Effects of sediment exposure on corals: a systematic review of experimental studies.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Management actions that address local-scale stressors on coral reefs can rapidly improve water quality and reef ecosystem condition. In response to reef managers who need actionable thresholds for coastal runoff and dredging, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental studies that explore the effects of sediment on corals. We identified exposure levels that 'adversely' affect corals while accounting for sediment bearing (deposited vs. suspended), coral life-history stage, and species, thus providing empirically based estimates of stressor thresholds on vulnerable coral reefs.

Methods

We searched online databases and grey literature to obtain a list of potential studies, assess their eligibility, and critically appraise them for validity and

SUBMITTER: Tuttle LJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8818373 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature