Articles tagged with Coral Reefs
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A new study from Georgia Institute of Technology reveals that increasing coral richness improves coral growth and survivorship. By 'outplanting' diverse coral species, researchers found a potential solution to restore climate-damaged reefs and support fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection.
A new study published in Coral Reefs confirms that soft corals Plexaura kükenthali and Plexaura homomalla are two separate species. The research found significant differences in morphology, genetics, reproduction, and symbiotic relationships between the two species.
The global coral reef crisis is characterized by widespread overfishing, pollution, disease, and climate change. The report highlights the need for swift action to address these issues and identifies management efforts such as reducing pollution and establishing marine protected areas.
Researchers discovered that coral microbiomes help corals survive rising ocean temperatures by protecting them from 'bleaching'. The team identified genes involved in stress response and found that different holobiont members have unique responses to high temperature stress.
Researchers at Rice University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the reproductive habits of dinoflagellate algae, which can help coral reefs adapt to climate change. By studying sex in these tiny creatures, scientists hope to breed strains that are more tolerant of environmental stress.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii found that coral reef community structure changes in response to ocean warming and acidification, but total biodiversity remains stable. The tiny organisms living within the reef matrix, known as cryptobiota, play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and food web dynamics.
A study of coral reef systems worldwide reveals that most fish species are picky eaters, with a single larger species extinction jeopardizing the entire ecosystem. The research found that even small losses can create imbalances in food webs.
The study found that coral reefs' capacity to provide essential benefits and services, including food and livelihoods, has declined significantly. The decline in coral reef coverage and biodiversity is attributed to climate change, overfishing, pollution, and more.
A new study found that coral reefs have lost half their ability to provide food, jobs, and climate protection since the 1950s, with significant declines in reef coverage and biodiversity. This loss threatens the well-being and sustainable development of human communities on coastal areas.
A new study reveals unexpected trends in coral reef condition and its environment, contrary to prevailing scientific expectations. The authors found that local threats such as pollution do not lead to a decrease in coral cover, and biogeophysical forcings poorly predict ecosystem-scale coral reef condition.
A University of Queensland-led study found that nearly 85% of coastal areas leach sediment to coral reefs, a major threat. Reforestation can help by reducing sediment transport, increasing light levels for coral growth and reproduction. Land restoration is crucial for building coral resilience.
Coral reefs will experience substantial declines in productivity and survival due to rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification, with some attributes responding similarly to heat stress with or without acidification
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation has completed the largest coral reef survey and mapping expedition in history, assessing over 1,000 reefs in 16 countries. The Global Reef Expedition provided a comprehensive dataset for coral reef conservation, highlighting the status and major threats to these ecosystems.
Researchers found that coral communities in the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) are recovering from past heatwaves, with heat-tolerant offspring repopulating the reefs. This study provides a source of hope for coral reef conservation and restoration, highlighting the potential for some reefs to keep pace with ocean warming.
A new study reveals corals have a high ability to pass on adaptive traits, helping them cope with climate change stress. However, reducing global warming is crucial for making the most of this adaptation capacity.
SECORE International's coral breeding technique shows significant success in closing the gap to scale for coral restoration, using floating mesocosms to produce thousands of coral recruits. The approach promotes genetic diversity and can help corals cope with climate change.
Researchers have identified a massive coral structure in the Great Barrier Reef, measuring 5.3m tall and 10.4m wide, which is not only the widest but also the sixth tallest recorded in the reef.
Researchers identified specialized immune cells in cauliflower coral and starlet sea anemone that can fight infection. These unique cell types were previously unknown and have implications for understanding coral resilience to climate change.
Researchers from FAU Harbor Branch adapted Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry to generate 3D models for tracking lesion progression and impacts on diseased coral colonies. The study found that stony coral tissue loss disease prevalence varied significantly across location, but not through time.
Researchers have identified different thermal tolerance mechanisms in corals, with some species exhibiting 'resilient' and 'resistant' responses to heat stress. The findings provide a toolbox for protecting coral reefs worldwide and inform conservation prioritization.
A new study on coral reefs in Kiribati found that more polluted and high-traffic waters can handle extreme heat events better than remote reefs. The research raises questions about the effectiveness of marine protected areas in conserving coral reefs.
