Article
Environmental Sciences
Floortje E. Roelvink, Curt D. Storlazzi, Ap R. van Dongeren, Stuart G. Pearson
Summary: The study shows that broader and shallower coral restoration projects are most effective in reducing wave-driven flooding, such as those on the upper fore reef and between the reef flat and shoreline, compared to deeper locations on the fore reef or at the reef crest. It suggests that planting more physically robust coral species in shallower and more energetic locations can increase the coastal hazard risk reduction potential of reef restoration.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Bing Lin, Yiwen Zeng, Gregory P. P. Asner, David S. S. Wilcove
Summary: By combining Instagram data from tourists and live coral cover maps in Hawaii, this study reveals that coral reefs both attract and suffer from coastal tourism. Higher live coral cover attracts more visitors, but their visitation contributes to subsequent reef degradation. This finding highlights the economic value of coral reefs and the importance of effective conservation management.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Oceanography
Dane Erlo Matorres, Michael Fabinyi, Kate Barclay, Peter Harrison
Summary: Most coral restoration work focuses on technical approaches, neglecting the social, economic, and political contexts. This study examines the interactions between major coastal economic sectors and coral restoration in the Philippines, highlighting the importance of these interactions for the governance and sustainability of restoration projects.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Charlotte G. G. Clay, James Davis Reimer, Katie M. M. Cook, Hirotaka Yamagawa, Ellen Gravener, Lee Hui Yian Theodora, Maria Beger
Summary: This study assessed functional changes in fish communities in Nakagusuku Bay, Okinawa, Japan, over 45 years and identified possible drivers of these changes. The results showed reductions in functional richness and trait space contraction for fishes over time. Changes in habitat availability correlated with changes in the functional diversity of reef-fish communities.
MARINE AND FRESHWATER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Amy Sing Wong, Spyridon Vrontos, Michelle L. Taylor
Summary: This study presents an up-to-date analysis of the population living near coral reef ecosystems, showing that approximately 13% of the global population (around 1 billion people) reside within 100 km of coral reefs, with a growing trend in population. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have the highest proportion of population living near coral reefs, and the population density within 5-10 km of coral reefs is four times the global average.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jenny Fong, Peter A. Todd
Summary: The study reveals that interactions between corals and macroalgae vary greatly across sites and seasons, with different coral species showing varying effects on macroalgae. It is important to consider seasonal fluctuations of macroalgae for understanding their overall long-term impacts.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Miriam Reverter, Stephanie B. Helber, Sven Rohde, Jasper M. de Goeij, Peter J. Schupp
Summary: Non-random community changes are becoming more frequent in many ecosystems, with coral reefs experiencing shifts towards communities dominated by other than hard corals. Despite the existence of various alternative communities, knowledge remains scattered on the global diversity and functioning of alternative coral reef benthic communities.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Inga Dehnert, Luca Saponari, Paolo Galli, Simone Montano
Summary: This study aims to expand the knowledge base for coral restoration techniques in the Maldives by testing the performance of mid-water rope nurseries. The results show that both lagoon and reef nurseries are suitable for rearing large numbers of coral fragments, with different impacts on the survival and growth of different coral genera. Fish predation and the presence of mutualistic fauna influenced the success of coral rearing, and disease had a more severe impact in the lagoon habitat.
Article
Environmental Studies
Mark T. Gibbs, Maxine Newlands
Summary: The allocation and management of spatially-bound property rights is crucial in natural resource management, especially in high-income countries. The rapid expansion of coral reef restoration activities globally requires adaptation of management regimes, which may clash with traditional approaches in low-income nations hosting coral reefs. Communities must carefully consider how to manage increasing activities in order to avoid unintended consequences of western governance and management instruments.
Article
Engineering, Marine
Ofer Berman, Natalie Levy, Haim Parnas, Oren Levy, Ezri Tarazi
Summary: Researchers propose using 3D printing technology to improve coral nurseries by combining biomimetic substrates and novel solutions for attaching coral fragments. They conducted tests to identify and quantify marine invertebrates on the surfaces of the substrates, and evaluated the health of the coral fragments using a proxy for tissue health. They also suggest different methods for land and underwater nurseries to cater to various restoration initiatives.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Jacey C. Van Wert, Leila Ezzat, Katrina S. Munsterman, Kaitlyn Landfield, Nina M. D. Schiettekatte, Valeriano Parravicini, Jordan M. Casey, Simon J. Brandl, Deron E. Burkepile, Erika J. Eliason
Summary: Consumers play a crucial role in nutrient cycling through excretion and egestion. While the excretion of fish-derived inorganic nutrients has been studied extensively, the importance of egestion for nutrient cycling has been neglected. This study investigated the fecal nutrient content of different fish species on a coral reef and found that different species exhibit unique fecal nutrient concentrations.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Hillary A. Smith, Stella E. Fulton, Ian M. Mcleod, Cathie A. Page, David G. Bourne
Summary: Manual removal of macroalgae can promote the recovery of inshore coral reefs and improve the composition of benthic reef organisms.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Nicholas M. Hammerman, George Roff, Tracy Lybolt, Gal Eyal, John M. Pandolfi
Summary: This study investigates the entire history of a high-latitude coral reef ecosystem in an urbanized setting and finds that reef growth and termination are controlled by environmental factors, and water quality pollution has a significant impact on coral assemblages.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Coline Monchanin, Rahul Mehrotra, Elouise Haskin, Chad M. Scott, Pau Urgell Plaza, Alyssa Allchurch, Spencer Arnold, Kirsty Magson, Bert W. Hoeksema
Summary: Research in Thailand's Koh Tao revealed significant differences in coral community structure between artificial and natural reefs, with diversity not solely explained by coral spawning dynamics. This suggests that these reefs play distinct ecological and functional roles in the marine environment.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Geography, Physical
Meixia Zhao, Yu Zhong, Shuqi Zhang, Haiyang Zhang, Hongqiang Yang, Qi Shi, Hongqiang Yan, Haoya Tong, Weihai Xu, Wen Yan
Summary: This study analyzed the NK-1 core from Meiji Reef in the South China Sea, revealing the development model of Holocene coral reefs and the impact of coral community diversity on reef growth. Acropora corals were identified as the main reef builders during the Holocene, with their growth rate and dispersion method playing a crucial role in the vertical accumulation of reefs.
PALAEOGEOGRAPHY PALAEOCLIMATOLOGY PALAEOECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chin Soon Lionel Ng, Danwei Huang, Kok Ben Toh, Shu Qin Sam, Yuichi Preslie Kikuzawa, Tai Chong Toh, Daisuke Taira, Yong Kit Samuel Chan, Ling Zi Tracy Hung, Wan Ting Sim, Ahmad Rafiuddin Rashid, Lutfi Afiq-Rosli, Ngan Kee Ng, Loke Ming Chou
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2020)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Lutfi Afiq-Rosli, Benjamin John Wainwright, Anya Roopa Gajanur, Ai Chin Lee, Seng Keat Ooi, Loke Ming Chou, Danwei Huang
Summary: Research on two species of reef-building corals in Singapore's urbanized equatorial reef system revealed different genetic connectivity patterns, with broadcast-spawning corals showing cryptic lineages and near complete mixing, while brooding corals displayed differentiation at distant sites. Self-recruitment was identified as an important demographic process, with 60-80% of colonies in each population being nonmigrants. These findings not only contribute to the management of Singapore's coral reef ecosystems, but also offer insights into the evolution of marine populations in South-East Asia.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Shu Qin Sam, Chin Soon Lionel Ng, Yuichi Preslie Kikuzawa, Tai Chong Toh, Wan Ting Sim, Loke Ming Chou
Summary: Coral transplantation is effective in restoring coral cover in degraded reefs, and the size of coral fragments has minimal impact on the success of transplantation. Transplanting only small coral fragments can yield better live coral cover and make more efficient use of the original coral source material.
MARINE BIOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chin Soon Lionel Ng, Yong Kit Samuel Chan, Nhung Thi Hong Nguyen, Yuichi Preslie Kikuzawa, Shu Qin Sam, Tai Chong Toh, Aidan Yong Jie Mock, Loke Ming Chou, Danwei Huang
Summary: The study reveals differences in coral communities between reefs and seawalls in Singapore, primarily influenced by the distance from the mainland. Different habitat types support different types of coral species, and environmental filtering strongly shapes coral communities in Singapore's urbanized reef system, potentially influencing ecosystem functioning.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Li Chang Chng, Loke Ming Chou, Danwei Huang
Summary: Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) is increasingly recognized as an effective environmental management approach globally. Singapore, as a member of PEMSEA, has established its own Integrated Urban Coastal Management (IUCM) framework. This paper evaluates potential environmental performance indicators for managing Singapore's coastal resources and identifies 40 significant indicators for advancing Singapore's IUCM strategy. The assessment shows that Singapore has met performance expectations in key areas but faces challenges in others, such as impacts of land use on coastal ecosystems and solid waste accumulation on beaches.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Yuichi Preslie Kikuzawa, Chin Soon Lionel Ng, Shu Qin Sam, Tai Chong Toh, Koh Siang Tan, Poh Leong Loo, Loke Ming Chou
Summary: Accelerated urbanisation has led to the replacement of natural shorelines with coastal defences, resulting in the loss of natural habitats. However, using ecological engineering techniques such as coral transplantation can enhance biodiversity on these artificial structures. Research demonstrates that on seawalls, transplanting corals through nonfusion can increase survival rates and growth rates, ultimately reducing costs significantly.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Nhung T. H. Nguyen, Daniel A. Friess, Peter A. Todd, Tessa Mazor, Catherine E. Lovelock, Ryan Lowe, James Gilmour, Loke Ming Chou, Natasha Bhatia, Zeehan Jaafar, Karenne Tun, Siti Maryam Yaakub, Danwei Huang
Summary: Coastal cities and their natural environments are vulnerable to climate change impacts, especially sea-level rise. Coastal ecosystems and hard coastal defences both play important roles in protecting coastal populations and contributing to overall sustainability. Conservation of coastal ecosystems and implementing management interventions can enhance their resilience to cope with rising sea levels.
LANDSCAPE AND URBAN PLANNING
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Chin Soon Lionel Ng, Tai Chong Toh, Kok Ben Toh, Shu Qin Sam, Yuichi Preslie Kikuzawa, Loke Ming Chou, Danwei Huang
Summary: Coral restoration in Singapore requires considering inputs from various stakeholders, as socioeconomic factors can affect its success. Online questionnaires were used to analyze the knowledge levels, attitudes, and preferences of 142 participants towards coral ecology and restoration. The results showed a need to improve environmental education and science communication, and identified resilience and resistance to stress as the most important traits for restoring reefs. The adaptable framework presented in this study allows integration of stakeholder inputs to boost restoration outcomes.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
James Guest, Maria Vanessa Baria-Rodriguez, Tai Chong Toh, Dexter dela Cruz, Kareen Vicentuan, Edgardo Gomez, Ronald Villanueva, Peter Steinberg, Alasdair Edwards
Summary: Efforts to restore coral reefs usually involve asexual and sexual propagation methods. This study demonstrates the successful sexual propagation and transplantation of slow-growing corals, showing the feasibility of restoring sexually mature coral populations in under a decade.
Article
Remote Sensing
Jieqiong Ding, Cuicui Feng, Guanqiong Ye, Guangzheng Zhong, Loke Ming Chou, Xuechu Chen, Min Liu
Summary: Ninety-four percent of China's claimed islands are uninhabited, leading to severe damage to island ecosystems due to the lack of protection awareness during development. This study proposes a model based on emergy analysis to incorporate ecological cost into the current use fee system for uninhabited islands. Case studies in Shanghai demonstrate the applicability of emergy analysis in valuing different ecosystems, and the pricing model enhances the traditional use fee system within an acceptable price range.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Poh Leong Loo, Koh Siang Tan, Yen-Ling Lee, Yuichi Peslie Kikuzawa, Jie Hong Sebastian Yeo, Tai Chong Toh
Summary: The thermal tolerance of ten coral taxa was tested, with most species thriving between 28-30 degrees Celsius, but with subtle differences observed. Laminar corals showed higher survival rates compared to massive and branching corals in response to elevated temperatures.
AQUACULTURE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Soledad Alvarez, Ignacio Gestoso, Patricio Ramalhosa, Joao Canning-Clode
Summary: The introduction of non-indigenous species poses a threat to coastal biodiversity, with maritime traffic as a primary vector. This study compares the performance of three methods and evaluates their attributes to develop improved strategies for monitoring and mitigating the impact of non-indigenous species.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Ya-Qin Zhang, Chun-Hui Gong, Xiang-Hua Qi, Wen-Jun Wang, Peng-Tao Cao, Qiang Li, Peng Wang, Yi Yang
Summary: This study investigated the concentrations of heavy metals in marine organisms from Gaogong Island in Lianyungang and evaluated the associated health risks. The results showed significant variations in heavy metal concentrations among different sampling months and marine organisms. However, the assessed health risks from consuming these marine organisms were found to be within acceptable thresholds.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Bo Yang, Huina Zheng, Zhouping Cui, Hao Sun, Baolin Liao, Ziqiang Xie, Bogui Chen, Jin Zhou, Baohua Xiao
Summary: This study found that coral transplantation on the "chessboard" reef and natural substrate in Dapeng Bay was successful, with corals on the reef showing better growth advantage. Temperature and suspended particulate matter were identified as the main factors affecting the health and growth of transplanted corals.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2024)
Review
Ecology
Bilal Mghili, Mohamed Ben -Haddad, Ouafae Zerrad, Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Mustapha Aksissou
Summary: This review critically analyzes the available literature on plastic pollution in Morocco's marine environment. It discusses the abundance, composition, and sources of plastic litter, as well as the impact on the biota and ecosystem services. The review highlights the limited studies conducted and the scarcity of data, particularly regarding the prevalence of microplastics. It also emphasizes the considerable threat plastic litter poses to Moroccan biodiversity.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Khaled M. Abdelsalam, Mohamed F. Nour Eldeen, Mohamed H. Mona, Fayez A. Shoukr, Mona M. El Gamal
Summary: This research paper investigates the biodiversity of macro-benthic invertebrates collected along the eastern coast of Egypt. The study found a total of 118 taxa, with Mollusca being the most diverse and Arthropoda being the most dominant phylum. The most prevalent species was the stomatopod Erugosquilla massavensis. Eleven species were newly recorded in the Egyptian Mediterranean Sea. It is recommended to establish national monitoring programs to record any new alien species in the study area.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Haruka Nakano, Maria Belen Alfonso, Suppakan Jandang, Keiri Imai, Hisayuki Arakawa
Summary: This study evaluated the level of microplastic pollution in marine environments around Japan using the pollution load index, polymer risk index, and pollution risk index. The results showed low to moderate pollution levels in each area, but predicted an increase in pollution levels in the future. The study highlights the importance of taking action to prevent additional plastic pollution and the need for continued monitoring of microplastics in the environment.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2024)