Studying functions on coral reefs: past perspectives, current conundrums, and future potential

2024/02/24 by David R. Bellwood, Simon J. Brandl, Mike McWilliam +3 · 1 citation
Earth and Planetary Sciences · Environmental Science · #Aquaculture of coral #Biology #Context (archaeology) #Coral and Marine Ecosystems Studies #Coral bleaching #Coral reef #Coral reef organizations #Coral reef protection #Ecology #Fishery #Geography #Marine and coastal plant biology #Marine and fisheries research #Reef #Resilience of coral reefs

paper · pdf · doi:10.1007/s00338-024-02474-z

openalex publication_date 2024/02/24 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/26

Abstract

Abstract Function-based studies have opened a new chapter in our understanding of coral reefs. Unfortunately, we are opening this chapter as the world’s reefs rapidly transform. In this context, one of the most important roles of function-based studies is to inform coral reef conservation. At this critical juncture, we have a chance to reflect on where we have come from, and where we are going, in coral reef functional ecology, with specific consideration of what this means for our approaches to conserving reefs. As focal examples, we examine the role of corals on reefs, and the practice of culling crown-of-thorns starfish, from a functional perspective. We also consider how the papers in this special issue build on our current understanding. Ultimately, we highlight how robust scientific investigation, based on an understanding of ecosystem functions, will be key in helping us navigate reefs through the current coral reef crisis.

Citations

• Patterns in the distribution of coral communities across the central Great Barrier Reef
• Trophic Structure and Productivity of a Windward Coral Reef Community on Eniwetok Atoll
• Environmental Limits to Coral Reef Development: Where Do We Draw the Line?
• Human activity selectively impacts the ecosystem roles of parrotfishes on coral reefs
• A geological perspective on the degradation and conservation of western Atlantic coral reefs
• Global warming and recurrent mass bleaching of corals
• Relative efficacy of three approaches to mitigate Crown-of-Thorns Starfish outbreaks on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
• Understanding coralline algal responses to ocean acidification: Meta‐analysis and synthesis
• The potential for coral reef restoration to mitigate coastal flooding as sea levels rise

Cited by

• Reconciling urgency and restraint in the coral climate crisis: A philosophy of practice

Related

• A geological perspective on the degradation and conservation of western Atlantic coral reefs
• Coral restoration: a mapping review through a scientometric analysis
• Incorporating parrotfish bioerosion into the herbivory paradigm of coral reef resilience
• Coral Reef Microorganisms in a Changing Climate
• The influence of multiple stressors on the spatial distribution of corals