Three new species of zoantharians were discovered by researchers from the University of the Ryukyus…
Browsing: Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems held together by calcium carbonate structures secreted by corals. Often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea,” they are among the most biologically diverse and productive ecosystems on Earth, providing habitat, shelter, and resources for an extensive variety of marine organisms. Coral reefs are critical to marine life and play key roles in the fishing and tourism industries, which support the economy of many nations around the world. They also offer coastline protection by reducing the power of waves hitting the shore and help mitigate carbon dioxide levels in the ocean. Despite their importance, coral reefs are extremely sensitive to water conditions and are facing unprecedented threats from climate change, oceanic acidification, overfishing, pollution, and destructive fishing practices, leading to rapid declines in reef health globally.
Scientists have discovered a pattern of gene activity, which allows some corals to survive in…
If current carbon dioxide emission trends continue, nearly every coral reef would be decimated by…
When Acropora nasuta corals come into contact with the toxic seaweed Chlorodesmis fastigiata, they emit…
In an effort to better understand ocean acidification and the effects of climate change on…
To better understand how to protect coral reefs, a team of microbiologists are investigating how…
The Great Barrier Reef is under attack by a disease and new data shows that…
Jacques Cousteau warned that humans were having a negative impact on coral reefs. Some three…