Environmental Science › Ecology

Coral and Marine Ecosystems Studies

Works Count: 62281

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Description

This cluster of papers focuses on the resilience of coral reef ecosystems to the impacts of climate change, including ocean acidification, bleaching, and disease. It explores the role of marine reserves, symbiotic dinoflagellates, and population connectivity in maintaining the health and biodiversity of coral reefs. The cluster also addresses the importance of the coral microbiome and the potential effects of nutrient pollution on coral reef ecosystems.

Keywords

Coral Reefs; Climate Change; Marine Ecosystems; Ocean Acidification; Bleaching; Marine Reserves; Symbiotic Dinoflagellates; Coral Disease; Marine Population Connectivity; Coral Microbiome

Corals of the World

2000-01-01

Jen Veron , Mary Stafford-Smith

Reduced calcification of marine plankton in response to increased atmospheric CO2

2000-09-01

Ulf Riebesell , Ingrid Zondervan , Björn Rost +3 more

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The role of microorganisms in coral health, disease and evolution

2007-03-26

Eugene Rosenberg , Omry Koren , Leah Reshef +2 more

Global conservation outcomes depend on marine protected areas with five key features

2014-02-04

Graham J. Edgar , Rick D. Stuart‐Smith , Trevor J. Willis +7 more

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Geochemical Consequences of Increased Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide on Coral Reefs

1999-04-02

Joan A. Kleypas , Robert W. Buddemeier , David Archer +3 more

A coral reef represents the net accumulation of calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) produced by corals and other calcifying organisms. If calcification declines, then reef-building capacity also declines. Coral reef … A coral reef represents the net accumulation of calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) produced by corals and other calcifying organisms. If calcification declines, then reef-building capacity also declines. Coral reef calcification depends on the saturation state of the carbonate mineral aragonite of surface waters. By the middle of the next century, an increased concentration of carbon dioxide will decrease the aragonite saturation state in the tropics by 30 percent and biogenic aragonite precipitation by 14 to 30 percent. Coral reefs are particularly threatened, because reef-building organisms secrete metastable forms of CaCO 3 , but the biogeochemical consequences on other calcifying marine ecosystems may be equally severe.

Confronting the coral reef crisis

2004-06-01

David R. Bellwood , Terry P. Hughes , Carl Folke +1 more

Climate change, coral bleaching and the future of the world's coral reefs

1999-01-01

Ove Hoegh‐Guldberg

Sea temperatures in many tropical regions have increased by almost 1°C over the past 100 years, and are currently increasing at ~1–2°C per century. Coral bleaching occurs when the thermal … Sea temperatures in many tropical regions have increased by almost 1°C over the past 100 years, and are currently increasing at ~1–2°C per century. Coral bleaching occurs when the thermal tolerance of corals and their photosynthetic symbionts (zooxanthellae) is exceeded. Mass coral bleaching has occurred in association with episodes of elevated sea temperatures over the past 20 years and involves the loss of the zooxanthellae following chronic photoinhibition. Mass bleaching has resulted in significant losses of live coral in many parts of the world. This paper considers the biochemical, physiological and ecological perspectives of coral bleaching. It also uses the outputs of four runs from three models of global climate change which simulate changes in sea temperature and hence how the frequency and intensity of bleaching events will change over the next 100 years. The results suggest that the thermal tolerances of reef-building corals are likely to be exceeded every year within the next few decades. Events as severe as the 1998 event, the worst on record, are likely to become commonplace within 20 years. Most information suggests that the capacity for acclimation by corals has already been exceeded, and that adaptation will be too slow to avert a decline in the quality of the world’s reefs. The rapidity of the changes that are predicted indicates a major problem for tropical marine ecosystems and suggests that unrestrained warming cannot occur without the loss and degradation of coral reefs on a global scale.

Coral Point Count with Excel extensions (CPCe): A Visual Basic program for the determination of coral and substrate coverage using random point count methodology

2006-03-01

Kevin E. Kohler , Shaun M. Gill

Global imprint of climate change on marine life

2013-08-02

Elvira S. Poloczanska , Christopher J. Brown , William J. Sydeman +7 more

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Long-Term Region-Wide Declines in Caribbean Corals

2003-07-22

Toby Gardner , Isabelle M. Côté , Jennifer A. Gill +2 more

We report a massive region-wide decline of corals across the entire Caribbean basin, with the average hard coral cover on reefs being reduced by 80%, from about 50% to 10% … We report a massive region-wide decline of corals across the entire Caribbean basin, with the average hard coral cover on reefs being reduced by 80%, from about 50% to 10% cover, in three decades. Our meta-analysis shows that patterns of change in coral cover are variable across time periods but largely consistent across subregions, suggesting that local causes have operated with some degree of synchrony on a region-wide scale. Although the rate of coral loss has slowed in the past decade compared to the 1980s, significant declines are persisting. The ability of Caribbean coral reefs to cope with future local and global environmental change may be irretrievably compromised.

The performance and potential of protected areas

2014-11-01

James E. M. Watson , Nigel Dudley , Daniel B. Segan +1 more

Biological effects within no-take marine reserves: a global synthesis

2009-04-06

S Lester , BS Halpern , Kirsten Grorud‐Colvert +5 more

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 384:33-46 (2009) - DOI: … MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 384:33-46 (2009) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps08029 Biological effects within no-take marine reserves: a global synthesis Sarah E. Lester1,*, Benjamin S. Halpern2, Kirsten Grorud-Colvert3, Jane Lubchenco3, Benjamin I. Ruttenberg4, Steven D. Gaines5, Satie Airamé1, Robert R. Warner5 1Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106-6150, USA 2National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, 735 State Street, Suite 300, Santa Barbara, California 93101, USA 3Department of Zoology, 3029 Cordley Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-2914, USA 4National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, Florida 33149, USA 5Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology and Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9610, USA *Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT: The study and implementation of no-take marine reserves have increased rapidly over the past decade, providing ample data on the biological effects of reserve protection for a wide range of geographic locations and organisms. The plethora of new studies affords the opportunity to re-evaluate previous findings and address formerly unanswered questions with extensive data syntheses. Our results show, on average, positive effects of reserve protection on the biomass, numerical density, species richness, and size of organisms within their boundaries which are remarkably similar to those of past syntheses despite a near doubling of data. New analyses indicate that (1) these results do not appear to be an artifact of reserves being sited in better locations; (2) results do not appear to be driven by displaced fishing effort outside of reserves; (3) contrary to often-made assertions, reserves have similar if not greater positive effects in temperate settings, at least for reef ecosystems; (4) even small reserves can produce significant biological responses irrespective of latitude, although more data are needed to test whether reserve effects scale with reserve size; and (5) effects of reserves vary for different taxonomic groups and for taxa with various characteristics, and not all species increase in response to reserve protection. There is considerable variation in the responses documented across all the reserves in our data set—variability which cannot be entirely explained by which species were studied. We suggest that reserve characteristics and context, particularly the intensity of fishing outside the reserve and inside the reserve before implementation, play key roles in determining the direction and magnitude of the reserve response. However, despite considerable variability, positive responses are far more common than no differences or negative responses, validating the potential for well designed and enforced reserves to serve as globally important conservation and management tools. KEY WORDS: Marine reserves · Temperate · Tropical · Fishes · Invertebrates · Algae · Marine Protected Area · Conservation Full text in pdf format Supplementary material PreviousNextCite this article as: Lester SE, Halpern BS, Grorud-Colvert K, Lubchenco J and others (2009) Biological effects within no-take marine reserves: a global synthesis. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 384:33-46. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps08029Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 384. Online publication date: May 29, 2009 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2009 Inter-Research.

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Depletion, Degradation, and Recovery Potential of Estuaries and Coastal Seas

2006-06-22

Heike K. Lotze , Hunter S. Lenihan , Bruce J. Bourque +7 more

Estuarine and coastal transformation is as old as civilization yet has dramatically accelerated over the past 150 to 300 years. Reconstructed time lines, causes, and consequences of change in 12 … Estuarine and coastal transformation is as old as civilization yet has dramatically accelerated over the past 150 to 300 years. Reconstructed time lines, causes, and consequences of change in 12 once diverse and productive estuaries and coastal seas worldwide show similar patterns: Human impacts have depleted >90% of formerly important species, destroyed >65% of seagrass and wetland habitat, degraded water quality, and accelerated species invasions. Twentieth-century conservation efforts achieved partial recovery of upper trophic levels but have so far failed to restore former ecosystem structure and function. Our results provide detailed historical baselines and quantitative targets for ecosystem-based management and marine conservation.

Regional Decline of Coral Cover in the Indo-Pacific: Timing, Extent, and Subregional Comparisons

2007-08-07

John F. Bruno , Elizabeth R. Selig

A number of factors have recently caused mass coral mortality events in all of the world's tropical oceans. However, little is known about the timing, rate or spatial variability of … A number of factors have recently caused mass coral mortality events in all of the world's tropical oceans. However, little is known about the timing, rate or spatial variability of the loss of reef-building corals, especially in the Indo-Pacific, which contains 75% of the world's coral reefs.We compiled and analyzed a coral cover database of 6001 quantitative surveys of 2667 Indo-Pacific coral reefs performed between 1968 and 2004. Surveys conducted during 2003 indicated that coral cover averaged only 22.1% (95% CI: 20.7, 23.4) and just 7 of 390 reefs surveyed that year had coral cover >60%. Estimated yearly coral cover loss based on annually pooled survey data was approximately 1% over the last twenty years and 2% between 1997 and 2003 (or 3,168 km(2) per year). The annual loss based on repeated measures regression analysis of a subset of reefs that were monitored for multiple years from 1997 to 2004 was 0.72 % (n = 476 reefs, 95% CI: 0.36, 1.08).The rate and extent of coral loss in the Indo-Pacific are greater than expected. Coral cover was also surprisingly uniform among subregions and declined decades earlier than previously assumed, even on some of the Pacific's most intensely managed reefs. These results have significant implications for policy makers and resource managers as they search for successful models to reverse coral loss.

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The 27–year decline of coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef and its causes

2012-10-01

Glenn De’ath , Katharina Fabricius , Hugh Sweatman +1 more

The world’s coral reefs are being degraded, and the need to reduce local pressures to offset the effects of increasing global pressures is now widely recognized. This study investigates the … The world’s coral reefs are being degraded, and the need to reduce local pressures to offset the effects of increasing global pressures is now widely recognized. This study investigates the spatial and temporal dynamics of coral cover, identifies the main drivers of coral mortality, and quantifies the rates of potential recovery of the Great Barrier Reef. Based on the world’s most extensive time series data on reef condition (2,258 surveys of 214 reefs over 1985–2012), we show a major decline in coral cover from 28.0% to 13.8% (0.53% y −1 ), a loss of 50.7% of initial coral cover. Tropical cyclones, coral predation by crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS), and coral bleaching accounted for 48%, 42%, and 10% of the respective estimated losses, amounting to 3.38% y −1 mortality rate. Importantly, the relatively pristine northern region showed no overall decline. The estimated rate of increase in coral cover in the absence of cyclones, COTS, and bleaching was 2.85% y −1 , demonstrating substantial capacity for recovery of reefs. In the absence of COTS, coral cover would increase at 0.89% y −1 , despite ongoing losses due to cyclones and bleaching. Thus, reducing COTS populations, by improving water quality and developing alternative control measures, could prevent further coral decline and improve the outlook for the Great Barrier Reef. Such strategies can, however, only be successful if climatic conditions are stabilized, as losses due to bleaching and cyclones will otherwise increase.

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Responses of coral reefs and reef organisms to sedimentation

1990-01-01

CS Rogers

Unprecedented development along tropical shorelines is causing severe degradation of coral reefs primarily from increases in sedimentation.Sediment particles smother reef organisms and reduce light available for photosynthesis.Excessive sedmentation can adversely … Unprecedented development along tropical shorelines is causing severe degradation of coral reefs primarily from increases in sedimentation.Sediment particles smother reef organisms and reduce light available for photosynthesis.Excessive sedmentation can adversely affect the structure and function of the coral reef ecosystem by altering both physical and biological processes.Mean sediment rates and suspended sediment concentrations for reefs not subject to stresses from human activities are < 1 to ca 10 mg cm-* d-' and < 10 mg I-', respectively.Chronic rates and concentrations above these values are 'hlgh'.Heavy sedmentation is associated with fewer coral species, less live coral, lower coral growth rates, greater abundance of branching forms, reduced coral recruitment, decreased calcification, decreased net productivity of corals, and slower rates of reef accretion.Coral species have different capabilities of clearing themselves of sediment particles or surviving lower light levels.Sedlment rejection is a function of morphology, orientation, growth habit, and behavior; and of the amount and type of s e l m e n t .Coral growth rates are not simple indicators of sediment levels.Decline of tropical fisheries is partially attributable to deterioration of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves from sedimentation.Sedimentation can alter the complex interactions between fish and their reef habitat.For example, sedimentation can lull major reef-building corals, leading to eventual collapse of the reef framework.A decline in the amount of shelter the reef provides leads to reductions in both number of individuals and number of species of fish.Currently, we are unable to rigorously predict the responses of coral reefs and reef organisms to excessive sedimentation from coastal development and other sources.Given information on the amount of sediment which will be introduced into the reef environment, the coral community composition, the depth of the reef, the percent coral cover, and the current patterns, we should be able to predict the consequences of a particular activity.Models of physical processes (e.g.sediment transport) must be complemented with better understanding of organism and ecosystem responses to sediment stress.Specifically, we need data on the threshold levels for reef orgarusms and for the reef ecosystem as a whole -the levels above which sedimentation has lethal effects for particular species and above which normal functioning of the reef ceases.Additional field studies on the responses of reef organisms to both temgenous and calcium carbonate sediments are necessary.To effectively assess trends on coral reefs, e.g.changes in abundance and spatial arrangement of dominant benthic organisms, scientists must start using standardized monitoring methods.Long-term data sets are critical for tracking these complex ecosystems.

Scaling of Connectivity in Marine Populations

2005-12-16

Robert K. Cowen , Claire B. Paris , Ashwanth Srinivasan

Defining the scale of connectivity, or exchange, among marine populations and determining the factors driving this exchange are pivotal to our understanding of the population dynamics, genetic structure, and biogeography … Defining the scale of connectivity, or exchange, among marine populations and determining the factors driving this exchange are pivotal to our understanding of the population dynamics, genetic structure, and biogeography of many coastal species. Using a high-resolution biophysical model for the Caribbean region, we report that typical larval dispersal distances of ecologically relevant magnitudes are on the scale of only 10 to 100 kilometers for a variety of reef fish species. We also show the importance of the early onset of active larval movement mediating the dispersal potential. In addition to self-recruitment, larval import from outside the local area is required to sustain most populations, although these population subsidies are very limited in particular systems. The results reveal distinct regions of population isolation based on larval dispersal that also correspond to genetic and morphological clines observed across a range of marine organisms.

Climate change and coral reef bleaching: An ecological assessment of long-term impacts, recovery trends and future outlook

2008-09-18

Andrew C. Baker , Peter W. Glynn , Bernhard Riegl

Marine Ecoregions of the World: A Bioregionalization of Coastal and Shelf Areas

2007-07-01

Mark Spalding , Helen Fox , Gerald R. Allen +7 more

ABSTRACT The conservation and sustainable use of marine resources is a highlighted goal on a growing number of national and international policy agendas. Unfortunately, efforts to assess progress, as well … ABSTRACT The conservation and sustainable use of marine resources is a highlighted goal on a growing number of national and international policy agendas. Unfortunately, efforts to assess progress, as well as to strategically plan and prioritize new marine conservation measures, have been hampered by the lack of a detailed, comprehensive biogeographic system to classify the oceans. Here we report on a new global system for coastal and shelf areas: the Marine Ecoregions of the World, or MEOW, a nested system of 12 realms, 62 provinces, and 232 ecoregions. This system provides considerably better spatial resolution than earlier global systems, yet it preserves many common elements and can be cross-referenced to many regional biogeographic classifications. The designation of terrestrial ecoregions has revolutionized priority setting and planning for terrestrial conservation; we anticipate similar benefits from the use of a coherent and credible marine system.

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CLASSIFICATION AND REGRESSION TREES: A POWERFUL YET SIMPLE TECHNIQUE FOR ECOLOGICAL DATA ANALYSIS

2000-11-01

Glenn De’ath , Katharina Fabricius

Classification and regression trees are ideally suited for the analysis of complex ecological data. For such data, we require flexible and robust analytical methods, which can deal with nonlinear relationships, … Classification and regression trees are ideally suited for the analysis of complex ecological data. For such data, we require flexible and robust analytical methods, which can deal with nonlinear relationships, high-order interactions, and missing values. Despite such difficulties, the methods should be simple to understand and give easily interpretable results. Trees explain variation of a single response variable by repeatedly splitting the data into more homogeneous groups, using combinations of explanatory variables that may be categorical and/or numeric. Each group is characterized by a typical value of the response variable, the number of observations in the group, and the values of the explanatory variables that define it. The tree is represented graphically, and this aids exploration and understanding. Trees can be used for interactive exploration and for description and prediction of patterns and processes. Advantages of trees include: (1) the flexibility to handle a broad range of response types, including numeric, categorical, ratings, and survival data; (2) invariance to monotonic transformations of the explanatory variables; (3) ease and robustness of construction; (4) ease of interpretation; and (5) the ability to handle missing values in both response and explanatory variables. Thus, trees complement or represent an alternative to many traditional statistical techniques, including multiple regression, analysis of variance, logistic regression, log-linear models, linear discriminant analysis, and survival models. We use classification and regression trees to analyze survey data from the Australian central Great Barrier Reef, comprising abundances of soft coral taxa (Cnidaria: Octocorallia) and physical and spatial environmental information. Regression tree analyses showed that dense aggregations, typically formed by three taxa, were restricted to distinct habitat types, each of which was defined by combinations of 3–4 environmental variables. The habitat definitions were consistent with known experimental findings on the nutrition of these taxa. When used separately, physical and spatial variables were similarly strong predictors of abundances and lost little in comparison with their joint use. The spatial variables are thus effective surrogates for the physical variables in this extensive reef complex, where information on the physical environment is often not available. Finally, we compare the use of regression trees and linear models for the analysis of these data and show how linear models fail to find patterns uncovered by the trees.

Global Trajectories of the Long-Term Decline of Coral Reef Ecosystems

2003-08-14

John M. Pandolfi , Roger Bradbury , Enric Sala +7 more

Degradation of coral reef ecosystems began centuries ago, but there is no global summary of the magnitude of change. We compiled records, extending back thousands of years, of the status … Degradation of coral reef ecosystems began centuries ago, but there is no global summary of the magnitude of change. We compiled records, extending back thousands of years, of the status and trends of seven major guilds of carnivores, herbivores, and architectural species from 14 regions. Large animals declined before small animals and architectural species, and Atlantic reefs declined before reefs in the Red Sea and Australia, but the trajectories of decline were markedly similar worldwide. All reefs were substantially degraded long before outbreaks of coral disease and bleaching. Regardless of these new threats, reefs will not survive without immediate protection from human exploitation over large spatial scales.

Catastrophes, Phase Shifts, and Large-Scale Degradation of a Caribbean Coral Reef

1994-09-09

Terry P. Hughes

Many coral reefs have been degraded over the past two to three decades through a combination of human and natural disturbances. In Jamaica, the effects of overfishing, hurricane damage, and … Many coral reefs have been degraded over the past two to three decades through a combination of human and natural disturbances. In Jamaica, the effects of overfishing, hurricane damage, and disease have combined to destroy most corals, whose abundance has declined from more than 50 percent in the late 1970s to less than 5 percent today. A dramatic phase shift has occurred, producing a system dominated by fleshy macroalgae (more than 90 percent cover). Immediate implementation of management procedures is necessary to avoid further catastrophic damage.

THE IMPACT OF MARINE RESERVES: DO RESERVES WORK AND DOES RESERVE SIZE MATTER?

2003-02-01

Benjamin S. Halpern

Marine reserves are quickly gaining popularity as a management option for marine conservation, fisheries, and other human uses of the oceans. Despite the popularity of marine reserves as a management … Marine reserves are quickly gaining popularity as a management option for marine conservation, fisheries, and other human uses of the oceans. Despite the popularity of marine reserves as a management tool, few reserves appear to have been created or designed with an understanding of how reserves affect biological factors or how reserves can be designed to meet biological goals more effectively (e.g., attaining sustainable fish populations). This shortcoming occurs in part because the many studies that have examined the impacts of reserves on marine organisms remain isolated examples or anecdotes; the results of these many studies have not yet been synthesized. Here, I review the empirical work and discuss the theoretical literature to assess the impacts of marine reserves on several biological measures (density, biomass, size of organisms, and diversity), paying particular attention to the role reserve size has in determining those impacts. The results of 89 separate studies show that, on average, with the exception of invertebrate biomass and size, values for all four biological measures are significantly higher inside reserves compared to outside (or after reserve establishment vs. before) when evaluated for both the overall communities and by each functional group within these communities (carnivorous fishes, herbivorous fishes, planktivorous fishes/invertebrate eaters, and invertebrates). Surprisingly, results also show that the relative impacts of reserves, such as the proportional differences in density or biomass, are independent of reserve size, suggesting that the effects of marine reserves increase directly rather than proportionally with the size of a reserve. However, equal relative differences in biological measures between small and large reserves nearly always translate into greater absolute differences for larger reserves, and so larger reserves may be necessary to meet the goals set for marine reserves. The quality of the data in the reviewed studies varied greatly. To improve data quality in the future, whenever possible, studies should take measurements before and after the creation of a reserve, replicate sampling, and include a suite of representative species. Despite the variable quality of the data, the results from this review suggest that nearly any marine habitat can benefit from the implementation of a reserve. Success of a marine reserve, however, will always be judged against the expectations for that reserve, and so we must keep in mind the goals of a reserve in its design, management, and evaluation.

Coral Reefs Under Rapid Climate Change and Ocean Acidification

2007-12-13

Ove Hoegh‐Guldberg , Peter J. Mumby , Anthony J. Hooten +7 more

Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration is expected to exceed 500 parts per million and global temperatures to rise by at least 2°C by 2050 to 2100, values that significantly exceed those … Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration is expected to exceed 500 parts per million and global temperatures to rise by at least 2°C by 2050 to 2100, values that significantly exceed those of at least the past 420,000 years during which most extant marine organisms evolved. Under conditions expected in the 21st century, global warming and ocean acidification will compromise carbonate accretion, with corals becoming increasingly rare on reef systems. The result will be less diverse reef communities and carbonate reef structures that fail to be maintained. Climate change also exacerbates local stresses from declining water quality and overexploitation of key species, driving reefs increasingly toward the tipping point for functional collapse. This review presents future scenarios for coral reefs that predict increasingly serious consequences for reef-associated fisheries, tourism, coastal protection, and people. As the International Year of the Reef 2008 begins, scaled-up management intervention and decisive action on global emissions are required if the loss of coral-dominated ecosystems is to be avoided.

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A Global Map of Human Impact on Marine Ecosystems

2008-02-14

Benjamin S. Halpern , Shaun Walbridge , Kimberly A. Selkoe +7 more

The management and conservation of the world's oceans require synthesis of spatial data on the distribution and intensity of human activities and the overlap of their impacts on marine ecosystems. … The management and conservation of the world's oceans require synthesis of spatial data on the distribution and intensity of human activities and the overlap of their impacts on marine ecosystems. We developed an ecosystem-specific, multiscale spatial model to synthesize 17 global data sets of anthropogenic drivers of ecological change for 20 marine ecosystems. Our analysis indicates that no area is unaffected by human influence and that a large fraction (41%) is strongly affected by multiple drivers. However, large areas of relatively little human impact remain, particularly near the poles. The analytical process and resulting maps provide flexible tools for regional and global efforts to allocate conservation resources; to implement ecosystem-based management; and to inform marine spatial planning, education, and basic research.

Leadership, social capital and incentives promote successful fisheries

2011-01-05

Nicolás L. Gutiérrez , Ray Hilborn , Omar Defeo

Marine defaunation: Animal loss in the global ocean

2015-01-15

Douglas J. McCauley , Malin L. Pinsky , Stephen R. Palumbi +3 more

Marine defaunation, or human-caused animal loss in the oceans, emerged forcefully only hundreds of years ago, whereas terrestrial defaunation has been occurring far longer. Though humans have caused few global … Marine defaunation, or human-caused animal loss in the oceans, emerged forcefully only hundreds of years ago, whereas terrestrial defaunation has been occurring far longer. Though humans have caused few global marine extinctions, we have profoundly affected marine wildlife, altering the functioning and provisioning of services in every ocean. Current ocean trends, coupled with terrestrial defaunation lessons, suggest that marine defaunation rates will rapidly intensify as human use of the oceans industrializes. Though protected areas are a powerful tool to harness ocean productivity, especially when designed with future climate in mind, additional management strategies will be required. Overall, habitat degradation is likely to intensify as a major driver of marine wildlife loss. Proactive intervention can avert a marine defaunation disaster of the magnitude observed on land.

