Corals and Coral Reefs

Abstract

Coral reefs are the most diverse marine ecosystems, at least on a per-area basis if not overall, with perhaps millions of species. They are also among the most threatened ecosystems. Outbreaks of coral eaters, smothering by seaweed, coral bleaching, and coral disease have all decimated reefs globally. The underlying anthropogenic causes are direct destruction, poor water quality, overfishing, introduction of invasive species, and the multiple effects of increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere due to burning of fossil fuels. Successful conservation of coral reefs and their biodiversity will depend on aggressive reduction of local stressors and ultimately on the stabilization and lowering of CO2 emissions.