Some of the most threatened ecosystems on the planet—coral reefs—could use a break. Indiscriminate fishing, pollution, and coastal development have battered coral reefs for decades. Throw in climate change and by 2100, 70 to 99 percent could be damaged or lost. With them goes food security and livelihoods, biodiversity and beauty.
But researchers behind a new study find hope in coral connectivity. Through modeling analyses, they identified six major reef networks around the world that could maintain and regrow coral even after mass bleaching, as long as sections of them fall within climate refuge zones—areas of the Earth that are more resilient to environmental stressors like acidification and rising temperatures.
Read more at Hakai Magazine.