scholarly journals Missing the Reef for the Corals: Unexpected Trends Between Coral Reef Condition and the Environment at the Ecosystem Scale

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric J. Hochberg ◽  
Michelle M. Gierach
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Current Understanding ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Public Data ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Reef Condition

It is incontrovertible that many coral reefs are in various stages of decline and may be unable to withstand the effects of global climate change, jeopardizing vital ecosystem goods and services to hundreds of millions of people around the world. An estimated 50% of the world's corals have already been lost, and those remaining may be lost by 2030 under the “business as usual” CO2 emissions scenario. However, the foundation of these predictions is a surprisingly sparse dataset, wherein ~0.01–0.1% of the world's reef area has been quantitatively surveyed. Further, the available data comprise observations at the 1–10 m scale, which are not evenly spaced across reefs, but often clustered in areas representing focused survey effort. This impedes modeling and predicting the impact of a changing environment at the ecosystem scale. Here we highlight deficiencies in our current understanding of the relationship between coral reefs and their environments. Specifically, we conduct a meta-analysis using estimates of coral cover from a variety of local surveys, quantitatively relating reef condition to a suite of biogeophysical forcing parameters. We find that readily available public data for coral cover exhibit unexpected trends (e.g., a positive correlation between coral cover and multi-year cumulative thermal stress), contrary to prevailing scientific expectations. We illustrate a significant gap in our current understanding, and thereby prediction, of coral reefs at the ecosystem scale that can only be remedied with uniform, high-density data across vast coral reef regions, such as that from remote sensing.

scholarly journals Dampak Kegiatan Pariwisata terhadap Status Tutupan Terumbu Karang dan Valuasi Ekonomi di Kepulauan Karimunjawa The Impact of Tourism Activities on The Status of Coral Reef Cover and Economic Valuation in Karimunjawa Island

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-80
Author(s):  
Ary Hendri Pribadi ◽  
Suryanti Suryanti ◽  
Churun Ain
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Economic Valuation ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Travel Cost ◽  
Travel Cost Method ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Line Intercept

ABSTRAK Pulau Karimunjawa adalah salah satu objek destinasi wisata keindahan ekosistem terumbu karang. Kunjungan wisatawan di Karimunjawa dapat berdampak pada terumbu karang dan nilai ekonomi pariwisata. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada April-Mei 2019 di Kepulauan Karimunjawa, Kabupaten Jepara. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui dampak pariwisata terhadap nilai status tutupan terumbu karang dengan menggunakan metode Line Intercept Transect (LIT) di Pulau Tanjung Gelam, Pulau Menjangan Besar dan Pulau Cemara Kecil serta nilai valuasi ekonomi pariwisata dengan menggunakan metode biaya perjalanan atau Travel Cost Method (TCM). Hasil yang didapatkan dari penelitian ini yaitu jumlah kunjungan wisatawan yang datang ke Pulau Karimunjawa meningkat sejak tahun 2016 hingga tahun 2018. Kondisi status tutupan terumbu karang yang diperoleh dalam kondisi baik dengan nilai karang hidup yang didapatkan pada Pulau Tanjung Gelam 61,6%, Pulau Menjangan Besar 70,8% dan Pulau Cemara Kecil 57,3%. Luasan terumbu karang pada tahun 2016 hingga tahun 2018 di Pulau Mejangan Besar dan Cemara Kecil mengalami penurunan. Sedangkan nilai valuasi ekonomi tahun 2016 sejumlah Rp.125.426.860,- 2017 dan 2018 sejumlah Rp.135.437.480,- dan Rp.156.932.039,-. Dampak wisatawan yang berkunjung tahun 2016-2018 pada valuasi ekonominya tiap tahunnya mengalami peningkatan. Hasil nilai valuasi ekonomi yang didapatkan pada penelitian ini,nilai rata-rata TCM pada wilayah Kabupaten Jepara Rp.1.111.023,- dan nilai ekonomi pertahunnya Rp.3.369.031.988,-. Rata-rata biaya perjalanan luar wilayah Kabupaten Jepara Rp.1.146.314,- dan nilai biaya pertahunnya Rp.12.324.171.938,-. Nilai total valuasi ekonomi dari dalam wilayah Kabupaten Jepara dan luar wilayah Kabupaten Jepara yaitu Rp.156.693.203.925,-. ABSTRACT Karimunjawa Island is one of the tourist destinations of the beauty of the coral reef ecosystem. Tourist visits in Karimunjawa can have an impact on coral reefs and the economic value of tourism. This research was conducted in April-May 2019 in the Karimunjawa Islands, Jepara Regency. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of tourism on the status of coral cover status using the Line Intercept Transect (LIT) method on Tanjung Gelam Island, Menjangan Besar Island and Cemara Kecil Island and the economic valuation value of tourism using the travel cost method or the Travel Cost Method ( TCM). The results obtained from this study are the number of tourist arrivals to Karimunjawa Island increased from 2016 to 2018. The status of coral cover status obtained in good condition with the value of live coral obtained on Pulau Tanjung Gelam 61.6%; Pulau Menjangan Besar 70.8% and Pulau Cemara Kecil 57.3%. The extent of coral reefs in 2016 to 2018 on Pulau Mejangan Besar and Pulau Cemara Kecil declined. While the value of economic valuations in 2016 amounted to Idr.125,426,860,- 2017 and 2018 amounted to Idr.135,437,480,- and Idr.156,932,039,-. The impact of tourists visiting 2016-2018 on their economic valuations has increased each year. The results of the economic valuation obtained in this study, the average value of TCM in the Jepara Regency region is Idr.1,111,023, and the annual economic value is Idr.3,369,031,988. The average cost of trips outside the area of Jepara Regency is Idr.1,146,314, and the annual cost is Idr.12,321,171,938. The total value of economic valuations from within the Jepara Regency and outside the Jepara Regency is Idr.156,693,203,925. 

scholarly journals Global declines in coral reef calcium carbonate production under ocean acidification and warming

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. e2015265118
Author(s):  
Christopher E. Cornwall ◽  
Steeve Comeau ◽  
Niklas A. Kornder ◽  
Chris T. Perry ◽  
Ruben van Hooidonk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Calcium Carbonate ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Scale Effects ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Ocean Warming ◽  
Carbonate Production ◽  
Near Term

Ocean warming and acidification threaten the future growth of coral reefs. This is because the calcifying coral reef taxa that construct the calcium carbonate frameworks and cement the reef together are highly sensitive to ocean warming and acidification. However, the global-scale effects of ocean warming and acidification on rates of coral reef net carbonate production remain poorly constrained despite a wealth of studies assessing their effects on the calcification of individual organisms. Here, we present global estimates of projected future changes in coral reef net carbonate production under ocean warming and acidification. We apply a meta-analysis of responses of coral reef taxa calcification and bioerosion rates to predicted changes in coral cover driven by climate change to estimate the net carbonate production rates of 183 reefs worldwide by 2050 and 2100. We forecast mean global reef net carbonate production under representative concentration pathways (RCP) 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5 will decline by 76, 149, and 156%, respectively, by 2100. While 63% of reefs are projected to continue to accrete by 2100 under RCP2.6, 94% will be eroding by 2050 under RCP8.5, and no reefs will continue to accrete at rates matching projected sea level rise under RCP4.5 or 8.5 by 2100. Projected reduced coral cover due to bleaching events predominately drives these declines rather than the direct physiological impacts of ocean warming and acidification on calcification or bioerosion. Presently degraded reefs were also more sensitive in our analysis. These findings highlight the low likelihood that the world’s coral reefs will maintain their functional roles without near-term stabilization of atmospheric CO2 emissions.

scholarly journals Dampak Snorkeling Terhadap Persen Tutupan Terumbu Karang Di Pulau Gili Labak Sumenep Madura

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-161
Author(s):  
Insafitri Insafitri ◽  
Eka Nurahemma Ning Asih ◽  
Wahyu Andy Nugraha
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Coral Species ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Observation Time ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Marine Tourism ◽  
Coral Reef Ecosystems ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
The Impact

