Artificial reefs play a crucial role in protecting the marine environment by providing shelter for numerous marine species. These man-made structures mimic natural reefs, offering habitats and supporting the diversity of life.
Scientists from the Australian Institute of Marine Science and James Cook University have developed special cradles that protect young corals from grazing fish on the Great Barrier Reef. These innovative devices could significantly contribute to the protection and regeneration of one of the world’s most important marine ecosystems.
At a great depth below the surface of the Gulf of Mexico, in the darkness of the deep sea, complex ecosystems of non-photosynthetic corals have been discovered. These mysterious, long-lived coral structures, inhabited by brittle stars and other marine organisms, reveal surprising aspects of interdependence, a deeper understanding of which was brought about by the Deepwater Horizon drilling disaster.
New research from Imperial College London reveals that ocean acidification is changing the microbiome of coral reefs, which could serve as an early indicator of their health. These findings, published in the journal Microbiome, pave the way for the development of universal metrics to monitor the impact of human activities on ecosystems worldwide.
Since 2002, the Coral Disease and Health Consortium (CDHC) has been working to protect and regenerate coral reefs by integrating experts from various sectors. Learn how their initiatives impact the protection and restoration of these valuable ecosystems.
Discover the success of the coral reef restoration on Mnemba Island, where the local community along with environmental organizations is reversing the effects of climate change and overfishing, restoring the health and beauty of this crucial ecosystem.
Over the last three decades, the levels of seas and oceans have risen by an alarming 9 centimeters. Latest NASA data predicts that this rate of increase will continue to accelerate, potentially causing significant changes for many regions around the world.
Scientists installed forty underwater temperature loggers on the Bahia Islands in Honduras to monitor conditions essential for the survival of coral reefs. These studies are crucial in understanding how global warming affects corals, which may lead to developing strategies to protect these sensitive ecosystems from increasingly frequent bleaching.
The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) collaborates with local communities and scientists worldwide to protect one of the most diverse ecosystems—coral reefs. Learn how CORAL combats climate change and promotes sustainable practices that support the health of coral reefs.
The discovery of a vast, previously unknown coral reef along the sunny shores of Curaçao is changing our understanding of biodiversity and the need to protect our oceans. The research conducted by the “Sealink Caribbean” team reveals a unique ecosystem at depths of 30-60 meters, opening new opportunities for marine conservation and scientific research.