Ocean currents and herbivory drive macroalgae-to-coral community shift under climate warming

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1716826115
• Publication Date: 2018-08-20T19:19:28Z
• Authors: Naoki H. Kumagai; Jorge García Molinos; Hiroya Yamano; Shintaro Takao; Masahiko Fujii; Yasuhiro Yamanaka
• Keywords: Coral bleaching

Significance Global degradation of coral reefs and macroalgal beds can have ecosystem-wide implications for biodiversity, ecological functioning, ocean resources. However, recent studies in warm temperate zones documented community shifts from macroalgae to corals, signaling a potential mechanism conservation under climate warming. Here, we present evidence that warming, aided by the dominant poleward-flowing current system, is facilitating expansion tropical corals herbivorous fishes into existing Japanese communities, which are contracting faster than they expanding. Furthermore, our results suggest future change may exacerbate this process, potentially compromising long-term stability these communities. Future communities might require more proactive management toward adaptation.