Wisata snorkeling terumbu karang di perairan pulau Gili Labak merupakan salah satu sektor wisata bahari yang sedang dikembangkan oleh pemerintah kebupaten Sumenep Madura sejak tahun 2014 hingga saat ini. Peningkatan jumlah wisatawan yang terjadi pada beberapa tahun terakhir dapat menimbulkan resiko tekanan dan kerusakan ekosistem terumbu karang di area snorkeling secara berkala. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dampak kegiatan wisatawan sebelum, selama dan sesudah snorkeling terhadap ekosistem terumbu karang yang dikaji dengan mengetahui jenis karang yang mendominasi, status persentase tutupan terumbu karang serta potensi Dampak Wisata Bahari (DWB) snorkeling di lokasi wisata snorkeling pulau Gili Labak Sumenep. Persentase penutupan lifeform karang pulau Gili Labak khususnya di area snorkelling didominasi oleh karang hidup sebanyak 74% dan unsur abiotik sebesar 22%. Jenis karang yang mendominasi pulau Gili Labak adalah Acropora Branching sebesar 19,88% dan Coral Foliose sebesar 10,25%. Selama waktu 6 minggu pengamatan terjadi penurunan total karang sebesar 0,64% yang termasuk kategori rusak ringan, dimana sebagian besar kerusakan terjadi pada karang dengan bentuk pertumbahan branching misalnya Acropora Submassive dan Coral Submassive. Penurunan persen tutupan karang yang tinggi terjadi setelah kegiatan snorkeling (after) yang dilakukan oleh wisatawan. Analisa potensi Dampak Wisata Bahari (DWB) snorkeling pada terumbu karang di perairan Gili Labak selama 6 minggu pengamatan masuk dalam kategori rendah yaitu berkisar 0,052% hingga 0,085%. Faktor penyebab kecilnya nilai presentase Dampak Wisata Bahari (DWB) ini diduga karena waktu pengamatan cenderung pendek dan jenis karang yang mendominasi yaitu Acropora. Acropora memiliki kemampuan regenerasi lebih cepat dibandingkan jenis lainnya.  The snorkeling activity around coral reefs in the waters of Gili Labak is one of the marine tourism sectors that is being developed by the Sumenep Madura district government since 2014. Increasing number of tourists that occurs in recent years pose a risk of pressure and damage to coral reef ecosystems in the snorkeling area. This study aims to determine the impact of tourist activities before, during and after snorkeling on coral reef ecosystems that are studied by knowing the type of dominated coral, the percentage status of coral cover and the potential Impact of snorkeling at the snorkeling sites of the island of Gili Labak Sumenep. The percentage of coral cover in the island of Gili Labak especially in the snorkelling area is dominated by live coral ( 74%) and abiotic elements by 22%. Coral species that dominate the island of Gili Labak are Acropora Branching at 19.88% and Coral Foliose at 10.25%. During the 6-week observation there was a decrease in live coral cover by 0.64% which was categorized as minor damage, most of the damage occurred to branching   Acropora, sub-massive Acropora and Coral Sub-massive. The high percent decrease in coral cover occurred after snorkeling conducted by tourists. Analysis of the potential impact of snorkeling on coral reefs in the waters of Gili Labak for 6 weeks of observation is in the low category, ranging from 0.052% to 0.085%. The factor causing the small impact of Marine Tourism is presumably because the observation time tends to be short and the dominant coral species is Acropora. Acropora has the ability to regenerate faster than other types.

scholarly journals Conservation actions and ecological context: optimizing coral reef local management in the Dominican Republic

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e10925
Author(s):  
Camilo Cortés-Useche ◽  
Edwin A. Hernández-Delgado ◽  
Johanna Calle-Triviño ◽  
Rita Sellares Blasco ◽  
Victor Galván ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dominican Republic ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Global Climate Change ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Fish Biomass ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Local Management ◽  
Conservation Actions ◽  
Reef Condition

