Climate change, coral reef sustainability, and resistance to disease

2007 Impact statement
  • Harvell, Catherine Drew

abstract

Our consensus paper in Science projected that coral reefs will be unable to grow calcareous skeletons within the next 50 years due to rising carbon dioxide (acidification). Our research paper in PLoS Biology showed for the first time that increases in infectious coral disease can be driven by climate warming. This economically important ecosystem will be destroyed by a combination of warming and acidification in the next few decades.

submitted by

issue being addressed

Increasingly common outbreaks of infectious disease in the ocean prompted us to study what role climate plays, and whether diseases are increased in warmer locations. This year, we accumulated evidence that acidification is an even bigger threat to coral reefs than warming. All developing countries whose economies are dependent upon revenue and goods and services provided by coral reefs will be very adversely affected. Our project is needed because it is a large, multidisciplnary effort on an international scale, with a high degree of scientific credibility.

response

We have developed the scientific knowledge of the effects of climate change on coral reefs. We publish in important journals like Science and work with media to translate the scientific findings to the public. We also train scientists in developing countries to study the impacts of disaese and acidification and develop appropriate management activities directly.

impact assessment

We are developing a management manual for coral disease in 2008 that will be distributed widely in the Pacific and Caribbean, and will improve coral disease management practices.

academic priority area

topic description

CLimate Drivers of Infectious DIsease

has geographic focus

funding source description

  • Global Environmental Fund
  • National Geographic Society
  • National Science Foundation
  • New York State Science Technology and Academic Research (NYSTAR)

collaborators

  • Advion Biosciences
  • UNiversity of Queensland

key personnel

  • Ernesto Weil
  • Ove Hoegh-Guldberg
  • Nancy Douglas
  • Steve Ellner
  • Bette Willis
  • Laura Mydlarz

mission focus

From CALS annual faculty reporting. Imported on August 5, 2008