Articles tagged with Coral Reefs
A team of scientists has proposed six 'rules of thumb' to help save the world's imperiled coral reefs. The key to saving threatened coral ecosystems is maintaining links between reefs, allowing larvae to flow between them and re-stock depleted areas.
A new study describes a method for reattaching large sponges to coral reefs, with 62.5% of sponges surviving at least 2.3-3 years. The technique uses sponge holders and can be applied to other large sponge species removed by human activities or storm events.
Coral reefs in Australia's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park have recovered rapidly from a devastating bleaching event in 2006, thanks to an exceptional combination of ecological mechanisms. Asexual reproduction played a vital role in the recovery process.
A recent study by researchers from UC Santa Barbara's National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis has shed light on how to effectively manage the world's endangered coral reef ecosystems. The study reveals that the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, a vast area stretching over 1,200 miles, are highly vulnerable to human-induced t...
The final expedition of a four-year collaborative research program will assess the health of coral reefs without being confounded by stressors near populated shorelines. The research will provide baseline data on habitat types, keystone species, and factors promoting coral reef health during global climate change.
Atmospheric carbon dioxide could lead to coral reef dissolution as acidification and rising temperatures threaten global coral health. Research models predict that if CO2 levels double, most coral reefs will experience significant calcification rate reductions.
A Scripps Institution of Oceanography study has provided evidence of a drastic decline in Florida's reef fish, with 'trophy fish' shrinking by nearly two-thirds over the last five decades. The study used archival photographs to analyze the weight and length of large predatory fish caught around coral reefs.
A study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that middle-class communities in Eastern Africa have lower fish levels due to increased motorized fishing vessels and decreased cultural restrictions. In contrast, wealthy communities have healthier fish populations due to diversified economies and technological advancements.
Scientists used a DNA array to catalog microbes in coral reefs, finding diverse microbial populations accompanying disease. The PhyloChip offers a powerful way to track change and shed light on pathogens plaguing coral reefs.
Scientists assess a quarter-century of climate change effects on coral health and find both good and bad news. Reefs in the Indian Ocean are recovering relatively well from bleaching events, while western Atlantic reefs have generally failed to recover due to chronic stressors like diseases and overfishing.
Researchers have found that sponge cells in coral caves rapidly recycle dissolved organic material, providing essential nutrients for the reef's inhabitants. This process allows the reef to maintain itself despite limited space and nutrient availability.
The study, which analyzed socio-economic data from 14,000 households in 27 tropical countries, found that healthy coral reefs are crucial for communities' livelihoods and food security. Despite decades-old recommendations, effective implementation of these recommendations is still a challenge in many parts of the world.
The report finds that climate change is the primary threat to coral reefs worldwide, with bleaching and acidification expected to cause significant declines. However, some reefs have shown recovery, particularly those in protected areas or with minimal human impact.
Researchers discovered two new extinct species of coral, Isopora ginsburgi and Isopora curacaoensis, found on the Island of Curaçao six million years ago. The findings provide insight into coral evolution and biogeographic separation between Caribbean and Indo-Pacific regions.
A new global measure of coral reef health has been developed using light pollution index, revealing the impact of human activity on ocean health. The study found that coral reefs near urban areas, gas flares, and fishing boat activity have higher stress levels.
Researchers have found large coral reefs growing in cold, deep waters of the Atlantic Ocean, up to 1,000 meters below the surface. These cold-water corals thrive in areas with strong tidal currents and nutrient-rich seawater, allowing them to feed on algae and zooplankton.
A new study reveals that acidification of oceans from human CO2 emissions can worsen coral bleaching and death. Key findings indicate that coralline algae may be lost in near future due to increased CO2 levels. On the positive side, some coral species show ability to cope with ocean acidification by enhancing photosynthesis.
Researchers find that when fish can't eat seaweed due to sediment, algae mats form, preventing corals from re-establishing themselves. Climate change and sea level rise further threaten coral reefs' survival.
A Caribbean experiment shows that maintaining proper balance of plant-eating fishes may be key to restoring coral reefs, which are declining dramatically worldwide. Research found significant recovery in sections of coral reefs on which fish of two complementary species were caged.
A team of scientists found that current protection zones are ineffective in preventing coral reef collapse due to climate change. New areas need to be established to focus on escaping or recovering regions, while managing the entire system is crucial for long-term survival.
