Marine & Environmental Sciences Faculty Reports

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

4-8-2016

Abstract

Australia’s coral reefs are currently under threat from a range of short-­‐ and long-­‐term stressors. The ability of corals to recover from acute disturbance events, such as bleaching, cyclones and crown-­of-thorns seastars outbreaks, is greatly influenced by the multitude of stressors reefs are currently experiencing (1). Since healthy coral habitat is essential for the persistence of associated fish and invertebrate communities, as well as the industries that rely on them (2), all possible action must be taken to reduce stress factors to corals and associated organisms. Practical changes to current reef policies will reverse the decline in the health of Australia’s coral reefs and increase the viability of all of the reef’s associated industries.

ORCID ID

0000-0001-8225-8344

COinS