Cold water and harmful algal blooms linked to coral reef collapse in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.

ABSTRACT:

Background

With conventional coral reef conservation methods proving ineffective against intensifying climate change, efforts have focussed on augmenting coral tolerance to warmer water-the primary driver of coral declines. We document coral cover and composition in relation to sea surface temperature (SST) over 25-years, of six marginal reefs in an upwelling area of Costa Rica's Eastern Tropical Pacific.

Methods

Using reef survey data and sea surface temperature (SST) dating back over 25-years, we document coral cover and composition of six marginal reefs in an upwelling area of Costa Rica's Eastern Tropical Pacific in relation to thermal highs and lows.

Results

A ubiquitous and catastrophic coral die-off event occurred in 2009, driven by SST minima and likely by the

SUBMITTER: Palmer C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9526400 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature