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Projected increases in carbon dioxide and temperature exceed the
conditions under which coral reefs have flourished under the past
half-million years (Hughes
et al
., 2003). Currently 30% of reefs are
recorded as in decline, and up to 60% may be in decline by 2030
(Wilkinson, 2002). While coral reefs may not disappear entirely,
their composition and diversity may decline and change drasti-
cally (Hughes
et al
., 2003). This, in turn, may with other stressors
such as marine pollution increase susceptibility to infestations of
invasive species, diseases, algae growth or reduce their resilience
further and hence their capacity to support fisheries. The causes of
the declines appear to be variable, from overfishing and dredging,
disease outbreaks and hurricanes, to El Niño-Southern Oscillation
induced bleaching episodes and sedimentation and marine pollu-
tion (Aronson
et al
., 2003).
CORAL REEFS AND CLIMATE CHANGE