Lack of knowledge on the conservation value of different reef types can stymie decision making, and result in less optimal management solutions. Addressing the information gap of coral reef resilience, we produce a map-based Remote Sensed Resilience Index (RSRI) from data describing the spatial distribution of stressors, and properties of reef habitats on the Farasan Banks, Saudi Arabia. We contrast the distribution of this index among fourteen reef types, categorized on a scale of maturity that includes juvenile (poorly aggraded), mature (partially aggraded), and senile (fully aggraded) reefs. Sites with high reef resilience can be found in most detached reef types; however they are most common in mature reefs. We aim to stimulate debate on the coupling that exists between geomorphology and conservation biology, and consider how such information can be used to inform management decisions.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.11.027 | DOI Listing |
J Hazard Mater
December 2024
College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
Biodegradation of microplastics facilitated by natural marine biofouling is a promising approach for ocean bioremediation. However, implementation requires a comprehensive understanding of how interactions between the marine microbiome and dominant microplastic debris types (e.g.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAppl Environ Microbiol
January 2025
Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut, USA.
Ocean warming due to climate change endangers coral reefs, and regional nitrogen overloading exacerbates the vulnerability of reef-building corals as the dual stress disrupts coral-Symbiodiniaceae mutualism. Different forms of nitrogen may create different interactive effects with thermal stress, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. To address the gap, we measured and compared the physiological and transcriptional responses of the Symbiodiniaceae to heat stress (31°C) when supplied with different types of nitrogen (nitrate, ammonium, or urea).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMar Environ Res
December 2024
Reef Life Survey Foundation, Hobart, 7000, Australia; Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, 7000, Australia.
Following a recent dramatic increase in illegal fishing by Indonesian fishing vessels in Australian waters in 2022, we conducted an extensive survey of coral reef communities covering 33,000 m at Mermaid Reef Marine Park in the Rowley Shoals off north-western Australia in July 2022. Species richness of sea cucumbers was 13 species (three CITES listed) and 6 species of giant clams (all CITES listed). The most abundant sea cucumber species were the low or intermediate value, asexually reproducing species Holothuria atra and H.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnviron Monit Assess
December 2024
Global Reef, Koh Tao, Thailand.
The current study investigated the morphological dietary preferences of an outbreaking population of corallivorous crown-of-thorn sea stars (Acanthaster sp.) in Koh Tao, situated in the Gulf of Thailand. The local effects of such populations deemed to be in outbreak are currently poorly understood.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMC Microbiol
December 2024
School of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China.
Background: Different species of sea cucumbers in various regions have diverse preferred habitats and feeding habits. However, detailed research on the correlation between food selection and habitat preference of sea cucumbers, as well as their adaptive adjustments to specific habitat types, is still lacking.
Methods: A field study was carried out to explore the relationship between food selection and habitat preference, as well as the adaptation process, of the tropical sea cucumber Stichopus chloronotus, which has specific food preferences.
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