Articles tagged with Coral Reefs
A new type of algal threat is displacing corals globally due to blocking sunlight and producing harmful chemicals. Peyssonnelioid alga crusts are expanding quickly across reefs, killing off corals and transforming entire ecosystems.
The California Academy of Sciences and Roatán Marine Park have been awarded a $1.5 million grant to construct the first coral rearing facility in Honduras, aiming to reverse the rapid decline of coral reefs by 2030. Researchers will test three promising therapies to enhance coral resilience.
New research reveals that adult coral can handle more heat and keep growing thanks to heat-evolved symbionts. The study found that these symbionts enhanced coral recovery from bleaching and improved heat tolerance without compromising growth.
Researchers have described two new species of pygmy squids, Idiosepius kijimuna and Kodama jujutsu, found in Okinawa's coral reefs. These tiny creatures are threatened by human activities such as climate change, overfishing, and land reclamation.
Juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish can withstand heatwaves that kill coral, developing into carnivorous predators. The species' resilience to warming waters exacerbates climate change's impact on coral reefs.
A recent study by Southern Cross University found nearly twice as much nitrogen enters the Great Barrier Reef from groundwater than river waters, highlighting the need for a new perspective in preserving its health. The research suggests that managing nutrients is crucial in preventing harmful algal blooms and other detrimental issues.
Research suggests that coral reefs in Belize are experiencing a decline in growth rates, with accretion rates decreasing over the past 9,000 years. This decline has significant implications for tropical island nations and the impact of climate change.
Researchers say current models fail to project oxygen dynamics in coastal ecosystems with high photosynthetic activity, such as seagrass meadows and coral reefs. Fluctuations in oxygen levels have been observed in systems like the Venice Lagoon and Red Sea coral reefs, where marine species adapt to changing conditions.
A new approach allows researchers to create maps of coral biochemistry, detailing the distribution of compounds integral to reef health. This innovation provides unprecedented insight into coral resilience and potential stressors like warmer ocean temperatures and acidification.
Scientists validate a long-held ecological distribution theory, but find it doesn't hold true for islands with human habitation. The findings suggest that traditional models of the natural world may no longer be valid in the face of mounting local human impacts.
Researchers found that intermittent shading can moderate coral bleaching on shallow reefs by reducing light stress. Shading corals for four hours a day reduced bleaching in some species, while longer periods of shading showed more significant results.
Researchers have discovered a new species of large foraminifer with porcelain shells from the Ryukyu Islands, expanding our understanding of coral reef biodiversity. The species, Borelis matsudai, is found in the southern and central islands, marking a significant biogeographical milestone.
Researchers at the University of Florida have found suitable substrates and growth patterns for long-spined sea urchins, a keystone species in maintaining coral reef health. The study provides a crucial step towards restoring these vital ecosystems by growing corals in ocean nurseries.
A new study published in Nature warns that coastal wetlands and coral reef islands are unlikely to survive at current rates of sea-level rise exceeding 7 millimeters per year. The study suggests that global warming must be limited to less than 2 degrees Celsius for these ecosystems to have a chance.
Scientists have discovered that corals digest their symbiont algae to access essential nutrients, allowing them to grow rapidly even in nutrient-poor waters. This breakthrough resolves the long-standing mystery of coral reef formation and sheds light on the critical role of symbiotic relationships in coral survival.
Researchers have identified a new process by which sugar is released by symbiotic algae, showing the cell wall plays a crucial role in symbiosis and carbon circulation. The findings provide an important piece of the jigsaw puzzle for understanding carbon cycling in marine environments.
A new study reveals that Pacific coral reefs have increased their thermal tolerance to higher ocean temperatures, reducing the risk of bleaching. This natural adaptation could help reefs withstand climate change if global carbon emissions are cut down.
Scientists measured coral calcification rates off Hawaiian Islands at depths of 230-360 feet, finding the lowest rates ever recorded for healthy corals. This is due to the efficient use of calcification by corals like Leptoseris spp., which form thin horizontal skeletons to maximize area in low-light zones.
Coral reefs benefit from reduced land-sea impacts under ocean warming, with pollutants and over-fishing putting immense stress on ecosystems. Human-caused threats were most clearly demonstrated in 2015's record-breaking marine heatwave, which showed coral cover remained unchanged despite extreme heat stress.
A new study reveals that trumpetfish can conceal themselves by swimming closely behind another fish while hunting, reducing the likelihood of detection. This unique strategy, known as 'shadowing', uses a non-threatening species of fish as camouflage to approach prey.
