicting fish populations in coral reefs. His research uses satellite data to study the architecture of coral reefs from space, providing valuable insights into how degraded reefs can recover.
Honduran earthquake of 2009 destroyed half of coral reefs of Belizean Barrier Reef lagoon
A magnitude-7.3 earthquake in 2009 devastated the Belizean Barrier Reef, causing widespread destruction and killing off dominant coral species. The reef's recovery is unlikely due to previous losses and the need for improved management of reef resources, including consideration of extreme events.
Scientist creates new hypothesis on ocean acidification
A recent study by Dr. Paul Jokiel suggests that ocean acidification interferes with the transfer of hydrogen ions between water and coral tissue, disrupting calcification rates and weakening coral skeletons. This 'proton flux hypothesis' provides new insights into the importance of ocean acidification and temperature on coral reefs.
New study shows that Florida's reefs cannot endure a 'cold snap'
A new study found that Florida's reefs suffered unprecedented losses of coral species during the 2010 cold weather event, with coral tissue mortality reaching over 40%. This was particularly devastating for shallow and near-shore reefs, where large colonies were hardest hit.
SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 26, 2011
Worldwide map identifies important coral reefs exposed to stress
The study creates a worldwide map of coral reefs, highlighting areas with high biodiversity and low stress, to inform conservation efforts. The researchers used fuzzy logic and publicly available data to group reef systems into clusters based on their stress exposure grades.