Article
Limnology
Debashish Bhattacharya, Timothy G. Stephens, Amanda I. Tinoco, Robert H. Richmond, Phillip A. Cleves
Summary: Climate change and anthropogenic stressors have led to the degradation and loss of coral reefs, driving research in genomics, proteomics, and genetics to identify resilient species and populations for restoration. The relatively isolated and species-poor coral reefs in the Hawaiian Archipelago provide an ideal platform for advancing coral biology and conservation efforts.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ji Hoon J. Han, Matthew P. Stefanak, Kuulei S. Rodgers
Summary: Terrestrial-based nutrient pollution is harmful to coral health. However, low levels of balanced nutrient enrichment may mitigate the effects of thermal stress on corals.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rachel R. R. Carlson, Jiwei Li, Larry B. B. Crowder, Gregory P. P. Asner
Summary: Turbidity from land-based runoff can have both negative and positive effects on coral bleaching during ocean heatwaves. This study used high-resolution satellite data to examine the relationship between turbidity and coral bleaching severity in Hawaii. The results showed that the effect of turbidity on bleaching severity weakened at higher temperatures, but still had a slightly negative impact in urban settings. Additionally, interactions between temperature and local variables like turbidity and wave energy were found to be the most significant drivers of bleaching severity.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Crawford Drury, Roberta E. Martin, David E. Knapp, Joseph Heckler, Joshua Levy, Ruth D. Gates, Gregory P. Asner
Summary: To improve coral conservation and management, we used historical bleaching phenotypes, imaging spectroscopy, and temperature stress to map coral species composition and thermal tolerance. Spectral data accurately distinguished benthic composition and coral species and showed potential for mapping thermal tolerance. Additionally, we strengthened the relationship between predictions and conserved tolerance phenotypes through a study of a marine heatwave in 2019.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Renanel Pickholtz, Moshe Kiflawi, Yehezkel Buba, Shahar Chaikin, Tal Gavriel, Gil Lapid, Mai Lazarus, Shahar Malamud, Nir Marom, Sagi Marom, Maayan Nieger-Rachmilevitz, Karin Olsson, Tal Perevolotsky, Shevy Bat-Sheva Rothman, Shira Salingre, Noy Shapira, Bar Sternbach, Hava Wandel, Jonathan Belmaker
Summary: This study systematically characterized nocturnal habitat utilization and cocoon formation in parrotfishes, finding that different species exhibited distinct characteristics in sleeping sites. However, most species showed similar preferences in site selection. Surprisingly, the utilization of sheltered sleeping sites did not correlate with body size or life stage, and cocoon formation was not clearly associated with exposure or habitat. Therefore, nocturnal habitat utilization does not appear to be a major factor for niche differentiation in parrotfishes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yip Hung Yeung, James Y. Xie, Chun Kit Kwok, Keith Kei, Put Ang, Leo Lai Chan, Walter Dellisanti, Chi Chiu Cheang, Wing Kuen Chow, Jian-Wen Qiu
Summary: The study identified five community types in Hong Kong's coral communities, with the most common one dominated by massive and upward-plating corals. Coral cover and generic richness were negatively correlated with water quality parameters, indicating constraints on the development of coral communities. Management actions are recommended to reduce bioerosion and monitor sites affected by bleaching.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guangjia Jiang, Shuisen Chen, Xinrui Wang, Wei Deng, Zebin Zhuang, Lihong Zeng, Chunchao Zhang, Wei Yu
Summary: By conducting bio-optical and chemical measurements in the waters around Xidao Island, Sanya, China in July 2019, this study explored the spatial variations of water components and their influences on remote sensing reflectance of water in coral reef areas. The results showed that the optical properties of coral reef waters were influenced by suspended solids, dissolved organic carbon, and colored dissolved organic matter, which varied spatially and vertically. These findings provide valuable information for mapping and monitoring benthic habitats using remote sensing imagery in coastal regions, especially when the influence of particulate sediments is considered.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tom Shlesinger, Robert van Woesik
Summary: Anomalously high ocean temperatures have increased in frequency, intensity, and duration due to greenhouse gas emissions. These temperature anomalies have led to coral bleaching, mortality, and changes in community structure. However, there are geographical differences in thermal regimes and past disturbances that may result in different bleaching responses among corals within and among oceans.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Karlisa A. Callwood
Summary: Parrotfish play a vital role in maintaining the health of coral reefs, but an emerging fishery driven by increased preference for the fish has been expanding in The Bahamas. Despite some fishers recognizing the ecological importance of parrotfish, there is still a need for education to enhance understanding. Survey results show that social factors can significantly impact fishers' harvesting behavior, emphasizing the importance of considering these factors in fisheries management.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Peter John Robinson, Pieter van Beukering, Luke Brander, Roy Brouwer, W. Haider, Michael Taylor, Paulus Mau
Summary: Global climate change has a significant impact on the health and productivity of coral reefs, leading to deteriorations that affect human welfare. This study conducted a discrete choice experiment among Hawaiian and US mainland residents, and found that climate change-induced declines in coral cover and fish numbers result in large welfare losses, while declines in coral health and fish species diversity lead to moderate welfare losses.
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
(2022)
Article
Biology
Nicholas J. MacKnight, Kathryn Cobleigh, Danielle Lasseigne, Andia Chaves-Fonnegra, Alexandra Gutting, Bradford Dimos, Jendahye Antoine, Lauren Fuess, Contessa Ricci, Caleb Butler, Erinn M. Muller, Laura D. Mydlarz, Marilyn Brandt
Summary: The study compared the phenotypic and microbial responses of seven Caribbean coral species after exposure to white plague disease, showing a spectrum of disease susceptibility corresponding to microbial dysbiosis. This suggests that coral disease and microbial dysbiosis may ultimately shape reef ecosystems.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jacqueline V. Alva Garcia, Shannon G. Klein, Taiba Alamoudi, Silvia Arossa, Anieka J. Parry, Alexandra Steckbauer, Carlos M. Duarte
Summary: This study assessed the hypoxic thresholds of two Red Sea coral species and found that longer-term hypoxic events can induce coral bleaching, but the effects vary depending on the extent of O-2 reduction and are likely species-specific. The commonly defined hypoxic O-2 levels do not adequately capture the thresholds reported here.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Zoe Meziere, Walter A. Rich, Susana Carvalho, Francesca Benzoni, Xose Anxelu G Moran, Michael L. Berumen
Summary: S. pistillata is actually composed of four genetically distinct lineages with different evolutionary histories and geographical distributions. Most studies have focused on the impact of single stressors, neglecting the combined effects of multiple stressors. The majority of research has been conducted in laboratory settings, with only a small percentage in field conditions, making it challenging to draw general conclusions about the effects of stressors on S. pistillata.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Elena Couce, Benjamin Cowburn, David Clare, Joanna K. Bluemel
Summary: Coral reef ecosystems are projected to experience significant declines due to ocean warming and acidification. This study examines the environmental resilience of over 650 coral species and predicts a substantial decrease in coral species richness globally, with a potential net loss ranging from 73% to 91% by 2080-2090. The Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, Western Indian Ocean, and Caribbean are expected to be severely impacted. Mitigating climate change is crucial to prevent massive coral species extinctions.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Yenny Risjani, Andrzej Witkowski, Adrian Kryk, Yunianta, Ewa Gorecka, Marta Krzywda, Ikha Safitri, Ajuk Sapar, Przemyslaw Dabek, Sulastri Arsad, Evgeniy Gusev, Rudiyansyah, Lukasz Peszek, Rafal J. Wrobel
Summary: This study presents the results of the first ever research on biodiversity and biogeography of marine benthic diatoms from coral reefs in Indonesia, revealing a high abundance and diversity of diatoms. Biodiversity indices were higher in Indonesia compared to other tropical oceanic islands, with habitat type playing a more significant role in taxonomic composition than geographic factors. Cosmopolitan taxa were dominant in relative abundance, while species richness was higher in tropical and local forms. Many taxa were identified only at the genus level, potentially indicating new species.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2021)