Researchers studied Pacific Gilbert Islands coral reefs, a natural laboratory for climate change-induced heat stress. The study found that coral reefs in the region exhibit resistance and resilience to multiple stressors, but are still recovering after over a decade of environmental pressures.
A new study reveals that a corallimorph species is outcompeting stony corals in Palmyra Atoll's reefs, leading to a significant shift in ecosystem dominance. The invading species, closely related to one from Okinawa, Japan, can rapidly monopolize the seafloor and reach 100% cover, posing concerns about irrevocability of this phase shift.
A study published in Marine Pollution Bulletin reveals that nitrogen enrichment from land-based sources is a primary mechanism driving coral death in the Belize Barrier Reef. The research found that N:P ratios have doubled over four decades, causing massive decline in hard coral cover.
A new study found that climate-related disasters have surged since 2019, with devastating floods, heat waves, and wildfires. The study calls for a phase-out of fossil fuels and strategic climate reserves to address the climate crisis.
Scientists have developed a new model to predict the health of coral reefs using data from the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation's Global Reef Expedition. The model identifies key drivers of coral reef health, including biophysical and anthropogenic factors.
The coming decade will determine whether coral reefs survive, with up to 30% predicted to persist if global warming is limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Policymakers are called upon to address climate change, improve local conditions, and restore coral reefs through coordinated actions and innovative approaches.
Researchers warn of devastating consequences for coral reefs as three key species experience changes in distribution due to the climate crisis. Conservation efforts are urged to focus on regions such as the Abrolhos region and the Gulf of Mexico.
Researchers at NIST used an emerging molecular profiling method to analyze a type of tumor-like disease called growth anomalies in corals. The study identified 18 small molecules that promise to help better understand the series of molecular reactions leading to the disease, which affects coral skeletons and soft tissues.
A study analyzed fossil dermal denticles from ancient coral reefs and modern reefs to estimate Caribbean shark abundance before and after human settlement. The results show a significant decline in shark populations, with fast-swimming species facing the greatest losses.
Scientists reconstructed ancient shark communities using fossil shark scales, revealing a three-fold decline in abundance since prehistoric times. The study provides insight into what a 'healthy' shark community might look like on a coral reef before human exploitation.
Smithsonian scientists discovered shark denticles on fossil- and modern coral reefs, revealing changing shark roles over 7000 years. Shark populations declined due to human hunting and habitat loss, impacting ecosystem balance.
A new study found that baby coral reef fishes have evolved to grow larger muscles and swim faster than their non-reef relatives, allowing them to outpace other fish in the ocean. This adaptation is thought to be related to their association with reefs, where they need to navigate open ocean currents to find a home.
A recent study found that coral reefs in the South China Sea adjust their trophic patterns in response to environmental conditions. By analyzing zooxanthellae density, nutrient levels, and light intensity, researchers discovered that corals can shift from autotrophic to heterotrophic modes of nutrition, enhancing their adaptability to ...
Climate change is expected to suppress the growth of Florida's coral reefs due to their inability to migrate north. The warming seas and increasing frequency of water-cooling cold snaps will make it difficult for corals to adapt and survive, leading to further decline and potentially extinction.
Researchers at UCSB's LTER sites investigate the impact of climate change on diverse ecosystems, including kelp forests and coral reefs. Their findings highlight the importance of long-term research in understanding complex relationships between environmental drivers and ecosystem responses.
Five scientists from Israel and Jordan have been awarded research grants by the Red Sea Reef Foundation to study the unique corals in the northern Red Sea. Their innovative projects aim to monitor reef health, develop coral bioindicators, and refine coral farming techniques to support conservation efforts.
A Southern Cross University study reveals global coral reef ecosystem calcification is declining at a rate of 4.3% yr-1, with consequences for ecosystem survival. The decline may be linked to stress events and reduced coral cover, potentially impacting food and habitat production.
A recent study by the University of Melbourne revealed that young clownfish living closest to shore are dying faster due to exposure to artificial lighting. The research team found that nearshore juvenile clownfish grew 44% more slowly under artificial light than those in natural conditions.
New research suggests that artificial ocean alkalinization can offset ten years of projected acidification in the Great Barrier Reef. The study used a high-resolution model to simulate the impact of alkalinity injection on the reef's acidity, finding that it could sequester 35,000 tons of carbon per year and alleviate the effects of oc...
