Mangroves protect coastlines, store carbon – and are expanding with climate change
Mangroves are providing extremely valuable services and may become even more important as they expand toward the poles. But according to one recent study, many mangrove ecosystems are not building enough new elevation to keep pace with sea level rise.
Innovative restoration of coral reefs helps protect Caribbean islands
Researchers have measured the protective role of coral reefs and field-tested a solution that reduces coastal risks by combining innovative engineering with restoration ecology.
Scientists Pinpoint How Ocean Acidification Weakens Coral Skeletons
The rising acidity of the oceans threatens coral reefs by making it harder for corals to build their skeletons. A new study identifies the details of how ocean acidification affects coral skeletons, allowing scientists to predict more precisely where corals will be more vulnerable.
2018 International Year of the Reef, UNEP
Over the last three decades, half of the planet’s coral has died under rising water temperatures and ocean acidification. To address this global crisis, global environmental leaders and countries have named this the International Year of the Reef.
Fiji: Mangrove concern
Regional environmental protection agencies recently questioned Fiji’s commitment to oceans and coral health by highlighting the continued removal and destruction of mangroves in the country.
Great Barrier Reef coral bleaching has started early, biologist says
Warm water has already begun bleaching coral on the Great Barrier Reef, weeks ahead of the period with highest forecast risk. Satellite data suggest widespread bleaching is possible by March.
The window for saving the world’s coral reefs is rapidly closing
For the first time, an international team of researchers has measured the escalating rate of coral bleaching at locations throughout the tropics over the past four decades. The study documents a dramatic shortening of the gap between pairs of bleaching events, threatening the future existence of these iconic ecosystems and the livelihoods of many millions of people.
Columbia Teen, NASA Partner In Mangrove Project: Report
A high school sophomore student has developed what might be the world’s first satellite-based early warning system to determine where mangroves are threatened. The work incorporates data from four satellites on mangrove growth and loss, rainfall, agriculture, and urban growth.
Haiti : Transplantation of 85,000 mangrove seedlings
Following a recent study conducted by UN-Environment Haiti, to identify threats to mangrove ecosystems, the Ministry of the Environment, supported by UN, launched last November transplantation of red mangrove seedlings into damaged areas. 35 people have transplanted more than 85,000 seedlings…