Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gregory P. Asner, Nicholas R. Vaughn, Roberta E. Martin, Shawna A. Foo, Joseph Heckler, Brian J. Neilson, Jamison M. Gove
Summary: Corals are important habitat-building organisms in tropical reefs, supporting a quarter of all ocean species and providing ecosystem services to millions of people. However, marine heat waves threaten coral reefs by killing individual colonies and reducing diversity. This study used aerial imaging spectroscopy to monitor coral mortality during a major heat wave in Hawaii, and found that certain reefs had lower coral loss and therefore may serve as refugia. Human and environmental factors, such as coastal development and sedimentation levels, played a role in differentiating resilient reefs from more vulnerable ones.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Shreya Yadav, Abdulla Fisam, Rachel Dacks, Joshua S. Madin, Alexander Mawyer
Summary: People's preferences and choices around food directly influence their resource use and the resilience of natural systems. The study found that reef fishes are now a significant part of local diets in the Maldives, with changing preferences potentially impacting reef ecosystems. Seasonal spikes in local catch and consumption of reef fishes, as well as an informal sharing network, were documented in the study.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lucy Carruthers, Holly East, Vasile Ersek, Andrew Suggitt, Millie Campbell, Kara Lee, Victoria Naylor, Dominic Scurrah, Liam Taylor
Summary: Previous studies have believed that coral reef islands will gradually become uninhabitable due to sea level rise, but GIS-based analyses have shown that these islands are highly dynamic landforms and can adjust their shorelines. Research in the Maldives has found that despite sea level rise, 53% of the islands have increased in size, 25% have eroded, and 22% have remained stable. These findings suggest that coral reef islands have the ability to adapt to sea level rise and increase groundwater storage, providing valuable ecosystem services.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Allia Rosedy, Isabel Ives, Zarinah Waheed, Muhammad Ali Syed Hussein, Sindia Sosdian, Kenneth Johnson, Nadia Santodomingo
Summary: The impacts of climate change are becoming more evident, but turbid reefs have shown inherent resilience to heat stress events, mitigating the effects of climate change.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Macarena Blanco-Pimentel, Nicolas R. Evensen, Camilo Cortes-Useche, Johanna Calle-Trivino, Daniel J. Barshis, Victor Galvan, Erika Harms, Megan K. Morikawa
Summary: After experiencing a significant decline, Caribbean coral reefs are facing further threats from disease outbreaks, overfishing, and warming events. Restoration efforts are being pursued, but face challenges such as economic feasibility, long-term stability, and understanding biological and ecological factors.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eylem Elma, Martin Gullstrom, Saleh A. S. Yahya, Jean-Baptiste Jouffray, Holly K. East, Magnus Nystrom
Summary: We studied the extent of post-bleaching impacts caused by the 2014-2016 El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event on benthic community structure (BCS) and herbivores (fish and sea urchins) on seven fringing reefs in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The results showed that all reef sites experienced post-bleaching alterations in BCS, with high coral mortality and increased turf algae cover. Herbivorous fish biomass increased after bleaching, correlated with turf algae increase in some reefs, while sea urchin densities significantly declined or disappeared. The severity of the impact varied across reefs, with greater impact on protected reefs compared to unprotected reefs. Our study provides a relevant reference point for future research and contributes to understanding post-bleaching impacts, trends, and evaluation of coral reef health and resilience in the region.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Luke Thomas, Jim N. Underwood, Noah H. Rose, Zachary L. Fuller, Zoe T. Richards, Laurence Dugal, Camille M. Grimaldi, Ira R. Cooke, Stephen R. Palumbi, James P. Gilmour
Summary: This study investigates the mechanisms of coral resilience to climate change in the Rowley Shoals of Western Australia. By studying coral samples from different habitats and using various molecular techniques, the researchers found that there were genetic differences between corals living in lagoon and reef slope habitats. Corals from the lagoon were found to be more resistant to bleaching and showed distinct differences in gene expression compared to corals from the reef slope.
Article
Oceanography
Takenori Shimozono, Ryotaro Shibata, Susumu Onaka, Tomohiro Mori, Yuta Awazu
Summary: A field study on an atoll in the Maldives revealed the variability of shoreline water levels driven by waves and tides. Low-frequency waves were found to significantly contribute to shoreline motions, amplifying extreme wave run-ups. The study also showed that extreme shoreline water levels would increase at a significantly higher rate than sea-level rise in the future.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-OCEANS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Henry A. Bartelet, Michele L. Barnes, Graeme S. Cumming
Summary: Coral reefs are heavily impacted by climate-induced disturbances, and the loss of coral reefs has a significant effect on people who rely on the ecosystem services they provide. However, the impacts of coral loss and the ability of individuals and businesses to adapt to it are not well understood, especially in the private sector. To address this gap, a survey was conducted among Australian reef tourism operators to understand their responses to severe bleaching and cyclone impacts. The results highlight the importance of response diversity, spatial heterogeneity, and learning for social-ecological resilience.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Xiaowei Zhu, Guodong Jia, Yuhang Tian, Fen Chen, Gang Li, Weihai Xu, Li Miao, Wen Yan
Summary: This study analyzed a coral reef core (NK1) in the southern South China Sea and found geological-configured hydrocarbons indicative of ancient natural oil pollution. The study suggests that coral reefs have a high resilience to oil pollution under natural conditions, but it does not mean they can readily withstand intense anthropogenic pollution.
Article
Oceanography
Marcelo Soares, Sergio Rossi, Anne Gurgel, Caroline Lucas, Tallita Tavares, Beatriz Diniz, Caroline Feitosa, Emanuelle Rabelo, Pedro Pereira, Ruy de Kikuchi, Zelinda Leao, Igor Cruz, Pedro de Macedo Carneiro, Lorenzo Alvarez-Filip
Summary: The peculiar shallow-water reefs of the Tropical Southwestern Atlantic Ocean grow in suboptimal conditions and face pressures from natural and anthropogenic impacts, especially with worsening climate change. Bleaching events and human activities have severely affected these coral reefs, exacerbating species-specific negative impacts.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Barbara Leoni, Chiara Zanotti, Veronica Nava, Marco Rotiroti, Gennaro Alberto Stefania, Luca Fallati, Valentina Soler, Letizia Fumagalli, Alessandra Savini, Paolo Galli, Tullia Bonomi
Summary: The study evaluated the impacts of anthropic activities on groundwater quality in a typical island of the Maldives, highlighting the moderate contamination and localized heavy pollution of groundwater resources. To address these impacts, it is essential to establish a sewage system paired with wastewater recycling to reduce water over-exploitation. Collaborative and educational initiatives can increase the capacity for planning sustainable development.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Crystal J. McRae, Shashank Keshavmurthy, Pei-Jie Meng, Sabrina L. Rosset, Wen-Bin Huang, Chaolun Allen Chen, Tung-Yung Fan, Isabelle M. Cote
Summary: Ocean warming and marine heatwaves due to climate change have negative impacts on the health and structure of coral reefs worldwide. This study examines the thermal tolerance of three coral species under both chronic and acute warming conditions. It finds that different coral species have varied responses to temperature and are influenced by the thermal environments of their reef sites. Regardless of previous temperature exposure, all coral species experience substantial bleaching when exposed to elevated temperatures.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oliver Selmoni, Gael Lecellier, Helene Magalon, Laurent Vigliola, Nicolas Oury, Francesca Benzoni, Christophe Peignon, Stephane Joost, Veronique Berteaux-Lecellier
Summary: The study found that some coral species have developed tolerance against heat stress, possibly through local adaptation. Using seascape genomics approach, heat stress-associated SNPs were identified in genes related to pathways such as protein folding, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and DNA repair in these species.
Article
Limnology
Margaux Filippi, Alireza Hadjighasem, Matt Rayson, Irina I. Rypina, Greg Ivey, Ryan Lowe, James Gilmour, Thomas Peacock
Summary: The field experiment study at Scott Reef in the Timor Sea utilized Lagrangian data analysis methods to predict the formation of a key transport barrier during a critical time of the tidal cycle. The observed drifter trajectories confirmed these predictions, highlighting the importance of Lagrangian approaches in understanding connectivity and water exchanges between atolls and the surrounding ocean.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
K. S. Tkachenko
RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2015)
Editorial Material
Biodiversity Conservation
K. S. Tkachenko, T. A. Britayev
MARINE BIODIVERSITY
(2016)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Konstantin S. Tkachenko, Temir A. Britayev, Nguyen H. Huan, Mikhail V. Pereladov, Yuri Y. Latypov
MARINE ECOLOGY-AN EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE
(2016)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Konstantin S. Tkachenko, Keryea Soong
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2017)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Konstantin S. Tkachenko
MARINE ECOLOGY-AN EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE
(2015)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
K. S. Tkachenko
RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF MARINE BIOLOGY
(2014)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Konstantin S. Tkachenko, Duong Thuy Hoang, Hoi Nguyen Dang
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Konstantin S. Tkachenko, Duong Thuy Hoang
Summary: The study reveals the significant decline of coral reef ecosystems in the Spratly Islands, attributed to anthropogenic impact and increased thermal anomalies. The decrease in coral cover, species diversity, and outbreak of crown-of-thorns starfish and photoautotrophic cyanosponge highlight the negative effects of thermal stress and human activities on the coral communities in the region.
MARINE ECOLOGY-AN EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Konstantin S. Tkachenko, Vu V. Dung, Vo T. Ha, Nguyen H. Huan
Summary: The coastal area of Nui Chua National Park in Ninh Thuan Province, South-Central Vietnam, has experienced dramatic degradation of coral communities over the past five years. This is primarily due to a long-term outbreak of crown-of-thorns starfish and sea surface temperature anomalies. Overfishing and nutrient enrichment are also contributing factors. Recent surveys indicate a bleak outlook for coral recovery in the area.
Article
Ecology
Konstantin S. Tkachenko, Vu Viet Dung, Vo Thi Ha
Summary: A shift from a stony-coral community to an alternative state dominated by octocorals and corallimorpharians was observed in a coral reef in Vietnam. Over a seven-year period, the stony-coral cover and diversity decreased significantly, while the cover of octocorals and corallimorpharians increased.
MARINE BIOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
K. S. Tkachenko, V. V. Dung, V. T. Ha
Summary: Coral reefs in Vietnam are highly threatened, but the Con Dao Islands still have diverse and healthy coral communities, suggesting the need for conservation efforts. Surveys conducted in the Con Dao National Park revealed high coral cover and diversity, with dominant coral taxa showing no significant decrease despite thermal anomalies and bleaching events. The high diversity and potential resilience of coral communities in the Con Dao Archipelago emphasize the importance of paying special attention and expanding conservation efforts in this area.
Article
Fisheries
Konstantin S. Tkachenko, Nguyen H. Huan, Nguyen H. Thanh, Temir A. Britayev
Summary: Nha Trang Bay, a famous tropical tourist site off the south-east coast of Vietnam, used to be characterized by thriving coral reefs, but by the end of 2019, more than 90% of the corals had disappeared, mainly due to anthropogenic effects and a massive outbreak of crown-of-thorns starfish. Coral surveys conducted in 2019 showed a 64.4% decrease in coral cover, with losses varying from 43% to 95%, and significant reductions in Acropora and Montipora. The current environmental trends in NTB do not bode well for coral reef recovery in the near future.
MARINE AND FRESHWATER RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biology
K. S. Tkachenko
ZHURNAL OBSHCHEI BIOLOGII
(2015)
Article
Zoology
Konstantin S. Tkachenko, Keryea Soong
ZOOLOGICAL STUDIES
(2010)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Emily Curren, Sandric Chee Yew Leong
Summary: Microplastics in marine ecosystems serve as microhabitats for diverse toxic plankton species, including viable resting cysts of dinoflagellates. The diversity of plankton communities on the plastisphere is influenced by anthropogenic factors. This study highlights the importance of plastics as vectors for the transport of harmful opportunistic species in the marine environment.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vladimir G. Dvoretsky, Alexander G. Dvoretsky
Summary: The Barents Sea, as the largest Arctic shelf region, plays a vital role in supporting commercial fisheries. The ecosystem of this region is significantly influenced by both warm Atlantic Water (AW) and cold Arctic Water (ARW), resulting in distinct frontal zones. This study found that copepod populations, particularly herbivorous copepods, were most abundant and productive in the Polar Front, as well as in the eastern frontal zones. The geographic positions of sampling stations, depth, and chlorophyll a concentration were identified as the main factors influencing copepod biomass and production.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alberto Rovellini, Charlotte L. Mortimer, Matthew R. Dunn, Elizabeth A. Fulton, Jamaluddin Jompa, Abdul Haris, James J. Bell
Summary: This study compared the structural complexity of coral- and sponge-dominated areas of an Indonesian coral reef using 3D photogrammetry. The results showed that smaller-scale refugia were reduced in sponge-dominated reefs, potentially impacting smaller reef fauna.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)