Science:
To better manage the world’s coral reefs—many of
which are suffering because of overfishing of algae-eating
fish, pollution, and temperature spikes—ecologists have
performed a global assessment of the most susceptible ones.
They believe that by focusing on the reefs that have the best
chance of surviving, and ignoring the ones that are likely to
die anyway, reef managers can be more effective. Ways to help
restore coral reefs include restricting fishing and reducing
pollutants in the water that then runs off land near reefs.
More than 100 million people depend on coral reefs for food and
many more rely on reefs as buffers against high waves.
Yesterday the team published its
findings
in
PLoS ONE.
