Coral‐bleaching responses to climate change across biological scales

Abstract

The global impacts of climate change are evident in every marine ecosystem. On coral reefs, mass coral bleaching and mortality have emerged as ubiquitous responses to ocean warming, yet one of the greatest challenges of this epiphenomenon is linking information across scientific disciplines and spatial and temporal scales. Here we review some of the seminal and recent coral‐bleaching discoveries from an ecological, physiological, and molecular perspective. We also evaluate which data and processes can improve predictive models and provide a conceptual framework that integrates measurements across biological scales. Taking an integrative approach across biological and spatial scales, using for example hierarchical models to estimate major coral‐reef processes, will not only rapidly advance coral‐reef science but will also provide necessary information to guide decision‐making and conservation efforts. To conserve reefs, we encourage implementing mesoscale sanctuaries (thousands of km ²) that transcend national boundaries. Such networks of protected reefs will provide reef connectivity, through larval dispersal that transverse thermal environments, and genotypic repositories that may become essential units of selection for environmentally diverse locations. Together, multinational networks may be the best chance corals have to persist through climate change, while humanity struggles to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases to net zero.

Abstract

With the growing severity of marine heatwaves, mass coral bleaching and mortality has become widespread. Yet, our understanding of coral bleaching and its cascading consequences is incomplete. One of the greatest challenges of this epiphenomenon is integrating findings from different disciplines and across biological and spatial scales. Here, we synthesize seminal and recent coral‐bleaching discoveries, evaluate which data and processes can improve predictive models, and provide a conceptual framework that integrates studies across scales. An integrative approach across biological and spatial scales will not only advance coral‐reef science but will also provide necessary information to guide conservation efforts.