Bleaching of Coral Reefs Due to Ocean Acidification and Warming

Abstract

Climate change is impacting marine ecosystems in a multitude of ways. Consequences of greenhouse gas emissions, due to anthropogenic factors, include ocean acidification and warming. Under these conditions, corals are experiencing a reduction in calcification, loss of productivity, and bleaching due to expulsion of their symbiotic zooxanthellae. Coral degradation can collapse the entire reef ecosystem as reef fishes and invertebrates rely on reefs for habitat and food sources. Corals show variable responses and adaptation methods to bleaching. Over the past decade there has been an increase in the sea surface temperature required to initiate bleaching which implies that corals are likely already in the process of adapting to global warming. Reduction in coral coverage and diversity causes a subsequent loss of species richness, abundance, and diversity of reef fishes. These dynamic ecosystems could experience irreversible consequences if greenhouse gas emissions are not mitigated.