Over the past few decades, coral reef ecosystems have been lost at accelerated rates as a result of global climate change and local stressors. Local management schemes can help improve the condition of coral reefs by enhancing their ecosystem recovery capacity. Caribbean conservation efforts include mitigation of local anthropogenic stressors, and integrating social participation. Here, we analyzed the case of the Bayahibe reefs in the Southeastern (SE) Dominican Republic to identify conservation actions and illustrate a conceptual example of local seascape management. We assessed reef health indicators from 2011 to 2016. Overall, our results show increases in total fish biomass, in both commercial and herbivorous fishes. Mean live coral cover was 31% and fleshy macroalgae was 23% after multiple disturbances such as Hurricanes Sandy and Isaac (2012), Mathew (2016) and heat stress presented in the study area in 2015. We also described actions taken by stakeholders and government institutions, including the implementation of a policy declaring an area of 869,000 ha as a marine protected area (MPA), enhanced water quality treatment, local restrictions to vessel traffic, enforcement of fishing regulations, and the removal of invasive lionfish (Pterois spp.). In addition, a restoration program for the threatened staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis) was established in 2011, and currently has eight coral nurseries and six outplanting sites. Considering the biology and ecology of these reefs, we observed good results for these indicators (live coral cover, fish biomass, and water quality) in contrast with severely degraded Caribbean reefs, suggesting that optimizing local management may be a useful example for improving reef condition. Our results provide an overview of trends in reef condition in the SE Dominican Republic and could support current strategies to better protect reefs in the region. Given that Caribbean coral reefs face extreme challenges from global climate change, management measures may improve reef conditions across the region but stronger policy processes and increased scientific knowledge are needed for the successful management of coral reefs.

scholarly journals CORAL REEF SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION IN WANGI-WANGI ISLAND WATERS, WAKATOBI

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
. Yulius ◽  
Nadya Novianti ◽  
Taslim Arifin ◽  
Hadiwijaya L. Salim ◽  
Muhammad Ramdhan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Coral Reef ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Soft Coral ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Coastal Communities ◽  
Marine Biota ◽  
Ecological Functions ◽  
Gis Tools ◽  
Reef Condition

Coral reefs contribute significant benefits in coastal area in Wangi-wangi Island, Wakatobi in terms of their ecological functions to marine biota and socio-economical services to local coastal communities. Therefore, it is importance to observe coral reef condition and its spatial distribution around Wangi-wangi island waters, Wakatobi. In this study Point Intercept Transect (PIT) and GIS tools were used to observe and analyze coral reef condition in Wangi-wangi island waters, Wakatobi. The results showed that coral reef condition in Wangi-wangi island waters can be categorized into moderate and good conditions with coverage percentage ranging from 28 – 60%. Based on spatial analysis non-acropora coral was found in greater cover percentages in Waha village, Sombu village, and Kapota island than other locations. Soft coral cover percentage was also found in larger cover percentage in Waha and  Sombu regions than other locations. Keywords: coral reefs, geographic information system (GIS), Wangi-wangi Island

MONITORING CORAL RECOVERY AT NEARSHORE CORAL REEFS IN PHANGNGA PROVINCE, THE ANDAMAN SEA FOLLOWING THE 2010 CORAL BLEACHING EVENT

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makamas Sutthacheep ◽  
Makamas Sutthacheep ◽  
Thamasak Yeemin ◽  
Thamasak Yeemin ◽  
Sittiporn Pengsakun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Coral Bleaching ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Andaman Sea ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Bleaching Event ◽  
Sea Star ◽  
Coral Recovery

Mass bleaching and subsequent mortality of scleractinian corals in response to elevated seawater temperatures has been considered as one of the most impacts of global climate change. Three extensive coral bleaching events in the Andaman Sea were reported, in the years 1991, 1995 and 2010. Studies on survival of coral colonies, coral recruitment and community structure of coral reef associated macrofauna would predict the trends for coral recovery from the impacts of coral bleaching events. The present study aimed to examine the status of coral communities, density of coral recruits and coral reef associated macrofauna at nearshore coral reefs in Phangnga Province, the Andaman Sea following the 2010 coral bleaching event. The dead coral cover was high (>50%) while the live coral cover was in the range of 13-21%. There was high diversity of coral recruits on natural substrates. The average densities of macrobenthic fauna varied from 1.9 to 2.6 individuals.m-2, with significant differences among study sites. The dominant macrobenthic species were a soft coral (Lobophytum sp.), a sea star (Linckia laevigata) and a sea urchin (Echinostrephus molaris). Coral recovery at these coral reefs would be possible but local anthropogenic stressors must be overwhelmingly reduced in order to enhance coral reef resilience. The long-term monitoring programs in the Andaman Sea are required for decision makers to support their adaptive management approaches.

scholarly journals Correlation between Coral Reef Condition and the Diversity and Abundance of Fishes and Sea Urchins on an East African Coral Reef

Oceans ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Pia Ditzel ◽  
Sebastian König ◽  
Peter Musembi ◽  
Marcell K. Peters
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Sea Urchins ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Fish Diversity ◽  
East African ◽  
Fish Family ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Gazi Bay ◽  
Reef Condition

Coral reefs are one of the most diverse marine ecosystems, providing numerous ecosystem services. This present study investigated the relationship between coral reef condition and the diversity and abundance of fishes, on a heavily fished East African coral reef at Gazi Bay, Kenya. Underwater visual censuses were conducted on thirty 50 × 5 m belt transects to assess the abundance and diversity of fishes. In parallel, a 25-m length of each of the same transects was recorded with photo-quadrats to assess coral community structure and benthic characteristics. For statistical analyses, multi-model inference based on the Akaike Information Criterion was used to evaluate the support for potential predictor variables of coral reef and fish diversity. We found that coral genus richness was negatively correlated with the abundance of macroalgae, whereas coral cover was positively correlated with both the abundance of herbivorous invertebrates (sea urchins) and with fish family richness. Similarly, fish family richness appeared mainly correlated with coral cover and invertebrate abundance, although no correlates of fish abundance could be identified. Coral and fish diversity were very low, but it appears that, contrary to some locations on the same coast, sea urchin abundance was not high enough to be having a negative influence on coral and fish assemblages. Due to increasing threats to coral reefs, it is important to understand the relationship among the components of the coral reef ecosystem on overfished reefs such as that at Gazi Bay.

MONITORING CORAL RECOVERY AT NEARSHORE CORAL REEFS IN PHANGNGA PROVINCE, THE ANDAMAN SEA FOLLOWING THE 2010 CORAL BLEACHING EVENT

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makamas Sutthacheep ◽  
Makamas Sutthacheep ◽  
Thamasak Yeemin ◽  
Thamasak Yeemin ◽  
Sittiporn Pengsakun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Coral Bleaching ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Andaman Sea ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Bleaching Event ◽  
Sea Star ◽  
Coral Recovery

Mass bleaching and subsequent mortality of scleractinian corals in response to elevated seawater temperatures has been considered as one of the most impacts of global climate change. Three extensive coral bleaching events in the Andaman Sea were reported, in the years 1991, 1995 and 2010. Studies on survival of coral colonies, coral recruitment and community structure of coral reef associated macrofauna would predict the trends for coral recovery from the impacts of coral bleaching events. The present study aimed to examine the status of coral communities, density of coral recruits and coral reef associated macrofauna at nearshore coral reefs in Phangnga Province, the Andaman Sea following the 2010 coral bleaching event. The dead coral cover was high (>50%) while the live coral cover was in the range of 13-21%. There was high diversity of coral recruits on natural substrates. The average densities of macrobenthic fauna varied from 1.9 to 2.6 individuals.m-2, with significant differences among study sites. The dominant macrobenthic species were a soft coral (Lobophytum sp.), a sea star (Linckia laevigata) and a sea urchin (Echinostrephus molaris). Coral recovery at these coral reefs would be possible but local anthropogenic stressors must be overwhelmingly reduced in order to enhance coral reef resilience. The long-term monitoring programs in the Andaman Sea are required for decision makers to support their adaptive management approaches.

