Article
Remote Sensing
Yanlei Feng, Robinson Negron-Juarez, Jeffrey Q. Chambers
Summary: The study found that the factors explaining forest disturbance intensity patterns vary across different global cyclone regions, highlighting the challenges in building a generalized cyclone impact model. Generalized hurricane impact models performed well within the test data set used for their development, but had poor predictions for other cyclones such as Michael and Laura. Each cyclone interacts with the landscape in a unique way, suggesting the need for customized impact models for different cyclones.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yi Li, Youmin Tang, Shuai Wang, Ralf Toumi, Xiangzhou Song, Qiang Wang
Summary: This study reveals an increasing threat of rapid intensification in coastal regions, which is attributed to global ocean warming.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Justin H. Baumann, Lily Z. Zhao, Adrian C. Stier, John F. Bruno
Summary: The study found that remote coral reefs are not necessarily more resilient to disturbances compared to reefs near human activities. Only drastic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions can ensure coral survival.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cameron Do, Georgia Elizabeth Saunders, Yuriy Kuleshov
Summary: This study attempts to expand the methodology of tropical cyclone risk assessment by focusing on coral reefs and to understand the risk to Australia's natural environment. The study found that the northern Ningaloo Reef and southern Great Barrier Reef regions had the highest risk values. However, the limitations in data quality mean that these results are only estimates at best.
Article
Limnology
Russell J. Schmitt, Sally J. Holbrook, Andrew J. Brooks, Thomas C. Adam
Summary: This study explores the dynamics between coral and macroalgae as alternative attractors in benthic communities, highlighting the crucial role of herbivores in controlling macroalgae and maintaining a coral-invadable state. Results from Moorea show that the abundance of grazing herbivores directly influences the bistability of coral and macroalgae states, providing insights into the long-term persistence and transition of reef communities.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Ponchanok Weeriyanun, Rachael B. Collins, Alex Macadam, Hugo Kiff, Janna L. Randle, Kate M. Quigley
Summary: Ocean temperatures are rising due to climate change, and it is uncertain whether marine organisms can adapt to the warming. This study focuses on corals and their heat tolerance across different life stages. Selective breeding was found to improve larval heat tolerance, while settlement was not significantly enhanced. Differences were also observed between adult and offspring responses, likely due to stronger selection pressure on adults under heat stress.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Adele M. Dixon, Marji Puotinen, Hamish A. Ramsay, Maria Beger
Summary: This study examines the ability of downscaled cyclones to represent observed cyclone characteristics that affect wave damage to Australian coral reef regions. The research finds spatial uncertainties in downscaled cyclogenesis and track positions limit estimates of reef damage, and the downscaled tracks perform differently for different regions. The study also suggests that there is no clear evidence that cyclones will cause more damage to Australian coral reef regions in the future.
Article
Ecology
Shai Oron, Derya Akkaynak, Beverly N. Goodman N. Tchernov, Yonathan Shaked
Summary: In March 2020, a severe storm caused significant damage to the shoreline of the Gulf of Aqaba-Eilat. Observations showed inconsistent damage patterns along a specific coastal stretch, with different areas experiencing varying levels of coral loss and structural changes. This highlights the importance of understanding the impact of storm events and geomorphology on coral communities and reef structures, especially as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of storms. Rating: 8/10.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Antar Mijail Perez-Botello, Wesley Dattilo, Nuno Simoes
Summary: Sponges are widely distributed in the tropical reefs of the American Northwest-Atlantic Ocean and play a crucial role in structuring ecosystems and providing services to a diverse range of species. This study used a meta-analysis approach to analyze the contribution of sponge traits to the organization of host-guest interaction networks. The results suggest that sponge geographic distribution, morphology, and taxonomy all play important roles in shaping the diversity and connectivity of sponge-associated fauna.
Article
Ecology
Sergey V. Stanichny, Elena A. Kubryakova, Arseny A. Kubryakov
Summary: In September 2005, a quasi-tropical cyclone observed in the Black Sea triggered an exceptionally strong bloom of coccolithophores in autumn. The cyclone caused intense upwelling, leading to a decrease in sea surface temperature and the transport of nutrient-rich Danube plume waters. Subsequently, there was a significant increase in chlorophyll a concentration and a strong bloom of coccolithophores, which spread through the Rim Current over the entire southern part of the Black Sea.
Article
Environmental Studies
Laurence H. De Clippele, Laura Alonso Diaz, Dominic A. Andradi-Brown, Muhammad Erdi Lazuardi, Mohamad Iqbal, Imam Musthofa Zainudin, Derta Prabuning, Ruben van Hooidonk, Amehr Hakim, Firdaus Agung, Agus Dermawan, Sebastian J. Hennige
Summary: Coral reefs are facing an uncertain future due to global climate change, with increasing occurrences of thermal-induced bleaching. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are becoming more important to protect the reefs. A study in Indonesia evaluated the spatial variation of severe bleaching, whether reefs with later bleaching onset are protected within MPAs, and the risk profiles for reefs related to MPAs receiving priority investments.
