Local stressors reduce coral resilience to bleaching

Jessica E. Carilli, Richard D. Norris, Bryan A. Black, Sheila M. Walsh, Melanie McField

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

236 Scopus citations

Abstract

Coral bleaching, during which corals lose their symbiotic dinoflagellates, typically corresponds with periods of intense heat stress, and appears to be increasing in frequency and geographic extent as the climate warms. A fundamental question in coral reef ecology is whether chronic local stress reduces coral resistance and resilience from episodic stress such as bleaching, or alternatively promotes acclimatization, potentially increasing resistance and resilience. Here we show that following a major bleaching event, Montastraea faveolata coral growth rates at sites with higher local anthropogenic stressors remained suppressed for at least 8 years, while coral growth rates at sites with lower stress recovered in 2-3 years. Instead of promoting acclimatization, our data indicate that background stress reduces coral fitness and resilience to episodic events. We also suggest that reducing chronic stress through local coral reef management efforts may increase coral resilience to global climate change.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere6324
JournalPloS one
Volume4
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 22 2009
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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