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Climate Change, Human Impacts, and the Resilience of Coral Reefs

2003-08-14

Terry P. Hughes , Andrew H. Baird , David R. Bellwood +7 more

The diversity, frequency, and scale of human impacts on coral reefs are increasing to the extent that reefs are threatened globally. Projected increases in carbon dioxide and temperature over the … The diversity, frequency, and scale of human impacts on coral reefs are increasing to the extent that reefs are threatened globally. Projected increases in carbon dioxide and temperature over the next 50 years exceed the conditions under which coral reefs have flourished over the past half-million years. However, reefs will change rather than disappear entirely, with some species already showing far greater tolerance to climate change and coral bleaching than others. International integration of management strategies that support reef resilience need to be vigorously implemented, and complemented by strong policy decisions to reduce the rate of global warming.

The role of zooxanthellae in the thermal tolerance of corals: a ‘nugget of hope’ for coral reefs in an era of climate change

2006-06-08

Ray Berkelmans , Madeleine J. H. van Oppen

The ability of coral reefs to survive the projected increases in temperature due to global warming will depend largely on the ability of corals to adapt or acclimatize to increased … The ability of coral reefs to survive the projected increases in temperature due to global warming will depend largely on the ability of corals to adapt or acclimatize to increased temperature extremes over the next few decades. Many coral species are highly sensitive to temperature stress and the number of stress (bleaching) episodes has increased in recent decades. We investigated the acclimatization potential of Acropora millepora , a common and widespread Indo-Pacific hard coral species, through transplantation and experimental manipulation. We show that adult corals, at least in some circumstances, are capable of acquiring increased thermal tolerance and that the increased tolerance is a direct result of a change in the symbiont type dominating their tissues from Symbiodinium type C to D. Our data suggest that the change in symbiont type in our experiment was due to a shuffling of existing types already present in coral tissues, not through exogenous uptake from the environment. The level of increased tolerance gained by the corals changing their dominant symbiont type to D (the most thermally resistant type known) is around 1–1.5 °C. This is the first study to show that thermal acclimatization is causally related to symbiont type and provides new insight into the ecological advantage of corals harbouring mixed algal populations. While this increase is of huge ecological significance for many coral species, in the absence of other mechanisms of thermal acclimatization/adaptation, it may not be sufficient to survive climate change under predicted sea surface temperature scenarios over the next 100 years. However, it may be enough to ‘buy time’ while greenhouse reduction measures are put in place.

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Interactive and cumulative effects of multiple human stressors in marine systems

2008-11-03

Caitlin M. Crain , Kristy J. Kroeker , Benjamin S. Halpern

Humans impact natural systems in a multitude of ways, yet the cumulative effect of multiple stressors on ecological communities remains largely unknown. Here we synthesized 171 studies that manipulated two … Humans impact natural systems in a multitude of ways, yet the cumulative effect of multiple stressors on ecological communities remains largely unknown. Here we synthesized 171 studies that manipulated two or more stressors in marine and coastal systems and found that cumulative effects in individual studies were additive (26%), synergistic (36%), and antagonistic (38%). The overall interaction effect across all studies was synergistic, but interaction type varied by response level (community: antagonistic, population: synergistic), trophic level (autotrophs: antagonistic, heterotrophs: synergistic), and specific stressor pair (seven pairs additive, three pairs each synergistic and antagonistic). Addition of a third stressor changed interaction effects significantly in two-thirds of all cases and doubled the number of synergistic interactions. Given that most studies were performed in laboratories where stressor effects can be carefully isolated, these three-stressor results suggest that synergies may be quite common in nature where more than two stressors almost always coexist. While significant gaps exist in multiple stressor research, our results suggest an immediate need to account for stressor interactions in ecological studies and conservation planning.

Ocean acidification causes bleaching and productivity loss in coral reef builders

2008-11-07

Kenneth R. N. Anthony , David I. Kline , Guillermo Díaz-Pulido +2 more

Ocean acidification represents a key threat to coral reefs by reducing the calcification rate of framework builders. In addition, acidification is likely to affect the relationship between corals and their … Ocean acidification represents a key threat to coral reefs by reducing the calcification rate of framework builders. In addition, acidification is likely to affect the relationship between corals and their symbiotic dinoflagellates and the productivity of this association. However, little is known about how acidification impacts on the physiology of reef builders and how acidification interacts with warming. Here, we report on an 8-week study that compared bleaching, productivity, and calcification responses of crustose coralline algae (CCA) and branching (Acropora) and massive (Porites) coral species in response to acidification and warming. Using a 30-tank experimental system, we manipulated CO(2) levels to simulate doubling and three- to fourfold increases [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projection categories IV and VI] relative to present-day levels under cool and warm scenarios. Results indicated that high CO(2) is a bleaching agent for corals and CCA under high irradiance, acting synergistically with warming to lower thermal bleaching thresholds. We propose that CO(2) induces bleaching via its impact on photoprotective mechanisms of the photosystems. Overall, acidification impacted more strongly on bleaching and productivity than on calcification. Interestingly, the intermediate, warm CO(2) scenario led to a 30% increase in productivity in Acropora, whereas high CO(2) lead to zero productivity in both corals. CCA were most sensitive to acidification, with high CO(2) leading to negative productivity and high rates of net dissolution. Our findings suggest that sensitive reef-building species such as CCA may be pushed beyond their thresholds for growth and survival within the next few decades whereas corals will show delayed and mixed responses.

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Historical Overfishing and the Recent Collapse of Coastal Ecosystems

2001-07-27

Jeremy B. C. Jackson , Michael X. Kirby , Wolfgang Berger +7 more

Ecological extinction caused by overfishing precedes all other pervasive human disturbance to coastal ecosystems, including pollution, degradation of water quality, and anthropogenic climate change. Historical abundances of large consumer species … Ecological extinction caused by overfishing precedes all other pervasive human disturbance to coastal ecosystems, including pollution, degradation of water quality, and anthropogenic climate change. Historical abundances of large consumer species were fantastically large in comparison with recent observations. Paleoecological, archaeological, and historical data show that time lags of decades to centuries occurred between the onset of overfishing and consequent changes in ecological communities, because unfished species of similar trophic level assumed the ecological roles of overfished species until they too were overfished or died of epidemic diseases related to overcrowding. Retrospective data not only help to clarify underlying causes and rates of ecological change, but they also demonstrate achievable goals for restoration and management of coastal ecosystems that could not even be contemplated based on the limited perspective of recent observations alone.

Marine Biodiversity Hotspots and Conservation Priorities for Tropical Reefs

2002-02-15

Callum M. Roberts , Colin J. McClean , J. E. N. Veron +7 more

Coral reefs are the most biologically diverse of shallow water marine ecosystems but are being degraded worldwide by human activities and climate warming. Analyses of the geographic ranges of 3235 … Coral reefs are the most biologically diverse of shallow water marine ecosystems but are being degraded worldwide by human activities and climate warming. Analyses of the geographic ranges of 3235 species of reef fish, corals, snails, and lobsters revealed that between 7.2% and 53.6% of each taxon have highly restricted ranges, rendering them vulnerable to extinction. Restricted-range species are clustered into centers of endemism, like those described for terrestrial taxa. The 10 richest centers of endemism cover 15.8% of the world's coral reefs (0.012% of the oceans) but include between 44.8 and 54.2% of the restricted-range species. Many occur in regions where reefs are being severely affected by people, potentially leading to numerous extinctions. Threatened centers of endemism are major biodiversity hotspots, and conservation efforts targeted toward them could help avert the loss of tropical reef biodiversity.

Emerging Marine Diseases--Climate Links and Anthropogenic Factors

1999-09-03

C. Drew Harvell , Kiho Kim , JoAnn M. Burkholder +7 more

Mass mortalities due to disease outbreaks have recently affected major taxa in the oceans. For closely monitored groups like corals and marine mammals, reports of the frequency of epidemics and … Mass mortalities due to disease outbreaks have recently affected major taxa in the oceans. For closely monitored groups like corals and marine mammals, reports of the frequency of epidemics and the number of new diseases have increased recently. A dramatic global increase in the severity of coral bleaching in 1997–98 is coincident with high El Niño temperatures. Such climate-mediated, physiological stresses may compromise host resistance and increase frequency of opportunistic diseases. Where documented, new diseases typically have emerged through host or range shifts of known pathogens. Both climate and human activities may have also accelerated global transport of species, bringing together pathogens and previously unexposed host populations.

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One-Third of Reef-Building Corals Face Elevated Extinction Risk from Climate Change and Local Impacts

2008-07-11

Kent E. Carpenter , Muhammad Abrar , Greta S. Aeby +7 more

The conservation status of 845 zooxanthellate reef-building coral species was assessed by using International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List Criteria. Of the 704 species that could be assigned … The conservation status of 845 zooxanthellate reef-building coral species was assessed by using International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List Criteria. Of the 704 species that could be assigned conservation status, 32.8% are in categories with elevated risk of extinction. Declines in abundance are associated with bleaching and diseases driven by elevated sea surface temperatures, with extinction risk further exacerbated by local-scale anthropogenic disturbances. The proportion of corals threatened with extinction has increased dramatically in recent decades and exceeds that of most terrestrial groups. The Caribbean has the largest proportion of corals in high extinction risk categories, whereas the Coral Triangle (western Pacific) has the highest proportion of species in all categories of elevated extinction risk. Our results emphasize the widespread plight of coral reefs and the urgent need to enact conservation measures.

Coral bleaching: the winners and the losers

2001-03-01

Yossi Loya , Kazuhiko Sakai , K. Yamazato +3 more

Sea surface temperatures were warmer throughout 1998 at Sesoko Island, Japan, than in the 10 preceding years. Temperatures peaked at 2.8 °C above average, resulting in extensive coral bleaching and … Sea surface temperatures were warmer throughout 1998 at Sesoko Island, Japan, than in the 10 preceding years. Temperatures peaked at 2.8 °C above average, resulting in extensive coral bleaching and subsequent coral mortality. Using random quadrat surveys, we quantitatively documented the coral community structure one year before and one year after the bleaching event. The 1998 bleaching event reduced coral species richness by 61% and reduced coral cover by 85%. Colony morphology affected bleaching vulnerability and subsequent coral mortality. Finely branched corals were most susceptible, while massive and encrusting colonies survived. Most heavily impacted were the branched Acropora and pocilloporid corals, some of which showed local extinction. We suggest two hypotheses whose synergistic effect may partially explain observed mortality patterns (i.e. preferential survival of thick‐tissued species, and shape‐dependent differences in colony mass‐transfer efficiency). A community‐structural shift occurred on Okinawan reefs, resulting in an increase in the relative abundance of massive and encrusting coral species.

Impacts of Biodiversity Loss on Ocean Ecosystem Services

2006-11-03

Boris Worm , Edward B. Barbier , Nicola Beaumont +7 more

Human-dominated marine ecosystems are experiencing accelerating loss of populations and species, with largely unknown consequences. We analyzed local experiments, long-term regional time series, and global fisheries data to test how … Human-dominated marine ecosystems are experiencing accelerating loss of populations and species, with largely unknown consequences. We analyzed local experiments, long-term regional time series, and global fisheries data to test how biodiversity loss affects marine ecosystem services across temporal and spatial scales. Overall, rates of resource collapse increased and recovery potential, stability, and water quality decreased exponentially with declining diversity. Restoration of biodiversity, in contrast, increased productivity fourfold and decreased variability by 21%, on average. We conclude that marine biodiversity loss is increasingly impairing the ocean's capacity to provide food, maintain water quality, and recover from perturbations. Yet available data suggest that at this point, these trends are still reversible.

Ecological goods and services of coral reef ecosystems

1999-05-01

Fredrik Moberg , Carl Folke

Effects of terrestrial runoff on the ecology of corals and coral reefs: review and synthesis

2004-12-13

Katharina Fabricius

Projecting global marine biodiversity impacts under climate change scenarios

2009-02-13

William W. L. Cheung , Vicky W. Y. Lam , Jorge L. Sarmiento +3 more

Abstract Climate change can impact the pattern of marine biodiversity through changes in species’ distributions. However, global studies on climate change impacts on ocean biodiversity have not been performed so … Abstract Climate change can impact the pattern of marine biodiversity through changes in species’ distributions. However, global studies on climate change impacts on ocean biodiversity have not been performed so far. Our paper aims to investigate the global patterns of such impacts by projecting the distributional ranges of a sample of 1066 exploited marine fish and invertebrates for 2050 using a newly developed dynamic bioclimate envelope model. Our projections show that climate change may lead to numerous local extinction in the sub‐polar regions, the tropics and semi‐enclosed seas. Simultaneously, species invasion is projected to be most intense in the Arctic and the Southern Ocean. Together, they result in dramatic species turnovers of over 60% of the present biodiversity, implying ecological disturbances that potentially disrupt ecosystem services. Our projections can be viewed as a set of hypothesis for future analytical and empirical studies.

Phase Shifts, Herbivory, and the Resilience of Coral Reefs to Climate Change

2007-02-01

Terry P. Hughes , Maria Júlia da Silva Rodrigues , David R. Bellwood +7 more

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Coral bleaching: causes and consequences

1997-12-01

Bradford E. Brown

Global warming and recurrent mass bleaching of corals

2017-03-01

Terry P. Hughes , James T. Kerry , Mariana Álvarez‐Noriega +7 more

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Coral reefs in the Anthropocene

2017-05-30

Terry P. Hughes , Michele L. Barnes , David R. Bellwood +7 more

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Spatial and temporal patterns of mass bleaching of corals in the Anthropocene

2018-01-05

Terry P. Hughes , Kristen D. Anderson , Sean R. Connolly +7 more

Not enough time for recovery Coral bleaching occurs when stressful conditions result in the expulsion of the algal partner from the coral. Before anthropogenic climate warming, such events were relatively … Not enough time for recovery Coral bleaching occurs when stressful conditions result in the expulsion of the algal partner from the coral. Before anthropogenic climate warming, such events were relatively rare, allowing for recovery of the reef between events. Hughes et al. looked at 100 reefs globally and found that the average interval between bleaching events is now less than half what it was before. Such narrow recovery windows do not allow for full recovery. Furthermore, warming events such as El Niño are warmer than previously, as are general ocean conditions. Such changes are likely to make it more and more difficult for reefs to recover between stressful events. Science , this issue p. 80

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Global warming transforms coral reef assemblages

2018-04-01

Terry P. Hughes , James T. Kerry , Andrew H. Baird +7 more

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Marine heatwaves under global warming

2018-08-01

Thomas L. Frölicher , Erich Fischer , Nicolas Gruber

Systematic Revision of Symbiodiniaceae Highlights the Antiquity and Diversity of Coral Endosymbionts

2018-08-01

Todd C. LaJeunesse , John Everett Parkinson , Paul W. Gabrielson +4 more

The advent of molecular data has transformed the science of organizing and studying life on Earth. Genetics-based evidence provides fundamental insights into the diversity, ecology, and origins of many biological … The advent of molecular data has transformed the science of organizing and studying life on Earth. Genetics-based evidence provides fundamental insights into the diversity, ecology, and origins of many biological systems, including the mutualisms between metazoan hosts and their micro-algal partners. A well-known example is the dinoflagellate endosymbionts ("zooxanthellae") that power the growth of stony corals and coral reef ecosystems. Once assumed to encompass a single panmictic species, genetic evidence has revealed a divergent and rich diversity within the zooxanthella genus Symbiodinium. Despite decades of reporting on the significance of this diversity, the formal systematics of these eukaryotic microbes have not kept pace, and a major revision is long overdue. With the consideration of molecular, morphological, physiological, and ecological data, we propose that evolutionarily divergent Symbiodinium "clades" are equivalent to genera in the family Symbiodiniaceae, and we provide formal descriptions for seven of them. Additionally, we recalibrate the molecular clock for the group and amend the date for the earliest diversification of this family to the middle of the Mesozoic Era (∼160 mya). This timing corresponds with the adaptive radiation of analogs to modern shallow-water stony corals during the Jurassic Period and connects the rise of these symbiotic dinoflagellates with the emergence and evolutionary success of reef-building corals. This improved framework acknowledges the Symbiodiniaceae's long evolutionary history while filling a pronounced taxonomic gap. Its adoption will facilitate scientific dialog and future research on the physiology, ecology, and evolution of these important micro-algae.

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Marine heatwaves threaten global biodiversity and the provision of ecosystem services

2019-03-04

Dan A. Smale , Thomas Wernberg , Eric C. J. Oliver +7 more

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Status of coral reefs of the world

2000-01-01

Clive Wilkinson

Molecular and morphological analysis confirms two additional species of python (Antaresia) on Cape York Peninsula, Queensland

2025-06-25

Daniel J. D. Natusch , C. Lynne McIntyre , Bernd Müller +1 more | Australian Journal of Zoology

Antaresia is a genus of small (<1.4 m) python species inhabiting mainland Australia, with one species (A. papuensis) recently described from New Guinea and several islands in the Torres Strait. … Antaresia is a genus of small (<1.4 m) python species inhabiting mainland Australia, with one species (A. papuensis) recently described from New Guinea and several islands in the Torres Strait. Currently, only Antaresia maculosa peninsularis is formally known to occur in Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland on the Australian mainland. We used molecular and morphological data to examine whether populations of Antaresia in northern Cape York comprised several distinct taxa (namely: A. childreni, A. maculosa peninsularis, and A. papuensis). A phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b locus recovered samples of Antaresia from far northern Cape York as part of the same clade as A. papuensis from New Guinea and islands in the Torres Strait. Further to the south, we found that A. m. peninsularis and A. childreni occur in sympatry together. With the possible exception of colouration and pattern, we found no aspects of scalation that allow for easy and consistent visual distinction between the three taxa on Cape York. We discuss our finding in the context of biogeography of the region.

Holocene development of submerged keep‐up patch reefs on Bermuda without acroporids: A model of future reef accretion

2025-06-24

Eduardo Islas-Domínguez , Eberhard Gischler , J. Harold Hudson | The Depositional Record

Abstract The cover of living reef‐building corals has declined due to ocean warming, acidification, pollution and disease outbreaks. This decline endangers future reef development relying on acroporid corals, which are … Abstract The cover of living reef‐building corals has declined due to ocean warming, acidification, pollution and disease outbreaks. This decline endangers future reef development relying on acroporid corals, which are highly sensitive to environmental changes. Given these threats, there is a need for accretion models that do not rely on species dominance. To assess the potential of non‐acroporid framework and identify the key variables controlling their accretion, we reconstructed the internal structure and Holocene development of Bermuda patch reefs, lacking acroporids. Four rotary drill cores and two vibrocores recovered sequences composed of five facies in decreasing abundance: a framework of massive, stress‐tolerant corals, unconsolidated skeletal sand and gravel, coralline‐algal bindstone, Halimeda floatstone and peat. Radiocarbon dating of corals and peat shows that patch reefs developed in two stages. From 7 to 4 kyr B.P., during a sustained sea‐level rise, the coral framework facies accreted vertically, while the unconsolidated facies filled interstitial sand pockets in intermediate water depths. From 4 kyr B.P. onwards, during a reduced rate of sea‐level rise, vertical accretion has continued with a decline in coral diversity. Accretion was primarily controlled by massive coral framework construction and variation in environmental energy, turbidity and bioerosion, which collectively shaped the size, diversity and preservation of the framework. This led to a suppressed, steady vertical accretion rate of 2.18 ± 0.66 m/kyr on average. Although lower than that of acroporid reefs in the western Atlantic, the accretion rate did not decline throughout the Holocene, even as sea‐level rise slowed over the last 4 ka. The suppressed accretion rate resulted in submerged keep‐up reefs thriving in several metres of water during the mid‐late Holocene. This growth mode highlights the potential of coral reefs to develop under different controls beyond coral species dominance, a mode that could be applied to current and future coral reef development.

Effects of three sunscreens on the ecophysiology of hard and soft corals from the Maldives

2025-06-24

Julia Rücker , Johanna Leonhardt , Christian Wild | Marine Pollution Bulletin

Local pollution with cosmetic products, particularly from tourism-related activities, can threaten coral reefs. The potential negative effects of sunscreens on corals caused several countries to ban certain sunscreens or ingredients. … Local pollution with cosmetic products, particularly from tourism-related activities, can threaten coral reefs. The potential negative effects of sunscreens on corals caused several countries to ban certain sunscreens or ingredients. Many companies advertise their sunscreens as "reef-safe" or "coral-friendly", but scientific analysis is necessary to verify these claims. This study compared three sunscreens, V.Sun™ (Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 50), Surface™ (SPF 50), and ARUUN™ (SPF 30), through tank experiments conducted in the Maldives. The short-term (96 h) response of the hard corals Acropora digitifera, Pocillopora verrucosa, Porites lobata, and the soft coral Sarcophyton sp. to sunscreen exposure (230 mg L-1) was assessed. Tissue loss only occurred for A. digitifera and P. verrucosa with Surface™ (4-16 %) and ARUUN™ (96 %, both species) sunscreens. ARUUN™ sunscreen also caused severe pigmentation loss for all species, while V.Sun™, Surface™, and control-treated corals, showed only mild or no pigmentation loss. Overall, A. digitifera and P. verrucosa were more sensitive to sunscreen exposure than P. lobata and Sarcophyton sp. Despite all sunscreens labelled "reef-safe" or "coral-friendly", ARUUN™ sunscreen, containing the mineral UV filter zinc oxide (ZnO), showed severely negative effects. Surface™, but particularly V.Sun™, both with chemical UV filters, caused mild or no effects on the investigated corals. This study highlights major differences between sunscreens indicated "reef-safe" or "coral-friendly", and advocates for standardised evaluation of protection labels for cosmetic products.

Coral calcification mechanisms across a natural environmental mosaic in Hawai'i

2025-06-24

Verena Schoepf , Andréa G. Grottoli , Rowan H. McLachlan +5 more | Limnology and Oceanography

Abstract Coral calcification is key to coral reef growth and function but may be compromised under increasing global and local stressors. Corals modify the carbonate chemistry of their calcifying fluid … Abstract Coral calcification is key to coral reef growth and function but may be compromised under increasing global and local stressors. Corals modify the carbonate chemistry of their calcifying fluid to facilitate calcification, but little is known about how these mechanisms vary across the substantial differences in reef seawater conditions that can occur over as little as a few kilometers. Here, we used boron‐based geochemical proxies (δ 11 B, B/Ca) to investigate how three common Hawaiian coral species ( Montipora capitata , Porites compressa , Porites lobata ) regulate the carbonate chemistry of the calcifying fluid along a natural environmental mosaic of seawater carbonate chemistry and significant wave height. We found that calcification mechanisms were governed by complex species and site interactions: while all species generally differed from each other in their calcifying fluid chemistry, they also responded differently to site‐specific environmental conditions. These results highlight that there are varying degrees of calcification mechanism plasticity in response to changing environmental conditions. Furthermore, species‐specific patterns of pH upregulation inside the calcifying fluid were good predictors of calcification responses to ocean acidification and warming in at least two of the three species, with M. capitata being a clear winner under future ocean conditions. Our findings provide important insights into how corals calcify across a natural environmental mosaic and highlight the differential potential for an adaptive capacity in calcification mechanisms in the face of intensifying climate change.

Robustness of gametogenesis in the scleractinian coral, Tubastraea aurea, in the shallow-water hydrothermal vent field off Kueishan Island, northeastern Taiwan

2025-06-24

Emily Corrigan , Chieh‐Jhen Chen , Baoyi Wang +2 more | The Science of The Total Environment

Survival and reinfection rates of SCTLD-affected corals treated in situ with amoxicillin

2025-06-24

Karen L. Neely , Robert J. Nowicki , Michelle A. Dobler +3 more

Abstract The unprecedented mortality to Caribbean corals caused by stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) led to the use of an in-water medicine applied directly to disease lesions. This topical … Abstract The unprecedented mortality to Caribbean corals caused by stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) led to the use of an in-water medicine applied directly to disease lesions. This topical amoxicillin paste is highly effective in halting lesions and has been used on tens of thousands of wild corals since 2019, but long-term survival rates of treated corals as well as the frequency of potential reinfections remained speculative. We fate-tracked thousands of corals treated for SCTLD in the Florida Keys across numerous species and two habitats (inshore patch reefs and offshore spur and groove) every two months, assessing health condition and providing additional treatments if necessary. After three years, 84% of corals remained alive. Inshore corals had higher survival rates than offshore corals, and there were species-specific differences in survival, with the boulder corals Montastraea cavernosa and Orbicella faveolata having higher survivorship than brain coral species. Across all treated corals, 36% remained disease-free for at least one year after the initial treatment, and an additional 18% remained disease-free if any new lesions were treated within three months after the initial treatment. Reinfection rates were influenced by both habitat and species, with inshore corals more likely to remain disease-free than offshore corals. Among the species assessed, Montastraea cavernosa was the most likely to remain disease free, while the brain corals Diploria labyrinthiformis and Colpophyllia natans were the most prone to reinfection. These measurements can help guide expectations for disease intervention projects, including survival estimates if corals are regularly visited, as well as predictions of survivorship if diseased corals are visited only once or twice.

Contrasting long-term trends of near-coast river turbidity across major catchments draining to the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon

2025-06-23

Danlu Guo , Peter B. Hairsine | Marine Pollution Bulletin

River water quality upstream of the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon represents a history of the catchment changes. We investigated multi-decadal trends of river turbidity at five sites close to the … River water quality upstream of the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon represents a history of the catchment changes. We investigated multi-decadal trends of river turbidity at five sites close to the river mouth within each of the Barron, Herbert, Burdekin, Fitzroy and Mary catchments. We estimated trends by an advanced water quality statistical model, the Weighted Regression of Time, Discharge and Season (WRTDS). End-of-catchment turbidity has increased in Fitzroy (the most turbid catchment analyzed), and decreased for Burdekin (the second most turbid catchment analyzed). Trends of Herbert, Barron and Mary catchments are highly uncertain. Apart from the Barron, most of the turbidity trends cannot be explained by long-term changes in streamflow, pointing to the likely influences of historical land use/land cover changes, land management and other major catchment changes. Our study provides a first step towards assessment and attribution of time changes in sediment export for the catchments studied.

Resolving Coral Temperature Vulnerability through Heat and Cold Bleaching Thresholds

2025-06-23

Yusuf C. El‐Khaled , Francisca C. García , Neus Garcías-Bonet +7 more | Research Square (Research Square)

<title>Abstract</title> Coral bleaching is most commonly associated with heat stress, while cold-water bleaching remains an underrecognized threat. Building upon the widely used ED50 metric for standardized heat tolerance, we introduce … <title>Abstract</title> Coral bleaching is most commonly associated with heat stress, while cold-water bleaching remains an underrecognized threat. Building upon the widely used ED50 metric for standardized heat tolerance, we introduce a new metric, cold ED50, to quantify cold bleaching thresholds. By comparing cold and heat ED50s, we define the temperature variability range of coral species. To achieve this, we used ‘Coral Bleaching Automated Stress System’ (‘CBASS’) assays to assess heat and cold temperature tolerance across three Red Sea scleractinian corals (<italic>Acropora</italic> sp., <italic>Pocillopora</italic> <italic>verrucosa</italic>, <italic>Stylophora</italic> <italic>pistillata</italic>) during peak summer and winter along with microbial profiling. <italic>Acropora</italic> sp. exhibited the highest heat ED50 (38.68 ± 0.39°C) in summer, while <italic>S. pistillata</italic> had the lowest cold ED50 (15.63 ± 0.26°C), in winter. Our results revealed species-specific bacterial communities, with <italic>Endozoicomonadaceae</italic> dominating across seasons. We show that bleaching thresholds are negatively correlated with the abundance of <italic>Endozoicomonadaceae </italic>during summer in <italic>Acropora</italic> sp.. Notably, coral recovery capabilities after extreme temperatures also vary between species. This dual temperature tolerance framework offers a more comprehensive assessment of coral resilience and vulnerability in a rapidly changing climate.

Rediscovery of Rhizopsammia wellingtoni in Galápagos after two decades

2025-06-23

Inti Keith , T M Gosliner , Rebecca Albright | Marine Biology

Symbiodinium necroappetens outbreak and persistence in Southwestern Atlantic corals following a bleaching event

2025-06-23

Lívia Bonetti Villela , Yuri Ricardo Andrade Aiube , Arthur W. Silva‐Lima +2 more | Coral Reefs

Picture of health: evaluating an accessible method for quantifying coral thermal tolerance using photographic color analysis

2025-06-22

Serena Hackerott , Lauren Gregory , José M. Eirín‐López +1 more | Coral Reefs

Stochastic Dynamics of Coral and Macroalgae: Analyzing Extinction and Resilience in Coral Reef Ecosystems

2025-06-21

Ning Wang , Li Yang , Shengqiang Liu | Bulletin of Mathematical Biology

Multi-Model Synergistic Satellite-Derived Bathymetry Fusion Approach Based on Mamba Coral Reef Habitat Classification

2025-06-21

Xuechun Zhang , Yi Ma , Feifei Zhang +2 more | Remote Sensing

As fundamental geophysical information, the high-precision detection of shallow water bathymetry is critical data support for the utilization of island resources and coral reef protection delimitation. In recent years, the … As fundamental geophysical information, the high-precision detection of shallow water bathymetry is critical data support for the utilization of island resources and coral reef protection delimitation. In recent years, the combination of active and passive remote sensing technologies has led to a revolutionary breakthrough in satellite-derived bathymetry (SDB). Optical SDB extracts bathymetry by quantifying light–water–bottom interactions. Therefore, the apparent differences in the reflectance of different bottom types in specific wavelength bands are a core component of SDB. In this study, refined classification was performed for complex seafloor sediment and geomorphic features in coral reef habitats. A multi-model synergistic SDB fusion approach constrained by coral reef habitat classification based on the deep learning framework Mamba was constructed. The dual error of the global single model was suppressed by exploiting sediment and geomorphic partitions, as well as the accuracy complementarity of different models. Based on multispectral remote sensing imagery Sentinel-2 and the Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) active spaceborne lidar bathymetry data, wide-range and high-accuracy coral reef habitat classification results and bathymetry information were obtained for the Yuya Shoal (0–23 m) and Niihau Island (0–40 m). The results showed that the overall Mean Absolute Errors (MAEs) in the two study areas were 0.2 m and 0.5 m and the Mean Absolute Percentage Errors (MAPEs) were 9.77% and 6.47%, respectively. And R2 reached 0.98 in both areas. The estimated error of the SDB fusion strategy based on coral reef habitat classification was reduced by more than 90% compared with classical SDB models and a single machine learning method, thereby improving the capability of SDB in complex geomorphic ocean areas.

Tropical reefs in the aftermath of climate change

2025-06-21

Juan A. Sánchez , Amalia Murgueitio , Catalina Rivera-Forero +2 more | Deleted Journal

Abstract As an era of significant environmental and societal transformations, forecasting the future entails considerable uncertainty. This article gives a perspective on calcifying organisms capable of adapting to a warmer … Abstract As an era of significant environmental and societal transformations, forecasting the future entails considerable uncertainty. This article gives a perspective on calcifying organisms capable of adapting to a warmer and more acidic ocean, which may also contribute to future reef construction. While it is challenging to conceive, we cannot rule out a transformation of reef ecosystems, possibly characterized by increase in octocorals, a greater presence of giant clams, and a greater ecological prominence of coralline algae along with their rhodoliths. In the Caribbean Sea, reefs will possibly no longer be dominated by the extensive Acropora communities that characterized their preindustrial zenith. Instead, there may be a shift towards ecosystems composed of dense octocoral communities and mesophotic assemblages where scleractinian corals with symbionts adapted to low-light environments are more likely to persist. Rehabilitation in shallow waters can take advantage of coralline algae and coastal reef systems close to seagrass and mangrove ecosystems can improve coral health. Although these changes may seem unsatisfactory, essential ecological services could persist, including habitat provision for many species, spaces for human recreation, and, significantly, a notable contribution to global carbonate cycles. It is crucial to highlight that any human effort to prevent biodiversity loss is both praiseworthy and equitable, as the decline in biodiversity due to climate change is a collective obligation of humanity.

Improving detectability of illegal fishing activities across supply chains

2025-06-21

Rodrigo Oyanedel , Stefan Gelcich , E.J. Milner‐Gulland +1 more | npj Ocean Sustainability

Abstract Improving detectability (i.e., enforcers’ capacity to detect illegal fishing activities) is vital for fisheries management, food security, and livelihoods. Identifying factors linked to higher probabilities of illegal activities and … Abstract Improving detectability (i.e., enforcers’ capacity to detect illegal fishing activities) is vital for fisheries management, food security, and livelihoods. Identifying factors linked to higher probabilities of illegal activities and their detection across supply chains is essential for effective interventions. Using a Bayesian Hierarchical Model and a large enforcement dataset from Chile, we evaluated determinants of detectability and violation probability across supply chain actors, species, regulations, and effort predictors. Our findings reveal an overall detectability rate of 7%, varying significantly across supply-chain actors. Notably, those higher in the supply chain, such as processors and restaurants—despite receiving less enforcement effort—show higher detection rates. This study offers insights to enhance detectability and improve enforcement targeting, particularly where budgets are constrained. Our approach complements technological advancements like satellite monitoring and supports strategies to reduce illegal fishing and promote compliance, contributing to better management and sustainability of fisheries in Chile and beyond.

A Social–Technical–Ecological Systems Analysis of Sustainable Development Paths for Marine Ranching in Guangdong Province, China

2025-06-20

Xiang Liu , Renke He , Tie Ji +2 more | Water

Marine ranching, an emerging paradigm in sustainable fisheries, integrates technological, social, and ecological dimensions through a social–technical–ecological systems (STESs) framework to enhance ecosystem resilience and resource governance. This study proposes … Marine ranching, an emerging paradigm in sustainable fisheries, integrates technological, social, and ecological dimensions through a social–technical–ecological systems (STESs) framework to enhance ecosystem resilience and resource governance. This study proposes a comprehensive STESs-based framework and applies it to 15 demonstration sites in Guangdong Province, China, to explore the dynamic interplay among technological innovation, stakeholder engagement, fisheries governance, ecosystem health, biodiversity, and community participation. Through regression analyses and descriptive statistics, we quantified these multi-layered interactions. The study’s findings reveal significant correlations that underscore the importance of integrated approaches to marine ranching sustainability. Notably, stakeholder engagement is strongly linked to technological adoption (r = 0.58), suggesting that inclusive decision-making processes can drive the uptake of innovative, sustainable technologies. Furthermore, technological adoption is positively correlated with ecosystem health (r = 0.62), highlighting the potential for sustainable technologies to enhance marine ecosystem well-being. Community participation emerges as a critical factor in biodiversity conservation (r = 0.71), emphasizing the value of collaborative conservation efforts. Additionally, the strong predictive relationship between marine biodiversity and water quality (β = 0.85, p = 0.001) underscores the importance of preserving biodiversity for maintaining good water quality, which is fundamental to the health and sustainability of marine ranching systems. These insights collectively support the development of holistic management strategies that integrate social, technological, and ecological dimensions to promote the resilience and sustainability of marine ranching. These results underscore the crucial roles of participatory governance, sustainable fishery practices, and biodiversity protection in strengthening the ecological resilience of marine ranching systems.

Quills of Confusion! Genomic insight into the evolution and morphology of sea pens (Octocorallia: Scleralcyonacea: Pennatuloidea)

2025-06-20

Upasana Ganguly , Scott C. France | Research Square (Research Square)

<title>Abstract</title> <bold>Background:</bold> Sea pens, Superfamily Pennatuloidea (Ehrenberg 1832), are a group of colonial octocorals so named because of the resemblance of some species to quill pens. These octocorals were grouped … <title>Abstract</title> <bold>Background:</bold> Sea pens, Superfamily Pennatuloidea (Ehrenberg 1832), are a group of colonial octocorals so named because of the resemblance of some species to quill pens. These octocorals were grouped together due to their ability to live anchored in soft-sedimented sea floors using the peduncle. A modification of the peduncle in the species of one genus allow them to attach onto hard rocky substrates. Diverse colony morphology is seen among the sea pens, and some taxa have polyp-bearing secondary leaf-like extensions arising from the main axis (rachis). A few phylogenetic studies have investigated the evolutionary history of this group; however, this is the first genomic-scale investigation, in the form of Ultra Conserved Elements (UCEs), focused on Pennatuloidea. A mtMutS phylogeny with wider taxon sampling has also been constructed and compared to the UCE tree to address questions regarding the diversification of the different groups of sea pens. We also investigated the evolution of diverse colony morphology in sea pens by conducting ancestral state reconstruction analyses. <bold>Results:</bold> We found evidence that the sea pen lineage spilts into two major clades, which is not reflected in their current taxonomy. Our results show that most families of sea pens are not monophyletic and require reclassification. We also found that colony morphology has a complex evolutionary history, with at least seven independent origins of colonies bearing leaf-like extensions ("branches") arising from the main axis. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Our results demonstrate incongruence among morphology, taxonomy, and phylogeny in most families of sea pens. We were able to confirm the monophyly of only 4 out of the 16 extant families. This incongruence is also evident in the presence of leaf-like extensions from which secondary polyps arise.

