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Caribbean-wide decline in carbonate production threatens coral reef growth

Author

Listed:
  • Chris T. Perry

    (Geography, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter)

  • Gary N. Murphy

    (Geography, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter)

  • Paul S. Kench

    (School of Environment, The University of Auckland)

  • Scott G. Smithers

    (School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University)

  • Evan N. Edinger

    (Memorial University)

  • Robert S. Steneck

    (School of Marine Sciences, University of Maine, Darling Marine Centre)

  • Peter J. Mumby

    (Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland)

Abstract

Global-scale deteriorations in coral reef health have caused major shifts in species composition. One projected consequence is a lowering of reef carbonate production rates, potentially impairing reef growth, compromising ecosystem functionality and ultimately leading to net reef erosion. Here, using measures of gross and net carbonate production and erosion from 19 Caribbean reefs, we show that contemporary carbonate production rates are now substantially below historical (mid- to late-Holocene) values. On average, current production rates are reduced by at least 50%, and 37% of surveyed sites were net erosional. Calculated accretion rates (mm year−1) for shallow fore-reef habitats are also close to an order of magnitude lower than Holocene averages. A live coral cover threshold of ~10% appears critical to maintaining positive production states. Below this ecological threshold carbonate budgets typically become net negative and threaten reef accretion. Collectively, these data suggest that recent ecological declines are now suppressing Caribbean reef growth potential.

Suggested Citation

  • Chris T. Perry & Gary N. Murphy & Paul S. Kench & Scott G. Smithers & Evan N. Edinger & Robert S. Steneck & Peter J. Mumby, 2013. "Caribbean-wide decline in carbonate production threatens coral reef growth," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-7, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:4:y:2013:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms2409
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2409
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    Cited by:

    1. Brathwaite, Angelique & Pascal, Nicolas & Clua, Eric, 2021. "When are payment for ecosystems services suitable for coral reef derived coastal protection?: A review of scientific requirements," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 49(C).
    2. Meixia Zhao & Haiyang Zhang & Yu Zhong & Dapeng Jiang & Guohui Liu & Hongqiang Yan & Hongyu Zhang & Pu Guo & Cuitian Li & Hongqiang Yang & Tegu Chen & Rui Wang, 2019. "The Status of Coral Reefs and Its Importance for Coastal Protection: A Case Study of Northeastern Hainan Island, South China Sea," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(16), pages 1-13, August.
    3. Lauren T. Toth & Curt D. Storlazzi & Ilsa B. Kuffner & Ellen Quataert & Johan Reyns & Robert McCall & Anastasios Stathakopoulos & Zandy Hillis-Starr & Nathaniel Hanna Holloway & Kristen A. Ewen & Clay, 2023. "The potential for coral reef restoration to mitigate coastal flooding as sea levels rise," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-13, December.

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