A team of international scientists warns that current coral reef protection zones are not effective against climate change. They recommend establishing new areas with better protection to prevent coral collapse and conserving marine ecosystems.
A study found that shipwrecks on coral reefs harbor unwanted species like Rhodactis howesii, which can overtake healthy coral and decrease diversity. Removing man-made debris could prevent further losses in species and habitat.
A study published in Science journal reveals the evolution of marine diversity over 50 million years, highlighting the Indo-Australian Archipelago as a tropical center of maximum diversity. The research provides new insights into biodiversity hotspots and their connection to environmental change.
No-take marine reserves can help prevent crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, reducing their impact on coral cover. The frequency of outbreaks is lower in protected zones, suggesting a potential benefit of fishing bans.
A new study found that lionfish can slash the survival of other reef fishes by 80 percent within a short period. The invasive species disrupts the ecological balance of coral reefs, allowing seaweeds to overwhelm them. This is another major threat to coral reefs, following overfishing and pollution.
A third of reef-building corals are threatened with extinction, according to a comprehensive global assessment. Climate change and human activities such as destructive fishing and pollution are leading causes of coral bleaching and disease.
A new NOAA coral bleaching prediction system suggests some bleaching in the Caribbean later this year, but not severe. The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are at a higher risk of widespread bleaching in August.
A new NOAA report reveals that nearly half of the US coral reef ecosystems are in poor or fair condition due to human-derived threats such as coastal development and recreational use. Climate-related effects like coral bleaching, disease, and ocean acidification also pose significant risks to these ecosystems.
A new study reveals that no-take marine reserves can lead to rapid comebacks of exploited fish species, with coral trout populations increasing by up to 68% in just two years. The findings provide an encouraging message for biodiversity protection and have positive implications for tourism.
A team of scientists is living and working at 60 feet below the sea surface for an eight-day mission to investigate ways to improve coral reef restoration. They are transplanting corals into shallow and deep sites to study how different species respond to stressors.
Research found that subordinate fish go on a diet to avoid provoking fights, maintaining social hierarchy in coral reef groups. This discovery challenges traditional views on dominant individuals retaining their position through size and intimidation.
Two UM students, Rachel Silverstein and Nitzan Soffer, receive prestigious NSF fellowships for their doctoral work on coral reefs. The lab is led by Dr. Andrew Baker, a pioneer in developing techniques to enhance coral thermal tolerance.
A recent investigation found that coral species have recovered from the atomic blast, with diverse and abundant marine life observed. However, some species are locally extinct due to the bomb's effects on water temperatures and nutrient levels.
Recent coral die-off events can be attributed to changes in the microbes living in and around reefs. Warmer sea temperatures allow disease-causing bacteria to thrive, weakening corals' defences. Scientists stress the need for better understanding of microbe processes to reduce reef decline.
Scientists found that rabbit fish are efficient herbivores capable of controlling weedy growth on coral reefs. The fish concentrate their efforts on the reef crest, but less effectively on slopes and flats, highlighting the need for a diverse 'guild' of species to maintain reef resilience.
Peter Glynn, a professor at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School, has received the Provost's Award for Scholarly Activity for his groundbreaking research on coral reefs. His work highlights the impact of climate change on coral bleaching and death.
Scientists warn that butterflyfish, such as the Chevroned Butterflyfish, are at risk of extinction due to their specialized feeding habits. The coral reefs' decline is threatening these fish's survival as they can only eat one type of coral, leading to a high risk of extinction.
A new study finds evidence of an ocean 'thermostat' regulating sea-surface temperatures in the Western Pacific Warm Pool, protecting coral reefs from severe warming. This discovery lends support to a long-debated theory that naturally warm waters may be more resistant to climate change.
Three major environmental groups call for a significant increase in protected areas to combat climate change and destructive fishing practices. They also emphasize the importance of human uses being limited within these systems to allow marine species to recover.
A major new study published in Science warns that global warming and acidification are triggering widespread coral disease and stifling coral growth. The researchers argue that drastic action is needed from world leaders to protect coral reefs, which support 100 million people and generate billions of dollars in tourism.
