The discussion of coral reefs has become a more relevant topic today, specifically because of the relationship between climate change and the health of coral reefs. All living organisms take part in a large food web that sustains and balances populations. This includes ourselves, so it is important to understand how we affect food webs indirectly. Coral reefs affect many parts of the food web, mainly marine life. Coral reefs are a source of food and an ecosystem for much marine life. The endangerment of coral reefs species is more prominent and not only affects marine life now but affects the future of the food web. Understanding how best we can conserve our marine ecosystems, starting with coral reefs, will create a brighter future for many generations ahead. Within this review is the discussion of the effectiveness of studied methods. Preserving, restoring, and alternatives to coral reefs are looked over.
Harris noted in 2013 that, “in many cases, reef colonies that were established in the late-Pleistocene to early-Holocene were unable to keep pace with post-glacial sea-level rise and were subsequently ‘drowned’.” Although the reason for the rise in sea level is not explained, Harris does state that “NSS(Near Sea Surface) coral reefs are exposed to a range of natural and anthropogenic threats, particularly the increasing incidence and severity of coral bleaching due to anthropogenic warming of sea temperatures.” (2013). It is clear Harris is making the claim that climate change and the survival of coral reefs have a definite relation with one another. He further backs this stating, “Global ocean warming, combined with a range of other threats (Pandlofi et al., 2003), could potentially result in submerged reefs functioning as refugia for corals and associated species. Therefore, their conservation may be crucial for the persistence of corals and associated species under future climate change impacts and other local stressors.” (Harris 2013). With all the other articles discussed in this review, Harris is the only author to point out the connections between coral reefs and warming sea temperatures. Hughes’ article also talked about the impact of climate change on coral reefs. He did not discuss the NSS’ inability to keep pace with the rise in sea level, but talked about the increase of coral bleaching from the rise in sea level. ”Since the 1980s, rising sea surface temperatures owing to global warming have triggered unprecedented mass bleaching of corals.” (Hughes 2017). Such rapid and drastic changes to the ocean’s temperature and sea level is said to have long lasting effects on the coral reefs and the marine life that depend on them. “Bleaching has also set the stage for other declines in reef health, such as increases in coral diseases, the breakdown of reef framework by bioeroders, and the loss of critical habitat for associated reef fishes and other biota.” (Baker 2010).
Many researchers have proposed solutions to the declining population of coral reefs; one solution is creating artificial reefs. These modified reefs would be able to withstand the changing climates and sea levels. “An assessment of reef performance indicates that only 50% of the case studies meet their objectives, the remainder having no, little or limited success.” (Baine 2010). There are many factors that play in the effectiveness of a coral reef, and dozens of variables outside of the designs that would mitigate their performance. Carr evaluated artificial reefs by comparing them with natural coral reefs for a more accurate assessment. “Species richness and fish abundance (all species combined) were greater on reefs of natural rather than artificial structure, but substantial differences in species composition were not detected.” (Baine 2011). Both authors seem to believe that artificial reefs have the potential to benefit future coral reefs and endangered ones. They also seem to agree that there are complications with observing and analyzing the performance of the artificial reefs. Baker stated that 50% of the coral reefs met their intended objectives, while Carr concluded that natural reefs generally performed better than artificial reefs, still finding both types of reefs functional. There is a disagreement on the effectiveness of artificial reefs. Evidently, there weren’t a lot of resources available to complete a proper and timely observation of coral and artificial reefs. Funding and time are required for a more accurate understanding of how to better improve artificial reefs.
Restoration is another method suggested by many researchers including Baker and Baine. Possingham takes a deeper dive into what the process of restoration should look like in their research, "Optimal Conservation OutcomesRequire Both Restoration and Protection". In a diagram they created, they split the conservation of coral reefs into two main steps; The first step being protecting and the second being restoring. The diagram conveys the different stages of restoration.
“For example, the blue arrow extending from restoring land (R) to degraded land (C) indicates that the process of restoration moves land from the ‘degraded’ state to the ‘restoring’ state.” (Possingham 2020). Hesley introduces another method for restoration of coral reefs. “We describe a citizen science program, Rescue a Reef (RAR), which trains participants in reef restoration and provides unique, experiential learning opportunities to recover degraded coral reefs by propagating and transplanting threatened coral species.” (2017). Hesley’s approach to restoration involves more volunteer work and group training before taking action with actual restoration, while Possingham focuses on the actual process of restoration. Both authors discuss degradation in coral reefs and include that as part of the many problems to solve when restoring reefs. Something Possingmham does not touch is transplanting coral reefs. These are excellent sources of information as they provide methods for preparation, and action.
From the research gathered, it is clear that more research is needed for a better understanding of what is and isn’t effective in the conservation of coral reefs. Many authors seem to agree that the health and endangerment of coral reefs will worsen in the future if there is inaction. The future of coral reefs will affect marine life that depend on reefs for survival. This will later affect the human population as everything is connected to a food web, which we are a part of. It is imperative that we recognize the anthropogenic causes of coral degradation, bleaching, and endangerment.
Baine, Mark. “Artificial Reefs: a Review of Their Design, Application, Management and Performance.” Ocean & Coastal Management, Elsevier, 22 May 2001
Baker, Andrew C., et al. “Climate Change and Coral Reef Bleaching: An Ecological Assessment of Long-Term Impacts, Recovery Trends and Future Outlook.” Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, Academic Press, 17 Sept. 2008
Carr, Mark H., and Mark A. Hixon. “AFS Publications.” American Fisheries Society, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 9 Jan. 2011
Harris, Peter T., et al. “Submerged Banks in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Greatly Increase Available Coral Reef Habitat.” OUP Academic, Oxford University Press, 29 Nov. 2012
Hesley, D., et al. “Citizen Science Benefits Coral Reef Restoration Activities.” Journal for Nature Conservation, Urban & Fischer, 11 Sept. 2017
Hughes, Terry P., et al. “Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Mass Bleaching of Corals in the Anthropocene.” Science, American Association for the Advancement of Science, 5 Jan. 2018
Possingham, Hugh P., et al. “Optimal Conservation Outcomes Require Both Restoration and Protection.” PLOS Biology, Public Library of Science
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