A new study published in Peer J revealed that rapid sea temperature drops of up to 10 degrees were the primary cause of a catastrophic coral die-off event in Costa Rica.
Costa Coral Reef Experience an Upwelling
The study was carried out by an international team of scientists led by the University of Plymouth, collaborating with partners such as Raising Coral and ACG, which promote coral reef conservation in Costa Rica.
They examined changes in coral cover and the composition of six marginal reefs in relation to thermal highs and lows using 25 years of reef survey and sea surface temperature data.
Researchers say their findings in a new study published in the journal Peer J demonstrate the effects of upwellings, which are a key factor to consider when trying to manage reef systems.
They examined changes in coral cover and the composition of six marginal reefs in relation to thermal highs and lows for 25 years of reef survey and sea surface temperature data.
According to Science Daily, the researchers were able to create a detailed picture of the local coral health status. They were also able to quantify the extent of coral population declines and the implications for effective conservation and restoration strategies.
Coral Reef Conservation Strategy
According to the study, the lack of overall coral recovery in the decade since the initial event indicates that the region's ecosystem has reached a tipping point. They propose a locally tailored yet globally scalable approach to coral reef declines based on resilience-based management and restoration while also considering coral health dynamics.
With careful management, such measures could allow reefs to recover and continue providing ecological and societal ecosystem services in the face of escalating climatic threats.
Dr. Robert Puschendorf, a lecturer in Conservation Biology at the University of Plymouth, said that coral reef demise is inextricably linked to global warming and marine heatwaves.
He added that local and tailored conservation strategies, on the other hand, may aid in preserving the ocean's remaining reefs. He said that we could reduce the extent and intensity of harmful algal blooms by involving local communities and improving governance on managing wastewater and other factors. Global warming and extreme weather events are much larger, but this study shows what people can do in the meantime.
What Is Upwelling?
According to Oceanbites, upwelling happens when cool, nutrient-rich, deep water is brought to the surface to replace warmer water. It can occur when trade winds blowing close to a mountain range push warm surface water offshore.
Coral reefs thrive in areas with warm, stable water temperatures. Historically, coastal coral reefs were not tolerant of upwelling, which occurs when cooler water from deeper parts of the ocean rises to the surface.
Suboptimal water temperatures (<18°C) inhibit coral reef growth in intense and persistent upwelling areas. Upwelling nutrients stimulate regional productivity, producing plankton and particulate organic matter accessible to reefal detritus and plankton feeders.
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