coral reef ecosystem – envirobites

Friday, March 31, 2023

Relief for the Reef – Connecting Coral Resilience with Restoration Efforts

June 1, 2022June 30, 2022 Andrea Valcarcel 0 Comments Climate Change, climate resiliency, coastal resilience, coral, coral bleaching, coral nurseries, coral reef ecosystem, coral reefs, habitat restoration, reef restoration, rehabilitation, resilience, Restoration

Coral reefs are ecologically important for both marine and land species, offering support for high biodiversity. They also represent one of the most threatened ecosystems, especially as a result of climate change and human intervention. Due to their vulnerability and significance, many efforts have been made to restore these vital ecosystems, yet the worldwide success rates for coral reef restoration aren’t nearly as high as scientists had hoped. So, now the question is: is there anything that can be done to make coral reefs and their restoration more resilient to the threats they face?

Climate Ecosystems Environmental Science

Every birdie poops: How birds could be helping coral reefs in a changing climate

July 19, 2019July 18, 2019 Jeannie Wilkening 0 Comments birds, Climate Change, coral reef ecosystem, nutrient cycling, seabirds

Warming ocean temperatures pose a big threat to coral reefs, but could coral reefs be getting some help from having feathered friends nearby? In this study, scientists investigate how the nutrients from bird poop may be helping to keep coral reefs from going to waste.

Climate Ecosystems Environmental Science

Will Sponges Bulldoze Coral Reefs Faster in an Acidic Ocean?

April 17, 2019September 16, 2022 Nick Iraola 0 Comments coral reef ecosystem, ocean acidification, sponges

Coral reefs provide benefits for marine life and humans alike. In this delicate ecosystem, humans may be tipping the scales in an unhealthy direction due to ocean acidification. Sponges naturally erode corals to create homes for themselves, but an acidic ocean might mean sponges may not have to work as hard and could erode corals faster than they build. Scientists have confirmed that as ocean acidification increase, so will the rates of erosion by sponges – leaving many concerned with the fate of our ocean’s coral reefs and the services they provide.