How healthy are our coral reefs? Researchers have built a tool to help find out
Researchers at the University of Sydney have harnessed more than 30 years of data to build a new method to more accurately measure the impact of climate change-induced events on the Great Barrier Reef. The findings are published in the journal Marine Environmental Research.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a new framework using over 30 years of data to assess the health of coral reefs, particularly in the Great Barrier Reef. The study, published in Marine Environmental Research, quantifies reef degradation and provides a health-check tool for other researchers. Key parameters such as coral cover and algal buildup are measured to determine reef condition.
Healthy reefs have high coral cover and low algal buildup, while struggling reefs exhibit high algal buildup and a decline in complex corals. The framework categorizes reefs as healthy, coping, or struggling based on changes in coral cover, algal dominance, and reef composition. Reefs are considered to be in a coping state when coral cover declines below 65% of their historical maximum and enters a struggling state when cover falls below 35%.
The research indicates that complex coral forms are more vulnerable to disturbances than simpler corals, leading to reef flattening and reduced shelter for marine life. This tool can help scientists identify when a reef is imperiled and recommend timely interventions to facilitate recovery, such as reducing fishing and dredging and restoring corals.
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