Analysis of the Causes of Coral Community Destruction

2025-06-20

Mingjie Hong | Theoretical and Natural Science

Coral reefs, which are the most biodiversity-rich marine ecosystems in the world, support the survival of more than 30% of marine life. However, the global coverage of coral reefs has … Coral reefs, which are the most biodiversity-rich marine ecosystems in the world, support the survival of more than 30% of marine life. However, the global coverage of coral reefs has declined rapidly in the last fifty years, and seriously threatens marine ecological security. This study systematically reveals the multi-dimensional factors of coral reef degradation and proposes feasible restoration strategies through literature analysis and comparison with typical cases. This thesis argues that, as an ecosystem with high biodiversity, coral reef ecosystems are susceptible to rapid decline in a short period of time when they are negatively affected by various factors; and that, in view of the severe situation faced by coral communities, it is necessary to speed up the rate of coral reef ecosystem restoration through the double intervention of technology and policy, and to maintain coral reef ecosystems' stability as far as possible. In this thesis, we hope to analyze the causes of coral reef damage in multiple dimensions and list the restoration countermeasures, so as to provide references for the further study of coral reef ecosystems and the proposal of subsequent protection programs.

Protocol for cell transplantation in Nematostella vectensis, a Hexacorallian model

2025-06-20

Shani Talice , Shany K. Barkan , Grace A. Snyder +7 more | STAR Protocols

Stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) destabilizes the coral microbiome

2025-06-20

Soumi Nandi , Timothy G. Stephens , Kenneth Walsh +6 more | bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)

Abstract Stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) is a rapidly spreading lethal coral disease, the etiology of which remains poorly understood. In this study, using deep metagenomic sequencing, we investigate … Abstract Stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) is a rapidly spreading lethal coral disease, the etiology of which remains poorly understood. In this study, using deep metagenomic sequencing, we investigate microbial and viral community dynamics associated with SCTLD progression in the Caribbean stony coral Diploria labyrinthiformis . We assembled 264 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and correlated their abundance with disease phenotypes, revealing significant shifts in both the prokaryotic microbiome and virome. Our results provide clear evidence of microbial destabilization in diseased corals, suggesting that microbial dysbiosis is an outcome of SCTLD progression. We identified DNA viruses that increase in abundance in infected corals and are present in SCTLD-affected corals at other sites. In addition, we identify the first putative instance of asymptomatic/resistant SCTLD-affected colonies, suggesting potential microbial induced resilience (i.e., beneficial microbiome). Finally, we propose a mechanistic model of SCTLD progression, in which viral dynamics may contribute to a microbiome collapse. These findings provide novel insights into SCTLD pathogenesis and offer consistent molecular signals of disease across diverse geographic sites, presenting new opportunities for disease monitoring and mitigation.

A Coral Core Archive Designed for Transparency and Accessibility

2025-06-20

Andrew D. Strange , Oliwia Jasnos , Lauren T. Toth +2 more | Eos

CoralCT archives raw and processed data from coral and reef core samples, preserving valuable insights into how corals respond to environmental changes. CoralCT archives raw and processed data from coral and reef core samples, preserving valuable insights into how corals respond to environmental changes.

Taxonomic and functional richness of fish in temperate and tropical reefs of the Mexican Pacific

2025-06-20

Rebeca Torres-García , Georgina Ramírez‐Ortiz , Estefani De León-Siller +4 more | Ciencias Marinas

Taxonomic and functional diversity patterns of fish in temperate reefs in the Mexican Pacific have not been analyzed in integrative biodiversity studies. Thus, this study compared the taxonomic, phylogenetic, and … Taxonomic and functional diversity patterns of fish in temperate reefs in the Mexican Pacific have not been analyzed in integrative biodiversity studies. Thus, this study compared the taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity of reef fish in 4 biogeographic provinces: Californian, Cortez, Panamic, and Oceanic Islands. Species checklists were compiled from the literature, museum collections, and monitoring data from 21 sites in marine protected areas (MPAs) and 45 non-protected sites. Based on this data and 6 biological traits (size, mobility, period of activity, gregariousness, position in the water column, and diet), we calculated species richness (S), average taxonomic distinctness (Δ+), number of functional entities (FE), functional redundancy (RED), functional vulnerability (FV), and functional volume (FVol). We registered 1,045 species; the dominant categories were benthic, highly site-attached, diurnal, solitary, medium-sized, and invertivores. The Cortez province showed the highest S and FE values, whereas the Californian province presented the lowest values. Notably, FVol was >70% across the 4 biogeographic provinces, suggesting that the range of ecological functions and processes was maintained across provinces despite their contrasting biodiversity levels, environmental conditions, and evolutionary histories. A “regional backbone” was identified, consisting of 74 species and 58 FE (the fundamental species and shared ecological roles across provinces). At the regional level, low RED (<3 species·FE–1) and high FV (>55% of FEs represented by a single species) were observed. All provinces presented high values of Δ+ (>80%), reflecting the broad range of taxonomic lineages within the region. The MPAs presented higher S and RED than non-protected sites; however, further research is needed to elucidate the positive effects of protection.

Local over Global: Anthropogenic Stressors Outpace Climate Impacts on Coral Reef Collapse in the South China Sea

2025-06-20

Hongwei Zhao , Huili Xu , Yuanchao Li +7 more | Research Square (Research Square)

<title>Abstract</title> Coral reefs are declining globally, but region-specific drivers of degradation remain poorly quantified, hindering targeted conservation. By collecting two decades of field data from 102 sites across 22 coral … <title>Abstract</title> Coral reefs are declining globally, but region-specific drivers of degradation remain poorly quantified, hindering targeted conservation. By collecting two decades of field data from 102 sites across 22 coral reefs in the northern South China Sea (SCS) and employing panel regressions and structural equation modeling, we identify key stressors that are responsible for 40% (17–50%) of the declines in live coral cover (LCC). Local anthropogenic stressors—overfishing, nutrient pollution from agriculture and coastal urbanization—collectively explain 73% of LCC variance, outweighing climate-associated thermal stress. We then propose an Integrated Coast-Reef Management (ICRM) framework that couples land-sea interventions—sustainable fisheries, watershed nutrient controls, and CoTS outbreak controls prioritization. Spatial simulations indicate that this synergistical strategy could elevate LCC by two to four times under global warming scenarios, avoiding reef calcification collapse (LCC > 10%). Our findings contribute to coral conservation paradigms by highlighting tailored strategies at the local level beyond globalized approaches, which offer scalable solutions for regions facing similar pressures.

Being there: scientific saturation and technical diving with in situ instrumentation in an internal surf zone reveal driving physical dynamics of coral reefs

2025-06-19

James J. Leichter , Stephen R. Wing , M. Dale Stokes +1 more | Frontiers in Marine Science

Since the advent of recreational and scientific SCUBA diving in the 1950s, coral reefs have become one of the most studied and appreciated marine ecosystems. Direct human observations have been … Since the advent of recreational and scientific SCUBA diving in the 1950s, coral reefs have become one of the most studied and appreciated marine ecosystems. Direct human observations have been essential to many scientific discoveries. However, most in-water experiences are limited to short durations (tens of minutes to ~1 hour), shallow depths (surface to ~30 m), and calm sea conditions, leaving much of the reef environment underexplored—particularly deeper zones (to ~80 m) and with periods of challenging environmental conditions undersampled. Over a 20-year period, we employed research approaches centered on extended human observation through advanced modes of scientific diving, combined with in situ instrumentation. These efforts revealed extensive heterogeneity in reef physical conditions driven by internal waves, varying across time (minutes to seasons) and space (meters to 100s of km). Technological advances in autonomous sensors, microprocessors, and memory allowed for continuous, distributed, and high-resolution environmental sampling and 3D data visualization over time. Our work was enabled by enriched oxygen (nitrox) and helium-oxygen (trimix) technical diving, as well as saturation diving supported by the U.S. National Undersea Research Center and Aquarius Reef Base in the Florida Keys. Early direct observations of rapid changes in temperature, salinity, and current flow—and associated behavioral responses of reef organisms—led to new understanding of internal wave dynamics, including the formation of bores or “internal surf,” as persistent features of reef environments. These observations prompted further studies into nutrient and plankton transport, and revealed trophic connections between shallow reefs and deeper macroalgal communities (~50–80 m). Targeted deployments of high-resolution instruments helped characterize small-scale variability and link local dynamics to regional internal wave forcing by the Florida Current. A late season tropical cyclone arriving during a saturation diving mission in 1994 further highlighted extreme reef environmental dynamics rarely observed directly by humans. Together, these findings show how direct human observations, combined with continuous environmental monitoring, are essential for understanding complex reef processes—offering insights into ecosystem connectivity and coral thermal refugia under climate change.

Coral Reef Restoration Techniques and Management Strategies in the Caribbean and Western Atlantic: A Quantitative Literature Review

2025-06-19

L.T. Hodges , Pamela Hallock | Diversity

A quantitative literature review of restoration techniques and supporting management strategies used throughout the Caribbean and Western Atlantic from 1998 through 2024 was compiled using references from the Web of … A quantitative literature review of restoration techniques and supporting management strategies used throughout the Caribbean and Western Atlantic from 1998 through 2024 was compiled using references from the Web of Science to highlight those with potential for reef replenishment. From 93 sources listed, 74 publications were relevant and categorized into subtopics based on the most prevalent restoration techniques. Roughly half the studies focused on three general topics: the benefits of restoring Acropora species, studies utilizing micro-fragmentation and fragment nurseries, and outplanting techniques. Other subtopics, each with at least three references, included optimizing substrates and artificial reefs, enhancing larval recruitment, emphasizing the role of herbivory, improving management practices, and addressing the impacts of tourism and community engagement. The information from the references was compiled to determine the overlap among categories and the ways in which techniques and management strategies might be applied simultaneously to enhance restoration outcomes. Additionally, sources were analyzed according to time and location of publication to better visualize the emergence of this area of research and restoration efforts. An increase in publications was observed from 2014 to 2024, associated with the rise in major events impacting coral reefs. The major locations for published research were the Florida reef tract and Puerto Rico, though restoration studies were also reported from the Bahamas and sites around the Caribbean. Criteria to assess the success of techniques included coral survival, recruitment, coral coverage, habitat structure and complexity, and biomass of marine life, including fish and invertebrates that inhabited a restored reef. Most restoration efforts utilized either fragmentation or assisted sexual breeding, followed by cultivation in nurseries or labs. Outplanting success depended on fragment size, attachment style, and site selection, with less-intrusive techniques and intermediate planting densities promoting survival. Tools like GAO maps can guide site selection based on herbivore presence and algal coverage. Monitoring is critical to ensuring coral survival, especially after the first year of outplanting, while community involvement can foster public engagement in reef conservation.