scholarly journals CORAL REEF SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION IN WANGI-WANGI ISLAND WATERS, WAKATOBI

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
. Yulius ◽  
Nadya Novianti ◽  
Taslim Arifin ◽  
Hadiwijaya L. Salim ◽  
Muhammad Ramdhan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Coral Reef ◽  
Geographic Information System ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Soft Coral ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Coastal Communities ◽  
Gis Tools ◽  
Reef Condition

<p><em>Coral reefs</em><em> contribute significant benefits in coastal area in Wangi-wangi Island, Wakatobi in terms of their ecological function</em><em>s</em><em> </em><em>to</em><em> </em><em>marine</em><em> biota</em><em> and socio-</em><em>econom</em><em>ical services to</em><em> </em><em>local coastal communities</em><em>. </em><em>Therefore, </em><em>it is importance to</em><em> observe </em><em>coral reef condition </em><em>and its </em><em>spatial distribution </em><em>around</em><em> </em><em>Wangi-wangi island</em><em> waters</em><em>, Wakatobi</em><em>. In this study Point Intercept Transect (PIT) and </em><em>GIS tools </em><em>were used to observe and analyze coral reef condition in </em><em>Wangi-wangi island</em><em> waters</em><em>, Wakatobi.</em><em> The results showed that coral reef condition in Wangi-wangi island waters can be categorized into moderate and good conditions with coverage percentage ranging from 28 – 60%.</em> <em>Based on spatial analysis non</em><em>-</em><em>a</em><em>cropora</em><em> coral was found in greater cover percentages in Waha village, Sombu village, and Kapota</em><em> </em><em>island than other</em><em> location</em><em>s. Soft coral cover percentage was also found in larger</em><em> </em><em>cover percentage in Waha and  Sombu regions than other locations.</em></p> <p><strong><em> </em></strong></p> <strong><em>Keywords</em></strong><em>: coral reefs, geographic information system (GIS), Wangi-wangi Island</em>

scholarly journals Impact of El Niño 2015-2016 on the coral reefs of the Pacific of Costa Rica: the potential role of marine protection

2020 ◽  
Vol 68 (S1) ◽  
pp. S271-S282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan José Alvarado ◽  
Celeste Sánchez-Noguera ◽  
Gustavo Arias-Godínez ◽  
Tatiana Araya ◽  
Cindy Fernández-García ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
El Niño ◽  
El Nino ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
El Niño Event ◽  
Live Coral Cover ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: El Niño 2015-2016 was considered one of the most severe worldwide, causing the third global event of coral bleaching. Previous high-intensity El Niño events (1982-83 and 1997-98) caused high coral mortalities and deterioration of coral reef structures along the Eastern Tropical Pacific, affecting both ecosystem and associated economical activities. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the most recent El Niño event on coral reefs from Cocos Island and the Pacific coast of southern Costa Rica. Methods: Coral reefs were surveyed before (2013-2014) and after (2016) the disturbance, using underwater visual censuses within belt transects, to quantify the bottom coverage at different depths. Results: In general, average live coral cover decreased 50% after the 2015-2016 El Niño event, with Golfo Dulce being the most affected area with 75% of live coral cover decline. However, in certain localities such as Isla del Coco and Isla del Caño, the effects of El Niño were apparently minimal, since no substantial loss of live coral cover was detected. Differences in the level of deterioration found between coral reefs could be related to several factors, including the age of the protected area, the distance to centers of human population, and the effectiveness in the application of management strategies. Conclusions: The synergistic impact of the 2015-16 El Niño event and other stressors (e.g. illegal fishing and unregulated coastal human development) increased the levels of disturbance on coral reefs, threatening their structure and functioning. It is necessary to strengthen conservation strategies in order to improve the resilience of coral reefs to the impact of natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Concrete actions such as coral reef restoration, marine environmental education, and marine spatial planning must become important tools to maintain the good health of coral reefs and ensure the sustainability of the goods and services provided by these ecosystems.

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