Some Coral Reefs Better Able to Survive Warm Water

According to a new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), corals may survive rising ocean temperatures better in seas with wideranging temperatures. Researchers discovered that coral reefs in sites with varying seasonal temperatures are more likely to survive the hot pulses of climate change. Conversely, reefs living in environments with stable but higher temperatures are more susceptible to bleaching-a phenomenon where beneficial algae are discharged by corals-ultimately leading to the reef’s demise.

The conclusions are based on the results of an eight-year study on the reefs of East Africa.

"This finding is a ray of hope in a growing sea of coral bleaching events and threatened marine wildlife," said Dr. Tim McClanahan, senior scientist for WCS’ Coral Reef Programs and lead author of the study. "With rising surface temperatures threatening reef systems globally, these sites serve as high-diversity refuges for corals trying to survive."

The researchers discovered that the coral reefs in sites with the most temperature variation were better adapted to environmental variation.

"The findings are encouraging in the fact that at least some corals and reef locations will survive the warmer surface temperatures to come," added McClanahan. "They also show us where we should direct our conservation efforts the most by giving these areas our highest priority for conservation."