Predicting demography from species traits: larval development time and its sensitivity to warming depend on egg size in corals

2025-06-19

Joana Figueiredo , Andrew H. Baird , Saki Harii +1 more | Coral Reefs

Forethoughtful coral nurseries: alleviating climate change impediments on the reefs of tomorrow

2025-06-19

Baruch Rinkevich | Deleted Journal

Improvements for better scaling of locally managed marine areas

2025-06-19

Emily Lewis‐Brown , Hope Beatty , Katrina Davis +4 more | Conservation Biology

Abstract To protect and restore ecosystems at the speed and scale required to meet current environmental challenges, a greater understanding of how conservation initiatives spread from existing to new adopters … Abstract To protect and restore ecosystems at the speed and scale required to meet current environmental challenges, a greater understanding of how conservation initiatives spread from existing to new adopters is required. According to the diffusion of innovation theory, positive adopter‐to‐peer communication is a powerful driver of innovation spread, whereas negative communications hinder innovation spread. Aware of this, businesses regularly survey customers and respond accordingly to maximize company growth. Therefore, we used 2 consumer satisfaction research measures commonly used by businesses, importance–performance analysis (IPA), which measures performance on metrics that are most important to customers, and net promoter score (NPS), which measures likely spread through positive referrals, to study satisfaction among adopters of locally managed marine areas (LMMAs) in northeastern Madagascar. Our results identified 4 attributes of LMMAs that adopters viewed as important but rated as worsening over time (funding and livestock provided by a nongovernmental organization, conflict in the village, and connections with others). Adopters considered control over resources and fisheries restrictions important and high performing. Villagers rated their quality of life since adopting LMMAs positively on average, but NPS returned a negative result overall and a strongly negative score for nonleaders. Our findings can be used to improve the design and management of LMMAs, inform pre‐ and postproject impact assessments to minimize negative impacts from conservation initiatives, and increase the spread of conservation initiatives. More broadly, this study presents a novel outlook for increasing the adoption of conservation initiatives by framing adopters of conservation initiatives as akin to customers whose perceptions of conservation initiatives matter inherently and because of their power to influence the spread of conservation initiatives.

Stochastic dynamical modeling of competitive interactions with saturation and fear in coral reef ecosystem

2025-06-19

Xin Zhao , Yan Yang , Meng Fan | Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation

Biophysical drivers of coral reef community structure across a tropical benthic seascape

2025-06-19

Rosalie Wright , Sasha Hills , Courtney E. Stuart +7 more | Coral Reefs

Abstract Coral reefs are global biodiversity hotspots, important for ocean health and providing ecosystem services for thousands of species (including humans). Coral benthic communities form the structural basis of these … Abstract Coral reefs are global biodiversity hotspots, important for ocean health and providing ecosystem services for thousands of species (including humans). Coral benthic communities form the structural basis of these ecosystems, influencing ecological processes and ecosystem functions. For thousands of years, coral benthic communities have been driven by naturally occurring properties of the environment, which we refer to as biophysical drivers. However, as humans increasingly encroach on and alter coastal marine ecosystems, anthropogenic conditions may override biophysical drivers, making it challenging to identify the sources of changes in community composition and consequent ecosystem functioning. Here, we use multivariate analyses to demonstrate that bathymetric slope (surface steepness) and intercardinal bearing, a proxy for wind and wave exposure, are significant drivers of benthic composition across Tetiaroa, French Polynesia, a remote coral atoll where the influences of biophysical conditions have not been previously investigated. Distance-based redundancy analysis concluded that together, these biophysical variables explained 66.02% of the variance in benthic community composition. Determining the most important drivers of benthic community composition in this area of minimal human influence provides baseline data for natural coral reef ecosystems. This information will help us understand and predict coral reef community responses to changing environmental conditions and guide conservation and restoration efforts of this ecologically important atoll.

The structure and composition of macroalgal communities influence coral recruitment on an inshore reef of the Great Barrier Reef

2025-06-19

Martina Burgo , Katharina Fabricius , Andrew S. Hoey | Coral Reefs

Abstract On inshore coral reefs, coral cover declines from disturbances are often accompanied by increases in macroalgal cover. Thus, coral recovery often occurs against a backdrop of elevated macroalgae cover. … Abstract On inshore coral reefs, coral cover declines from disturbances are often accompanied by increases in macroalgal cover. Thus, coral recovery often occurs against a backdrop of elevated macroalgae cover. While ‘macroalgae’ are generally assumed to reduce coral recruitment, their taxonomic composition and structure vary considerably. Here, we test whether different macroalgal assemblages affect coral recruitment on an inshore reef by experimentally manipulating macroalgal assemblages within forty 1 m 2 plots on the shallow reef crest in Florence Bay, Magnetic Island (central inshore Great Barrier Reef). Specifically, we investigated the effect of canopy-forming macroalgae (e.g. Sargassum , Turbinaria , Sirophysalis ), understorey macroalgae (e.g. Hypnea , Lobophora , Padina ), mixed macroalgal assemblages (both canopy- and understorey macroalgae) and plots cleared of macroalgae on rates of coral recruitment to tiles. We also quantified coral size frequency distribution in Florence Bay to investigate its relationship with macroalgal structure and composition. The presence of canopy-forming macroalgae was the most important factor affecting coral recruitment, with coral recruitment being ~ fivefold greater in plots with no canopy-forming macroalgae compared to those with canopy-forming macroalgae. Moreover, the presence of two macroalgal taxa, Sargassum and Lobophora , within the plots was associated with lower coral recruitment to the tiles. Coral size frequency distribution in Florence Bay showed similar trends, with smaller corals (< 20 cm diameter) only present in areas with low density and height of canopy-forming macroalgae and, in particular, low abundance of Sargassum . We thus suggest that both the structure and composition of the macroalgal community drive, at some point, coral replenishment dynamics.

Anvil use by the bird wrasse, Gomphosus varius, on an Okinawan coral reef

2025-06-19

Atsushi Nanami | Marine Biodiversity

Effects of long-term roxithromycin exposure to corals; a laboratory based experimental study on molecular interactions for coastal management consideration

2025-06-19

Feng Yan , Zhiguang Niu | Journal of Coastal Conservation

Spatial Patterns and Functional Diversity of Nearshore and Offshore Coral-Reef Fish Communities in the South China Sea

2025-06-19

Zhang Chen , Simin Hu , Lintao Huang +3 more | Diversity

Coral-reef fishes in the South China Sea play a crucial role in sustaining ecosystem stability and delivering essential ecological functions. However, widespread coral degradation has led to habitat loss, intensifying … Coral-reef fishes in the South China Sea play a crucial role in sustaining ecosystem stability and delivering essential ecological functions. However, widespread coral degradation has led to habitat loss, intensifying environmental stress on reef-associated fish communities. To better understand their current status and guide conservation efforts, this study conducted a comprehensive, trait-based assessment of coral-reef fish diversity across 19 reef sites in the South China Sea, spanning nearshore (Sanya, Hainan) and offshore (Xisha and Nansha Islands) systems. Significant spatial differences were observed in species composition, functional trait structure, and responses to environmental disturbance. Offshore reefs, particularly in the Nansha Islands, exhibited the highest species richness, trophic complexity, and functional diversity, while nearshore reefs showed simplified community structure dominated by small, sedentary species with high microhabitat dependence. Coral cover was only weakly correlated with fish diversity and failed to reflect functional trait complexity, highlighting the limitation of relying on structural indicators alone. Using community-weighted trait metrics, PCA, and indicator species analysis, this study established a tri-principle framework for identifying priority conservation species based on ecological function, rarity, and vulnerability. Key functional species—including Chlorurus sordidus, Siganus fuscescens, and Cephalopholis urodeta—were identified, along with representative conservation sites such as Meiji Reef, Lingyang Reef, and Luhuitou. These findings underscore the need to integrate species-level and functional diversity into coral reef monitoring and management. The proposed framework provides a science-based foundation for prioritizing species and habitats, enhancing the resilience of reef ecosystems under the dual threats of climate change and anthropogenic pressure.

Coral genetic structure in the Western Indian Ocean mirrors ocean circulation and thermal stress

2025-06-19

Annie S. Guillaume , Stéphane Joost , Sarvanen Curpen +7 more | bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)

Global warming and rising sea temperatures are pushing many reef-building coral species towards extinction. As thermal tolerance in corals is partially heritable, identifying genes under thermal selection is critical for … Global warming and rising sea temperatures are pushing many reef-building coral species towards extinction. As thermal tolerance in corals is partially heritable, identifying genes under thermal selection is critical for targeted biodiversity management. However, it remains unclear how large breaks in connectivity (>100 km of open sea) affect the spread of adaptive alleles for different coral species in discontinuous reef networks such as the West Indian Ocean (WIO). To address this, we applied a seascape genomics approach to model (i) population connectivity and (ii) thermal adaptive potentials for two keystone coral species, Acropora muricata and Pocillopora damicornis , across the WIO. For both species, corals from the Seychelles were predominantly genetically isolated from corals in Rodrigues and Mauritius, putatively an effect of regional oceanographic barriers. Furthermore, sea currents during reproductive periods better predicted genetic connectivity than did Euclidean distances for both species, highlighting that connectivity models can serve as proxies to understand dispersal potential depending on reproductive strategies. Spatial patterns of neutral genetic variation were best explained by sea surface temperature variability and mean degree heating weeks. When used in genotype-environment association (GEA) analyses, we identified hundreds of loci under putative thermal selection from linked to known heat stress responses. In A. muricata , five Sacsin genes-co-chaperones of the Hsp70 heat-shock protein involved in thermal stress response-were identified, alongside genes related to immune defence, antioxidant response, signalling, and protein folding. In contrast, only the centromere protein V, involved in mitosis, was enriched in P. damicornis. By integrating patterns of gene flow with molecular adaptations to estimate species-specific adaptive potentials, we found that large sea distances and strong oceanographic barriers inhibit the genetic exchange of adapted genotypes across the WIO, providing valuable insights to guide local and regional biodiversity management in this region.

Mapping benthic biodiversity indicators of coral reefs using spatial interpolation

2025-06-18

Léo Broudic , Mathieu Pinault , Romain Claud +6 more | Coral Reefs

Mt. Fuji in the Ocean–Description of a Strange New Species of Sea Anemone, Discoactis tritentaculata fam., gen., and sp. nov. (Cnidaria; Anthozoa; Actiniaria; Actinostoloidea) from Japan, with the Foundation of a New Family and Genus

2025-06-18

Takato Izumi , Kensuke Yanagi , Hisanori Kohtsuka | Diversity

A new species in a new family and genus of sea anemone, Discoactis tritentaculata fam. gen. and sp. nov., was discovered at several localities around Japan. These anemones were indicated … A new species in a new family and genus of sea anemone, Discoactis tritentaculata fam. gen. and sp. nov., was discovered at several localities around Japan. These anemones were indicated to belong to the superfamily Actinostoloidea by phylogenetic analyses. However, the specimens have flat, disc-like bodies; triplet tentacles on the oral disc; endocoels without tentacles; 10 macrocnemes in the column; and numerous microcnemes only in the aboral end. These features are unique among not only Actinostoloidea but also sea anemones in general, and thus they could not be accommodated into any existing families and genera in Actinostoloidea. Therefore, we establish the new family Discoactinidae and the new genus Discoactis for this species of anemone. Our phylogenetic analyses also suggested that the family Capneidae, of which the phylogenetic position has not been certainly convinced yet, also should be a member of Actinostoloidea, and thus we revised its placement and discussed the diagnosis of the superfamily. With these results, the superfamily Actinostoloidea now accommodates eight families.

Human and conservation factors affect spatial variation of reef fish assemblages in Colombian Pacific reefs

2025-06-18

Juan P. Quimbayo , Luis Chasqui , Natalia Rincón-Díaz +2 more | PeerJ

Humans have both negative and positive impacts on marine communities: human everyday activities can degrade ecosystems, while conservation efforts can support their protection and recovery. Using an empirical database of … Humans have both negative and positive impacts on marine communities: human everyday activities can degrade ecosystems, while conservation efforts can support their protection and recovery. Using an empirical database of fish assemblages compiled from 393 underwater visual censuses along the Colombian Pacific Coast, we assessed spatial variation in these assemblages and investigated whether they are shaped by human pressures, such as number of fishers and proximity to markets, as well as conservation measures, including protection status and the age of the marine protected areas. Our study reveals that remote locations have a higher fish density and biomass than those near the coast. We found that grunts (Haemulidae) were the most species-rich family and contributed the most to fish density and biomass. Piscivores were the trophic group most affected by human factors, showing lower species richness, density, and biomass in coastal locations. In contrast, other trophic groups did not show a negative response to human factors across locations. We did not observe an effect of human and conservation factors on the total species richness. To evaluate the potential influence of Malpelo island, the only oceanic location in the dataset, we built two models, one with and one without this site. The results were consistent across both models, indicating that including or excluding Malpelo did not alter overall patterns of species richness. However, market distance negatively influenced the average fish density and biomass when all locations were included. Our results provide the first quantitative assessment of fish assemblages across the Colombian Pacific Coast, enabling future comparison and enhancing our understanding of the effects of human and conservation activities on the patterns of species richness, density, and biomass of reef fishes in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.

Correction to: Turbulence effects on free and anchored zooplanktivorous fish in coral reefs

2025-06-18

Kota Ishikawa , Heng Wu , Satoshi Mitarai +1 more | Coral Reefs

Morphological traits and machine learning for genetic lineage prediction of two reef-building corals

2025-06-18

Guinther Mitushasi , Yuko F. Kitano , Nicolas Oury +7 more | PLoS ONE

Integrating multiple lines of evidence that support molecular taxonomy analysis has proven to be a robust method for species delimitation in scleractinian corals. However, morphology often conflicts with genetic approaches … Integrating multiple lines of evidence that support molecular taxonomy analysis has proven to be a robust method for species delimitation in scleractinian corals. However, morphology often conflicts with genetic approaches due to high phenotypic plasticity and convergence. Understanding morphological variation among species is crucial to studying coral distribution, life history, ecology, and evolution. Here, we present an application of Random Forest models for coral species identification based on morphological annotation of the corallum and corallites. We show that the integration of molecular and morphological trait analysis can be improved using machine learning. Morphological traits were documented for Porites and Pocillopora coral species that were collected and genotyped through genome-wide, genetical hierarchical clustering, and coalescence analyses for the Tara Pacific Expedition. While Porites only included three tentative species, most Pocillopora species were accounted by included specimens from the western Indian Ocean, tropical Southwestern Pacific, and southeast Polynesia. Two Random Forest models per genus were trained on the morphological annotations using the genetic lineage labels. One model was developed for in-situ image identification and used corallum traits measured from in-situ photographs. Another model for integrative species identification combined corallum and corallite data measured on scanning electron micrographs. Random Forest models outperformed traditional dimension reduction methods like PCA and FAMD followed by k-means and hierarchical clustering by classifying the correct genetic lineage despite morphological clusters overlapping. This machine learning approach is reproducible, cost-effective, and accessible, reducing the need for taxonomic expertise. It can complement molecular and phylogenetic studies and support image identification, highlighting its potential to advance a coral integrative taxonomy workflow.

Conserving the beauty of the world’s reef fish assemblages

2025-06-18

Matthew McLean , David Mouillot , Juliette Langlois +7 more | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

On shallow rocky and coral reefs, cultural and recreational values, like aesthetics, are critical aspects of Nature’s Contributions to People (NCP) that support human well-being and provide billions of dollars … On shallow rocky and coral reefs, cultural and recreational values, like aesthetics, are critical aspects of Nature’s Contributions to People (NCP) that support human well-being and provide billions of dollars in tourism revenue. Quantifying the aesthetic value of reef ecosystems and uncovering the conditions that enhance it could support NCP-based management. Here, we combine a global dataset of reef fish surveys, species-level aesthetic values, and causal modeling to assess the global status and drivers of reef fish assemblage aesthetic value. We find that aesthetic value is inherently linked to species richness, displaying a latitudinal gradient with peaks in the tropics, but varies strongly with the presence of exceptionally beautiful or less-beautiful species. Sea surface temperature, primary productivity, human gravity, and protection status are the strongest drivers of assemblage-level aesthetic value. Protection against human impacts consistently enhances aesthetic value by boosting taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity, and this effect is greatest in species-rich, tropical ecoregions. Economic development has little influence, indicating that low-income countries are not constrained from maintaining beautiful fish assemblages. Our results therefore suggest that marine protected areas (MPAs) can support multiple NCPs simultaneously, particularly in developing tropical countries. While we highlight the effectiveness of MPAs, given the low level of marine protection globally and the sensitivity of aesthetic value to environmental conditions, the beauty of the world’s reefs appears severely threatened. Aesthetic value should be immediately integrated into reef conservation and management plans.

Symbiotic Symbiodiniaceae mediate coral-associated bacterial communities along a natural thermal gradient

2025-06-17

Qianxi Yang , Han Zhang , Jian‐Wen Qiu +3 more | Environmental Microbiome

The coral-associated microbiome plays a vital role in the holobiont, enabling coral adaptation to diverse environments by modulating its composition and mediating interactions among its constituents. However, the responses of … The coral-associated microbiome plays a vital role in the holobiont, enabling coral adaptation to diverse environments by modulating its composition and mediating interactions among its constituents. However, the responses of coral microbiomes, particularly the interactions between Symbiodiniaceae and bacteria, to environmental changes remain unclear. To fill this knowledge gap, we examined Pocillopora acuta, an environmentally sensitive coral species, collected from three sites along the southeastern coast of Hainan which exhibit moderate environmental differences. We measured the physiological characteristics of Symbiodiniaceae and conducted amplicon sequencing to analyze the structure of Symbiodiniaceae and bacterial communities. Our results revealed that P. acuta in southeastern Hainan maintains stable symbiosis with Symbiodiniaceae sub-clades such as C1, C42.1, C3, D1, D4, and D6, as evidenced by ΔF/Fm' values ranging from 0.45 for P. acuta dominated by Durusdinium (PaD) to 0.6 for counterparts dominated by Cladocopium (PaC). However, the composition of Symbiodiniaceae varied among the three sites, primarily due to differences in the abundance of dominant sub-clades. These variations may reflect adaptations to distinct environmental conditions, which in turn significantly influence the associated bacterial communities. Notably, our results suggest that Symbiodiniaceae may exert a greater regulatory role on the coral-associated bacterial community than environmental differences. Specific bacteria, such as Endozoicomonas and Synechococcus_CC9902, exhibit strong correlations with particular Symbiodiniaceae genera or sub-clades, indicating that the dominant Symbiodiniaceae shape bacterial community dynamics. Despite the observed variations, we identified modular co-occurrence patterns in bacterial networks, with PaC exhibiting a more complex and stable structure. Overall, these results highlight the critical role of various Symbiodiniaceae genera in influencing bacterial community dynamics, emphasizing their importance in maintaining coral health and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Major transitions in early coral development: novel insights enabled by visualisation of a comprehensive transcriptomic dataset for Acropora millepora

2025-06-17

Ramona Brunner , Mila Grinblat , Aurélie Moya +5 more | bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)

Background: Given the ecological importance of reef-building corals (Scleractinia), it is perhaps surprising that the molecular mechanisms underlying many of the morphological and metabolic changes during their development remain unclear. … Background: Given the ecological importance of reef-building corals (Scleractinia), it is perhaps surprising that the molecular mechanisms underlying many of the morphological and metabolic changes during their development remain unclear. In part, this is due to the lack of a comprehensive transcriptomic dataset for any coral. A second challenge in the analysis of such non-model developmental datasets is that the volume of data often complicates its interpretation. Results: To overcome these limitations, we profiled gene expression in Acropora millepora across 26 life stages from unfertilised eggs to juvenile polyps and developed an interactive online tool based on the R-application Shiny to simultaneously visualise changes in the expression of large numbers of genes. As expected, major transcriptomic changes (transitions) occurred during gastrulation and the acquisition of competence. Surprisingly, however, settlement triggered by using the natural inducer CCA did not immediately lead to major changes in gene expression, but a major transition involving many genes was observed 3 - 6 hours after settlement induction. Conclusions: We hope that providing access to this extensive developmental transcriptome dataset and software to facilitate its analysis will expedite a better understanding of the changes that occur during coral development. The online tool is available at https://amil-deview.mmb.guide.

Satellite-based analysis of an unverified mass coral bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef in 2021

2025-06-17

Blake L. Spady , William Skirving , Erick Geiger +6 more | Coral Reefs

Mapping monumental corals through citizen science

2025-06-16

Federica Siena , Paolo Galli , Luca Fallati +5 more | Coral Reefs

Evolutionary Genomics Guides Scalable Coral Probiotics for Climate Resilience

2025-06-16

Mei Xie , Nan Xiang , Tianhua Liao +7 more | bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)

Coral reefs, critically endangered by climate warming, urgently require innovative, scalable interventions. Probiotics offer promise, but stability and effectiveness need improvement. We introduce an evolutionary genomic framework for selecting so-called … Coral reefs, critically endangered by climate warming, urgently require innovative, scalable interventions. Probiotics offer promise, but stability and effectiveness need improvement. We introduce an evolutionary genomic framework for selecting so-called next-generation probiotics using host adaptation signatures. Targeting bacteria transitioning irreversibly to host dependency, we identify coral-sourced Ruegeria MC10, exhibiting insertion sequence proliferation and essential gene pseudogenization. In a proof-of-principle, coral model cnidarians showed increased thermal tolerance. Subsequent, real-world application of one-month nursery inoculations enabled Acropora pruinosa corals to retain MC10 for the monitored period (eight months) post-outplanting, including persistence through a natural bleaching event, with sustained coloration. MC10 colonized the gastrodermis, exhibited host flexibility, and minimally disrupted native microbiomes. This work pioneers a scalable, evolution-guided strategy for microbial-driven reef restoration, applicable to wildlife at large.

The disruption of a symbiotic sea anemone by light pollution: Non-linear effects on zooxanthellae and molecular indicators

2025-06-16

K. Devon Lynn , Ana M. Queirós , Elizabeth Talbot +3 more | The Science of The Total Environment

Checklist of coastal fishes from Cabo Verde Archipelago

2025-06-16

Luís Barcelos , Rui Freitas , João P. Barreiros | Biodiversity Data Journal

Taxonomic and geographic misattributions in biodiversity inventories remain a pressing issue in biogeographical research, particularly in regions with overlapping or similar place names. The Republic of Cabo Verde (also known … Taxonomic and geographic misattributions in biodiversity inventories remain a pressing issue in biogeographical research, particularly in regions with overlapping or similar place names. The Republic of Cabo Verde (also known as Cabo Verde Islands) and the Cape Verde Peninsula (Senegal) exemplify this challenge, where historical and recent studies have struggled to provide accurate species distributions due to unverified, erroneous and ambiguous records. This underscores the necessity of comprehensive, reliable datasets to delineate species occurrences across these distinct geographic areas. This study provides a rigorously verified inventory of coastal fish species occurring within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cabo Verde, focusing on depths between 0 and 200 metres. By delineating the faunal composition specific to Cabo Verde, this work addresses the recurrent confusion with species lists referencing the Cape Verde Peninsula (Senegal). A total of 393 species, distributed among 125 families and 40 orders, is documented, offering an invaluable resource for refining biodiversity assessments and providing information forconservation strategies in this biogeographically unique region. Two species, Thalassoma newtoni (Osório, 1891) and Diodon eydouxii Brisout de Barneville, 1846, are reported for the first time from Cabo Verde in this paper.

Coral transplantation increases ecological volume and calcification rate of <i>Acropora</i> species on Wuzhizhou Island: evidence from coral growth, physiology, and skeletal characteristics

2025-06-15

He Zhao , Junling Zhang , Xiangbo Liu +4 more | Restoration Ecology

Climate change and human activities threaten coral reefs, requiring effective restoration. This study assessed the growth and calcification rates of transplanted corals by examining skeletal characteristics, conducted in the Coral … Climate change and human activities threaten coral reefs, requiring effective restoration. This study assessed the growth and calcification rates of transplanted corals by examining skeletal characteristics, conducted in the Coral Fragmentation (CF), Natural Reef (NA), Coral Nursery (CN), and Coral Restoration (CR) areas on Wuzhizhou Island, Hainan. Samples of Acropora hyacinthus and A. microphthalma were collected from each area in April 2024, with CR samples including corals transplanted for 1, 2, and 3 years using the Framed Reef Module. Results indicated that while Fv/Fm values remained consistent among samples, significant differences in symbiont density and biomass suggest variations in symbiont adaptation. Extended transplantation significantly influenced both the ecological volume (EV) and calcification rates of transplanted corals. Specifically, A. hyacinthus and A. microphthalma demonstrated significant increases in EV of 267.78 and 271.70%, respectively, when comparing corals transplanted for 3 years to those transplanted for only 1 year. Additionally, the calcification rates of these species showed a marked increase over time, with A. hyacinthus achieving a rate of (9.24 ± 2.70 g CaCO 3 cm −2 yr −1 ) in the 3‐year transplants, compared to (5.02 ± 1.86 g CaCO 3 cm −2 yr −1 ) for the 1‐year transplants. Similarly, A. microphthalma exhibited a calcification rate of (9.06 ± 2.62 g CaCO 3 cm −2 yr −1 ) for 3‐year transplants, compared to (4.24 ± 2.18 g CaCO 3 cm −2 yr −1 ) for 1‐year transplants. Survival rates for both species fell below 70% due to 2023 thermal stress, highlighting their vulnerability. Although extended transplantation boosts coral growth, challenges like thermal stress hinder restoration success. This study provides insights to improve coral resilience in the face of climate change.