Articles tagged with Coral Reefs
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.
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.
Scientists at the University of York highlight the need for more research into the environmental impact of sunscreen on coral reefs. The study reveals that UV-filter compounds have toxic effects on marine organisms and that current research has significant gaps, particularly in understanding climate-related risks.
Researchers found that algae colonizing dead coral can lead to false impressions of a healthy reef ecosystem. This challenges traditional methods for assessing coral health, which rely on measuring calcium carbonate production, as it may not accurately account for the impact of algal overgrowth.
Researchers at Florida State University found that certain coral species vary in their response to thermal stress, with some surviving and others dying. This diversity helps maintain coral reef resilience, much like a diverse financial portfolio.
The study reveals that despite local coral loss, global extinction risk is lower for most species due to broad geographic ranges and huge population sizes. The researchers estimate that only a few dozen of the 80 considered species are threatened with extinction.
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation's Global Reef Expedition found the Chagos Archipelago to be home to some of the most diverse coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. Despite being relatively undisturbed, human impacts were evident, and mass bleaching caused widespread coral mortality.
A University of Hawaii study found that Oahu's marine protected areas do not adequately protect populations of herbivorous fish species that eat algae on coral reefs. The research suggests that environmental characteristics like habitat complexity and depth have a greater impact on these fish populations than MPA protection.
A recent study reveals that the soundscapes of coral reef ecosystems can recover from hurricanes like Irma in just 24-48 hours. The researchers used underwater microphones to monitor the reef's acoustic picture before and after the storm, finding that the snapping shrimp were back to pre-storm sound levels within 24 hours.
A study analyzing 50 years of coral reef biodiversity research reveals widespread 'parachute science,' where international scientists conduct field studies without local engagement. The practice disproportionately affects lower-income countries, excluding host-nation scientists from authorship and limiting knowledge exchange.
Research reveals that coral reefs in the Maldives get more than 70% of their predator's diet from offshore resources. The findings highlight the importance of understanding food web dynamics to predict impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.
A new study reveals a unique link between the diet and distribution of coral reef fishes, highlighting planktivores as potentially vulnerable to environmental change. The Indo-Australian Archipelago is a global marine biodiversity hotspot, where planktivorous fish species are more diverse than others.
Researchers found significant distribution disparities in coral reef fish species across trophic groups, with a disproportionate number of planktivores in the IAA. Planktivore species richness was highest near Indonesia and the Solomon Islands, but declined sharply outside the region.
Recent studies suggest organic UV filters in sunscreens may harm coral reefs, but evidence is limited and inconclusive. Researchers recommend further field and lab studies to assess environmental risk and develop a coral environment risk assessment framework.
Researchers at Newcastle University and James Cook University have created a comprehensive database of coral spawning information, spanning over 40 years. The Coral Spawning Database (CSD) provides insights into environmental cues influencing spawning timing, such as temperature and daylight patterns.
A study predicts that different species of coral reef fishes will respond variably to climate change, with some exhibiting rapid responses and others being more vulnerable. The research identified seven parameters that may serve as biomarkers for evaluating the impact of elevated temperatures on these fish.
A recent study reveals Florida's delayed response to a coral disease epidemic resulted in massive coral deaths, with key findings highlighting the importance of early intervention and effective management strategies.
Cold-water coral reefs in the Western Mediterranean have been growing almost continuously for 400,000 years, with major climate swings controlling their development. The study reveals that intense monsoon events also had a detrimental impact on these reefs.
A new study found that as ocean temperatures rise, baby sharks are born smaller, exhausted, and undernourished, facing difficult environments for survival. The research suggests the future of these species will be threatened by warming waters.
New research found that baby sharks are born smaller, more exhausted, and undernourished when exposed to warmer ocean temperatures. The study, conducted by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, suggests that this could lead to a decline in their ability to survive in environments already challenging for them.
Rutgers-led research found coral reef fish larvae dispersal varies significantly over time and seasonally. This variability affects population estimates and conservation strategies, highlighting the need for more nuanced studies on dispersal patterns.
A UCF engineering and biology team tested how well staghorn coral skeletons withstand natural forces and human impacts, discovering a unique safety feature: pores that relieve stress and prevent catastrophic failure. The findings will inform efforts to transplant nursery-reared coral into the wild and support future restoration efforts.
Researchers found that most parrotfish predation scars on Caribbean coral heal within weeks, while larger scars have minimal healing. The study suggests that managing parrotfish populations may be crucial to maintaining resilient reefs.
A new study mapped the geographic distribution of live corals across Hawaiian waters, revealing areas of degraded reef and 'refugia' where corals show resilience to human-driven environmental stressors. The detailed maps will inform conservation efforts and help protect coral reefs from critical threat levels by 2050.
Researchers found that introducing native herbivorous crabs to coral reefs in the Florida Keys led to rapid declines in seaweed cover and returned small corals and fishes. The crabs improve habitat conditions for corals and fishes, providing a new tool for reef restoration.
Researchers discovered that some corals can survive prolonged heatwaves and recover their food source, providing a glimmer of hope for coral reef survival. The study's findings suggest that protection from local stressors may help corals recover, offering an innovative strategy for conservationists to support coral survival.
Researchers found that coral reef ecosystems can no longer retain deposits of calcium carbonate due to ocean warming and acidification, leading to accelerated erosion. By the end of the century, coastal protection will be lost, impacting infrastructure and communities.
Researchers discovered a significant decrease in chemical diversity and quantity of gases released by corals during heat stress experiments, indicating potential impacts on coral resilience. The study highlights the importance of understanding the 'smell' of corals as an indicator of reef health.
A recent study sequenced genomes of 150 individual coral colonies to understand the evolution and survival of the Great Barrier Reef. The researchers discovered genes that rapidly evolved to endure changing conditions, including a set of genes that developed over the past 10,000 years.
Researchers Alli Cramer and Stephen Katz identified two key variables: gross primary production and substrate mobility, which sort biomes by their energy flow and ocean floor movement. This new classification system sheds light on the diversity of marine environments and highlights areas where human actions may impact ecosystem function.
The new report projects that all world's coral reefs will experience severe bleaching annually by 2034 under the most aggressive scenarios. Coral reefs in some countries, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, are projected to have temporary refugia, but many will face significant exposure to annual severe bleaching conditions.
Researchers have identified key genes that help corals respond to low oxygen levels, but found variability in sensitivity among species. This discovery may inform novel diagnostics and breeding efforts for improving reef resilience.
Researchers used genetic analysis and satellite data to identify coral populations better equipped to withstand rising temperatures. The study found correlations between prolonged exposure to high heat stress and climate-adaptive traits, supporting hypotheses of connectivity and adaptation.
Researchers found that artificial light pollution affects coral reproduction, causing delayed gametogenesis and unsynchronized gamete release. The study suggests that natural periodic illumination is crucial for cueing spawning synchronicity and the gametogenic process.
A recent study on the Great Barrier Reef reveals that crown-of-thorns starfish can navigate back to their shelters at dawn after feeding on corals at night. The research found that only starfish with a well-stocked larder, meaning they have an ample supply of coral prey, were able to find their way home.
Coralline red algae have formed a calcareous skeleton to support coral reefs for at least 150 million years. However, their role was only proven through the analysis of over 700 fossilised reefs from the Earth's history.
A new study finds that Hawaiian corals' diversity is driven by co-evolution between the coral host, algal symbiont, and microbial community. The team analyzed metagenomic sequencing data to understand adaptation and variation in corals.
Researchers at Arizona State University have generated a global coral reef extent map using advanced AI, predicting the location of shallow reefs with nearly 90% accuracy. The map was created by analyzing thousands of satellite images and is now available through the Allen Coral Atlas.
