Reefs More Vulnerable Than Previously Thought - SMH

Marine reserves across the globe should be extended because coral reefs are more susceptible to environmental change than previously thought, researchers say.

Researchers from Townsville's James Cook University (JCU) said their study had major implications for the long-term survival of corals after disproving current conservation theories. The research, published in the international science journal Nature, tested the "neutral theory of biodiversity", which argues that coral species colonise reefs randomly.

However, studies of 180 sites from Sulawesi to French Polynesia found location and environmental change, caused by events such as cyclones, played an important role in determining the success of coral reefs.

"Our study found much more variability in coral reefs than expected and we think this is because of the influence that environmental conditions have on reefs," the study's lead author Maria Dornelas said in an interview. "The implications for conservation are that preserving isolated reefs is too risky, because sooner or later that reef is going to be hit by a disturbance.

EDIT

http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Scientists-sound-coral-reefs-alert/2006/03/03/1141191834265.html

Humans are the bad boyfriend that makes Mother Nature want to cut herself out of shame.