Coral Reefs of the World – serie

Coral Reefs of the USA provides a complete overview of the present status of knowledge regarding all coral reef areas within the USA and its territories. It is written by the most experienced authorities in their fields and geographic areas. Stretching from the Caribbean to the western Pacific, the coral reefs of the USA span extensive geographic and biotic diversity, occur in a wide variety of geomorphological settings, and provide a representative cross-section of Holocene reef-building. This book will therefore be of broad general interest. For the first time, complete scholarly reviews are given for the geology, geomorphology and the biology of reefs encompassing a vast area stretching from the Mariana Islands in the west, Samoa in the south, Hawaii in the north and the Virgin Islands in the east. This book is not a status report, but will provide up-to-date information about stressors and the biotic responses of the reefs, as well as the geological explanations why these reefs exist in the first place. It will be an invaluable baseline-reference for all those who are engaged in research or management of these coral reefs or to those who simply enjoy being well-informed about one of the most iconic ecosystems of the USA.

This volume is a complete review and reference work for scientists, engineers, and students concerned with coral reefs in the Red Sea. It provides an up-to-date review on the geology, ecology, and physiology of coral reef ecosystems in the Red Sea, including data from most recent molecular studies. The Red Sea harbours a set of unique ecological characteristics, such as high temperature, high alkalinity, and high salinity, in a quasi-isolated environment. This makes it a perfect laboratory to study and understand adaptation in regard to the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. This book can be used as a general reference, guide, or textbook.

The monograph is based on the research and training activities in the Western Pacific Ocean Region within the umbrella of UNESCO/IOC-Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific Region.

The monograph is based on the research and training activities in the Western Pacific Ocean Region within the umbrella of UNESCO/IOC-Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific Region.

The rapid demise of coral reefs worldwide has spurred efforts to develop innovative conservation and restoration methods. Many of these rely on omics approaches to produce genetic, genomic, transcriptomic, epigenomic or metabolomic data to inform conservation and restoration interventions. This book provides the state of play of this field. It discusses topics ranging from how genomic and environmental DNA (eDNA) data can be used to inform marine protected area design and cryopreservation strategies, the use of knowledge on adaptive genetic and epigenetic variation to maximise environmental stress tolerance of coral stock, harnessing transcriptome data to develop early warning markers, the use of microbial symbiont omics data in guiding restoration strategies, to applications of metabolomics and genetic engineering. How best to translate omics data to resource managers is also discussed.

The rapid demise of coral reefs worldwide has spurred efforts to develop innovative conservation and restoration methods. Many of these rely on omics approaches to produce genetic, genomic, transcriptomic, epigenomic or metabolomic data to inform conservation and restoration interventions. This book provides the state of play of this field. It discusses topics ranging from how genomic and environmental DNA (eDNA) data can be used to inform marine protected area design and cryopreservation strategies, the use of knowledge on adaptive genetic and epigenetic variation to maximise environmental stress tolerance of coral stock, harnessing transcriptome data to develop early warning markers, the use of microbial symbiont omics data in guiding restoration strategies, to applications of metabolomics and genetic engineering. How best to translate omics data to resource managers is also discussed.

The health status and future of tropical coral reefs, as tourist destinations, are regularly subjected to media coverage.

The health status and future of tropical coral reefs, as tourist destinations, are regularly subjected to media coverage.

Coral reefs, which are one of the most productive and biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, serve various important roles, such as providing shelter and spawning grounds to a wide range of marine animals. Of coral reefs around the world, the coral reefs in eastern Asia face one of the most industrially developed and high population areas in the world.

Coral reefs, which are one of the most productive and biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, serve various important roles, such as providing shelter and spawning grounds to a wide range of marine animals. Of coral reefs around the world, the coral reefs in eastern Asia face one of the most industrially developed and high population areas in the world.

This comprehensive volume gathers foremost experts on the coral reefs of Cuba who represent a spectrum of disciplines, including biology, conservation ecology, economics and geology.

This comprehensive volume gathers foremost experts on the coral reefs of Cuba who represent a spectrum of disciplines, including biology, conservation ecology, economics and geology.

Cold-water corals form reef structures in continental margin and seamount settings world-wide, making them more wide-spread and abundant than shallow-water reefs.

Cold-water corals form reef structures in continental margin and seamount settings world-wide, making them more wide-spread and abundant than shallow-water reefs.

Microorganisms, the catalysts of all biogeochemical cycles on Earth, are the origin and essence of life—an invisible yet powerful force sustaining all living organisms. The health of both individual organisms and ecosystems critically depends on functional microbiomes that drive essential processes such as nutrient cycling, pathogen control, detoxification, and resilience. However, like their macroorganism counterparts, these beneficial microbes are vulnerable to environmental changes, and their decline often accelerates ecosystem degradation.Anthropogenic impacts have profoundly altered and often degraded most ecosystems and their microbiomes, with coral reefs being no exception. Stony corals, the foundation of these vibrant ecosystems, are among the most threatened marine organisms. Shifts in coral microbiomes toward dysbiotic (harmful) assemblages are increasingly recognized as both a cause and consequence of coral mortality. In response, active intervention strategies are being developed to restore and rehabilitate degraded microbiomes, aiming to restore and re-establish the beneficial microbial communities that sustain the health of both their host organisms and ecosystems.The success of these approaches depends on our understanding of the distribution, ecological roles, and interactions between corals and their associated microbiomes, as well as how environmental factors influence them and their potential to either amplify or mitigate anthropogenic impacts. This book delves into these topics, examining how they shape coral holobiont assemblages and offer pathways for active intervention. In addition, this book provides a practical, tailored, and adaptable roadmap for stakeholders to integrate the latest insights into a broader One Health framework and ecosystem perspective.

This book provides a comprehensive exploration of coral reefs—among Earth's most diverse yet vulnerable ecosystems—in the context of global climate change and local human pressures. Structured as an interconnected narrative, the volume delves into critical topics such as reef biodiversity, trophic ecology, environmental histories revealed by coral skeletons, and coral nutrition strategies. Central themes include the physiological and ecological responses of corals to thermal stress and ocean acidification, the adaptive mechanisms underpinning coral bleaching, and innovative restoration techniques aimed at reef recovery.Advanced methodologies such as high-resolution remote sensing, environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring, and geochemical analyses enrich our understanding of these dynamic ecosystems. Importantly, the book bridges natural sciences with human dimensions, exploring historical human–reef interactions and community-based conservation practices. This interdisciplinary approach highlights both scientific innovation and traditional ecological knowledge as vital components for effective reef management.Ultimately, the chapters collectively offer actionable insights and strategic frameworks for policymakers, scientists, and communities committed to safeguarding coral reefs. As these ecosystems face unprecedented threats, this book underscores not only their vulnerability but also their remarkable capacity for resilience and adaptation, providing a hopeful vision for coral reef conservation in our rapidly changing world. Additionally, the book opens discussion on emerging challenges and identifies critical future research directions, encouraging continued innovation and collaboration within the scientific community.

The marine ecosystems of Iran, particularly its coral reefs, boast remarkable biodiversity and immense ecological value.

Coral reefs are among the most productive and biodiverse marine ecosystems on Earth, often referred to as the “tropical rainforests” of the sea. They provide essential ecosystem goods and services that support the livelihoods of nearly 1 billion people worldwide through fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection. While most research has traditionally focused on reefs existing in optimal environmental conditions—clear, shallow, and nutrient-poor waters—this book expands the scope by addressing a less explored but increasingly important topic: coral reefs and communities that persist at the edge of their environmental limits.This novel volume offers a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge (e.g., geology, ecology, ecosystem services) on reefs found in environments once considered unsuitable for coral growth, including - but not limited to - turbid waters, high-nutrient systems, mesophotic depths, and areas with fluctuating temperature, pH, and oxygen levels. Drawing on examples stretching the world’s coral reefs such as the Indo-Pacific, Caribbean, South Atlantic, Red Sea, and Persian/Arabian Gulf, this book examines how these unique systems function, how they differ from traditional reefs, and what their potential is as natural laboratories for understanding reef resilience in a changing ocean. It highlights emerging evidence that some extreme reefs may act as refugia or resilience hotspots in the face of global climate change, while also acknowledging ongoing scientific debates and knowledge gaps that require further investigation.Targeted at researchers, graduate students, environmental managers, and policymakers, this first book about this important topic provides a critical resource for advancing both scientific understanding and evidence-based decision-making. By systematically compiling and analyzing dispersed research, it offers a foundation for developing more effective science-based conservation and climate adaptation strategies.

What do we know about Mediterranean Cold (Deep)-Water coral ecosystems? In this book, specialists offer answers and insights with a series of chapters and short papers about the paleoecology, biology, physiology and ecology of the corals and other organisms that comprise these ecosystems. Structured on a temporal axis—Past, Present and Future—the reviews and selected study cases cover the cold and deep coral habitats known to date in the Mediterranean Basin. This book illustrates and explains the deep Mediterranean coral habitats that might have originated similar thriving ecosystems in today’s Atlantic Ocean.

This book summarizes what is known about mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) geographically and by major taxa. They are populated with organisms typically associated with shallow coral reefs, such as macroalgae, corals, sponges, and fishes, as well as specialist species unique to mesophotic depths.

This book aims to illuminate coral reefs which comprise a symbiotic system coexisting among ecosystems, landforms, and humans at various levels and to provide a scientific basis for its reconstruction. The authors conducted an interdisciplinary project called “Coral Reef Science” from 2008 to 2012 and obtained novel results and clues to unite different disciplines for a coral reef as a key ecosystem.

This book aims to illuminate coral reefs which comprise a symbiotic system coexisting among ecosystems, landforms, and humans at various levels and to provide a scientific basis for its reconstruction. The authors conducted an interdisciplinary project called “Coral Reef Science” from 2008 to 2012 and obtained novel results and clues to unite different disciplines for a coral reef as a key ecosystem.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is 344 400 square kilometres in size and is home to one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. This comprehensive guide describes the organisms and ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef, as well as the biological, chemical and physical processes that influence them. Contemporary pressing issues such as climate change, coral bleaching, coral disease and the challenges of coral reef fisheries are also discussed. In addition, the book includes a field guide that will help people to identify the common animals and plants on the reef, then to delve into the book to learn more about the roles the biota play.Beautifully illustrated and with contributions from thirty-three international experts, The Great Barrier Reef is a must-read for the interested reef tourist, student, researcher and manager. While it has an Australian focus, it can equally be used as a baseline text for most Indo-Pacific coral reefs.

Coral Reefs of the Gulf: Adaptation to Climatic Extremes is a complete review and reference for scientists, engineers and students concerned with the geology, biology or engineering aspects of coral reefs in the Middle East. It provides for the first time a complete review of both the geology and biology of all extant coral areas in the Gulf, the water body between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. In summer, this area is the hottest sea with abundant coral growth on earth and already today exhibits a temperature that is predicted to occur across the topical ocean in 2100. Thus, by studying the Gulf today, much can be learned about tomorrow’s world and the capability of coral reefs to adapt to climatic extremes. This volume provides the most authoritative and up-to-date review of the coral reefs in the Gulf. It can be used as a volume of general reference or as a textbook treating recent coral reefs. Written by local and international experts, the text is richly illustrated and will remain a standard reference for the region for decades to come. Contributions stretch from climatology through geology, biology, ecological modelling and fisheries science to practical conservation aspects. The book is useful for the technical expert and casual reader alike.

The tropical UK Territories have extensive coral reefs.  Huge parts of these areas are exceptionally rich, productive and diverse.  Their marine biodiversity exceeds that of the UK itself, and several are already, or are planned to be, strictly protected.  Some of these areas serve as reference sites for many other countries with damaged reefs and they are oases of tropical marine biodiversity in a fast-degrading world.  This book reviews all of the UK reefs, from those scarcely known to those where substantial research has already been performed.  ​

This book is the first comprehensive coverage of Red Sea fisheries to inform researchers and decision makers. The Red Sea is a geologically young sea, but also an area with the oldest record of human sea food exploitation. Examining the fisheries of the Red Sea has become extremely important to understand the ecosystem and the direct human impact of fishing on Red Sea ecosystems. This volume gives extensive data on different fisheries sectors identified and described for each country bordering the Red Sea. Furthermore, its catch and specific composition is also described over the period 1950 to 2010. Combined with the ecosystem model this useful information can uniquely help managing fisheries and ecosystems of the Red Sea.

This book documents and examines the state of health of coral reefs in the eastern tropical Pacific region.  It touches on the occurrence of coral reefs in the waters of surrounding countries, and it explores their biogeography, biodiversity and condition relative to the El Niño southern oscillation and human impacts.  Additionally contained within is a field that presents information on many of the species presented in the preceding chapters.

In this book, contributors from diverse backgrounds take a first step toward an integrated view of reefs and the significance of their recent decline. More than any other earth system, coral reefs sit at a disciplinary crossroads. Most recently, they have reached another crossroads - fundamental changes in their bio-physical structure greater than those of previous centuries or even millennia. Effective strategies to mitigate recent trends will require an approach that embraces the myriad perspectives from across the scientific landscape, but will also need a mechanism to transform scientific understanding into social will and political implementation.

Coral Reefs of the USA provides a complete overview of the present status of knowledge regarding all coral reef areas within the USA and its territories.