Researchers at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia and University of Milan-Bicocca have demonstrated the efficacy of curcumin in reducing coral bleaching caused by climate change. The study shows significant efficacy in preventing coral bleaching when tested under controlled conditions.
A new study found that the unique oceanographic conditions in Florida's Dry Tortugas National Park provide the ideal environment for elkhorn coral to flourish, with enhanced growth and survivorship. The research highlights the importance of food availability, particularly zooplankton, for coral survival and restoration efforts.
Researchers found that plastic debris on coral reefs increases with depth, largely stemming from fishing activities, and is correlated with proximity to marine protected areas. The study, which surveyed over 1,200 reefs across 14 countries, highlights the need for increased protections to address this growing threat.
A new hedging strategy for coral restoration balances species diversity and ecosystem benefits by selecting key species that maintain critical functions. The approach considers a range of local species and ecological characteristics to ensure the most effective restoration outcomes.
The Tara Pacific expedition's dataset reveals that global microbial biodiversity is ten times higher than previously thought, and environmental impacts on evolutionary adaptation are species-specific. Duplication of important genes in corals may be the key to their long lifespan.
Researchers have identified a phenomenon that could help coral reef managers plan and act for the future. Ocean processes during El Niño strengthened the North Equatorial Counter Current, driving cooler plankton-rich waters to Palmyra's coral reefs and enabling them to better manage heat stress.
A new study finds coral disease is spreading globally, tripling over the past 25 years to 9.92%, and predicts 76.8% of reefs will be diseased by 2100 if temperatures continue to rise. Coral reefs support a quarter of the world's fish and are crucial for coastal communities.
A new study using CRISPR/Cas9 technology has identified a critical gene, SLC4γ, required for young coral colonies to build their skeletons. This gene is unique to stony corals and may have evolved to support skeleton formation.
Researchers discovered fragments of RNA viruses embedded in coral partners' genomes, dating back 160 million years. The discovery provides insights into how corals fight off viral infections and may hold the key to understanding the ecological impact of viruses on reef health.
Coral cells use a molecule called LePin to mark friendly algae for ingestion, a mutually beneficial relationship that helps corals survive. This discovery could inform strategies to prevent coral bleaching and promote coral resilience.
Researchers have discovered two types of bacterial clusters inside coral tissues, including a close relative of the chlamydia-causing bacteria. The study found that these bacteria steal nutrients and energy from their hosts to survive, adding complexity to understanding coral reef health.
A new study found that coastal light pollution causes corals to spawn one to three days closer to the full moon, reducing the likelihood of fertilized eggs surviving and producing new adult corals. This disrupts the natural spawning cycle, which is critical for reef recovery after mass bleaching events.
Researchers developed an AI-powered tool to identify and measure coral reef halos globally, providing a new method for monitoring ecosystem health. The tool enables efficient tracking of reef ecosystems' function at large scales, improving understanding and management of coral reefs.
Coral reef fish larvae undergo significant physiological changes as they transition from open ocean swimming to settling on the reef floor. The study found that gene activity changes play a crucial role in adapting to hypoxic environments at night, allowing the fish to survive and thrive.
Researchers found that corals within the Port of Miami's highly urbanized environment exhibit remarkable persistence despite poor water quality, excess nutrients, high temperatures, and low pH levels. The study demonstrates surprising resilience that can teach us about the future of coral reef ecosystems.
Researchers found that using seaweed coverage as an indicator of reef health is flawed and may even hide signs of stress. Local species behave differently in response to human impacts, making it crucial for scientists to develop new methods to assess reef health.
Researchers found high levels of coral pathogens in fish that graze on algae and detritus, while those that eat coral had beneficial bacteria in their feces. These findings suggest that corallivore feces could act as a 'coral probiotic,' potentially benefiting coral reefs.
Researchers have developed a jellyfish-like robot capable of collecting and transporting waste particles in the ocean without causing harm to marine species. The robot uses electrohydraulic actuators to swim and create currents, allowing it to trap objects along its path and transport them to the surface for recycling.
Researchers identified a protozoan parasite as the cause of mass sea urchin die-offs in the Caribbean, which has devastating effects on coral reefs and fish populations. Healthy coral means healthy fish, and their positive impacts continue up the food chain.
A parasite identified as Philaster apodigitiformis has been found responsible for the massive die-off of long-spined sea urchins in the Caribbean Sea. The loss of these vital herbivores threatens coral reef health and balance, with devastating consequences for marine ecosystems.
Deep-sea scientists have discovered extensive, ancient coral reefs within the Galápagos Marine Reserve, supporting a diverse array of marine life. The reefs are pristine and teeming with life, offering insights into global significance and potential as 'canaries in the mine' for other reefs.
Scientists discovered that feces from coral-eating fish contain beneficial microbes that help coral thrive, while feces from algae-eating fish cause damage. The study suggests that corallivores may contribute to natural dispersal of 'coral probiotics', promoting reef health.
Researchers have identified a probiotic that can protect Caribbean corals from stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD), a deadly and rapidly spreading affliction. The probiotic treatment has been shown to stop or slow the progression of the disease in infected coral fragments, offering an antibiotic-free alternative.
A toolkit for coral gardening could accelerate reef recovery in Saudi Arabia and globally. The Maritechture TM system includes tiles, stackable crates, and coral pods to create artificial reefs that attract natural coral settlement.
A recent study found that ocean warming triggers dinoRNAV infections in coral colonies, intensified in unhealthy colonies. This is the first empirical evidence of reef-wide dynamics of viruses infecting coral symbionts during heat waves.
According to a recent study, most biological life falls within these two extreme sizes, with substantial uncertainty surrounding body size and biomass across different environments. The research suggests that this pattern may be due to various factors such as energy efficiency and adaptability.
A new study reveals a surprising exception to the rule of uniformity across the Indo-West Pacific coral reef ecosystem. Chlorodielline crabs with overlapping ranges have uniquely shaped gonopods, but otherwise appear identical, suggesting genetic divergence in different geographic areas.
Researchers have developed a method to measure coral biodiversity by extracting environmental DNA from seawater samples, allowing for accurate detection of coral species without direct observation. The technique has been confirmed to work with over 91% accuracy and may indicate presence of corals difficult to detect by human eyes.
Researchers discovered that even in the absence of predators, escape events occur frequently but rarely spread to many fish. The study suggests that this robustness to false alarms is due to dynamic adjustments in sensitivity to socially acquired information.
Researchers found that fish in large schools are more willing to take risks and tune down their sensitivity to social cues, reducing the likelihood of responding to false alarms. This dynamic adjustment allows individuals to maintain control over their behavior, suggesting a potential evolutionary advantage in coping with misinformation.
An international research team has developed a framework to evaluate government preparedness for ocean acidification, a pressing threat to marine ecosystems. The framework identifies six aspects of effective policy and specific indicators, enabling policymakers to assess their own preparedness and identify areas for improvement.
A comprehensive global assessment of oxygen loss on coral reefs reveals widespread hypoxia, with over 84% of reefs experiencing 'weak to moderate' hypoxia. The study predicts that ocean warming and deoxygenation will increase the duration, intensity, and severity of hypoxia by 2100.
Volunteer divers monitored the SS Thistlegorm wreck for eight years, discovering an artificial coral reef that supports a diverse fish community. The study, published in PLOS ONE, highlights the importance of citizen science in understanding marine ecosystems.
Researchers found that mesophotic reefs differ from shallower counterparts, suggesting a strong ecological filter between depths. The study highlights the need to expand marine protections for coral reefs beyond shallow waters, emphasizing the unique biodiversity and vulnerability of deeper ecosystems.
Researchers developed a coral-reef-friendly sunscreen by using polymerization to create large molecules that block UV radiation without penetrating skin or coral. The new filter was found to be more effective at preventing sunburn in mice than existing sunscreens, while also being safe for coral and algae.
Research from the University of Cambridge and Cardiff University found that damselfish scare off cleaner fish customers, leading to fewer species receiving vital cleaning treatment. This disruption could contribute to the breakdown of delicate ecosystems supported by coral reefs.
A new study found that some coral reefs in the Eastern Pacific could maintain high coral cover into the 2060s by shuffling symbiotic algae communities. The reefs predominantly built by corals in the genus Pocillopora and hosting heat-tolerant alga Durusdinium glynnii are better equipped to survive and maintain high levels of coral cover.
Researchers applied machine learning tools to study how climate impacts connectivity and biodiversity in the Pacific Ocean's Coral Triangle. They found that climate dynamics have contributed to biodiversity due to variability introduced by El Niño and La Niña events.
Coral hosts can punish selfish algae by limiting nutrient supply, promoting more beneficial species. This finding sheds light on coral survival and potential interventions to prevent bleaching due to climate change.
A new study reveals that high-quality coral reefs in Hawaii are popular tourist sites, but also at risk from tourism-related development and pollution. The research used social media and aerial mapping to analyze the impact of tourist visitation on live coral cover across hundreds of coastal sites.