Urban coral reefs: Degradation and resilience of hard coral assemblages in coastal cities of East and Southeast Asia
Year: 2018
Type: review
Abstract: Given predicted increases in urbanization in tropical and subtropical regions, understanding the processes shaping urban coral reefs may be essential for anticipating future conservation challenges. We used a case study approach to identify unifying patterns of urban coral reefs and clarify the effects of urbanization on hard coral assemblages. Data were compiled from 11 cities throughout East and Southeast Asia, with particular focus on Singapore, Jakarta, Hong Kong, and Naha (Okinawa). Our review highlights several key characteristics of urban coral reefs, including "reef compression" (a decline in bathymetric range with increasing turbidity and decreasing water clarity over time and relative to shore), dominance by domed coral growth forms and low reef complexity, variable city-specific inshore-offshore gradients, early declines in coral cover with recent fluctuating periods of acute impacts and rapid recovery, and colonization of urban infrastructure by hard corals. We present hypotheses for urban reef community dynamics and discuss potential of ecological engineering for corals in urban areas.
Source: Marine Pollution Bulletin
Authors: Eliza C. Heery, Bert W. Hoeksema, Nicola K. Browne, James D. Reimer, Put O. Ang, Danwei Huang, Daniel A. Friess, Loke Ming Chou, Lynette H.L. Loke, Poonam Saksena-Taylor, Nadia Alsagoff, Thamasak Yeemin, Makamas Sutthacheep, Si Tuan Vo, Arthur R. Bos, Girley S. Gumanao, Muhammad Ali Syed Hussein, Zarinah Waheed, David J.W. Lane, Ofri Johan, Andreas Kunzmann, Jamaluddin Jompa, Suharsono, Daisuke Taira, Andrew G. Bauman, Peter A. Todd
Institutions: National University of Singapore, Leiden University, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Curtin University, University of the Ryukyus, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Tropical Marine Science Institute, Ramkhamhaeng University, Institute of Oceanography, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, American University in Cairo, Davao del Norte State College, Universiti of Malaysia Sabah, Institut Marin Borneo, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Hasanuddin University, Indonesian Institute of Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,740
Awards: G1663908400, G2232485359
OpenAlex ID: W2885333540