Scientists warn that coral reefs will struggle to survive in increasingly acidic ocean waters due to rising carbon emissions, threatening marine biodiversity and coastal economies. The Great Barrier Reef is among the first victims of this acidification, which could lead to its collapse by mid-century.
Coral reefs are facing extinction due to rising ocean temperatures and acidification, threatening marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions. Scientists call for urgent action to reduce carbon emissions and local pressures such as overfishing and pollution to save these vital ecosystems.
Coral reefs, crucial for millions of livelihoods worldwide, are at risk due to rapid climate change and ocean acidification. The International Coral Reef Targeted Research Program warns that most coral reefs will not survive the forecasted increases in global temperatures and CO2 emissions unless drastic action is taken.
A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that coral reefs in sites with varying seasonal temperatures are more likely to survive rising ocean temperatures. This 'tough love' approach allows corals to adapt to environmental variation, increasing their chances of survival.
Researchers warn that Caribbean coral reefs will decline permanently unless measures are taken to address overgrowth with seaweed and protect key grazers like parrotfish. The study suggests a need for policy changes to control fish traps and promote reef regeneration.
Coral reefs face irreversible destruction due to global warming, with scientists urging immediate action to reduce emissions and implement no-fishing reserves. The Great Barrier Reef alone generates $6.9 billion annually in economic activity, supporting over 65,000 jobs.
Researchers have discovered an ancient light-sensitive gene, known as a cryptochrome, that appears to act as a trigger for the annual mass spawning of corals across Australia's Great Barrier Reef shortly after a full moon. The Cry2 gene, stimulated by faint blue light, plays a central role in triggering the event.
The world's oceans are becoming more acidic, potentially devastating for corals and marine organisms. Corals with chalky skeletons face declining calcification, affecting the marine food web and global oxygen production.
Researchers have compiled the world's first detailed gene expression library for Symbiodinium, a microscopic algae that feeds corals and drives the reef's fate. Understanding its biochemical relationship with corals is crucial for addressing coral bleaching and climate change.
Systematic conservation planning can help protect endangered species and habitats in a changing world, say experts. The Great Barrier Reef is a case in point, as climate change advances, corals will migrate towards more suitable environments, requiring protected areas to shift.
Researchers will use a novel technique to track the dispersal of coral reef larvae and assess the effectiveness of marine protected areas in protecting fish stocks. The new approach, known as TRAnsgenerational Isotope Labeling (TRAIL), involves introducing an artificial tag into mature female fish just before spawning.
Researchers found a massive, rapid release of carbon may have triggered the Permian-Triassic extinction. The Great Bank of Guizhou fossil beds in China provide valuable insights into this event.
Researchers have identified a silent, natural disaster that silently wipes out coral reefs on clear sunny days during extreme low tides. The study reveals that these events are highly predictable and can be anticipated through alignment of weather patterns and tidal charts.
Researchers found that recovery rates increased over time, with sheltered bay areas supporting recovery of outer-reef sites. Effective local management practices may aid reef recovery, suggesting a promising sign for other regions.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that marine reserves can double the number of young corals, leading to a healthier reef ecosystem. The Bahamas' Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park was used as a testing ground for this innovative approach.
Researchers found that close living quarters among coral in healthy sections of the Great Barrier Reef facilitate easy infection spread, despite warmer ocean temperatures. Higher temperatures drive disease outbreaks, with a strong connection between white syndrome and coral cover.
A new study finds that high ocean temperatures and low coral cover increase the risk of white syndrome, a deadly disease threatening the world's richest ecosystems. The research suggests that corals in high-density areas will be increasingly vulnerable to disease if global warming continues.
A recent study found that coral reef fish hatchlings can successfully return to their home reefs, with about 60% of young clownfish and butterflyfish making it back. The research also showed significant exchange between populations separated by open sea, highlighting the importance of marine protected areas.
Researchers have pioneered a new way to study fish populations by 'tagging' adult fish with a harmless isotope, enabling them to understand the extent to which young fish return to their 'home' area or go off to interbreed. The findings reveal that around 60% of juvenile clownfish returned to the home reef, while 40% came from distant ...
Coral reefs on Pulau Simeulue and Pulau Banyak were severely damaged due to the 2005 earthquake, with some species suffering up to 100% loss. However, despite initial mass mortality, some coral species are beginning to re-colonize shallow reef areas, offering hope for recovery.