A titan triggerfish was observed catching a Red Sea ghost crab in shallow water without beaching itself. This unique behavior highlights the fish's ability to learn and adapt its feeding strategy.
Scientists from the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation found Palau's coral reefs to have exceptionally high live coral cover, exceeding 45%, and species diversity. However, reef fish communities were found to be lacking, with many big fish missing and signs of overfishing observed on nearshore reefs.
A study published by FSU researchers found that coral reef mats are composed of diverse microbial communities, including cyanobacteria, algae, fungi, and viruses. The discovery opens up new avenues for understanding the ecological role of these mats and how to protect reef ecosystems.
The Great Barrier Reef has lost half its corals in the past three decades, with small, medium, and large coral populations declining by more than 50 percent. This decline is driven by climate change, which is causing record-breaking temperatures to trigger mass bleaching events.
A survey of 4,285 Australians found that only a few percent mentioned climate-related actions to help protect the reef. Instead, respondents emphasized the importance of reducing plastic consumption and suggested public-sphere actions such as banning sunscreens or stopping commercial fishing.
Scientists have developed a world-first method to detect 'novel' communities of species, which are associated with increased extinction rates. Novel ecological communities are characterized by unique combinations of species that differ from past observations at the same site.
Researchers found that a network of marine reserves replenishes exploited fish stocks while minimizing risk to ocean ecosystems. This approach stabilizes reserve performance, providing a reliable source of larval offspring.
A study by Dr. Hugo Harrison found that connecting marine reserves through a 'portfolio' approach can provide reliable quantities of fish across an ecosystem. This approach supports more fish, which then produce even greater numbers of baby fish, ultimately stabilizing fish populations.
Research reveals coral reef ecosystems collapse under rapid fishing pressures due to positive feedback between fish behavior and ecosystem sensitivity. The study highlights the importance of understanding the social component of individual fish in managing coral reefs for sustainable harvest levels.
A study suggests that deep-sea coral reefs are at risk of collapse due to increasing ocean acidity caused by rising levels of carbon dioxide. The underlying structures of the reefs become brittle and fragile, leading to early breakage and crumbling, ultimately shrinking the ecosystems.
Researchers have developed a new genetic tool to classify corals, challenging over 200 years of traditional classification. The study reveals new insights into coral evolution and identification, providing crucial knowledge for conservation efforts and proposal assessment.
A study published in Coral Reefs finds that materials in seawater affect light availability and wavelength on coral reefs, impacting photosynthesis and ecological zonation. Researchers used an instrument called a profiling reflectance radiometer to collect data profiles across Hawaiian and Bermudian reefs.
Removing marine plastic litter from Aldabra Atoll could cost US $4.68 million and require 18,000 hours of labour. The study highlights the economic burden on small island states to protect their marine ecosystems.
Researchers from Australia and international partners discovered five undescribed coral species, including black corals and sponges, and recorded a rare fish in the Coral Sea. They also collected critical habitat samples to improve understanding of seabed features and marine ecosystems.
Researchers developed a dipstick test that detects crown-of-thorns starfish by measuring specific DNA in seawater, allowing for early detection of coral-eating pests. The test can detect very low numbers of the pest, supporting an early warning and intervention system.
A study by the University of Sydney found that the calcified scaffolds in the Great Barrier Reef become thinner and weaker as pH levels drop, indicating a risk to reef stability. This 'glue' can now be used as an accurate measure for historic ocean acidification.
Researchers from the University of Queensland have found that 'dead' coral rubble supports more animals than live coral, revealing a new understanding of these often-overlooked habitats. The discovery highlights the importance of biodiversity in these areas, which are dominated by tiny invertebrates and microorganisms.
Researchers find significant decline in coral skeleton density due to ocean acidification on the Great Barrier Reef and South China Sea. This effect will likely accelerate as ocean acidity increases over the next several decades.