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
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Yihua Lyu, Zihua Zhou, Yangmei Zhang, Zhiqiang Chen, Wei Deng, Ronggui Shi
Summary: In August to September 2020, a severe anomaly in sea surface temperature in the South China Sea led to a mass coral bleaching event in Hainan Island and the Beibu Gulf. Field surveys found that a majority of surveyed sites experienced bleaching, with western Hainan Island and Weizhou Island being the most affected. The results also showed a strong correlation between sea surface temperature anomalies and bleaching percentage, with lower diversity and coral cover associated with higher anomalies. Different coral taxa exhibited varying levels of resistance to heat stress.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sara E. Cannon, Simon D. Donner, Angela Liu, Pedro Gonzalez C. Espinosa, Andrew H. Baird, Julia K. Baum, Andrew G. Bauman, Maria Beger, Cassandra E. Benkwitt, Matthew J. Birt, Yannick Chancerelle, Joshua E. Cinner, Nicole L. Crane, Vianney Denis, Martial Depczynski, Nur Fadli, Douglas Fenner, Christopher J. Fulton, Yimnang Golbuu, Nicholas A. J. Graham, James Guest, Hugo B. Harrison, Jean-Paul A. Hobbs, Andrew S. Hoey, Thomas H. Holmes, Peter Houk, Fraser A. Januchowski-Hartley, Jamaluddin Jompa, Chao-Yang Kuo, Gino Valentino Limmon, Yuting V. Lin, Timothy R. McClanahan, Dominic Muenzel, Michelle J. Paddack, Serge Planes, Morgan S. Pratchett, Ben Radford, James Davis Reimer, Zoe T. Richards, Claire L. Ross, John Rulmal, Brigitte Sommer, Gareth J. Williams, Shaun K. Wilson
Summary: Scientists and managers often assume a positive relationship between local human disturbance and macroalgae on coral reefs, but this study finds that specific macroalgae taxa may respond differently to human disturbance. By examining genus-level monitoring data, the study reveals that no genera were positively correlated with all human disturbance metrics, highlighting the need to consider specific algae divisions or genera in assessments. The convention of using macroalgae percent cover as an indicator of local human disturbance may overlook important signatures of anthropogenic threats to reefs.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrew G. Bauman, Fraser A. Januchowski-Hartley, Aaron Teo, Peter A. Todd
Summary: The increasing incidence of severe coral bleaching caused by climate change is leading to significant coral losses and declines in the physical structure of coral reef ecosystems. Understanding the relationship between coral composition and structural complexity is vital for maintaining ecosystem functions and processes. This study examines the impacts of the 2016 global coral bleaching event on seven coral reefs in Singapore and highlights the importance of structural complexity for reef stability.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Kelly D. Hannan, Gabrielle M. Miller, Sue-Ann Watson, Jodie L. Rummer, Katharina Fabricius, Philip L. Munday
Article
Ecology
Marine Gouezo, Eric Wolanski, Kay Critchell, Katharina Fabricius, Peter Harrison, Yimnang Golbuu, Christopher Doropoulos
Summary: Studies suggest that spatio-temporal variability in larval supply is influenced by multiple biophysical drivers, impacting the recovery potential of coral reefs following disturbances. The use of larval dispersal models can help predict reef recovery potential, with findings from the study in Palau showing that low wind speeds and irregular oceanic currents contribute significantly to enhancing larval supply.
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Brae A. Price, Euan S. Harvey, Sangeeta Mangubhai, Benjamin J. Saunders, Marji Puotinen, Jordan S. Goetze
Summary: Tropical cyclones can have significant negative impacts on coral reefs, with the study showing spatial variability in live coral damage and increases in algae post-cyclone. The modelling of cyclone wave dynamics was found to better predict coral damage than proximity to the cyclone path, highlighting the importance of understanding and predicting cyclone impacts on marine habitats for effective mitigation and management strategies.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Carolina Castro-Sanguino, Juan Carlos Ortiz, Angus Thompson, Nicholas H. Wolff, Renata Ferrari, Barbara Robson, Marites M. Magno-Canto, Marji Puotinen, Katharina E. Fabricius, Sven Uthicke
Summary: This study investigates the impacts of multiple stressors on coral cover and performance in the Central and Southern Great Barrier Reef, finding that water quality metrics are better predictors of performance than state. Additionally, the response of different coral groups to stressors varies, highlighting the need to evaluate performance metrics to prioritize local management interventions.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marites M. Canto, Katharina E. Fabricius, Murray Logan, Stephen Lewis, Lachlan I. W. McKinna, Barbara J. Robson
Summary: The article highlights the weak correlation between current water quality metrics and ecological outcomes in the Great Barrier Reef, and introduces a new water quality index based on benthic irradiance. This index is sensitive to changes in light availability and has the potential to complement existing water quality metrics.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Biology
Morgan S. Pratchett, Ciemon F. Caballes, Christopher Cvitanovic, Maia L. Raymundo, Russell C. Babcock, Mary C. Bonin, Yves-Marie Bozec, Deborah Burn, Maria Byrne, Carolina Castro-Sanguino, Carla C. M. Chen, Scott A. Condie, Zara-Louise Cowan, Dione J. Deaker, Amelia Desbiens, Lyndon M. Devantier, Peter J. Doherty, Peter C. Doll, Jason R. Doyle, Symon A. Dworjanyn, Katharina E. Fabricius, Michael D. E. Haywood, Karlo Hock, Anne K. Hoggett, Lone Hoj, John K. Keesing, Richard A. Kenchington, Bethan J. Lang, Scott D. Ling, Samuel A. Matthews, Hamish I. McCallum, Camille Mellin, Benjamin Mos, Cherie A. Motti, Peter J. Mumby, Richard J. W. Stump, Sven Uthicke, Lyle Vail, Kennedy Wolfe, Shaun K. Wilson
Summary: Crown-of-thorns sea stars are well-studied coral reef organisms known for major population irruptions causing significant coral loss in the Indo-Pacific. However, there are important knowledge gaps in their biology, ecology, and management. A study identified key research questions from experts to improve understanding and management of these sea stars on the Great Barrier Reef, focusing on themes like demography and management.
BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Ecology
James P. Gilmour, Kylie L. Cook, Nicole M. Ryan, Marjetta L. Puotinen, Rebecca H. Green, Andrew J. Heyward
Summary: Coral reefs are facing severe threats from chronic local pressures and climate change, particularly rising ocean temperatures and bleaching. By comparing the dynamics of two adjacent reef systems, we find that coral bleaching can have irreversible impacts on coral reefs. The dynamics of reef systems are driven by local environment, exposure to disturbances, and coral life history traits. Applying knowledge of community dynamics at local scales can aid management strategies to slow the degradation of coral reefs.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Yves-Marie Bozec, Karlo Hock, Robert A. B. Mason, Mark E. Baird, Carolina Castro-Sanguino, Scott A. Condie, Marji Puotinen, Angus Thompson, Peter J. Mumby
Summary: This study integrated coral life history, population dynamics, and environmental drivers to assess the impacts of multiple stressors on the Great Barrier Reef. Model simulations showed a decline in coral populations by one-third from 2008 to 2020, with coral bleaching being the main driver of coral mortality. Annual rates of coral mortality were highest due to bleaching, followed by cyclones and starfish predation.
ECOLOGICAL MONOGRAPHS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marine Gouezo, Katharina Fabricius, Peter Harrison, Yimnang Golbuu, Christopher Doropoulos
Summary: Researchers have proposed a framework to guide reef managers and scientists on how to best support coral reef recovery after disturbance. The framework includes two main stages: first, assessing disturbed reefs based on their social-ecological values and likelihood of recovery; second, choosing management actions based on ecological attributes of the disturbed reef, such as substrata rehabilitation, repopulating, resilience-based management, and monitoring.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Sam H. C. Noonan, Stephanie DiPerna, Mia O. Hoogenboom, Katharina E. Fabricius
Summary: This study experimentally demonstrated the negative effects of multi-day periods of reduced light on corals, specifically impacting adult growth rates and juvenile survival of Acropora coral species, thereby slowing down reef recovery.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Laetitia Plaisance, Kenan Matterson, Katharina Fabricius, Sergei Drovetski, Chris Meyer, Nancy Knowlton
Summary: Research demonstrates that cryptofauna on coral reefs exhibit diverse and complex responses to acidification conditions, influenced by various factors including direct and indirect impacts.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fiorella Prada, Leonardo Brizi, Silvia Franzellitti, Stefano Mengoli, Simona Fermani, Iryna Polishchuk, Nicola Baraldi, Francesco Ricci, Quinzia Palazzo, Erik Caroselli, Boaz Pokroy, Loris Giorgini, Zvy Dubinsky, Paola Fantazzini, Giuseppe Falini, Stefano Goffredo, Katharina E. Fabricius
Summary: This study found that four tropical zooxanthellate corals from Papua New Guinea underwater volcanic vent system exhibit increased skeletal porosity and changes in organic matrix and water content under long-term exposure to OA, suggesting a common phenotypic response to environmental pressures.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Barbara J. Robson, Stephen Lewis, Frederieke Kroon, Katharina Fabricius, Michael Warne, Eric Wolanski
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Christopher M. Free, Reniel B. Cabral, Halley E. Froehlich, Willow Battista, Elena Ojea, Erin O'Reilly, James E. Palardy, Jorge Garcia Molinos, Katherine J. Siegel, Ragnar Arnason, Marie Antonette Juinio-Menez, Katharina Fabricius, Carol Turley, Steven D. Gaines
Summary: As the human population and demand for food grow, the ocean needs to provide increasing amounts of seafood. Fisheries reforms and advances in mariculture could increase production, but the future of seafood depends on human responses to climate change. Climate-adaptive fisheries reforms alone are not sufficient to maintain global seafood production per capita, but sustainable mariculture has the potential to increase seafood per capita, contingent on fisheries reforms and other advancements.