RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Nutrient-supplying ocean currents modulate coral bleaching susceptibility
JF Science Advances
JO Sci Adv
FD American Association for the Advancement of Science
SP eabc5493
DO 10.1126/sciadv.abc5493
VO 6
IS 34
A1 DeCarlo, Thomas M.
A1 Gajdzik, Laura
A1 Ellis, Joanne
A1 Coker, Darren J.
A1 Roberts, May B.
A1 Hammerman, Nicholas M.
A1 Pandolfi, John M.
A1 Monroe, Alison A.
A1 Berumen, Michael L.
YR 2020
UL http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/6/34/eabc5493.abstract
AB With predictions that mass coral bleaching will occur annually within this century, conservation efforts must focus their limited resources based on an accurate understanding of the drivers of bleaching. Here, we provide spatial and temporal evidence that excess nutrients exacerbate the detrimental effects of heat stress to spark mass coral bleaching in the Red Sea. Exploiting this region’s unique oceanographic regime, where nutrients and heat stress vary independently, we demonstrate that the world’s third largest coral reef system historically suffered from severe mass bleaching only when exposed to both unusually high temperature and nutrients. Incorporating nutrient-supplying ocean currents and their variability into coral bleaching forecasts will be critical for effectively guiding efforts to safeguard the reefs most likely to persist in the Anthropocene.