Articles tagged with Coral Reefs
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new study reveals that extreme cold temperatures can have a devastating impact on coral reefs, causing widespread death and destruction. The research found that corals depend on symbiotic algae for nutrition, which is inhibited by cold temperatures, leading to a potential net loss of carbon transferred from the algae to the coral.
Researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and the Australian Genome Research Facility have sequenced the genome of the staghorn coral, a major threat to the Great Barrier Reef. The study provides insights into coral biology, including responses to climate change and ocean acidification.
New research reveals ocean acidification will reduce coral reef ecosystem diversity, leading to severe impacts on coral reefs globally. The study shows reduced biodiversity, recruitment, and development of reef ecosystems under acidic conditions.
A recent study analyzed data from almost 2,000 coral reef locations worldwide to determine the link between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The research found that biomass production decreases with increasing human density, especially in more diverse ecosystems.
Highly diverse reef fish systems are the most vulnerable to human threats, yet they produce a greater range of goods and services. The study found that these ecosystems do not saturate with additional species, and their biomass production is negatively impacted by increasing human density.
Marine biologists from the University of Miami have created a probabilistic survey approach to count reef fish, increasing efficiency and accuracy. This framework can support long-term sustainability of reef resources globally, informing management decisions for coral reefs in various regions.
A new study provides a new tool to monitor coral reef vital signs, allowing scientists to assess the impacts of climate change and other threats on coral reef health. By measuring biological productivity, researchers can better understand the balance between coral production and consumption rates.
Peter Mumby is recognized for his work on coral reef conservation strategies, influencing conservation policy and contributing to the implementation of marine park protections. His research has provided insight into the consequences of conserving herbivorous fishes, reducing nutrient runoff, and restoring urchin populations.
A new study finds that weed-eating fish like parrotfish and surgeonfish can only keep coral reefs clear of weeds before they take over. Beyond a certain density, the fish no longer control the weeds, allowing the corals to be lost.
Researchers show strong links between South China Sea, West Pacific, and Coral Triangle preserve diversity and resilience of coral reefs. The region's natural resources are closely interconnected, highlighting the need for collective action to protect them.
A recent study reveals that coral reef networks across the Asia-Pacific region play a crucial role in preserving fish and marine resources. The research, led by Dr. Johnathan Kool, found that the Coral Triangle's diversity and resilience rely on connections between reefs in the South China Sea, West Pacific, and Solomon Islands.
A new predictive method developed by marine scientists has found that a third of reef fishes studied across the Indian Ocean are potentially vulnerable to climate change. The 'extinction risk index' provides coral reef managers with insights to better protect and manage coral reefs, showing local and regional commitment improves prospe...
A new study finds that coral reefs are more vulnerable to weakening due to ocean acidification and global warming, especially in developing countries. Effective local management efforts can help maintain coral resilience while carbon emissions are stabilized.
Scientists at Smithsonian Institution and Ocean Science Foundation used genetic analysis to identify 10 distinct species of blennies (Starksia) previously thought to be three. The discovery sheds light on the complexity of Caribbean reef life, with widespread species exhibiting geographically restricted ranges.
An international team found that many crustacean families can detect and avoid reef noise, depending on their lifestyle. The study reveals that larvae of crabs and lobsters are attracted by the noise, while others actively avoid it.
A study by Wildlife Conservation Society and University of California at Santa Cruz found that overfished reef systems have fewer sea urchins, leading to higher coral growth rates and more structure. Reefs with complete fish communities outperform those without predators, which allows coralline algae to thrive.
Climate change exacerbates the effects of El Niño on coral reef fish populations, leading to a near-absence of young fish necessary for adult replenishment. This process allows fish to feed on plankton and escape predators, but may now become an Achilles' heel in changing waters.
Researchers identified coral reefs in the Bahamas that are less stressed by rising sea temperatures, providing a hopeful strategy for conservation. The study suggests that specific geographic locations can better withstand climate change impacts, making them ideal candidates for marine reserves.
A new study led by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School suggests that ocean acidification could compromise coral recruitment, impacting recovery from disturbance. The research reveals a new threat to already struggling Caribbean and Florida reef Elkhorn corals.
Researchers investigate White pox disease, a human strain of Serratia marcescens transmitted to elkhorn corals, which may indicate a new phenomenon of diseases jumping from humans to wildlife. The study aims to understand transmission mechanisms and develop control strategies.
Marine scientists urge urgent action to save coral reefs from climate change, overfishing, and pollution. They propose management advice to empower local communities and control human impacts.
Coral reefs are surprisingly noisy places with fish and invertebrates producing clicks and grunts that provide useful information about the state of the reef. Healthier reefs were found to be louder, with a clear association between overall noise level generated and the amount of living coral.
Coral reefs' immune system is linked to their susceptibility to bleaching and disease, with corals using energy for growth and reproduction affecting immune function. Understanding this connection can help scientists predict vulnerability to stress and develop preventive measures.
Researchers have created the world's first frozen repository for Hawaiian coral, banking cells to preserve species diversity and potentially restore populations. The frozen material can be thawed decades or even centuries later to revive coral reefs threatened by climate change, pollution, and human impact.
A new study found that short exposure to artificial noise makes fish attracted to inappropriate sounds, putting their survival at risk. The researchers used underwater experiments to show that baby reef fish can learn and remember specific sounds, including those made by humans.
Ancient corals consisted of mostly separate sexes and required a brooding period to evolve into spawning hermaphrodites. The evolutionary origins of coral sex are complex, likely related to the challenges of shallow tropical reefs.
A team of researchers has discovered a rare and unique 'elkhorn' coral in the Pacific Ocean, with colonies reaching up to five meters across. Genetic analysis suggests that it may be a variant of the critically endangered Atlantic elkhorn coral, highlighting conservation concerns due to limited data on its population size.
Moreton Bay has shown coral survival and flourishing in about half of the past 7000 years, but human activities have negatively affected corals. The study's findings suggest that improving water quality and regrowing mangroves are essential for making Moreton Bay a suitable 'lifeboat' for corals.
Research suggests that small and isolated reefs are more susceptible to local species extinctions due to variable fish populations. Larger, connected habitats see fewer fluctuations in population sizes, making them more resilient to changes.
A new study published in Marine Ecology Progress Series found that cleaner water improves the resilience of coral reefs to climate change in the Florida Keys. Corals living in cleaner waters with fewer nutrients were shown to be more resistant to warming and bleaching, while those in dirtier water became sick.
Trade in coral and tropical fish is substantial and growing, removing millions of animals a year. The US can leverage its market power to reduce the environmental impact by protecting more species and promoting humane sales.
Researchers have discovered that coral ecosystems facing pressure from human activities and climate change may find survival clues in their fringed areas. These areas are critical for coral evolution, hybridization, and adaptation, highlighting the need to rethink protection strategies.
The European Research Council has awarded a €3 million grant to study corals and global warming. The five-year CoralWarm project aims to create a mathematical model predicting coral reef changes due to temperature and acidity increases.
Researchers studying two isolated Pacific atolls find diverse marine life populations in response to different fishing pressures. At Palmyra, a protected US wildlife refuge, high densities of sharks and large fish are found, while Tabuaeran, inhabited by 2,500 people, hosts lower fish populations due to artisanal fishing.
A new study published in Restoration Ecology reveals that coral transplantation is an effective and affordable solution for reef restoration. The research team transplanted elkhorn coral fragments onto a damaged reef in the British Virgin Islands, achieving significant growth and survival rates over four years.