Local conditions magnify coral loss after marine heatwaves

• DOI: 10.1126/science.abd9464
• Publication Date: 2021-05-27T19:14:15Z
• Authors: Mary K. Donovan; Deron E. Burkepile; Chelsey Kratochwill; Tom Shlesinger; Shannon Sully; Thomas A. Oliver; Gregor Hodgson; Jan Freiwald; Robert van Woesik
• Keywords: Coral bleaching; Aquaculture of coral

Climate change threatens coral reefs by causing heat stress events that lead to widespread bleaching and mortality. Given the global nature of these mass mortality events, recent studies argue mitigating climate is only path conserve reefs. Using a analysis 223 sites, we show local stressors act synergistically with kill corals. Local factors such as high abundance macroalgae or urchins magnified loss in year after bleaching. Notably, combined effects increasing intensified loss. Our results offer an optimistic premise effective management, alongside efforts mitigate change, can help survive Anthropocene.