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Preparing to manage coral reefs for ocean acidification: lessons from coral bleaching
Author(s) -
Mcleod Elizabeth,
Anthony Kenneth RN,
Andersson Andreas,
Beeden Roger,
Golbuu Yimnang,
Kleypas Joanie,
Kroeker Kristy,
Manzello Derek,
Salm Rod V,
Schuttenberg Heidi,
Smith Jennifer E
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
frontiers in ecology and the environment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.918
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1540-9309
pISSN - 1540-9295
DOI - 10.1890/110240
Subject(s) - ocean acidification , coral reef , environmental science , seawater , oceanography , reef , resilience of coral reefs , coral , carbon dioxide in earth's atmosphere , effects of global warming on oceans , ocean chemistry , environmental issues with coral reefs , habitat , coral bleaching , ecology , climate change , biology , global warming , geology
Ocean acidification is a direct consequence of increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and is expected to compromise the structure and function of coral reefs within this century. Research into the effects of ocean acidification on coral reefs has focused primarily on measuring and predicting changes in seawater carbon (C) chemistry and the biological and geochemical responses of reef organisms to such changes. To date, few ocean acidification studies have been designed to address conservation planning and management priorities. Here, we discuss how existing marine protected area design principles developed to address coral bleaching may be modified to address ocean acidification. We also identify five research priorities needed to incorporate ocean acidification into conservation planning and management: (1) establishing an ocean C chemistry baseline, (2) establishing ecological baselines, (3) determining species/habitat/community sensitivity to ocean acidification, (4) projecting changes in seawater carbonate chemistry, and (5) identifying potentially synergistic effects of multiple stressors.