Underwater umbrellas for coral reefs could help protect against heat damage
High sea temperatures driven by the climate crisis damage corals, bleaching them ghostly white and killing them. While restoration of dead reefs is possible, it's difficult and expensive, and restored corals are vulnerable to future heat waves. Finding ways to stop or slow the damage to existing reefs is crucial.
Underwater umbrellas resembling shades could potentially shield vulnerable Caribbean corals from heat damage, according to a recent study. The researchers, led by Dr. Karen Neely from Nova Southeastern University, installed these umbrella-like structures over 10 colonies of two species of brain coral in the Florida Keys. The shades reduced light penetration by approximately 60%, preventing some of the ultraviolet and irradiance damage that exacerbates the effects of heat stress on corals.
Despite the 2023 heatwave in Florida causing extensive coral bleaching, the shaded corals experienced less color loss and even showed some recovery of their color after the shades were installed. However, the study found that the heat stress during that summer was not severe enough to cause mortality in either the control or shaded corals.
The researchers emphasized that while shading can offer temporary protection for targeted corals during future heatwaves, it is not a cure-all solution for coral reefs and would require careful consideration of which corals to save. Additionally, the study did not find significant differences in algae density or composition between the shaded and control groups.
The researchers suggest further studies to quantify the long-term benefits of shading on coral health, disease susceptibility, and reproductive capacity.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
