Are U.S. coral reefs on the slippery slope to slime?

Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCU
Pandolfi, J.M.;Jackson, J.B.C.;Baron, N.;Bradbury, R.H.;Guzman, H.M.;Hughes, T.P.;Kappel, C.V.;Micheli, F.;Ogden, J.C.;Possingham, H.P.;Sala, E.
Terry Hughes
Abstract

Conservation of U.S. coral reefs has been sidetracked by the partial implementation of management plans without clearly achievable goals. Historical ecology reveals global patterns of coral reef degradation that provide a framework for reversing reef decline with ecologically meaningful metrics for success. The authors of this Policy Forum urge action now to address multiple threats simultaneously, because the harmful effects of stressors like overfishing, pollution, poor land-use practices, and global warming are interdependent. Prompt implementation of proven, practical solutions would lead to both short- and long-term benefits, including the return of keystone species and the economic benefits they entail.

Journal

Science

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Volume

307

ISBN/ISSN

1095-9203

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Issue

5716

Pages Count

2

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Publisher

American Association for the Advancement of Science

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EISSN

N/A

DOI

10.1126/science.1104258