Effects of bleaching-associated mass coral mortality on reef structural complexity across a gradient of local disturbance.

ABSTRACT: Structural complexity underpins the ecological functioning of coral reefs. However, rising ocean temperatures and associated coral bleaching threaten the structural integrity of these important ecosystems. Despite the increased frequency of coral bleaching events, few studies to date have examined changes in three-dimensional (3D) reef structural complexity following severe bleaching. The influence of local stressors on reef complexity also remains poorly understood. In the wake of the 2015-2016 El Niño-induced mass coral bleaching event, we quantified the effects of severe heat stress on 3D reef structural complexity across a gradient of local human disturbance. Using Structure-from-Motion photogrammetry we created 3D reconstructions of permanent reef plots and observed substantial declin

SUBMITTER: Magel JMT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6385266 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature