Coral Reef

A new Tel Aviv University-led study questions the hope that deep coral populations may help replenish degraded shallow ones.

The study shows that the marine animals on which corals prey recognize the fluorescent colors and are attracted to them.

The study by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, a UN-supported global data network, showed that 14% of the world's coral on reefs was already lost between 2009 and 2018.

A major topic discussed was the corals in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf, which are known to be fairly resilient to increased water temperatures and acidity.

Over half a billion people depend on coral reefs for food, income, and protection, but climate change and pollution threaten to decimate coral populations.

Research showed just how close their lower threshold Israel's southern coral reefs live.

Last month, researchers at Tel Aviv University found that certain reef-building corals in the Red Sea’s Gulf of Eilat have lost their synchrony, “dramatically reducing” their chances of reproducing.

The study shows that the oscillating movements of the tentacles are not passive and the coral tentacles precede the movement of the waves in an out-of-phase motion.

Achieving regional cooperation between countries such as Israel, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia presents unique challenges, but the scientific community is ready to do its part.

Coral reefs are very sensitive to any environmental change. Multiple stressors can lead to dramatic deterioration that can result in loss of reefs and their ecological services for years.