Researchers found that table corals can recover habitats on the Great Barrier Reef at a rate 14 times higher when abundant, compared to reefs without them. The study highlights the importance of protecting table corals to promote reef recovery and biodiversity.
Methylene Blue, a century-old medicine, has been found to be an effective UVB blocker that absorbs UVA and UVB rays, promotes DNA damage repair, and is safe for coral reefs. The study suggests it could become an alternative sunscreen ingredient, supporting the environment and human skin health.
A new study suggests that managing local environmental conditions can help coral reefs persevere in the face of climate change. Local factors like macroalgae presence and nutrient pollution exacerbate coral loss, but also offer opportunities for management to boost reef resilience.
A new study finds that local management of coral reefs can increase their chances of recovery after devastating bleaching events. Caring for reefs on a local scale may help them persist globally by minimizing environmental stressors such as overfishing and pollution.
A recent study published in Science found that local conditions play a significant role in coral reef survival after climate-driven heatwaves. Managing global climate change and local factors such as nutrient pollution and overfishing can help reefs withstand the effects of climate change, according to researchers.
New guidelines for coral reef restoration aim to optimize efforts for ecosystem benefits and human protection from flooding. Research suggests targeting shallow, energetic areas for restoration to reduce coastal flooding.
New research on coral reef growth rates reveals a window of opportunity to save the world's coral reefs, but time is running out. The study shows that unless carbon dioxide emissions are drastically reduced, the growth of coral reefs will be stunted due to climate change.
A global study suggests that coral reefs will experience significant declines in calcium carbonate production under projected climate scenarios. The models predict that 63% of reefs will continue to grow by 2100 under RCP2.6, but 94% will be eroding by 2050 under RCP8.5.
A long-term study from WCS found that no-take marine protected areas increased fish populations by 42% and achieved the benefits of stable and high production for fishers, while protecting threatened ecosystems. Simulation models were tested with empirical data, showing that no-take MPAs can compensate for lost fishing grounds and stocks.
Researchers have created the first atlas of stony coral cell types, revealing specialized immune cells that aid in coral resilience. The study provides new insights into coral biology and evolution, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms behind coral growth and symbiosis.
Northern Red Sea corals have been found to be resistant to higher temperatures due to their symbiotic algae and bacteria. The study reveals that these corals can withstand average temperatures up to 5°C higher than usual, offering hope for saving coral reef ecosystems.
A world-first study found that partially protected yellow zones within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park are still important for conserving reef fish populations. The areas, which limit fishing through gear restrictions, contained up to 69% of the target fish numbers in adjacent no-fishing green zones.
Researchers found evidence of sound-related genes in corals, which could enable them to use sound to interact with their environment. This discovery has significant implications for understanding coral communication and developing restoration and conservation projects to protect these critical ecosystems.
Scientists found that eradicating rats from tropical islands restores critical nutrient cycles to coral reefs within 16 years. Seabird populations are increasing on islands where rats have been eradicated, boosting the health of surrounding ecosystems and improving their chances of rebounding.
A new study uses a citizen science approach and AI to analyze vast amounts of 3D coral reef imagery, providing insights into the health of coral ecosystems. The NeMO-Net video game harnesses the power of citizen scientists to generate training datasets and classify coral species.
Researchers used image-analysis methods from engineering to spot minute movements of a stony coral. The study found more activities happening under nighttime conditions and provided insights into coral behavior and physiology.
Over 500 million people rely on coral reefs for protection and resources, but these ecosystems are threatened by global warming. A team of scientists recommends a massive energy transition as the most effective action to limit coral reef decline, with international political support necessary.
A new study reveals that Northern Red Sea corals can tolerate high temperatures but are sensitive to even slight cold spells, which can cause bleaching. Researchers found that corals from the Gulf of Aqaba responded similarly to heat stress and did not bleach at high temperatures after recovering from a cold winter.
A new study reveals coral reefs offer over $1.8 billion in annual flood protection to US coastal communities, preventing 100-year flooding zones from increasing by 23% and impacting 53,800 more people. The US has 200 miles of high-value reefs worth millions per mile.
The study created high-resolution molecular maps of coral reef organisms using 3D imaging techniques, revealing specific microbial and viral functions that are key components of the coral microbiome. The research has direct implications for coral reef restoration and management.